Empowering Students to Overcome Stress: A Counseling Session on Managing Academic Pressure

On 18th February 2026, the Student’s Counseling Unit of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka organized a vital counseling session to help undergraduates tackle the mental challenges of university life. Held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Epiphany Auditorium of the Faculty of Technology , this session provided students with the necessary tools to manage stress related to exams, assignments, and general life uncertainties.

The session was conducted by Dr. Chaminda Weerasiriwardhana, a senior Psychiatrist and Counselor with extensive experience in mental health. Dr. Weerasiriwardhana’s expert guidance focused on how students could better manage academic stress, find clarity despite challenges, and address common concerns such as: “Why do I feel so stressed about assignments and exams?”, “How can I overcome the feeling of having no direction?”, and “What should I do when I feel aimless and stuck?”

The programme was primarily designed for undergraduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, though students from other faculties of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka were also invited. This initiative was organized under the mentorship of Prof. EMS Ekanayake, the Dean of FSSH. Professor Ekanayake’s commitment to student welfare was reflected in the positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the session’s practical advice on balancing academic demands with personal well-being.

The event underscored the importance of addressing mental health as a key aspect of academic success. By offering psychological support and stress management techniques, the counseling programme aimed to empower undergraduates, helping them not only to survive but to thrive during their university years