A humanitarian initiative titled ‘Beyond Recovery’, launched under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, has commenced with the objective of enhancing the psychological well-being of those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Accordingly, a preliminary training workshop for government officials was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon (19), under the leadership of the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Under this programme, government officials from District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats in six major disaster-affected districts, who possess prior exposure and understanding in the field of mental well-being, will be selected and provided with specialised training. These training programmes will be conducted by leading mental health professionals in Sri Lanka.
The workshop also focused on discussions related to the formulation of scientifically structured programmes, the development of counselling frameworks, and the design of psychosocial support initiatives to be implemented within relief centres in disaster-affected districts.
The primary objective of the Clean Sri Lanka programme is to uplift the social values, ethical standards, and environmental well-being of Sri Lankan society. The ‘Beyond Recovery’ humanitarian initiative has been launched as a practical step toward realising this vision, particularly in response to the challenges posed by recent natural disasters.
Government officials who undergo training through this programme are expected to implement psychosocial support activities in relief centres in the near future, with the aim of improving the mental well-being of affected communities.
The event was attended by Mr. Russell Aponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Convener of the Clean Sri Lanka programme Mr. S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, Additional Secretary to the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat Member of Parliament and Coordinator Mr. Thanura Dissanayake, Clean Sri Lanka District Coordinator for Kandy along with officials of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat and other invitees.
