Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne says that one fifth of all public servants in the country are suffering from acute stress. Addressing a ceremony at Moragalla in Alutgama to open a child guidance center for children with special needs yesterday, the Minister said. We mark the world Mental Health Day yesterday (10). We have been commemorating this day for the last 25 years. But it is sad to say that one out of five public servants is suffering from acute stress. The figures have been found by a recent survey conducted by the ministry on mental health of state sector workers. The study has also found two main reasons for the high prevalence of stress among public sector workers – problems related to their workplaces and issues linked to their family lives. We have noticed a trend of increasing numbers seeking treatment for mental problems. Busy lifestyles and competition too have contributed significantly for the increase of stress.
”Many public sector workers directly deal face to face with people coming to their respective offices to obtain various services. When one fifth of service providers are suffering from stress it is a serious social problem. We need to think of solutions to remedy this situation”
The Minister appreciated FRIENDS LANKA Children Foundation for their assistance to set up the child guidance center at Moragalla. The Minister presented letters of appointment to the teachers of the school during the ceremony. Many public sector officials including the Kalutara District Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal were present.
