Professor Richard N. Lalonde  Department of Psychology York University, Canada 

Shell Shock to Palali Syndrome: PTSD Sri Lankan Experience traces the history of trauma in Sri Lanka, from the experiences of a few “shell-shocked” Sri Lankan soldiers during World War II to the widespread psychological damage caused by the decades-long civil war and the 2004 tsunami.  Dr. Jayatunge introduces the term “Palali Syndrome” as a metaphor for the specific post-traumatic reactions and long-term readjustment problems faced by Sri Lankan combatants and society following the prolonged Eelam War. Palali, a military base in the north, becomes a powerful symbol of the battle stress and lasting psychological wounds.  A key point in this book is the initial and long-standing denial of PTSD by Sri Lankan authorities, who often dismissed it as an “American illness.” The book highlights the painful process of overcoming this official reluctance to acknowledge combat-related trauma, which left countless victims untreated for years.  The work documents the vast number of psychological casualties—far beyond the combatants—that include civilians, child soldiers, and war widows. The book illustrates these different presentations with narrative case examples, making the abstract concept of PTSD more relatable.  Dr. Jayatunge argues that the widespread trauma has damaged Sri Lanka’s social fabric, contributing to increased rates of social violence, political extremism, criminal activities, domestic violence, suicide, and substance abuse in the postwar era.  The book warns that the psychological echoes of the conflict will affect future generations unless appropriate measures are taken to heal the nation.  Dr. Jayatunge emphasizes the need for culturally and religiously appropriate methods of therapy. He discusses the use of Western approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), alongside traditional methods, such as meditation and spiritual practices.  The book calls for policymakers and authorities to prioritize and provide the necessary rehabilitation and treatment facilities for trauma victims. It advocates for addressing psychological trauma at the individual, family, and community levels to foster empathy and healing.

Professor Richard N. Lalonde  
Department of Psychology 
York University, Canada