Kurunegala, Sri Lanka (July 17, 2025) — Addressing the growing mental health challenges across modern society, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Alliance), Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF), and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy have launched a nationwide psychological counseling program series titled "A Path to a Beautiful Life."
The inaugural workshop in this national series took place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Pannala Divisional Secretariat Town Hall in Kurunegala. The event was organized by the Readers' Club of the Pannala Gnana Pradeepa Library in collaboration with the Institute of Professional Studies and Skills Development Sri Lanka (IPSSD), IHRC Alliance, SHCCF, and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy.
Expert Leadership & Frontline Mental Health Training
The session was led by Dr. Madhavi Bandara, a renowned psychological counselor and former university lecturer in psychology. Dr. Bandara serves as Senior Executive Director of IPSSD Sri Lanka, Regional Coordinator for IHRC Alliance - Sri Lanka, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Director of Administration & Project Operations at SHCCF.
The workshop focused on empowering frontline key personnel—including counseling and disciplinary teachers, police officers, and government field officers—with essential psychological skills to identify early mental health red flags and provide initial counseling and proper referral support.
Over 480 Professionals Trained in Girulla Educational Zone
Over 480 participants attended the intensive training, including school principals, teachers, preschool educators, human resources counselors from regional factories, and officers from the Kandanegedara Police Station.
Full organizational support was extended by the Counseling Division of the Girulla Educational Zone Office and the staff of the Pannala Gnana Pradeepa Library.
Empowering Counselors as Community Healers
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC Alliance and Founder, President, and Director General of SHCCF and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, highlighted the direct link between mental well-being, educational development, and social stability.
"You are the pioneers in transforming and healing our society," Dr. Dissanayake emphasized. "The International Human Rights Commission and Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation will stand with you and assist you through any challenges you face in this journey."
Distinguished Dignitaries Present
The event brought together an esteemed group of institutional leaders, public administrators, and community coordinators, including:
- Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake (Commissioner, IHRC Alliance - Sri Lanka / Founder, President & Director General, SHCCF & Shri Hela Higher Education Academy)
- Dr. Madhavi Bandara (COO & Director of Administration, SHCCF / Regional Coordinator, IHRC)
- Miss Nirosha (Psychology Lecturer, IPSSD)
- Mrs. Neluka Chandrapala (Assistant Zonal Director of Education, Girulla) & Pannala Divisional Education Director
- Mr. Nandasiri Parakrama (Chairman, Pannala Pradeshiya Sabha)
- Police Inspector Mr. Upali Herath (Acting OIC, Pannala Police Station)
- SHCCF & IHRC Representatives: Mr. Dhammika Sisira Kumara, Mr. Jayatissa Athaudahetti, Mr. Chaminda Nishantha, Mr. Jasith Sathis Kumar, Mr. Anura Vitharana, Mr. Hemantha Vitharana, Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa, Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mrs. Sakura Wasanthi, Mrs. Renuka Dissanayake, and Chamika Jayaweera
- Pannala Gnana Pradeepa Library Team: Librarian H.A.A.T. Udayamali, Ms. A.K. Rimani Nayagara, and Mrs. W.R.S. Jeewani Kumari
Date: July 17, 2025
Reported by:
Hemantha Vitharana
Senior Executive Director — Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation
