Sri Lankan lawmaker Hector Appuhamy recently sat down with IPS to discuss the pressing issue of mental health among the country’s youth. As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of addressing mental health has become more evident than ever before. In light of this, Appuhamy and his fellow parliamentarians have taken a proactive approach in addressing the gaps in programmes and financing for youth mental health.
Appuhamy, who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health and Indigenous Medicine, expressed his concerns about the lack of attention given to mental health issues among young people. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling this issue, stating that “mental health is not just a health issue, it is a societal issue.”
The lawmaker highlighted the importance of involving university students in this conversation, as they are the future leaders of the country. With this in mind, a two-day conference was organized to educate and engage students in discussions about mental health. The conference aimed to raise awareness and provide a platform for students to share their experiences and ideas on how to address mental health issues among their peers.
Appuhamy also stressed the need for increased financing for youth mental health programmes. He acknowledged that the country’s health budget alone is not enough to address the growing mental health concerns among young people. As such, he and his colleagues are looking beyond the health budget for support and resources to ensure that the youth of Sri Lanka have access to the necessary mental health services.
The lawmaker also highlighted the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in Sri Lanka. He acknowledged that there is still a lack of understanding and acceptance of mental health issues in the country, which often leads to discrimination and exclusion of those who are struggling. Appuhamy believes that by involving young people in the conversation and providing them with the necessary support, the stigma surrounding mental health can be reduced.
The conference, which was attended by students, mental health professionals, and policymakers, was a step in the right direction towards addressing the gaps in youth mental health programmes. Appuhamy and his fellow parliamentarians are committed to working towards a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to mental health in Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, the conversation with Sri Lankan lawmaker Hector Appuhamy sheds light on the pressing issue of mental health among the country’s youth. It is heartening to see that parliamentarians are taking a proactive approach in addressing this issue and are looking beyond the health budget for support. With the involvement of university students and increased financing, we can hope to see a positive change in the mental health landscape of Sri Lanka. It is time for us to come together as a society and break the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensure that our youth have access to the necessary support and resources to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
