Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Mental Healthcare System: Advocacy, Collaboration, andAccess to Evidence-Based Services

The Strengthening Sri Lanka's Mental Healthcare System project, led by the Family
Rehabilitation Centre (FRC) and funded by The Asia Foundation through the Bolstering Civil
Society (BCS) Program, aims to improve access to mental health services, strengthen policies,
and enhance local support structures in Sri Lanka. This comprehensive initiative seeks to address mental health needs by fostering national-level policy changes, building local community resilience, and raising public awareness.

Duration
October 01, 2024, to September 30, 2026

Locations
National wide, Special focused on Jaffna, Anuradhapura and Batticaloa Districts

Project Goals and Objectives

1. Policy Advocacy and Reform: Conduct a national assessment to identify gaps in mental
health services, leading to policy recommendations. Collaborate with government
stakeholders to integrate findings into a national mental health strategy and develop a
recruitment strategy for mental health professionals.

2. Strengthening Community Support Structures: Establish Grassroots Level Action
Committees (GRLACs) and divisional psychosocial forums in Jaffna, Batticaloa, and
Anuradhapura. These local groups aim to improve mental health awareness, reduce
stigma, and enhance access to support.

3. Capacity Building: Improve the skills of FRC staff and other community-based
organizations through training, fostering evidence-based and culturally sensitive mental
health practices across Sri Lanka.

Key Activities

 National Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct an island-wide gap
analysis to inform evidence-based policy changes and increase recruitment for mental
health roles.
 Community Awareness and Outreach: Host media and social media campaigns to
promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma nationwide.

 Capacity-Building Workshops: Organize a four-day assessment workshop for FRC staff to strengthen organizational capacity and effectiveness.

Expected Impact
The project aims to establish a more effective, resilient, and accessible mental healthcare system in Sri Lanka. By engaging communities, enhancing support structures, and influencing policy at local and national levels, FRC is working towards sustainable improvements in mental health outcomes across the country.