Tribe, R (2006) Health Pluralism - A More Appropriate Alternative to Western Models of Therapy in the Context of the conflict and

Natural Disaster in Sri Lanka?

Is the use of Oracles, such as Pattirakaliyaman, similar to our concept of talking therapies; e.g. counselling, psychoanalysis etc ?

There are obvious main differences, of course. the Oracle does most of the talking, giving advice or in some cases goading those who visit to do this or that.

or embodies the suffering of those who come to visit and provides ritual prescription rather than medication.

However, it is obvious that visits to oracles like Satkirani offers some comfort to those suffering from traumatic experiences, and can provide a similar healing function of western mental health therapies. Since the end of the civil war an increasing number of aid agencies and NGOs have been promoting the use of modern techniques to ease the social suffering which continues to affect Sri Lankans. However, attempts at rolling out psycho therapy counselling across the country has met some resistance as the concepts used to do not have any real resonance with the local population

Tribe, R (2006) Health Pluralism - A More Appropriate Alternative to Western Models of Therapy in the Context of the conflict and Natural Disaster in Sri Lanka?

Anecdote: traumatised person came for counselling, it did not help, but after completing a ritual he became better... because he had no faith in counselling and had faith in tradition

Mental health stigmas, still common enough in the west , also affect peoples perceptions in Sri Lanka. However, they can have wider implications; mental issues are often viewed locally as consequence of bad karma or bad blood which can affect marriage prospects of family members. These negative affects could last generations.

Also, he concept of karma, whereby conditions and life experiences are seen to be preordained by actions in previous lives, is seen as external source of control. Does not fit western notions of individual choice and causality which are key ideas in western therapy. You have the power to heal yourself.

Tribe, R (2006) Health Pluralism - A More Appropriate Alternative to Western Models of Therapy in the Context of the conflict and Natural Disaster in Sri Lanka?

Similarly, pain and suffering can also be viewed as a form of punishment , and talking to counsellors or psychotherapists can be seen as shaming or betraying the ancestors who can only be appeased through the rituals provided by oracles like Satkirani.

So obviously , there is evidence that modern methods have been successful in treating the Sri Lankan population but as we have heard traditional ritual healing plays an important role. So, perhaps the best way to help the Sri Lankan people is for a decision makers to promote a combination of the two.

psychological breakdown was usually seen as inner weakness, rather than a normal reaction to abnormal events