The counseling program in parallel to the World Mental Health Week -2023 was organized by the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment, Counselling Unit.

 It was held on the 18th of October under the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” at the main auditorium,11th floor of the 2nd stage Sethsiripaya under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Anupa Pasqual, State Minister of Social Empowerment.

Mrs. Yamuna Perera, the Secretary of the Ministry of Woman, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment, Mrs. Priyadarshani, the Director of the Counselling Unit, the heads and officers of each ministry department, including the officers operating at the regional level of the Counseling Division, participated in this event.

Also, Professor of the Department of Sociology at Colombo University, Mr. Mohamed Thahir Mahees, was invited by the Counseling Department and he gave an articulate speech on the importance of counseling as well as mental health. He explained the positive impact on society of psychological stimulation that is absorbed through music, cinema, the beauty of nature, culture, and human interactions without distinction between the rich and the poor.

In this program, Hon. Anupa Pasqual, State Minister for Social Empowerment, spoke about mental empowerment, which is an essential part of social empowerment.

Achieving development goals is not enough to develop a sustainable country. People living in a country should also be developed spiritually. Psychological counseling services are primarily aimed at providing guidance to help people improve their lives mentally, socially, and spiritually.

Minister Anupa Pasqual also mentioned his belief that, alongside the government's program, it's possible to help low-income individuals break free from dependency on subsidies. He suggests creating a lasting system to empower them mentally and guide them toward participating in a productive economy.

As an important part of this program, the third issue of their annual e-magazine named "Upadeshana" was released by the Counseling Division by Hon. Anupa Pasqual, State Minister of Social Empowerment.