The National Council for Mental Health has been incorporated as National Council for Mental Health - “Sahanaya” (Incorporation) Act No 11 of 1986.
Sahanaya has been declared as an approved charity for purposes of the Inland Revenue Act by the Ministry of Finance (Government Gazette No. 254 of 15.07.1983) and is designated as a Voluntary Association by the Department of Social Services (Registration No. COL/61/82).
Sahanaya is also registered under the Non Government Organizations Regulation No. 01 of 1993 (Registration No. 00015).
1.1.1 Objectives
The objectives of the National Council for Mental Health – “Sahanaya” are:-
Promoting and facilitating the development of mental health services in Sri Lanka
Providing a range of mental health services including clinical and rehabilitation services
Raising the awareness of mental health in the community
Training personnel in mental health care
Initiating and engaging in studies and research related to mental health
Mobilizing resources for mental health development
Engaging in any other activity relevant to the development of mental health
1.1.2 Patron
His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
1.2 The Management Committee
The affairs of the Council is administered by a Management Committee consisting of both medical professionals and others elected from among the members at an annual general meeting . The Management Committee ordinarily meets at least once a month. During the year under review it had held 11 monthly meetings.
1.2.1 The Management Committee of the Council for the year 2009 comprised the following:
President : Prof. Nalaka Mendis
Vice Presidents: Mr. Ranjith Wirasinha
Vice President Mr. Susil Sirivardana
Hony. Secretary :
Hony. Treasurer : Mr. Nihal A. Rodrigo
Asst. Secretary : Dr. A. Nirmala I.Wijesinghe
Asst. Treasurer : Mr.L.D.A.Jayasinghe
Committee Members:
Mr .D.M.P.B.Dasanayake
Mrs Sarojini Kadurugamuwa
Mr. Rohan Tudawa
Mrs Shirani de Costa
Mrs.Srima Seneviratne
Dr. Harsha de Silva
Mr.Lalith Cooray
Mr.Harsha Soysa
Ms. Christine D’Alwis
Mr. Eraj de Silva
The following two persons have been appointed by the Management Committee in terms of the rules of the NCMH which provide for persons with professional qualifications in the field of mental health and to represent the Caregivers’ Association respectively, in accordance with a policy decision of the Management Committee to serve as members of the Management Committee.
Dr. Nirosha Mendis
Ms.Champa Wickremasinghe
1.2.2 Membership
The membership of the Council as at 31st December, 2009 comprised 253 life Members and 5 Corporate Members.
1.2.3 Board of Trustees
The Trustees who are appointed by the Management Committee in terms of Section 6 of the National Council for Mental Health –“Sahanaya” (Incorporation) Act No. 11 of 1986 form the Board of Trustees. The Trustees are empowered to raise funds for the development of mental health and public mental health activities undertaken by Sahanaya and manage funds so raised or entrusted to it by the Management Committee and disburse such funds for the said purposes in accordance with the Board of Trustee Rules-2006.
The current Board of Trustees comprise the following members:
Desamanya Ken Balendra (Chairman)
Prof. Nalaka Mendis
Mr. K. Kanag-Isvaran P.C.
Mr. Mahen Dayananda
Mr. Trevine Fernandopulle
Mr. Husein Esufally
The President and the members of the Management Committee record with deep appreciation the assistance and cooperation extended by Chairman Desamanya Ken Balendra and other members of the Board of Trustees during the year.
2. COUNCIL’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR 2009
2.1 Psychosocial Health Project Sponsored by SUNTEL
The project was funded by Suntel to provide psychosocial support to the people of Matara District, and was first launched in 2006. Since then, the Regional Director of Health Services and the Consultant Psychiatrist, assisted by five MOMHs have made great efforts to develop the services in the district of Matara, Apart from expanding facilities in the Matara hospital, this group has established a number of community support centres and outreach clinics in disadvantaged areas. They also have carried many training programmes and made an effort to develop the capacity of the health and other services in the district.
A progress evaluation meeting was held on 23rd March, 2009 convened by the Regional Director of Health Services at which an awareness programme on mental health for teachers, pre-school teachers and estate sector was discussed. Accordingly, Regional Director of Health Services, had successfully conducted three pogrammes for training of school teachers, six programmes for pre-school teachers and two programmes for the estate workers in six MOH areas in Kotapola, Morawaka , Kamburupitiya. Thihagoda, Matara and Devinuwara in the Matara district. Sahanaya provided financial support in a sum of Rs.314,800/- to meet the estimated cost of the programme. .
At the initiative of Dr.Ranjani Seneviratne, Consultant Psychiatrist, Matara, Day Care and Rehabilitation Centres were established at the District Hospital Akuressa and Base Hospital Deniyaya during they year under review. Sahanaya provided the two centres with the required furniture and equipment. at a cost of Rs.244,287/-.
The Management Committee gratefully acknowledges the invaluable contribution made by Dr. A.S.D.de Silva, Regional Director of Health Services, Matara, Dr.Ranjani Seneviratne, Consulant Psychiatrist, Matara and MOHS towards the development of mental health activities in the district of Matara. Sahanaya, and looks forward to their continued support..
3 Sahanaya Resource Centre, Borella
Sahanaya Resource Centre, Borella, comes under the purview of Dr.Nirosha Mendis. Director, who is assisted by the Administrator of the centre, and professional and non professional staff.
The centre provided professional and support services focusing on four areas – clinical, rehabilitation, education and training.
3.1 Activities – 2009
3.1.1 Professional Activities
The focus of Sahanaya activities has been mainly on three groups viz
a) The long term mentally ill
b) Persons with psychosocial problems
c) Community and special groups
3.1.2 Clinical Services
Borella Centre provided both clinical and counseling services to those who attended the centre.
The consultant psychiatrist attended to those who required psychiatric care, and treatment.
The Senior Cousellor attended to those who required counseling.
All mentally ill persons who sought admission to the day care centre, were advised to provide a referral letter from the psychiatrists who were treating them.
They were provided with continuing care through clinical treatment, counseling, individual therapy, group therapy family support, home visits etc.
3.1.3 Rehabilitation Services
Daily activities such as self care programmes, communication and creative skills enhancement, were conducted at the rehabilitation department, to improve the mental status of our clients.
Activities such as English, Art, Sewing, Computer training, Music, Cookery classes were conducted during 2009.
Clients were taken to see movies, visit to the zoological garden, Pinnawala Elephant orphanage and the Dalada Maligawa as recreational and leisure activities.
34 new clients joined Sahanaya during the year under review. An average of 38 clients per month attended Sahanaya during 2009.
The Management extends its grateful thanks to all volunteers who have dedicated their time, effort and finances to help the clients.
3.1.4 Special Activities
World Mental Health Day
The World Mental Health Day 10th October) was commemorated at Sahanaya. Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda Secretary, Ministry of Highways and Road Development graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Mr. Hasantha Hettiarachchi, the popular TV News caster / presenter was the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva, Provincial Director of Health Services, Western Province, Dr. P.A.L. Harischandra, Director Public Health Veterinary Services, Dr. Sarath Deniyage, Director, Anti Malaria Campaign, Dr. (Mrs) R.V.H. De Silva, Medical Officer, STD / AIDS Control Pragramme along with trainee nurses, members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Management Committee Members, staff and clients were some of the distinguished invitees present on the occasion.
Prof. Nalaka Mendis, the President of the National Council for Mental Health- Sahanaya, Director, Dr. Nirosha Mendis, Dr, Amal Harsha De Silva, Mr. Hasantha Hettiarachchi and Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda addressed the gathering.
The Management Committee wishes to thank the sister Principal of the Nurses training School, Mulleriyawa and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, for extending their cooperation to make the event a success.
An exhibition was also held, where information on mental health and some areas of health was disseminated.. The exhibition comprised the following stalls.
Sahanaya Stalls
Mental Health epidemiology
Common Psychiatric illnesses
3. Nutrition and Health
4. Counselling
5. Psychiatric drugs
6. Information on Diploma in Counselling and Mental Health
7. Information on Sahanaya
8. Art Exhibition by Clients
9. Crafts Exhibition by clients
NGO’s
1. Sumithrayo
2. Help Age
3. Melmedura
4. Women In Need
5. Ranaviru Sevana
6. Richmand Fellowship
Government Institutions
1. Anti TB Campaign
2. STD, AIDS Campaign
3. Dengue Control Unit
4. Nursing Training Institute
5. Anti-Rabies Campaign
Pharmaceutical Companies
1. Sun Pharma
The whole event was sponsored by Sun Pharmaceuticals.
Walk
A walk was held on the following day. Members of the Management Committee, volunteers, staff and Sahanaya clients took part.
The Management Committee is thankful to M/s Ceylon Cold Stores for providing soft drinks to all the participants and the principal, staff and students of the British School in Colombo for their help in making the walk a great success.
3.1.5 Public Education
Medical Exhibition Negombo
Sahanaya took part in a Medical Exhibition organized by the Base Hospital Negombo at their premises. The stall allocated to Sahanaya displayed posters giving information on Mental Health. Brochures were also distributed among the visitors to the exhibition.
3.1.6 Training Programme
The students from the Colombo, Sri Jayawardhanapura and the Colombo North medical faculties attended Sahanaya as part of their psychiatric assignment through out the year under review.
An awareness programme on Sahanaya and its activities was conducted for Trainee Nurses from the Training School, Mulleriyawa.
Diploma in Counseling and Mental Health
The above course was introduced to the Training Programme on a proposal made by Dr. Nirosha Mendis, Director. Accordingly, the necessary arrangements were put in place to locate the required resource persons and to register the course with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.
The course was advertised in the news papers and in response 22 participants had registered by the end of the year. The course is due to commence in January, 2010 and would end in March, 2011.
3.1.7 Advocacy Group
Sahanaya as in previous years has benefited much from the Advocacy Group, Psychiatrists, Volunteers, Caregivers and Clients.
Volunteers
The volunteers have contributed significantly towards the rehabilitation progrmme. They have conducted numerous activities to support the rehabilitation of Sahanaya clients.
Caregivers
Monthly meetings of the caregivers were held during the year. Dr Nirosha Mendis and Dr. Usha Gunawardhana addressed some of these meetings and were able to inform the caregivers about their clients.
Clients group
The meeting of the clients group was held every month. They discussed various problems they had and also planned a number of events such as picnics, movies and outings etc. Sahanaya organized these events for them. .
The clients were taken to the Kelaniya Viharaya, Zoological Gardens and to Sri Dalada Maligawa They also availed of the opportunity to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on their way to Kandy.
3.1.8 Special Events
Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebrations were held on the 23rd of April 2009.
The Year end party for the clients was held on the 29th of December 2009.
The Management Committee wishes to thank the volunteers, caregivers and the staff for organizing the above events.
Visit by Film / TV / Radio artistes
The Management Committee wish to thank the following film TV and Radio artistes who entertained Sahanya clients during the year.
Mr. Suriya Kumara
Mr. Suraj Mapa
Mr. Hasantha Hettiarachchi
Mr. Bimal Jayakodi
Mrs. Sujani Menaka
3.1.9 Staff Changes
Mr.S.A.J.Jayasekera, Coordinator, Clinical & Rehabilitation, left the services of Sahanaya in June, 2009, due to ill health.
4 SAHANAYA RESOURCE CENTRE, GORAKANA
4.1 Residential Facility
Sahanaya Resource Centre, Gorakana provides a residential rehabilitation facility. While the target is to have a minimum of 20 clients, from its inception about 1 ½ years ago, the member of clients remained around 10. A more intensive promotional campaign is clearly necessary. The demand for such facilities exist and the need for financial viability of the operation is imperative.
Operation of such facilities requires experience in managing food and accommodation and the associated logistics support, and the human resources needed, in addition to providing the professional medical support needed. Sahanaya needed the help of an organization which had that experience, to manage the place while Sahanaya provided the professional support and the catalytic financial support until financial viability was achieved. Richmond Fellowship which manages such operations was identified as such an organization. Discussion with Richmond Fellowship and in particular with its president Dr. Frank Jayasinghe proved favorable. Richmond Fellowship will manage the Gorakana Centre from January 2010 on a trial basis and will do so initially for a year. Both parties will review the situation them, to asses whether the partnership could continue with mutual satisfaction. Richmond Fellowship under the understanding will also work towards making the operation financially viable and sustainable and develop the facility and services towards making it a model for such services and for attracting more clients to the centre. Many more such facilities are needed in the country.
4.2.1 Activities in 2009.
Clinical & Rehabilitation
Clinical and rehabilitation activities were carried out as usual ably assisted by Dr.Usha Gunawadhana, Consultant Psychiatrist
A special anti dengue campaign .was organized jointly by the clinical staff and the clients. Three volunteers assisted in conducting therapy programme for the residential clients. The clients with the assistance of the technical staff made lanterns for the Vesak Festival and, in fact, 60 lanterns were sold to the community. Music and drama therapy sessions were conducted helped by a few volunteers. The clients prepared paintings and writings for the Wall Magazine with the help of a Mental Health Worker.
Skills development activities and some activities for leisure and recreation included, fabric painting, horticulture, computer training making clay pots etc. and an outing to Aqua Pearl Hotel .including a walk.
Two clients found placements on on the job training at Ranmal Holiday Resort and garment factory. A male client was sent to Ranmal Holiday Resort to work as a Steward cum Helper. One client succeeded in obtaining a trainee job at a grocery and another at a Nursery School for a short time. Permanent employment for a day care client was found at Dialog GSM, Colombo. Their performance is being monitored periodically.
4.2.2. Special Events
A few handicraft items produced by the clients were displayed at the exhibition organized by the Borella Centre on 9th October, 2009 in commemoration of the World Mental Health Day
The clients also prepared decorations for the Christmas tree guided by two MHOs. .
4.2.3 Resignation
Professionals
Dr.Usha Gunawadhana, Consultant Psychiatrist, who had been assisting both centres, Borella and Gorakana in professional work for a considerable period of time, resigned on 29.10.2009.
The Management Committee records its grateful thanks and deep appreciation to Dr.Gunawardhana for the contribution so willingly made towards rehabilitation and clinical activities of the two centres and development of professional programmes.
5 ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL HEALTH
5.1 The Council is managed by the President with the Secretary, Chief Administrator and Accountant. The council secretariat serves as the operational arm of the Management Committee for Sahanaya activities.
Dr.Nirosha Mendis, who voluntarily agreed to provide the necessary leadership to the professional work both at Borella and Gorakana, was appointed as Director/NCMH in January, 2009, and immediately initiated a number of measures to improve the technical quality and minimize costs. This move provided a window of opportunity to respond to emerging demands of the services for development of mental health care, transforming Sahanaya to a responsive/effective enterprise and taking it forward to greater heights in the area of mental health.
The Director was responsible for conduct of professional programmes viz conceptualisation, development, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of professional programmmes.
5.2 Staff Changes
Borella - New Appointments
01 Ms.K.D.Susanthi Fernando, Mental Health Officer w.e.f. 23.03.2009
02 Dr.P.H.Malin Kumara, Pre-Medical Intern Research Assistant, w.e.f. 29.04.2009
Mr.Victor Abeysekera, Administrative Officer, who had served Sahanaya for an uninterrupted period of 16 long years passed away peacefully on 6th January, 2009.
The Management Committee of the National Council for Mental Health place on record its deep sense of loss on the passing away of Mr.Victor Abeysekera.
6 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
6.1 The financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2009 are on page 14 to .
17. These have been duly audited by M/s Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants.
Shortfall in revenue is mainly due to the following,
I. Interest income reduced by Rs. 0.4 million on account of lower yields from investments during the latter part of the year. Yield for the year being 16.5% compared to 19% received for the previous year.
II. Fewer fund rising activities failed to bring in the desired effect.
The deficit recorded Rs. 3,475,139/= should be looked at from the point of view that the depreciation charge for the year 2009 of Rs. 2,728,918/= (Year 2008 – Rs. 2,812,179/=). The depreciation charge does not involve outflow of funds. The actual cash shortfall for the year on operation being Rs. 746,221/=.
It is noteworthy to mention that there is a reduction in the yields received from investments to 15% as at present and further reductions are forecasted for the future. Therefore it is important that we engage in fund rising activities to arrest the cash shortfalls in our operations for the future.
As per the audited Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2009 on page 17, the total investments stood at Rs. 20 million which Rs. 6.2 million identified as fund allocated for specific projects.
7. DONATIONS
Donations over Rs.5,000/- received during the year:
Name
Rs.
Mr.B.D.W.Edirisooriya
20,000.00
Mendis Mackwoods Charity Funds
27,500.00
Hayleys PLC
10,000.00
Perera & Sons (Bakers) Ltd
18,000.00
WMHD Day
Harcourts (Pvt) Ltd.
60,000.00
Mr.J.H.Ariyaratnam
20,000.00
Year end Party
Ceylon Tea Marketing (Pvt) Ltd
Associated Motorways
Mr.Viran de Zoysa
Mr.Nazim Buhary
Mr.Tilak de Zoysa
Mrs.I. Weerasinghe
15,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
8,000.00
Donation (Lunch)
Mrs.Renuka Perera
13,810.00
Web Site launching
Ms.Indu Kundenmal
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Mega Pharmacy
5,000.00
60,000.00
80,000.00
Sahanaya also continues to receive many donations in kind. Among the major donations were the following:-
Messrs.Van Rees Ltd
3 kgs of tea leaves per month
Messrs. Tea Tang Ltd
3 kgs of tea leaves per month
Messrs. Upali Newspapers Ltd
A copy each of the Divaina and Island
Daily
Messrs. Associated Newspapers Ceylon Ltd
Dinamina and Daily News on week days
only
8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Several individuals, public agencies, corporate sector, community organizations, international agencies etc., have supported the National Council for Mental Health in its activities during the year under review. The Council wishes to place on record its gratitude for all such support The Council acknowledges its particular indebtedness to the following
* The Management Committee of the National Council for Mental Health
* Desamanya Ken Balendra ( Chairman) and the Board of Trustees
* Ministry of Health & Nutrition
* The Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare
* The Department of Social Services (Western Province)
* Divisional Secretariat , Thimbirigasyaya
* Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
* University Psychiatric Unit of the National Hospital, Colombo
* Visiting staff of Sahanaya Centre in Borella and Gorakana
