Sahanaya Resource and Information Centre (SRIC)
About SRIC

The National Council for Mental Health–“Sahanaya” established a Resource and Information Centre as it’s a new project. The aim of the Resource and Information Centre is to make the public aware of mental health and to provide mental health information as and when required.
The founder of National Council for Mental Health, Professor Nalaka Mendis was instrumental in obtaining the necessary funds from the Sri Lanka Medical Association of North America for this project.
Sri Lankan communities are privileged to obtain information on mental health services such as rehabilitation and counselling from this centre.
The prime services of the centre include:
- To educate public on mental health.
- To provide necessary information related to all the Institutions and centres pertaining to mental health.
- Provide assistance in counselling in order to resolve mental health issues.

Mental Health Services
Government Hospitals with psychiatric wards
There are some government hospitals with Psychiatric wards. These wards are meant for those with long term mentally illnesses.
- Consultant psychiatrists
- Medical Officer Mental Health
- Psychiatric nurses
- Psychiatric social workers and
- Occupational therapists are working in these wards.
Government hospitals with Rehabilitation Units
There are two categories of rehabilitation units. They are
- Medium stay units
- Long stay units
The clients have
- Quality of life improvement programmes
- Skill development programmes
Private Rehabilitation Centres for mentally challenge persons
Rehabilitation services help people return to daily life and live in a normal or near-normal way. These services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and cognitive therapy.
services for children
There are Government and private centres providing services for physically and mentally handicapped children. Also these are special education units in Nation School for them.
Services for Elders
There are government and private sector institutions to assist elders for an example- Every divisional secretary office has an elders right’s promotion officer.
Services for Women
There are government and private sector institutions to assist women who face problems.
Mental Health
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing - state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder. This affects a person's feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a long term condition. This disorder causes extreme mood swings, that include emotional high (Mania) and lows (Depression)
Depression
Depression is a common mood disorder where a person experiences sadness.
Dementia
Dementia the deterioration of cognitive functions. Symptoms include memory loss, lack of attention and concentration.
Userful Articles
List of our most viewed articles