He also said that that some sections of the younger generation who live in a world of mobile phones and laptops very often neglect their parents.

The President was speaking at the book launch and felicitation ceremony for Dr. Milina Sumathipala on her 80th birthday, held at the BMICH yesterday (May 25).

The Milina Sumathipala felicitation ceremony is a glowing example to the younger generation as it clearly shows the importance of respecting one’s elders. Some elderly parents are shown scant respect by their children and put in elders’ homes for their convenience, said President Maithripala Sirisena.

President Sirisena further said that Milina Sumathipala was a courageous woman, whose husband faced an untimely death. She brought up seven children and can be considered one of the most successful women in the country.