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Sri Lanka Sumithrayo pledges to do more for suicide prevention
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A section of the gathering. Pix by Rekha Tharanganie
- Chairperson says social stigma and ignorance still challenges for those seeking help
By Yoshitha Perera
While commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day that falls on September 10 every year, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo said it will raise further public awareness on suicide prevention and advance the country’s health care system.
Sumithrayo Chairperson Suranjani Wickramaratne
Sri Lanka Sumithrayo an organisation focussing on providing emotional support to those in distress has been in operation for more than four decades.
Yesterday an event was held by the organisation under the theme ‘Creating hope through action–staying connected in challenging times.’
According to Sri Lanka Sumithrayo Chairperson Suranjani Wickramaratne suicides and suicide attempts had a domino effect that affected not only individuals but also families, communities and societies. Every suicide death raises public health issues and has a significant effect on the people in the area, she added.
“COVID-19 has further increased associated risk factors for suicide, such as loss of employment or financial loss, trauma or abuse, mental and substance use disorders, and difficulties of receiving health treatment. More people have indicated that their mental health has declined three years after the pandemic began,” she added.
She added that suicide can be stopped using effective, evidence-based strategies including limiting access to suicide means. In 1996, the highest suicide rate in the world was recorded in Sri Lanka; 47 suicide deaths for each 100,000 people. The rates significantly fell over time thanks to actions by the government and other institutions, said Mrs. Wickramaratne.
However, she said social stigma and ignorance continued to be significant obstacles for those who had conquered the desire to end their lives, as well as for suicidal and depressed individuals to seek help.
Lawyer Nirodha Kalansooriya
“We can decrease suicide cases by highlighting the need for raising awareness, lowering the stigma around suicide, and promoting well-informed action,” she said.
The Sumithrayo helpline, one of the well-known helplines on the island, was established in 1974 by the late Joan De Mel. It offers both in-person and telephone counselling.
At the event, Attorney-at-Law Nirodha Kalansooriya also outlined the legal aspects of financial losses, domestic abuse, and cybercrime in Sri Lanka through a presentation. She also spoke on factors related to financial losses, domestic violence and cyber laws in Sri Lanka.
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist Neil Fernando discussed the psychological aspects of marital and relationship problems that society faces and how emotional support can be provided to individuals who were depressed.
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist Neil Fernando
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