Find Freedom With Us In Sri Lanka
We will help you regain your freedom and guide you through your recovery journey.
Why David founded The Emerald
David is a graduate of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and spent over 20 years working in investment banking in London, including as Head of Europe for an ASX 100 global financial services group.
He moved to Sri Lanka in 2008 and has since built businesses across hospitality, wellness, and sustainable tourism — hotels, restaurants, wellness centres, and retreat properties.
David is passionate about combining international standards with Sri Lanka's natural beauty and culture to create environments that support healing and personal growth. This vision led to the establishment of The Emerald, providing high-quality addiction recovery services in a peaceful, restorative setting.
His long-term ambition is to help position Sri Lanka as a destination for world-class recovery, wellness, and mental health support — for local and international clients alike.
A Philosophy Built On Personal Attention
Every plan at The Emerald starts with a full clinical assessment and a case formulation built around the individual — not a fixed track everyone follows. Care blends individual therapy, structured group work, onsite psychiatric support, and holistic practice, in a small, private setting designed to protect your confidentiality throughout.
See It In Practice
our Programme page sets out exactly how a week at The Emerald is structured, session by session.
Set In Sri Lanka's Hill Country
Mountain views, fresh air, and the sound of birds and waterfalls surround The Emerald in Kandy — lush forests, tea plantations, and scenic trails just outside the door. It's a setting built for distance from routine, and space to focus fully on recovery.
Meet the core team
Our core clinical team is drawn from within Sri Lanka and internationally. Experts in psychology, psychiatry, counselling, and nursing bring a deep understanding and experienced approach to the challenges of addiction, mental health, and trauma.
Ryan
Ryan serves as the Wellness Director and Admissions Manager, bringing both professional expertise and personal understanding to his role. Before entering the wellness and recovery field, Ryan enjoyed a successful career in advertising in the US, where he developed strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Dr John Jacobs
John is an experienced therapist from the U.S., specialising in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery. He uses an integrative approach combining evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Alongside his clinical work, John has also contributed to higher education as a university faculty member, sharing his expertise in psychology and therapeutic practices.
John
John brings over 30 years of marketing and business experience from Australia, with expertise in leadership, client relations, business development, and strategic growth. He is passionate about supporting individuals and families, providing guidance and encouragement to help them move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives throughout their recovery journey.
Nisal
Nisal is a mental health and addiction professional specialising in substance use disorders, behavioural addictions, and psychological rehabilitation. With advanced qualifications in addiction psychology and psychiatry, he brings extensive experience in clinical practice, programme leadership, and mental health consultation, contributing to the development of addiction treatment and prevention initiatives.
Muby
Muby is a BACP Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in mental health, trauma, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. She specialises in supporting individuals affected by childhood trauma and complex life experiences, creating a compassionate and collaborative space for healing, resilience, and lasting personal growth.
Rushma
Rushma is an experienced psychologist with over a decade of expertise in mental health and holistic wellbeing. Combining clinical psychology with movement, nutrition, and lifestyle approaches, she supports individuals through a whole-person approach to healing. She is also a social entrepreneur, suicide prevention instructor, and trainer dedicated to creating positive change through education and community initiatives.
Dr Sapumal
Dr. Sapumal is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer specialising in General Adult Psychiatry in Sri Lanka. He brings extensive clinical expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including addiction disorders, through evidence-based psychiatric care.
Fred
Frederick is an Internationally Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP) with extensive experience in addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. Combining evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and 12 Step Therapy with a client-centred philosophy, he supports individuals in developing mindfulness, emotional connection, and sustainable recovery. He also brings 25 years of corporate experience and a compassionate, practical approach to his work.
Kusal
Kusal brings over 13 years of experience in strategy, operations, and process management, supported by a strong academic background in psychology, finance, and management. As a counsellor, senior lecturer, and corporate trainer, he combines leadership expertise with a passion for mental health and community wellbeing to help create a supportive and restorative environment for clients.
Azma
Azma is a Trauma-Informed Psychologist specialising in addiction treatment, suicide prevention, stress, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing, she provides compassionate individual and group support to help clients build resilience, develop coping strategies, and create lasting positive change.
Angelo
Angelo is a Recovery Support Worker with a number of years of experience supporting individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives. He works closely with the people he supports, helping them manage daily challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Angelo is known for his calm and supportive approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Herath
Snr. Matron Herath brings over 33 years of healthcare experience, with extensive expertise across clinical care, including psychiatry. Having held senior nursing leadership roles in ICU and Emergency Treatment Units, she combines strong clinical knowledge with a commitment to healthcare excellence and the development of future healthcare professionals.
Our licensing, hospital partnership & professional affiliations
Frequently Asked Questions
By phone or WhatsApp at +94 76 800 0103, by email at admissions@theemeraldsrilanka.com, or through the confidential enquiry form on this page.
Do You Have More Questions?
If you have more questions please send us a message and let us help you
through your journey.
Benefits of Seeking Treatment at The Emerald
We provide a structured and supportive environment designed to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with clinical anxiety. Here are some benefits of seeking treatment with us:
Specialised Care
Mental health professionals with specific expertise in treating anxiety disorders.
Individualised Plans
Every client's plan is built around their own symptoms, history, and goals.
24/7 Support
Inpatient care with round-the-clock support and monitoring for safety and progress.
Dual Diagnosis
Co-occurring conditions like substance use are addressed alongside anxiety, not after it.
Our Clinical Team
Our core clinical team is drawn from within Sri Lanka and internationally. Experts in psychology, psychiatry, counselling, and nursing bring a deep understanding and experienced approach to the challenges of addiction, mental health, and trauma.
David
David founded The Emerald with a vision of creating a sanctuary for genuine healing, blending clinical excellence with Sri Lanka's natural beauty.
John
With over 30 years of experience in marketing and leadership, John supports individuals and families through guidance, encouragement, and recovery support.
John Jacobs
John is an experienced U.S. therapist specializing in addiction, mental health, and trauma. He uses CBT, IFS, EMDR, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.
Muby
Muby brings a warm, empathetic approach to her work as a psychotherapist, helping guests explore the root of their struggles.
Nisal
Nisal leads the therapeutic services team at The Emerald, guiding the clinical direction of each guest's care.
Rushma
Rushma supports guests through personalized, evidence-based psychological care at The Emerald.
Ryan
Ryan is the Wellness Director at Emerald, supporting clients with professional experience, personal insight, and a compassionate approach to recovery.
