05/20/2026 00:00:00
Community engagement and involvement
ENHANCE
IRD
A unique community-based pilot programme titled “Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Outcomes of a Community-Based Maternal Mental Health Programme for Antenatal and Postnatal Depression in Sri Lanka” was officially launched in Galle on the 19th. The primary objective of the inaugural stakeholder meeting was to engage relevant stakeholders and obtain their expert guidance and recommendations. The project is being implemented by the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD) and is funded through the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Colombo. The main aim of this pilot study is to identify evidence-based solutions to reduce the adverse effects of maternal depression, a condition that affects approximately one in five mothers in Sri Lanka and has significant consequences for both mothers and their children. As part of the pilot project, Public Health Midwives (PHMs) working at the community level will receive specialised training. This will facilitate the more effective implementation of the “Thinking Healthy Programme”, an intervention designed to support the management of maternal mental health at the grassroots level. The inaugural event was held under the patronage of Professor Susiripala Manawaduwa, Governor of the Southern Province, and was attended by a distinguished gathering of experts and professionals from the health, administrative, and academic sectors. The following individuals provided professional and academic contributions and shared their insights to support the successful implementation of the programme: Professor Athula Sumathipala – Director, Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)Dr. Oshini Sri Jayasinghe – Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)Dr. N.G.S. Panditharathna – Director of Health Services, Southern ProvinceDr. T.B. Wimalasena – Deputy Director of Health Services, Southern ProvinceDr. Prasad Ranawera – Regional Director of Health Services, GalleDr. Amila Chandrasiri – Consultant Community Physician, Office of the Regional Director of Health Services, GalleProfessor Harshini Rajapaksha – Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of RuhunaDr. Rumi Ruben – Consultant Psychiatrist, National Hospital, GalleDr. Asanka Singarage – District Mental Health Coordinating Medical Officer, GalleProfessor Thyagi Ponnamperuma – Professor of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of RuhunaProfessor Champa Wijesinghe – Professor of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of RuhunaDr. Chandani Senadheera – Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, University of RuhunaDr. Ranjith Dharmakeerthi – Deputy Director, German Friendship HospitalDr. Duminda Akmeemana – Deputy Director, National Hospital, GalleDr. P.H.P. Gajanayake – Medical Officer (Planning), National Hospital, GalleDr. Dhanuja Mahesh – Consultant Psychiatrist, Asiri HospitalMs. Ayesha Kariyawasam – Additional District Secretary, Galle District SecretariatDr. Prabath Nanayakkara – Representative of the Sri Lanka College of General Practitioners The experts attending the event highlighted that this innovative initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to safeguarding maternal mental health at the community level and improving the wellbeing of mothers and their families. Media UnitInstitute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)
