About 30% of Sri Lankan adults suffer from mental health issues: Expert

26 January 2026 03:21 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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Colombo, January 26 (Daily Mirror) - Nearly 30 percent of Sri Lanka’s adult population is affected by mental health problems, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Madhushani Dias said on Sunday.

Addressing a programme held in Colombo, Dr. Dias said a significant proportion of those suffering from mental health issues are elderly persons aged 60 or 65 and above.

She noted that Sri Lanka’s elderly population is increasing rapidly, but social awareness regarding mental health problems faced by older adults remains low, leading to a range of challenges.

Dr. Dias said many psychological symptoms associated with ageing are often dismissed as normal due to myths and misconceptions.

As a result, conditions such as forgetfulness and depression are frequently ignored by elderly people and those around them.

She warned that the growing prevalence of mental health issues among senior citizens is having a serious impact on their quality of life and is also contributing to an increase in physical health complications.

Comments - 12

Einstein Hamdon Monday, 26 January 2026 03:44 PM

Parliamentarians for sure !!

3 21

wickrama Monday, 26 January 2026 03:57 PM

That was the count in the previous parliament. It should be much lower now.

36 7

Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 27 January 2026 01:56 AM

Much higher based on what they say and do. My estimate is about 99% of NPP mps are mentally ill.

0 1

Gon Tissa Tuesday, 27 January 2026 09:51 AM

@Dr Tissa Fernando, don't forget to include yourself.

0 0

kevin Monday, 26 January 2026 03:58 PM

Think its higher.

1 9

Dr. Dee Monday, 26 January 2026 05:41 PM

159 parliament members in need of serious help!

0 0

Mohan Monday, 26 January 2026 07:45 PM

Largely due to the present day lifestyle and economic stress. Elderly people stay alone at home with low physical activity while their children are busy working.

0 1

R Navaratnam Monday, 26 January 2026 08:26 PM

Very saddened to note the percentage at 30%. Current administration should do all for employees to not only work in a honest and pleasant environment; but also control the cost of living. Further children are unable to take care of their parents, which also contributes to the mental health.

0 1

Senior citizen Tuesday, 27 January 2026 04:35 AM

Senors undergo much humiliation! Most of them retired hoping to lead a dignified life, not burdening Their children, by way of earning a decent income on their lifelong meagre savings! But that is a far fetched dream now!! Most of them are still capable of working but nobody wants to hire them!! There should be opportunities made available for seniors to be employed! Sadly all these things fall on deaf ears and blind eyes!!

0 1

Rumi deen Tuesday, 27 January 2026 06:55 AM

This may higher than if a proper sampling is done. As private practioner, daily we see people complain or present of a disease, but the underlying cause is anxiety, mental depression, lack of sleep etc. We have lost the walking habbit and people need either a bus ride or a trishaw to travel even a few hundred meters.

0 0

Nihal J Tuesday, 27 January 2026 07:46 AM

No wonder ...... looking at the electing of this Govt., The country is drifting towards the wilderness .... unknowing to the mentally ill guys..... NJ

0 2

Sue Kirthisinghe Tuesday, 27 January 2026 10:56 AM

Senior Citizens are not looked after by this Govt. In order to lead a quality life they need money. After working for most of their lives and saving for retirement in order not to burden their children, they are now faced with the sad reality of living on interest income that is hardly enough to purchase their medicines let alone enjoy life in their late years. Why can't the Govt. provide some relief to the Seniors by NOT taxing them and providing them a better rate of interest on their FD's like the earlier Govts. did? That certainly would make them less depressed!

0 0

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