On World Mental Health Day 2026, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) calls for the meaningful participation of people with lived experience of mental health conditions in shaping mental health policies, legislation and services, in line with this year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.”

The HRCSL emphasises the need to strengthen community-based mental health care, rehabilitation and social protection, while ensuring dignity, autonomy, equality and freedom from discrimination, abuse and neglect. The Commission also highlights concerns regarding resource shortages, access to professional care and inadequate regulatory oversight in certain residential care settings.

The HRCSL urges the Government to establish an independent and effective regulatory mechanism to monitor mental health and residential care services and ensure appropriate standards of care and accountability. The Commission further stresses that the proposed Mental Health Act must comply with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations and be developed through a transparent, inclusive and participatory process.

The voices of people with lived experience must not merely be heard; they must inform decisions and bring about meaningful change.

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Message of the Chairperson of HRCSL on World Mental Health Day 2026 10102026