Sri Lanka faces severe shortage of mental health specialists

Sri Lanka is facing a severe shortage of mental health specialists, according to Professor Sathuri Surawira, a specialist at the Colombo National Hospital. During a media briefing held at the Health Development Unit, Surawira noted that there are currently only between 100 and 120 specialist psychiatrists in the country.

This shortage is driven largely by the high demand for mental health professionals in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. The professor highlighted that the training provided in Sri Lanka is highly regarded abroad, contributing to the migration of medical professionals.

The impact of this scarcity is evident in clinical settings; for instance, a single morning clinic at either the Colombo National Hospital or the National Institute of Mental Health can see approximately 150 patients. Surawira emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting that mental health issues can affect anyone from children to the elderly and often require professional medical attention even when the individual is unaware of their changing cognitive patterns.