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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was the first South Asian country to receive a middle-income status. However, significant inequalities remain in the north, east, and rural south. In 2022, inflation increased by almost  55% with shortages in food, fuel, and medicine. Food inflation in particular rose to over 85%. The cost-of-living crises, and economic challenges overall have exacerbated mental health issues, and reduced economic opportunities for communities, particularly women and youth.

Women with a cooking pot

Our focus area

Mental Health

The aftermath of the Civil War, the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, COVID-19 pandemic, and the more recent economic crisis has led to an increase in mental health issues in Sri Lanka. There is a shortage of service providers, and where they do exist, they need support. Women and girls in particular need greater access to mental health services.  

Our work is focused on:  

  • increasing community awareness of mental health  
  • increasing capacity of mental health service providers  
  • accessible mental health services  

Key Project

  • Strengthening children and youth mental health in Sri Lanka

    This project strengthens the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people through community-based psychosocial support, holistic learning and caregiver engagement.

Past work

  • Improving well-being and livelihood opportunities in Sri Lanka

    Outdoor image with trees and women looking into distance, Sri Lanka
  • Emergency support

    With the ongoing economic and political crises, we provided short-term emergency relief during 2022 and 2023, delivering food packs , medicines and medical equipment to hospitals in over seven districts through a local partner. We also supported a project to improve food security of families in Trincomale by providing training and equipment to sustain home gardens.

Latest news

  • News & events

    British Asian Trust provides emergency food and medical relief in Sri Lanka