In keeping with current efforts to improve the well being of the community, preventive work is given high priority. All efforts are made to minimize other harmful practices that can lead to suicide and suicidal feelings. E.g. Drug use; stress related behaviors; violence; ignoring mental illness etc.

Through these awareness and education programmes Sumithrayo attempt to change harmful opinions and beliefs relating to the act of suicide and thereby reduce the value placed on this harmful practice. Focus is on helping the community to understand that suicide is the outcome of multiple issues arising from biological, sociological and psychological factors. Very often trigger factors are mistaken for the real reasons. These are considered as promotional responses and should be minimized especially in the event of media reports. Ultimately, the value placed on a suicidal response is expected to be diminished. The entire community will begin to realize that suicide is not the rational response of a rational human being.

Sumithrayo have developed a package to cope with this need and present it as a Healthy Lifestyle Programme. The foundation programme is a one day workshop with 6 follow-up programmes during a period of 12 months. It is participatory and inter-active with the participating group limited to 30 persons. Reservations could be made by contacting Mel Medura. Tel 2694665.