17/08/2025
"A Path to a Beautiful Life": International Human Rights Commission and Shri Hela Higher Education Academy Launch Psychological Counseling Program
Kurunegala, Sri Lanka — The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Alliance ) and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy have launched a special psychological counseling program series titled "A Path to a Beautiful Life" in Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to address the growing mental health challenges faced by adults, children, and youth in modern society.
The first program in this series was held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Panala Divisional Secretariat's Town Hall in Kurunegala. The event was organized by the Panala Gnana Pradeepa Library's Readers' Club, in collaboration with the Institute of professional studies and Skills Development Sri Lanka , the International Human Rights Commission , and the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation, and Shri Hela Higher Education Academy.
The program was led by Dr. Madhavi Bandara, a renowned psychological counselor and former university lecturer in psychology. Dr. Bandara, who also serves as the Senior Executive Director of the Institute of Professional Studies and Skills Development Sri Lanka and the Regional Coordinator for the IHRC Alliance - Sri Lanka , holds multiple advanced degrees, including an M.A. in English and Linguistics, MEd, MPhil, and a PhD in Psychology.
The program highlighted the significant increase in mental health challenges among all age groups, which directly impact social development and education. These challenges often manifest as learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and peer-related stress. The organizers emphasized the crucial role of counseling teachers, industrial counselors, and field officers in addressing these issues to ensure the mental well-being and success of students and professionals.
The training focused on equipping these professionals—including counseling and disciplinary teachers, police officers, and government field officers—with the skills to identify and provide initial support for mental health problems. The goal is to empower them to act as frontline experts who can not only offer support but also correctly refer individuals for further professional guidance when needed.
The training was attended by over 480 participants from the Girulla Educational Zone, including principals, teachers, police officers from the Kandanegedara Police Station, preschool teachers, and human resources counselors from various factories. The Girulla Educational Zone Office's counseling division and the Pannala Gnana Pradeepa Library provided full organizational support for the event.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, the Sri Lanka Commissioner of the International Human Rights Commission ( IHRC Alliance ) , emphasized the commission's commitment to human health and social development. He affirmed that the IHRC will always stand for these values and pledged to support the trained counselors in their work. "You are the pioneers in transforming and healing our society," he stated. "The International Human Rights Commission will stand with you and assist you in any challenges you face in this journey."
The event was attended by several notable dignitaries, including Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake (Commissioner of IHRC Alliance - Sri Lanka and Founder/Chairman of Shri Hela Higher Education Academy and Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation ), Dr. Madhavi Bandara, Regional Volunteer coordinator of IHRC Alliance - Sri Lanka , Miss. Nirosha (Psychology Lecturer at IPSSD), Mrs. Neluka Chandrapala (Assistant Zonal Director of Education, Girulla), the Pannala Divisional Education Director, Pannala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Mr. Nandasiri Parakrama, Pannala Police Acting OIC Police Inspector Mr. Upali Herath, Mr. Dammika sisira kumara , Mr. Jayatissa Athaudahetti , Mr. Chaminda Nisantha , Mr. Jasith sathis kumar , Mr. Anura Vitharana , Mr. Hemantha Vitharana , Mr. Sadewa Amaradasa , Mr. Amaradasa Dilankarachchi , Mrs. Sakura Wasanthi , Mrs. Renuka Dissanayake , Chamika Jayaweera ,and various other officials and IHRC coordinators and The Librarian of Pannala Gnana Pradeepa Library, H.A.A. T. Udayamali and its officers,
Ms. A.K. Rimani Nayagara and
Mrs. W.R.S. Jeewani Kumari
International Human Rights Commission-IHRC fans Chrishantha Dissanayake Prabagar Praba
