Colombo, Sri Lanka – Better Work Sri Lanka, a joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with support from the Levi Strauss Foundation and the European Union, has launched a nationwide programme to promote mental health and well-being (MHWB) in the workplace.

In Sri Lanka, mental health remains a taboo topic, and access to trained professionals is limited, with only 0.03 psychologists, 0.6 psychiatrists, and 2.9 mental health nurses per 100,000 people. The programme aims to break these barriers by raising awareness, building skills, and creating supportive workplace environments.

The initiative began with a three-day workshop attended by 41 professional counsellors and 31 HR staff, using tools like role play, art therapy, music therapy, and sand tray exercises to train participants in promoting mental health at work.

The programme follows WHO/ILO guidelines to "Prevent, Protect, and Support" employees, with objectives that include minimizing workplace stressors, strengthening early recognition of mental health issues, and providing ongoing support for affected workers.

Since its inception, over 6,000 workers across multiple zones have participated in training sessions. Professional counsellors and HR staff now have tools to provide support or refer employees to government-provided MHWB services.

Kesava Murali Kanapathy, Head of Better Work Sri Lanka, emphasized: "Our goal is to create workplaces where mental health conversations are welcomed, and employees receive support to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence."