The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Parliament of Sri Lanka have formalised a new partnership to strengthen the use of population data in policymaking, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that underscores their shared commitment to ensuring demographic trends are reflected in future legislation and national development priorities. 

The agreement, signed by Parliament Secretary‑General Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative a.i. Phuntsho Wangyel, marks a milestone in efforts to prepare for challenges such as population ageing, changing family structures, and evolving development needs while advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and young people. 

“The decisions made today will shape the lives of future generations,” said Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, UNFPA Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific. “This partnership is about ensuring that Parliament has the evidence, data and insights needed to build policies that respond to a changing population while protecting people’s rights, expanding opportunities and ensuring that no one is left behind. Demographic change is not something to fear. It is an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive future if we prepare for it together.” 

The agreement was a key milestone during Dr. Bodiroza’s official visit to Sri Lanka from 28 June to 4 July, focused on strengthening partnerships to support the country’s long-term development priorities. 

During his visit, Dr. Bodiroza also met with Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne; and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing gender equality, supporting women and young people and preparing for Sri Lanka’s changing population landscape through evidence-based, rights-centred policies. 

Dr. Bodiroza also visited communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah to observe UNFPA’s ongoing interventions to support women and girls in estate communities through reproductive healthcare, protection services and humanitarian assistance. Additional engagements with development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector reinforced the importance of broad partnerships in advancing inclusive development and ensuring that women, girls and young people can fully participate in Sri Lanka’s future.

UNFPA has partnered with Sri Lanka for more than five decades, supporting national efforts to improve maternal health, advance gender equality, strengthen population data systems and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services. The organization remains committed to working alongside the Government of Sri Lanka, Parliament and national partners to ensure that development policies are informed by evidence and centred on people’s health, rights and aspirations. (Newswire)

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Australia has pledged AUD 500,000 to support urgent humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka, partnering with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to protect women and girls affected by catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. 

The Australian High Commission in Colombo said the funding will reinforce life‑saving sexual and reproductive health services, strengthen gender‑based violence referral systems, and provide psychosocial support across 10 of the hardest‑hit districts.

This initiative supports UNFPA’s emergency appeal of USD 8.3 million and a one-year response plan, which will further the work already undertaken. During the acute response phase, UNFPA has been working closely with affected women, girls, pregnant women, newborns, older women, and women with disabilities, especially through the Australian-funded Regional Prepositioning Initiative to distribute 700 dignity kits, 200 maternity kits and cash assistance to 20 pregnant mothers from vulnerable households.

UNFPA is working in close coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Health and local disaster management units, as well as implementing partners on the ground, such as, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. 

Planned interventions include mobile health clinics, cash and voucher assistance, restoration of damaged health facilities, and mental health and psychosocial support through strengthened referral pathways.

Julian Hill, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and International Education, said, “Australia stands with the people of Sri Lanka during this difficult time. Our support through UNFPA will ensure that vulnerable women and girls can access essential health services and protection. Safeguarding dignity and ensuring safety is a priority as communities recover from this disaster.”

Phuntsho Wangyel, UNFPA Officer in Charge for Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Offices, said, “Cyclone Ditwah has severely disrupted access to essential sexual and reproductive health services for thousands of women and girls, while also exposing them to a heightened risk of gender-based violence and exploitation. UNFPA, with the continuous support of the Government of Australia, is scaling up life-saving services, restoring damaged facilities, and providing critical psychosocial support to those in need. Together, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, said, “Australia and Sri Lanka share a strong partnership built on mutual respect and cooperation. In times of crisis, that partnership matters most. By supporting UNFPA’s response, we are helping ensure that vulnerable women and girls receive the care and protection they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.” (Newswire)

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Alliance Development Trust (ADT), with support from the Government of Japan, on Tuesday, launched two landmark initiatives: the Social Cohesion and Climate Innovation Grants. 

The event, ‘ELEVATE 2025’, brought together 11 organizations from 12 districts to celebrate collaborative efforts in promoting resilience, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). 

Dignitaries, including Minister Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Kenji OHASHI, First Secretary and Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka; Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka; and Godfrey Yogaraja, CEO, Alliance Development Trust, highlighted the importance of empowering women, youth and marginalized communities to strengthen Sri Lanka’s future to be inclusive and sustainable. 

The Program featured two impactful panel discussions. The first, focused on youth leadership in promoting SRHR and climate justice, explored the connections between community development, social cohesion and climate action. The second, titled ‘The Role of Women in Leading Climate Solutions’, brought together female leaders from various sectors who emphasized the need for holistic, community-based approaches to empower women and strengthen societal resilience. Both discussions stressed the importance of inclusive engagement and innovation in facing systematic challenges. 

The event was interactive and engaging with forum theatre performances, puppet shows and games, adding diversity to the ambience. A message that echoed throughout the day was the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration and creative strategies to achieve social cohesion and climate resilience. The event stood out for bringing out powerful stories of local action, resilience and transformative leadership that continue to shape a more equitable and sustainable Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The newly constructed Japan-funded Emergency Waiting Area (EWA) at the Kalutara South Police Station was officially handed over to the Sri Lanka Police on Thursday (27 Mar).

The official handing over was done by Ambassador of Japan, Akio ISOMATA, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, marking another crucial step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s response to gender-based violence (GBV).

According to a joint statement by the UNFPA and the Government of Japan, this initiative ensures that survivors receive the protection, dignity, and support they deserve when seeking assistance from law enforcement authorities.

The establishment of the Kalutara South EWA was made possible with the funding of USD 34,000 from the People of Japan, and the construction was supported by World Vision Lanka.

Anyone in need of assistance from the Police Women and Children’s Bureau is encouraged to contact the hotline at 109.

Deputy Minister of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi,  Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs Mr. D. W. R. B. Seneviratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs Ms. Damayanthi Karunarathna, Senior DIG – Western Province Mr. Sanjeewa Dharmarathna, DIG – Children and Women Abuse Investigation Range Ms. Renuka Jayasundere, Senior Superintendent of Police Kalutara Division Mr. Kavinda Piyasekara, Headquarters Inspector Mr. Ruwan Wijesinghe, and police officers from the Kalutara Division were present at the opening ceremony.

The Emergency Waiting Area in Kalutara South joins a growing network of operational EWAs across Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Mirihana, Pudukuduirippu, Nuwara Eliya, Mundalam, Batticaloa, and Kandy, where over 4000 women and children received support in the last year alone. These safe spaces serve as temporary resting areas, providing survivors of GBV with protection, psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal aid, and a survivor-centered approach to justice.

As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas will be established in the coming weeks in Dharmapuram (Kilinochchi district), Murunkan (Mannar district), Uppuveli (Trincomalee district), Opanayake (Ratnapura district), Walapane (Nuwara Eliya district), and Modara (Colombo district). These facilities reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to tackling GBV and ensuring that survivors are not left without access to critical services.

Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s continued dedication to supporting women and children in Sri Lanka and emphasized the role of safe spaces in ensuring a future free from violence. “Japan has been promoting the protection of women and children in Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka became a partner country for Japan in 2018 in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This project also includes training for police officers handling victims, especially female officers, so that victims would feel safer in seeking refuge and counseling. I hope this project will be expanded by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security and Police in order to strengthen the mechanism to protect women and children in vulnerable situations. It is also essential for Sri Lanka to ensure the legal measures against the violence and support for the self-reliance of women and children who seek refuge.”

Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, underscored the significance of survivor-centered approaches in addressing GBV. “For a survivor, the decision to seek help is often fraught with fear: fear of judgment, disbelief, or retaliation. When they walk into a police station, they should not only find protection but also compassion and care. A survivor’s first interaction with law enforcement can shape their entire journey toward healing and justice. If they are met with understanding, respect, and support, they are more likely to pursue the help they need.”

UNFPA Sri Lanka expresses its deep appreciation to the People of Japan, the Ministry of Public Security, the Sri Lanka Police, and World Vision Lanka for their invaluable support in making survivors feel safe and encouraged to seek assistance in times of distress. (Newswire)

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the support of the Government of Japan, has undertaken a vital initiative to improve maternal and child healthcare services in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. 

This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, aims to improve healthcare access and service delivery for pregnant mothers and infants in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar districts, ensuring improved access to quality care for pregnant mothers and infants.

On 12 February 2025 at the Kayts Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Clinic, the Ambassador of Japan, ISOMATA Akio and UNFPA Representative, Kunle Adeniyi handed over 08 health facilities valued at Rs. 34,089,250.70 in the Northern Province that were renovated and upgraded with essential facilities and equipment. 

In Mannar, the Maternity Wards of Vankalai Divisional Hospital, Nanattan Divisional Hospital and Vidathaltheevu Divisional Hospital were renovated. In the Jaffna District, the MOH Clinic and Hospital in Maruthankerny, the MOH Central Clinic in Kayts and the MOH Clinic in Chankanai were renovated and provided with the necessary equipment. In the Kilinochchi District, the health facilities of the Gramadaya Health Centers in Ananivilunthan, Kiranchi and Paranthanaru were Upgraded.

The key impacts of this initiative include enhanced quality of care in maternity wards, strengthened access to essential healthcare and strengthened rural healthcare services. The renovation and equipping of these nine facilities represent a crucial step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas. 

With an estimated 450 mothers and babies benefiting from Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and information each month, this initiative is a step to ensure healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

UNFPA, in partnership with the Government of Japan, remains committed to strengthening health systems and ensuring that all citizens have access to quality health services, especially maternal healthcare, in Sri Lanka, leaving no one behind. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s total fertility rate of 5.3 children per woman in 1953, has dropped to just 1.97 in 2023, well below the replacement level, said experts at the policy dialogue on Shaping the Future of Sri Lanka.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), experts pointed out that this decline in fertility is intertwined with another demographic shift, the rapid ageing of the population. By 2041, one in four Sri Lankans is projected to be over 60. 

Moreover, internal and international migration adds another layer of complexity to this demographic mosaic. While the annual outflow of Sri Lankan labour migrants, predominantly to the Middle East, brings in vital remittances, averaging USD 7 billion per year, this trend also leads to brain drain and family separation, with significant economic and social repercussions.

Sri Lanka’s demographic shifts, in terms of low fertility rates, an ageing population, and evolving migration trends, pose both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. These stem from advancements in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, which have led to better living standards and increased life expectancy, thus reducing fertility rates and population ageing. 

In comparison to more developed nations, Sri Lanka, however, undergoes these changes amidst persistent inequality, lower per capita income, and less advanced institutions, affecting overall socioeconomic development, healthcare and social structures. While there are significant challenges, there is also potential to leverage a ‘demographic dividend’ to foster sustainable growth.

The policy dialogue on Shaping the Future of Sri Lanka, provided a vital platform for policymakers, subject experts, academia, civil society and other key stakeholders to come together and engage in a profound discussion on how to formulate comprehensive population policies at the national level to navigate the country’s demographic transition.

‘Shaping the Future: A Policy Dialogue on Population Dynamics in Sri Lanka’ by UNFPA Sri Lanka in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies was held in March in Colombo. The policy dialogue brought together key stakeholders including policymakers and subject experts to discuss Sri Lanka’s changing population dynamics in terms of ageing, low fertility, and migration.

Ahead of the United Nations global ‘Summit of the Future’ set for September 2024, it is imperative that Sri Lanka prepares to address its pressing population issues, as all United Nations member states come together to recalibrate our journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Policy Dialogue was attended by distinguished guests including, Mr. Priyantha Rathnayake, Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, Anuradha Kumarasiri, Director General of the Department of National Planning, Mrs. Anoja Seneviratne, Director General, Department of Census and Statistics, Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Director General, External Resources Department, DIG Renuka Jayasundara, Deputy Inspector General, Sri Lanka Police, and Kunle Adeniyi. 

Kunle Adeniyi, Representative of UNFPA Sri Lanka moderated the policy dialogue featuring Mr. R.H.W. Anuradha Kumarasiri, Director General of the Department of National Planning, Dr Vindya Kumarapeli, Director, Policy Analysis and Development, Ministry of Health, Emeritus Prof. W. Indralal De Silva, Department of Demography, University of Colombo, Dr Bilesha Weeraratne, Research Fellow and Head of Migration and Urbanisation Policy Research, Institute of Policy Studies, and Ms. Yasuko Nakajima, Expert in Women’s Empowerment / Policy Coordination, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

As part of the dialogue, UNFPA’s 2024 State of the World Population (SWP) Report was launched. The SWP report highlights sweeping global gains in sexual and reproductive health and rights over the last thirty years are marred by an ugly truth – millions of women and girls have not benefited because of who they are or where they were born. 

UNFPA Sri Lanka together with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies also unveiled an Issue Brief titled, “Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development: Low Fertility, Population Ageing, and Migration in Sri Lanka and its Implications for Development.”

A comprehensive population policy is the cornerstone of navigating Sri Lanka’s demographic transition. These policies should integrate all aspects of demographic change, including ageing, fertility, migration, and gender equality, into a cohesive framework. It should be evidence-based, adaptable to changing circumstances, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the upcoming Summit of the Future could be utilized as a pivotal platform in garnering international support and global collaboration in addressing these key challenges through rights-based and gender-responsive approaches.

By aligning national policies with global standards and leveraging international cooperation, Sri Lanka can navigate its demographic transition towards a sustainable and inclusive future. This strategic approach not only strengthens the country’s own development trajectory but also positions Sri Lanka as a vital contributor to the global dialogue on sustainable population dynamics, helping to shape the future for a more inclusive and equitable world for all. (Newswire)

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The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) Asia Pacific Regional Director, Pio Smith is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from February 28 to March 01, 2024. 

Issuing a statement, UNFPA Sri Lanka said this visit reaffirms UNFPA’s dedication to supporting Sri Lankan communities, particularly focusing on women, girls, youth, and communities, ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and combating gender-based violence (GBV). 

During his visit, Smith will hold discussions with policymakers, government officials, civil society, and key partners to enhance collaboration at the national level and advocate for the rights of women and girls. Additionally, he will visit grassroots communities to assess their needs firsthand and identify areas for effective UNFPA support. 

UNFPA Sri Lanka sustains its enduring collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and diverse stakeholders island-wide, driving progress in health, education, and gender equality. 

“Our dedication to championing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, encompassing family planning and maternal and neonatal healthcare, stands firm, aligning with our commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. ICPD30 holds significant importance for Sri Lanka, symbolizing the nation’s steadfast dedication to promoting human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Since the historic ICPD conference in 1994, Sri Lanka has adopted a comprehensive approach to reproductive health and family planning, ensuring accessible information and services to enable informed decision-making,” it said.

In this regard, UNFPA Sri Lanka, with support from donors and implementing partners, has initiated mobile health clinics to deliver comprehensive maternal and reproductive health services to those left furthest behind. UNFPA Sri Lanka delivers maternity and dignity kits to pregnant women and girls ensuring access to essential items in times of crisis. In terms of SRHR, comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly health services, and support for youth-led organizations are key priorities for us at UNFPA Sri Lanka. 

UNFPA Sri Lanka further said it remains committed to ensuring supporting services for gender-based violence, such as One Stop Centres that offer comprehensive life-saving services for survivors of GBV including reproductive and maternal health, psychosocial support, and referral to legal assistance, all under one roof. Additionally, UNFPA Sri Lanka is also expanding the shelter network through grants and infrastructure development to accommodate more survivors whilst building their capacities by adopting a survivor-centred approach. In elevating the delivery of services for survivors of GBV, UNFPA Sri Lanka supports Emergency Waiting Areas at police stations across the country, which ensures safety and support for women and girls facing gender-based violence, providing a space until shelter or court procedures. 

Furthermore, UNFPA Sri Lanka engages closely with the Department of Census and Statistics to develop a culture of data-driven decision-making for targeted resource allocation to reach the furthest left behind in Sri Lanka’s journey towards achieving sustainable development goals and commitments to ICPD. 

As Sri Lanka navigates through these challenging times, UNFPA says it remains committed to collaborating with the government of Sri Lanka and international partners to foster inclusive and equitable communities and support the country’s economic recovery efforts. UNFPA Sri Lanka added that it looks forward to Pio Smith’s visit and is confident that it will further strengthen collaboration and support for the people of Sri Lanka as they collectively strive towards a progressive tomorrow. (NewsWire)

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