AmCham Sri Lanka tackles burnout and mental health in commemoration of IWD 2024

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) hosted a successful forum titled “Reclaim Wellness: Redefine Success” on 1 March 2024 at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. 

The event, promoting the tag line “Empowered People Ask for Help” addressed the critical rising issue of burnout, particularly among women in the post-pandemic landscape where statistics reveal that one in four Sri Lankan households are led by women, often balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities. 

This “double burden” contributes to a disproportionate impact of burnout on women, affecting not only their mental well-being but also their performance and the broader economy. Studies show that burnout leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates, impacting businesses significantly. Conversely, a workforce that prioritises well-being fosters engagement, innovation, and a stronger overall economy.

The forum, moderated by Savithri Rodrigo, featured and an inspiring panel discussion with esteemed speakers, including US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J Chung, Brandix Corporate Campus CEO Priyanga Dassanayake, Consultant Psychiatrist and University of Kelaniya Lecturer Dr. Chamara Wijesinghe, Artist and Entertainer Corrinne Almedia and AmCham Sri Lanka General Manager Vrai Raymond. 

The discussion explored various aspects of wellness and work-life balance including the economic impact of stress, anxiety, and burnout, societal and self-imposed pressures that contribute to burnout and impact mental health, practical strategies to manage stress, prioritise self-care, and cultivate inner resilience and the importance of building a supportive network and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support.

The Panel discussion was followed by a keynote by Hemas Holdings PLC Group CEO Kasthuri Chellaraja Wilson, who shared inspiration from her own personal journey of defining holistic success through a healthy work-life balance. 

Ambassador Chung stated in her address: “This evening’s theme – on reclaiming wellness and redefining success – is front and centre in the efforts towards women’s empowerment, mental health, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Thank you to AmCham for organising this thought-provoking and timely event. [It is] a conversation that hopefully helps all of us – men and women alike – find our own balance and better model the authenticity and acceptance that are intrinsic to healthy and adaptable organisations.”

AmCham Sri Lanka President Shirendra Lawrence said: “We are proud to have facilitated this important conversation on women’s well-being and addressing these challenges that have such an impact on both the social and economic fabric of our nation. By empowering women to tackle these less-addressed issues in a practical and healthy manner, we contribute to a more inclusive and thriving society.”