'Mental health vital for development'

Nethali STRUYS

Wealth will not help a country's development if the people are not spiritually and mentally sound, said Social Services Development Minister Felix Perera.

He said so at the mobile social services programme held recently in Nuwara Eliya.

A series of counselling and psychological help programmes have been set up by the Social Services Ministry in all parts of the country.

The ministry also provides a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 for 27 disabled persons, spectacles, wheelchairs and crutches. In addition, eye clinics, dental clinics and medical clinics have also been held with the participation of a large number of people. "We have already commenced a number of counselling programmes for the armed forces, police and public servants and in various institutes as mental health is important for a country's development", the minister said.