Conclusion
Older adults being at a much higher risk of contracting and dying from COVID–19 has important implications for the way in which public health and clinical responses should be developed. There are few points to keep in mind that are specific to Sri Lanka when developing public health and clinical responses to protect older adults from COVID–19. Preparedness of the healthcare systems to respond to the pandemic with a lack of facilities, resources (i.e., ventilators) and staff in the healthcare system, specifically in hospitals, intensive care units and long–term care homes is a concern that should be taken into consideration when clinical responses are developed. Challenges around protecting community–dwelling older adults who are caregivers to grandchildren, receiving informal care from children in the same household, living in living in remote areas, or living alone or dependent on others need to be taken into consideration in public health responses. The use of emergency relief and public assistance programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services and Ministry of Health, and working with NGOs such as HelpAge Sri Lanka, who are key stakeholders in assisting the aging population in Sri Lanka can help the country keep its older adults safe from COVID–19.