Business community collaborate

Mental patients found employment

The doors of the National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, in Angoda, were opened to the business community, for the first time since its inception in 1926. The business community was invited to visit the Institute at an "Open Day" held at its premises on 8th January.

The program was organised by the NIMH in collaboration with Voluntary Service Overseas, VSO and the Business for Peace Alliance, BPA, Sri Lanka's network of regional business chambers.

Members of the business community who made the long journey to Angoda , were pleasantly surprised to discover a friendly, caring institute committed to transforming the lives of Sri Lankans affected with mental disorders to lead normal lives.

The Institute with its well laid out gardens, bright and clean interior provided a pleasant environment to those who spend endless days, months and years there.

The scene witnessed by those who attended this event, dispelled age old ideas of a "Lunatic Asylum at Angoda" The purpose of the "Open Day" at the NIMH was to show case the skills and talents of the patients at Angoda and invite the business community to partner the Institute in its efforts to cure patients and integrate them to normal social life by providing income generating opportunities.

The Institute through its Training Department, is well organised and equipped to train inmates to produce handicraft and engage in cottage industries. The products turned out were showcased at a mini exhibition. All the products adhered to high standards in quality. Several prestigious companies are already placing orders for products from the NIHM. The space and facilities to turn out products to cater to market needs is available within the Institute.

The business community who participated in the program was also enlightened on current programs where inmates of the NIHM are employed by Industries. The inmates remain housed in the NIMH under the care of the staff and commute daily to their places of work.