Rising Together for Mental Health in Sri Lanka

Samutthana is dedicated to strengthening mental health support systems across the nation through professional training, community engagement, and strategic advocacy.

Training Frontline Workers

We train health staff, teachers, NGO workers and volunteers across Sri Lanka to better understand and respond to mental health needs

Counselling & Psychotherapy

We provide safe, confidential counselling and psychotherapy for adults, adolescents and children facing stress, anxiety, depression and trauma.

Community Outreach Clinics

We run outreach clinics with government hospitals to support people in rural and post-conflict areas through community‑based mental health care.

Recovery College & Support Programs

We offer group programmes and Recovery College activities that help people build coping skills, confidence and hope in their daily lives.

Professional & University Partnerships

We collaborate with local and international universities and experts to improve mental health services and training in Sri Lanka.

Internships & Learning Opportunities

We provide internships and learning placements for students and volunteers to gain real‑world experience in mental health settings.

Professional Development

Upcoming Workshops & Sessions

View Full Details

Session

An Experiential Movement Session

Monday, 16th March 2026 06 PM – 07:30 PM Samutthāna, 111 W.A. Silva Mw, Colombo 06 Donation Based

View Full Details

Workshop

Medical Aspects of Managing Drug Addiction

Tuesday, 10th March 2026 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM Samutthāna, 111 W.A. Silva Mawatha, Colombo 06 Rs 1,000 per person

To register call or WhatsApp: +94 77 382 2946 / +94 77 757 6673 · info@samutthana.org.lk

Our Mission: Building Capacity, Fostering Resilience

Samutthana, meaning “rising together,” was founded on the principle that mental well-being is a cornerstone of a thriving society. For over a decade, we have worked tirelessly to build the capacity of individuals, communities, and organizations to respond effectively to mental health needs in Sri Lanka.

Community Centered

We believe in solutions that are culturally sensitive and rooted in local wisdom.

Collaborative

Partnership is key. We work with government bodies, NGOs, and local leaders.

Evidence-Based

Our training programs are informed by global best practices and local research.

Current Board of Directors

Dr Shamil Wanigaratne

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Dr Mahesan Ganesan

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr. Rekha Atththidiye

Clinical Psychologist

Ms. Roshan Dhammapala

Psychologist

Prof. Ravindra Fernando

Forensic Pathologist / Toxicologist

Dr Nilanga Abeysinghe

Assistant Professor / Counselling Psychologist

Dr Isuri Roche Dharmarathne

CEO

What Volunteers Say

" My internship at “Samutthana” was a great experience that allowed me to understand the psychology field and expectations that come with it. The knowledge I gained and experiences I had were highly beneficial for me as a psychologist. They were very supportive and friendly during my internship and I learned a lot of things related to my field from supervisors and they were willing to share their knowledge with me so I would get the most out of my time with them. "

Hansi Jayawickrama

" A huge thank you to Samutth?na for their warm welcome and for allowing me to work alongside with them. It was truly an amazing experience, meeting clients and trainees that Samutth?na works with, particularly in Kilinochchi in the North of Sri Lanka. This exposure highlighted what a significant role you take in their lives and the importance of the work you all do. Keep up the good work and I’ll be seeing you again soon! "

Nibarna Kannathasan

" Growing up in London as a child of Sri Lankan asylum seekers meant that, until I enrolled in the SLV programme, I had only learnt about the complex history of my country of origin through my parents’ tales and stories. Actually working in Sri Lanka I a diverse range of educational, social welfare and psychiatric settings has allowed me to not only experience firsthand the narratives of my parents, "

Viknesh Jeevachandran

I have had the great opportunity to intern at Samutth?na for the past six months. I was able to use my theoretical knowledge and apply it practically in various settings. We were also given the exposure to develop and deliver a valuable skill set. It was a great experience working with various target groups including survivors of floods, both adults and children.

Theja Jayasinghe

I have been a resource person to Samutth?na since 2016; Samutth?na has bridged several uncharted waters in the psycho-social landscape of Sri Lanka. There has also been tremendous work done in bringing awareness to stigma both in mental illness and the ethnic context in this multi-ethnic, diverse society, bringing resolution and helping add a multicultural value system through the involvement of SL volunteers, foreign experts etc.

Dr Ravimal Galappaththi

I still look back at my initial experience of volunteering with Samutth?na/UK-SLTG as on eof the most fulfilling and heart-warming experiences in my career. I feel I gained far more from the experience than I could ever hope to offer and also found a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. This transfer of skills and knowledge is what makes the experience so rewarding.

Dr Laura Kemmis

Professionals Trained

0 +

Years of Service

0 +

Board Members