ICRC – University of Jaffna Academic Collaboration and Guest Lecture on Ambiguous Loss
The Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, successfully conducted an academic engagement in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Sri Lanka, on 25 September 2026.
The programme aimed to strengthen academic collaboration between the University of Jaffna and the ICRC, particularly in the areas of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), ambiguous loss, and its psychological consequences.
As part of the engagement, a meeting was held with Ms. Arundathi Abeypala, Programme Manager of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme at the ICRC, Sri Lanka, together with the Dean and academic staff members of the Department of Philosophy. Discussions focused on the possibilities of developing a collaborative partnership to integrate the concepts of ambiguous loss and MHPSS into relevant academic programmes and curricula of the University of Jaffna. Opportunities for academic capacity-building, including participation in an online course on ambiguous loss offered by the University of Minnesota, USA, were also discussed.
Furthermore, a guest lecture entitled “Ambiguous Loss and Its Psychological Consequences” was conducted for Psychology students in the afternoon. The lecture provided valuable insights into the psychological and emotional challenges experienced by families of missing persons and individuals affected by ambiguous loss. It also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, psychosocial support, and appropriate approaches to addressing the psychological consequences of unresolved loss.
An interactive question-and-answer session provided students with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and deepen their understanding of the subject.
The programme marked an important step towards strengthening academic cooperation between the University of Jaffna and the ICRC and enhancing students’ knowledge of contemporary issues in psychology, mental health, and psychosocial well-being.
