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International Conference on Applied Psychology 2014 to promote Psycho-Social development in SL
View(s):The International Conference on Applied Psychology (ICAP) 2014, organised by the Colombo Institute of Research and Psychology (CIRP), will be held from October 22 to 24 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
The conference is a forum of enlightenment for psychologists, researchers, educators, organisational and community practitioners, policymakers, students and scholars on recent psychological research and developments. Renowned researchers worldwide are expected to share their evidence-based research, help stimulate a positive understanding and the best ways to practisce psychology in a country.
The overall theme of ICAP is ‘Psychology in Diverse Context’ where eminent psychologists and researchers are billed as key speakers. Former head of the Psychology Department at the University of Sheffield and an active member of the British Psychological Society, Royal Society of Medicine and Academy of Social Sciences, Professor Graham Turpin, will be the keynote speaker at the event.
He will be joined by former Psychology Coordinator at the Queensland Academy of Sports, Dr Peter Terry. Dr Terry has provided support at Olympics, World Championships and World Cup competitions. He has also published a large number of articles and five books with Sports Psychology as his main focus. Dr. Terry will also work with the Sports Ministry during his visit and educate local coaches on ways of implementing psychological theories during sports practices.
“The field of Psychology is still being developed in the Asian region. This event will provide an opportunity to move forward and become the psychology hub in the region. We hope to make it an annual event with the backing of internationally renowned researchers and psychologists in the world,” said CIRP Academic Affairs Director, Dr Dharshan Perera, adding that, exposure to the subject in the country is timely as we lack psycho-social development.
He said that, during a recent field visit to the North and East, they observed the lack of psycho-social development and people lacked a ‘sense of future’.
“This is because they are not psychologically ready to let go of the past. Infrastructure development is not enough to show that a community is developed, they should have a positive outlook for the future,” Dr. Perera added.
He also said that, a lack of trained counselors in Sri Lanka, drives people are to psychiatrists. He said that a person undergoing a difficult period in his/her life will end up being medicated as a result of this. The doctor explained that, during the conference, they will be able to emphasise the importance of trained counselors and psychologists, which will help expand available resources.
Meanwhile, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, CIRP, Dr K.A. Thulitha Wickrama said that they intend using the conference to launch the first ever South Asian Journal of Psychology, and also formulate the Sri Lanka Association of Applied Psychology (SLAAP).
“The SLAAP will work as a unified body that will look into ethical standards, methods used in the field, professional development and act as an accrediting body. We will mainly involve Sri Lankan academics and professionals in the SLAAP, along with some international persons,” Dr Wickrama said, adding that we lack an active regulating body for counseling in Sri Lanka.
He also said that research papers sent to them will be rigorously reviewed prior to the event, to ensure the best are presented.
Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake and Mass Media & Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella are due to attend the conference.
Information regarding the event can be obtained on its official website www.icapsrilanka.com