Bridging Policy and Practice: Gaps in Child Psychological Assessment Systems in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Child mental health evaluation is essential for early detection, intervention, and prevention of psychological difficulties. In Sri Lanka, although child and adolescent mental health is increasingly recognized as a public health priority, the absence of a standardized, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive psychological assessment framework remains a major policy limitation. This study critically examines national and system-level gaps in child psychological assessment through an analysis of policy frameworks, institutional structures, and current practices. Using a qualitative policy analysis approach, the study draws on national policy documents, institutional reports, and recent literature (2021 - 2026). The findings highlight several interconnected challenges, including the lack of a national framework, over-reliance on hospital-based models, weak integration with the education system, shortage of trained professionals, absence of culturally validated tools, fragmented data systems, and limited attention to vulnerable populations. The study proposes a multi-level model integrating school-based assessments, culturally adapted tools, and centralized monitoring mechanisms.