The ferocious Ditwah cyclone showcased nature's wrath, not only devastating thousands of lives materially but also shattering their hopes for tomorrow. Even as the winds have subsided, the fear and uncertainty still echo loudly in the minds of thousands sheltering in safety centers. What they need is not just a roof over their heads, but the mental strength to rise again. Prioritizing this humanitarian responsibility, the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national program has launched a landmark mission titled ‘Beyond Recovery’.
A foundational workshop for train the trainers was held on 19th December at the Presidential Secretariat to enhance mental well-being for disaster-affected individuals at the district level. This went beyond a mere official event, marking the commencement of the grand ‘Beyond Recovery’ mission to reignite faith in life among the vulnerable. Chaired by Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanaayake, the workshop was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Clean Sri Lanka Convener Mr. Rasel Aponsu, Additional Secretary to the President of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat Mr. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, Parliamentarian and Clean Sri Lanka Kandy District Coordinator Mr. Thanura Dissanayake, along with Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat officials, subject experts, and specialists.
Esteemed scholars in mental health and senior officials from relevant ministries generously shared their knowledge and expertise to achieve this noble goal. Beyond discussions, the workshop developed scientific modules and structured counseling programs for implementation in safety centers across affected districts. These will equip field officers with technical and humanitarian tools to heal shattered minds and reintegrate suffering communities as active societal participants.
‘Clean Sri Lanka’ is more than a project to cleanse the external environment and its core aim is to elevate Sri Lankan society's social, ethical, and environmental well-being. Amid this tragic disaster, the program fully supports the government's immense efforts to uplift and empower the afflicted. Even in crisis, refusing to abandon any front and striving to improve quality of life remains our collective noble duty.
The active contributions from all participants, leveraging their expertise, will soon reach the people through safety centers. Restoring smiles to the eyes of those tormented by the Ditwah cyclone and rebuilding them as resilient citizens will undoubtedly be the mission's ultimate triumph.