Feb 23, Colombo: Sahanaya, a non-governmental organization that provide services in Sri Lanka's mental health sector says that annually 200,000 to 300,000 of Sri Lanka's population are suffering from some form of mental disorder or disease. The organization further points out that 3,000 to 4,000 among them are suicidal.

However Sri Lanka has only around fifteen psychiatrists for the care of the mentally disordered, Health Ministry sources say.

Sahanaya that celebrates its silver jubilee this year provides professional counseling, an Information Centre and a library service, Training programmes and rehabilitation for long term mental patients.

Sahanaya President, Prof. Nalaka Mendis said that the organization has around 250 volunteers to provide services to the mental patients.