Colombo, Sep. 21 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka’s repeated exposure to war, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship and natural disasters has left many people dealing with layers of trauma and loss, with earlier experiences of distress often resurfacing after new crises, a recent study has found.
The study, titled Addressing Disaster-Related Trauma and Loss in Sri Lanka, found that the psychological impact of disasters cannot be viewed as isolated incidents, as repeated crises can compound emotional distress and make recovery more difficult.
The research, conducted by Mithilaimaran Theivendran of the University of Kerala, examined 25 research papers, government documents and reports published between 2010 and 2025.
It found that trauma linked to Sri Lanka’s past crises extends beyond deaths and injuries, with people also experiencing the loss of homes, livelihoods, social networks, financial security and a sense of stability.
According to the study, people who have already experienced conflict, displacement, bereavement or economic hardship may be more vulnerable when faced with another crisis.
The research also highlighted how recent disasters, including Cyclone Ditwa, may trigger memories and emotional responses linked to earlier traumatic experiences.
The study found that anxiety, depression, fear, emotional exhaustion and uncertainty about the future were among the psychological impacts identified across the reviewed literature.
It also noted that many people rely on family, religious practices and community networks to cope with crises, while others may respond through withdrawal, social isolation and emotional avoidance.
Moreover, access to mental health support remains another challenge, with stigma, financial difficulties, shortages of trained professionals and uneven availability of services identified as barriers, particularly for vulnerable and disaster-affected communities.
The study argues that disaster response in Sri Lanka should therefore go beyond addressing immediate physical and material damage.
It calls for long-term mental health and psychosocial support that takes into account people’s previous experiences of trauma and loss, while strengthening community-based and culturally sensitive support systems.
Bernard Jayatilake Monday, 21 September 2026 12:37 PM
The latest crisis which seems to be insurmountable is the unrealized and never to be realized dream of promised Beautiful Life which has increased trauma and depression among the people who have been let down.
Leel Monday, 21 September 2026 03:46 PM
We need to work hard towards that goal, giving up our habit of trying to steal our way to success. It's not too late for you too. But stop dancing at rallies drunk.
S P Monday, 21 September 2026 07:08 PM
Start with a smart, truthful and a competent government then talk about working hard. Individuals cannot lift themselves without a good economic policy environment.
Seqi Tuesday, 22 September 2026 04:50 AM
The trauma is no more or less suffered by other humans in the world.... it's called living on planet earth.
ahtikar Tuesday, 22 September 2026 02:10 PM
So very true! That's a great perspective to have as almost everyone has some individual difficulties, demons or diseases to overcome or fight against.
Anagarika Thursday, 24 September 2026 03:02 AM
Our universities need to produce people who have the knowledge and expertise to help the country and its people deal with the challenges we face now and in the future. We keep plunging from one crisis to another and never learn from these experiences. By now we should be experts in crisis management and mitigation. But instead we are caught off guard and have to turn for assistance from other countries. It starts with a long term vision. Our education system need to cater to the needs of the country that will give us an advantage rather than make us compete with other nations who are much better at something.
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