The Hon. Lal Premanath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the motion I brought is highly sensitive. To help stabilize it, I first thank MP T. K. Jayasundara and also Hon. Aruna Panagoda, who added many points. I also extend my respect to the Hon. Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Dinindu Saman, and the Hon. Minister and the Ministry for informing us of the work already done and demonstrating that there is an effective programme while speaking with a broad understanding of this issue.

¶ 02 With the brief time I have, I will add a few new points.

¶ 03 As the Hon. Deputy Minister stated, there are several main causes of suicide: educational pressure and examination stress; family conflicts and domestic difficulties; the pressure of social acceptance and the stress that results, including online harassment; and certain mental disorders that are not easily treated clinically—for example, depressive and anxiety states, and exposure to traumatic events. Especially in such instances, these conditions can persist for two or three days and then subside. But because these conditions are not recognized during that short period by the individual’s surroundings or parents, we have lost valuable lives. That too must be viewed as a principal cause. We have also seen how family economic hardship often contributes.

¶ 04 Imitation is another factor. I recall a famous actor who died by suicide, recording it publicly. There were several such incidents, and at that time we saw a trend. Children, out of curiosity, imitated it and a wave of young lives was lost. Therefore, I believe we must pay special attention to these.

¶ 05 We know the World Health Organization has guidelines on reporting such matters. I also believe that, contrary to those guidelines, promoting such content should be treated as an offence. We must take legal action against publicizing methods and glamorizing them as acts of heroism. Notably, even some songs contribute to this. Instead of songs that build courage and help one face challenges, there are defeatist songs with ideas that make one want to flee even from one’s responsibilities and from life itself. Lyricists and singers who produce and perform such songs should be distanced from society. In my view, what they do is a grave crime.

¶ 06 We must also pay greater attention to online games that children are becoming engrossed in due to technology. In recent times, several tragic incidents have been reported as a result. Therefore, I propose to the subject Ministry that, when formulating new laws, such experiences and issues be considered.

¶ 07 Hon. Presiding Member, we should establish a national 24-hour rapid response unit and provide an emergency hotline. Alternatively, a task force should be set up to intervene when such incidents arise. When teachers, parents, or any institution reports someone in a depressive state, swift measures must be taken to rescue him or her from that condition. In reality, people do not go to see a psychiatrist by paying money in such moments. Because our society stigmatizes mental healthcare with labels like “mad,” some seek treatment for physical illnesses but not for mental illnesses. Therefore, we must consider this with serious attention.

¶ 08 Above all, we must build character in every person, every child, every student. We know the Hon. Minister of Education is including this in the curriculum through new education reforms. That is of utmost importance. To produce citizens with strong character, our education system should include such courses. I think it would not be amiss to make character development a compulsory subject. Due to weaknesses in character development, we are losing many lives. Owing to society’s neglect, some individuals have given up their lives; if they had an opportunity to speak, they would say, “I wish to return to this world; I acted too hastily then.” No one truly wishes to leave life. Therefore, I propose we devote even greater attention to this matter, and, thanking again all who contributed to this debate, I conclude.

¶ 09 Question put, and agreed to.