Standards for counselling services mooted

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Social Services Ministry has already taken measures to introduce standards for counselling services to uplift national development through mental health development, said Social Services Minister Felix Perera participating at the National Counselling Day ceremony held at the Nagarodaya Centre Borella yesterday.

He also said that the Ministry will create a legal framework to strengthen counselling services. In addition to that, the ministry plans to create a community network in the field of counselling by combining both government and non governmental organizations to enhance the quality of counselling services.

'Sri Lanka has entered a path of steady economic development. Physical and mental development are essential for a balanced development. Under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country is now achieving rapid progress. Counselling is essential for development, said the minister.

'Counselling plays a vital role in minimizing and preventing social issues of the country, such as alcohol and drug addiction, family problems, specially, divorce cases, suicides, child abuse, etc, he said. The Social Services Ministry celebrates the National Counselling Day in parallel with the International Mental Health Week which commences in the second week of October each year under various themes. The Ministry has selected the theme "Counselling for Promotion of Mental Well-being" for this year.

Social Services Ministry Secretary R.M.S.Rathnayake, Rehabilitation Commissioner General Major General, Chandana Rajaguru, Consultant Psychiatrist Neil Fernando, Senior Prof. Sumanapala Galmangoda, government and non governmental organization representatives and many others participated.