News
Japanese funding for project meant to help gender-based violence victims
Japan has funded a project to strengthen Sri Lanka’s commitment to tackling GBV (gender-based violence) and ensuring that survivors were not left without access to critical services.
As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas (EWAs) 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 Modera (Colombo district).
Recently, Japanese ambassador in Colombo Akio Isomata and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi, handed over the newly constructed Japan-funded EWA at the Kalutara South Police Station. The Japanese embassy said that this initiative was meant to ensure that survivors received the protection, dignity, and support they deserve when seeking assistance from law enforcement authorities.
The embassy said that there was 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 last year. 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, the embassy said.
The establishment of the Kalutara South EWA was made possible with the generous funding of USD 34,000, from the People of Japan, and the construction was supported by World Vision Lanka.
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.”
The 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions of the Ceylon College of Physicians will be held from 16th to 19th of September 2026 at Shangri-La, Colombo. Professor Namal Wijesinghe, the president of the college and the council of the Ceylon College of physicians said that the sessions bring together experienced physicians, academics, researchers, postgraduate trainees and other healthcare professionals from all over the globe. The programme provides opportunities to discuss recent advances in medicine, emerging challenges in healthcare and developments that have the potential to improve patient care.
An important feature of the College’s academic vision is the strengthening of relationships with international professional colleges and medical institutions. The Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, European Federation of Internal Medicine, College of Physicians of Malaysia, Association of Physicians of India, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, Association of Physicians of Bangladesh and Society of Internal Medicine of Nepal are officially collaborating with the Ceylon College of Physicians in organising 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions.
These international collaborations provide opportunities for the exchange of expertise, collaborative research, professional development and exposure to different approaches to healthcare and medical education. Interaction with international colleagues can broaden professional perspectives, encourage research collaboration and create opportunities for academic and career development.
At the same time, Sri Lankan physicians have much to contribute to the international medical community through their clinical experience, research and expertise.
The Anniversary Academic Sessions also highlight the importance of research in advancing healthcare. The presentation and discussion of research findings encourage evidence-based practice and provide researchers with opportunities to establish new academic collaborations. Encouraging young physicians to engage in research and scholarship remains an important investment in the future of the profession.
Five Air Force personnel, including a junior officer, have been arrested for allegedly killing a deer in the Mattala area. Air Force headquarters confirmed the arrest of the group attached to the Mattala detachment.
According to Mattala Police, the Airmen allegedly shot the deer, within the premises of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, and sold the meat to civilians in the area. Police have also arrested two civilians who allegedly bought the venison.
An Air Force vehicle, allegedly used to transport the meat, and a motorcycle used by the officer, have also been taken into police custody. Police have reportedly recovered the venison, a deer skull and firearms allegedly used in the shooting.
President Chathuri Ranasinghe, and members of the Board are: Sriyantha Senaratne, Lasika Jayamaha, Shanta Gunaratne, Jayendra Pinidiyapathirag, Anjali Walisundara, Amjath Yusoof, Ranjini Goonetilleke, Asif Shukri Asoka Peiris, Justin Meegod Dayani Panagoda, Anthea Senaratne, Ariya Wcirema, Shewantha Rodrigo, Tusitha Kumarakulasinhm, Marshad Barry, Lucien Pereira, Haneekah Rahil, Dahara de Costa.
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