Post-Conflict Sri Lanka: The Lack of Mental Health Research and Resources among Affected Populations

This paper examines the available published literature on the post-conflict and tsunami disaster mental health concerns in Sri Lanka. By identifying relevant findings from literature published near the end of the war in 2009 and onwards, important gaps in mental health research and resources can be assessed. PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were assessed to identify all published articles available from 2009-01-01 onwards. Studies included in this paper discuss mental health programs and understanding related to communities, children, pregnant women, health care workers, and soldiers. It is clear that research gaps are present among all elements of mental health issues especially concerning the post-conflict situation. With the lack of appropriate mental health research and resources available in Sri Lanka, future studies need to incorporate up to date understanding and knowledge to improve mental health interventions and evaluations in Sri Lanka.