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CIRP hosts ICAP to promote SL as Psychology Hub of Asia
View(s):The International Conference on Applied Psychology (ICAP)- deemed to be a juncture in Psychology in Sri Lanka, will be held at the BMICH from October 22 to 24.
A large number of world renowned Clinical and Sport Psychologists, along with senior academics from the UK, U.S., Peru, India, Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Macedonia, Australia and New Zealand are expected to participate.
Prof Graham Turpin - Keynote speaker
Under the theme of ‘Psychology in Diverse Contexts’, ICAP is organised by the Colombo Institute of Research and Psychology (CIRP). It will serve as a forum for senior academics and researchers to present their latest findings, share expertise, discuss global issues from a Psychological perspective, and meet and network with other international professionals in the field. The ICAP team also believes that the platform will pave the way to amateur researchers, junior academics and students to experience a global research forum, and also meet and build acquaintances with prominent professionals in Psychology.
Among the key areas in focus at the conference are Mental Health & Wellbeing, Criminal & Forensic Psychology, Reconciliation & Rehabilitation, Education & Training and Terrorism, War & Peace. ICAP will also encourage the application and practice of Psychology in different stages, situations and events in life, that covers our behaviour, attitudes and responses towards the environment.
The ICAP team says that the event will open a number of pathways to Sri Lanka gain international recognition. Compared with other regions, Psychology in Asia remains at a primary level, because there is a serious lack of Education, Training and Research, they pointed out, and that, through ICAP, Sri Lanka can move to be the Psychological hub, both in South Asia and later, in Asia as a whole.
Meanwhile, the team further said that the event will also serve the government’s vision to be Asia’s Education hub. They said that, by this, they could attract students from regional countries to follow Psychological courses in both State and private universities in Sri Lanka.
“The field of Psychology is still developing in the Asian region. This event will be an opportunity to move forward to become the Psychology hub in the region. We hope to make it an annual event, with the backing of internationally renowned Researchers and Psychologists worldwide,” said CIRP Director of Academic Affairs, Dr Dharshan Perera, adding that the country’s exposure to the subject is timely, as we lack Psycho-social Development.
He said that, during a recent field visit to the North and East, they observed that the people lacked a ‘sense of future’ due to the absence of Psycho-social development.
“This is because they are not psychologically ready to let go of the past. Infrastructure development is not enough to show that a community is developed, they should have a positive outlook for the future,” Dr. Perera added.
Dean of Postgraduate Studies, CIRP, Dr K.A. Thulitha Wickrama said that they will also launch the first ever South Asian Journal of Psychology at the event, and formulate the Sri Lanka Association of Applied Psychology (SLAAP), following the conference.
“The SLAAP will work as a unified body to look into ethical standards, methods used in the field, professional development, and act as an accrediting body. We will mainly involve Sri Lanka’s academics and professionals in the SLAAP, along with international academicss,” Dr. Wickrama said, adding that, Sri Lanka lacks an active regulating body for counseling.
The keynote address by Professor of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK, Prof Graham Turpin will be on the importance of Clinical Psychology, and the latest findings in the area.
For more information or to register for the event, visit www.icapsrilanka.com or call Haqeeqa Munas on 0711 094 636 / 011 7 222 727.