Recent Events

Partners Round Table on the Implementation of the New Mental Health Policy in Sri Lanka

The World Health Organization Country Office in Sri Lanka brought together several leading personalities in the field of Mental Health from both abroad and locally for an afternoon of discussion, deliberation and decision making on Wednesday, 15th February 2006 at the Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo.

The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage graced the occasion, along with the Deputy Regional Director of the WHO South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), Dr. (Mrs.) Poonam Ketrapal Singh, Director, Non Communicable Diseases and Mental Health (SEARO), Dr. Than Sein and Director, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Dr. Benedetto Saraceno, from WHO – Headquarters.

Dr. (Mrs.) Poonam Ketrapla Singh addressed the gathering on “The Role of Partnerships” and highlighted the growing need for collaborative activity by all partners and stakeholders in the health sector.

Dr. Benedetto Saraceno, delivered the keynote address on this occasion stressing on why countries need to invest in community mental health services.

Dr Hiranthi De Silva, Director Mental Health Services, Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition explained the concept and understanding behind “The New National Mental Health Policy”, with Dr John Mahoney, Programme Manager, Psychosocial and Mental Health, WHO Sri Lanka elaborating on “The Process of Implementing the New Mental Health Policy”.

The partners and stakeholders present that afternoon engaged in a discussion and identified the way forward, in the implementation of the New Mental Health Policy.

 

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