Sumithrayo holds awareness event to mark Suicide Prevention Day
View(s):Sumithrayo will commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow (September 10) with a public awareness programme on ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ to reduce the number of suicides further from 5-8 p.m. at the Lavender Hall of the BMICH.
The evening’s programme, open to the public, will include a dramatic presentation by the Rotaract Club of Sri Jayewardenepura University and a panel discussion by an eminent team comprising the World Health Organization’s Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr. Razia Pendse; Prof. Ravindra Fernando; Dr. Piyanjali De Zoysa; Dr. Neil Fernando and Hans Billimoria.
The discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
The winning entries of an art competition for youth organized by Sumithrayo to mark the day will be on display, while prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Meanwhile, candles will be lit at 8 p.m. to remember those who have died.
“Joining together is critical to preventing suicide. Preventing suicide requires the efforts of many. It takes family, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments. To reach our common goal in preventing suicidal behaviour we as the public, as organizations, as legislators and as members of society must work collaboratively, in a coordinated fashion, using a multidisciplinary approach,” states a media release from Sumithrayo.
Today in Sri Lanka, on average, 8-10 persons die by suicide every single day of the year and for each person who dies by suicide at least 10 others fail in their attempts to end their lives, it states.
Sumithrayo provides confidential emotional support and is a free service, open 365 days – from 9 a.m to 8 p.m (including holidays). Call: 011-2692909, 011-2683555 or 011-2696666 or email: sumithra@sumithrayo.org.
Those needing emotional support may also visit: 60B, Horton Place Colombo 7.