Depression rates in Sri Lanka are alarmingly high, with nearly one-fifth of the population (19.4 per cent) affected, according to a joint study by the University of Peradeniya and the University of Kelaniya. This prevalence is notably higher than the Asian average of 16.1 per cent.
The 2023 study also revealed that an alarming 39 per cent of young Sri Lankans aged 10 to 24 years are suffering from depression.
Another 2023 study conducted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and published by Cambridge University highlighted that mental health staffing in the country remains inadequate, with only 34 per cent of healthcare institutions having a medical officer and just 38 per cent having a nursing officer trained in mental health care.
The report emphasized the urgent need to review mental health services for youth under 19, noting that a significant proportion have attempted suicide (7.0 per cent) and many have experienced interpersonal violence (35.0 per cent).
It also pointed out that emigration further complicates mental health in Sri Lanka, with the country losing around 200,000 people annually. Among these, 75 per cent of migrating females were married and had children, and mental health problems are significantly higher among children from these families.
