Colombo, Sri Lanka – July 22, 2025 – In a historic step towards a more accessible and innovative mental healthcare system, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC), jointly hosted the nation’s inaugural Digital Mental Health Roundtable. This landmark event underscored the Sri Lankan government’s profound commitment to integrating digital solutions into its existing mental health services, a key part of its broader digitization agenda.
Prime Minister’s Bold Vision for Digital Mental Health
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a powerful keynote address, sharing her bold vision to develop a comprehensive Digital Mental Health Roadmap for Sri Lanka. She emphasized the critical need for robust regulatory frameworks that not only foster innovation but also guarantee efficacy, safety, data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in digital technology. The Prime Minister also highlighted the necessity of a coordinated, multi-sectoral, and multidisciplinary response, supported by a well-trained mental health workforce and enhanced community-level engagement. She further addressed challenges in digital mental health, including the generational gap in understanding digital and psychological well-being, and the inclusion of digitalization in new educational reforms.
“The true strength of any nation lies in the spirit and integrity of its people. Sri Lanka exemplifies this, with its warmth, genuine care, hospitality, and unwavering integrity shining bright,” remarked Anil Thapliyal, Executive Director of eMHIC. “While eMHIC regularly hosts Digital Mental Health Roundtables worldwide, this was the first time a Prime Minister showed such a profound personal commitment to improving mental health access. Sri Lanka’s bold and decisive steps inspire us all to believe in the transformative power of visionary leadership.”
Key Discussions and International Collaboration
The Roundtable commenced with opening remarks from the eMHIC representative, followed by outstanding presentations from Senator Katherine (Kathy) Hay ICD.D, Andrew Greenshaw, and Ananda Galappatti, who collectively provided crucial international and local context for the day’s important deliberations.
The event convened a diverse group of professionals, policymakers, tech experts, and representatives from international organizations, all dedicated to exploring innovative, technology-driven solutions for addressing Sri Lanka’s mental health challenges. Attendees included Senator Kathy Hay of Canada, Professor Anil Thapliyal (Executive Director of eMHIC), representatives from the eMental Health International Collaborative, and officials from government, academia, and various professional bodies.
A Symbol of Visionary Leadership
The evening culminated in a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, during which eMHIC presented her with a Korowai. This traditional Māori cloak, one of eMHIC’s highest honors, symbolizes respect, prestige, and honor for visionary leaders. The moving presentation was witnessed by a distinguished gathering, including ministers, secretaries, Canada’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Walsh, and New Zealand’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, David Pine.
This Roundtable is more than a symbolic milestone; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to what strong leadership and dedicated people can achieve in advancing mental health for all. It marks a collective movement toward a future where mental health is understood, prioritized, and effectively addressed through innovative solutions.
