Conflict-related trauma in an Asian country: a report from Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper discusses the psychological aspects of the armed conflict that has ravaged Sri Lanka for many years. It briefly reviews the psychological correlates and consequences of war, with special emphasis on the Sri Lankan context. Types of war trauma seen in Sri Lanka are discussed and the relevant research that has been conducted in the country is presented, where appropriate. Finally, the services available for those traumatized, and the various organizations that have been set up for dealing with the psychological ramifications of war trauma, are described.