An estimated one in seven people may be living with a mental illness, according to World Health Organization assessments, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health Dr. Dhammika Alahapperuma said yesterday in Sri Lanka. Speaking on the scale of the issue, he stressed that mental health challenges are far more widespread than commonly assumed.
Dr. Alahapperuma said that more than 50,000 patients receive treatment annually at the National Institute of Mental Health in Angoda alone, underscoring the heavy demand placed on the country’s mental health services. He added that over 600 patients visit the institute’s clinics every day, reflecting a steady and growing need for professional psychological and psychiatric care.
He noted that individuals experiencing mental health difficulties can seek immediate advice through the national mental health hotline 1926, which operates around the clock. According to him, clinical services at the National Institute of Mental Health are also available 24 hours a day, ensuring continuous access to care for patients in need.
Dr. Alahapperuma further explained that mental health concerns raised by young people through WhatsApp messages sent to the 1926 service are also addressed via the same platform, highlighting efforts to adapt services to modern communication habits and reach younger populations more effectively.
Meanwhile, he expressed concern over a growing number of complaints from parents regarding school-going children becoming addicted to mobile phones. He warned that excessive mobile phone use has created situations where children struggle to focus on their studies and are unable to carry out their educational activities properly, adding a new dimension to the country’s mental health challenges.
