‘We need professional trauma counselors’ - President
[January 10, 2005 - 11.30 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga today met a team of psychiatrists who have volunteered their services to the Centre for National Operations (CNO) at the President’s Office.

Members of the Task Force for Rescue and Relief (TAFRER) and experts of the field of mental health and trauma counseling briefed the President about the need for a special campaign to treat the traumatized survivors of the December 26th disaster. The President stressed importance of mobilizing only competent personnel to assist in counseling duties. She suggested experienced people in the education sector and from the clergy could be called upon for assistance. They would work with professionals in the Government sector, NGOs and international organizations.

Initially foreign medical experts would be of little use said the President; they could train local personnel with proven competence to overcome the language barrier. Trauma counseling should take into consideration the Sri Lanka’s socio cultural milieu.

It was decided a core team consisting of senior mental health professionals attached to the Department of Health be established. The CNO’s desk was asked to coordinate all activities related to trauma counseling with the support of organizations such as UNICEF and WHO. President was of the view this would lead to a national policy, with the wider participation of public and private sector personnel. Counseling children should be the main objective. In situations such as this the media has a responsible role to play the President observed; they should educate the people on how the rest of us should interact with the traumatized survivors of the catastrophe.

Minister of Health Nimal Siripala de Silva, Secretary to the President Mr. W. J. S. Karunaratne, Chairperson of the TAFRER and Education Secretary Dr. Tara de Mel, Prof. Sherrifdeen and Dr. Athula Sumathipala were among those preset at today’s meeting.

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Last Updated Date: January 10, 2005 - 11.30 GMT