Matale District Parliamentarian Rohini Kaviratne of the Samagi Janabalawega stated in Parliament today that people in various walks of life are suffering from severe stress and mental health conditions due to the prevailing economic hardships. Presenting in the Parliament She further pointed out that these stressed people fall in to more troubles when they are seeking assistance from various opportunistic persons appear as “so Called” councellors
She therefore suggested to Parliament that counseling services should be provided to them by properly qualified persons and that those who pose as these psychologists should be regulated on the basis of their professional qualifications.
“We know that the people of this country today are living apart under great stress. The absence of electricity has had a huge impact on the lives of ordinary people. Having a housewife cook on a wood stove because there is no gas is really stressful for a busy woman. The person in the car has to get on the bus. Those who have eaten three times have to eat two things. Unable to spend on children’s education. All of this leads to the development of mental disorders such as stress, depression . Such people go to various counselors seeking relief. Some of them are false advisers. We need to look at their qualifications. They need to have professionalism. For this the government has to take some regulatory action. Or they may be in bigger trouble than they really are. He said that women in our country are already facing such serious crises and submitted his private member’s motion that regulation is needed in this regard.
Approving the resolution, MP Buddhika Pathirana said that the situation was a major crisis for the country.
He said that if such psychological counseling is given, they should appoint a person who will provide it through a registered institution under the University Grants Commission.
