Sajith Premadasa Calls for Urgent Review of Safety Standards at Care Facilities

06-Jun-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has expressed deep condolences over the tragic fire at an elderly care home in the Millaniya area of Horana, which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to several residents.

He has also urged the Government to undertake an urgent review of safety standards and regulatory frameworks governing care institutions across the country.

In a media statement, Premadasa noted that, with Sri Lanka's ageing population on the rise, ensuring a safe environment for senior citizens is both a social and governmental responsibility. Reports suggest that elderly residents with special needs and younger individuals had been accommodated at the same facility, raising serious concerns regarding emergency preparedness and safety procedures.

He stressed that, given the growing number of elderly homes and care centres in Sri Lanka, the Government must carefully examine their legal status, oversight mechanisms, and quality standards.

Premadasa called upon the Department of Social Services, local authorities, and other responsible state institutions to conduct on-site inspections focusing on safety, maintenance, and the mental well-being of residents. He further urged the Government to immediately review standards applicable to all care facilities and introduce updated guidelines through an expedited process.

He also highlighted the need to examine the broader social and economic factors that compel many elderly individuals to seek accommodation in such institutions, while emphasising the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility among younger generations towards the care of their parents.