On 11th February 2026, we were pleased to host Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne for an important discussion on strengthening suicide prevention efforts in Sri Lanka.
During the discussion, we highlighted the importance of understanding the social and psychological factors that contribute to suicidal behaviour — including stigma, interpersonal conflict, and emotional distress. Strengthening public awareness and mental health literacy is essential to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.
We also explored the role of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the need to train more local mental health professionals, and the value of sharing existing training resources — including psychological skills courses — among practitioners.
Moving forward, we aim to strengthen research, improve systematic documentation, ensure ethical engagement with communities, and develop community-level prevention and early intervention strategies.
Together, through collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can build a more responsive and compassionate mental health support system in Sri Lanka.
