Life style

Realizing a holistic sexual and reproductive health care system

Published

5 years ago

2021/04/4

Speaking to Sunday Island, Dr. Pramilla Senanayake, International Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health, former President of the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka and Trustee of the AIDS Foundation, Sri Lanka, elucidates on the need for a more open dialogue about sexual and reproductive health among masses and enlightens on ‘myths and facts’ of sexual health which need to be mainstreamed. Following are the excerpts:

By Randima Attygalle

Q: As a woman who made a mark at a time when only a few women professionals were visible in sexual and reproductive health care, when you look back at your early years in the profession and now, do you notice any notable progress?

If we look at statistics and numbers, we have done well. In terms of our contraceptive prevalence we are on par even with more developed countries. Our maternal mortality is quite low because our maternal health care system is effective. But still there are a lot of gaps – we see many unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Today the sexual debut is very early. A few decades ago, pre-marital sex was not as common as it is today. Yes, things have changed, we have moved on, but we still have a long way to go.

Q: In our much lauded public health care setting, what is the positioning of sexual and reproductive health care?

A: It is because of this effective public health care system that we have been able to introduce to it various elements that are relevant to reproductive health. But having said that, I must add that sexual and reproductive health is one of the neglected areas in the health setting. It is a subject that people are still reluctant to talk about openly as it involves sex and many ‘hush-hush’ aspects. Although more liberal-minded social levels of society are open about it, it is only a minority and sometimes they too can get wrong information about sexual health which needs to be dispelled. Certain other classes find the subject matter uncomfortable and even the term ‘sex education’ drives people into giggles and embarrassment. This is why we are trying to bring family life education into the school curriculum.

Q) What are your proposals to move forward and enable wider sexual health literacy?

We need to talk to the public – parents, teachers, employers, employees etc. in a simple language without complicating things. For this, we need to engage competent professionals who can answer questions and debunk myths. The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka has initiated programmes to reach out to young girls in the Free Trade Zone – to educate them on sexual health. This kind of intervention needs to be replicated in several other settings. Especially in this pandemic situation where there are lockdowns and restricted movement, sexual abuse is on the rise and the flipside is there is more opportunity now to get the message across. Our voices can be those in wilderness unless mass media joins hands. Mass media is an effective vehicle in communicating the message of sexual wellbeing.

Q: Sexual and reproductive health of those with disabilities still remains a less-talked about subject. Sexual needs of those with disabilities are often overlooked. What are your thoughts?

We are all sexual beings including those with disabilities. Every human being has a right to a safe and rewarding sexual life and sexual health. We cannot afford to exclude those with disabilities; instead we need to assist them in finding other ways of gratification and work around such areas of gratification. Sexual life does not necessarily have to entail penetrative sex in a traditional sense, but it could involve sexual gratification in a broader sense which can be enjoyed by people with certain disabilities.

The issue is we don’t talk to them enough and educate them on sexual and reproductive health, clouded by the misconception that they have problems other than sexual needs to be burdened with. This is wrong. We need to be conscious of the fact that girls and women with disabilities are the most vulnerable to rape and sexual abuse. Institutions such as Ayathi affiliated to Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital addresses the concerns of those with disabilities, but there is an urgent need for many more similar institutions in the country.

Q: The aging population is on the rise worldover and Sri Lanka is no exception. In this context how important do you think it is to address the emotional and sexual concerns of this population?

A: It is very important to address their concerns. It is again similar to the case of those with disabilities – an often neglected topic. I’m a trustee of the Sunshine Senior Foundation which is dedicated to addressing areas of particular interest to senior citizens and we do enable dialogue on this topic. Yet we need to create a better dialogue at national level, challenging as it may be given our cultural context in which intimacy in old age is almost a taboo.

Q: Although Sri Lanka still remains an HIV low-prevalence country in a global context, HIV-positive cases are accelerating. As an activist fighting HIV, what are your comments on this rising trend?

It is a very worrying situation, especially since we are still considered a low-prevalence country. The biggest bottleneck in the fight against HIV is social stigma. Through the AIDS Foundation of Sri Lanka, we try to assist in providing accommodation for HIV-positive people. Despite our ability to fund houses for them, many landlords were reluctant to rent out houses and in certain situations, although the landlord was willing, there was enormous protest from neighbours.

Despite the country having a system for voluntary testing and counseling for HIV, not many come forward to be tested. Today there are many commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men, those with multiple partners. These are high risk groups. We should also not forget prison inmates who are another high risk group. Although the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka and some other agencies are working with prison communities on this, there should be more muscle given to their work in preventing HIV.

In Sri Lanka many of the HIV positive cases are detected through pre-natal clinics where pregnant women are tested for it. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as a considerable percentage go unreported. Today with COVID taking the centre stage, many other health concerns including HIV have gone backstage. Yet we cannot afford to be complacent about these health issues which will take a toll on the entire national fabric of the country.

Although we have done quite well in our other health domains, the same cannot be said of HIV education. Several of our regional counterparts including Pakistan and India are using very innovative means of addressing this issue. Countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore have very good models on combating HIV from which we could learn a lot.

FACTS Vs MYTHS

*Myth: All birth control methods are equally effective at preventing pregnancy

*Fact: Each method has a different level of effectiveness. The ones that are best at preventing pregnancy (over 99% effective) are sterilization, IUDs, implants, and injectables. Pills, patches and the ring are about 91% effective. Condoms are 79-85% effective, emergency contraceptive pills are 89-95% effective, and withdrawal is much less effective. Using birth control consistently and correctly each and every time will increase the chances of their effectiveness

*Myth: Emergency contraception is only effective the morning after unprotected sex

*Fact: The emergency contraception pill (ECP) is sometimes called the ‘morning-after-pill’. Although the ECP should be taken as soon as possible, it does not have to be taken in the morning. There are two types of ECP that work for up to four or five days after sex and they are both more effective when taken as soon as possible. The ECP is not an abortion pill. If you are already pregnant, ECP will not work.

*Myth:

You can’t get pregnant during your period

*Fact:

It is unlikely, but still possible—especially if you’re not using birth control. Some women have long periods that overlap with the beginning of ovulation, which means they can be fertile even though they’re menstruating. If you have a short cycle (21 days, for example) and your period lasts a week and you have sex close to the end of your period, you could become pregnant since sperm can live for up to 72 hours in your reproductive tract.There’s also the infamous late-in-life pregnancy that can occur during perimenopause, when periods are erratic. It is not safe to ditch birth control until you haven’t had a period for a year.

*Myth:

You only need to worry about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have multiple partners

*FACT:

As long as you are sexually active you should remember that contracting an STI is a possibility, even if you only have one sexual partner. It’s a good idea to make sure you and your partner(s) are tested for STIs before having sexual intercourse together for the first time. It’s also recommended that you regularly test for STIs if you are sexually active.

*Myth:

You can’t get STIs if you don’t have penetrative sex.

* FACT:

STIs can spread from skin-to-skin contact and from bodily fluids. This means you can catch STIs from having any type of sex, including penetrative vaginal sex, but also from anal sex, oral sex , using your hands, intimate skin contact and sharing sex toys.

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Life style

The last kings of the wilderness: vanishing tuskers

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

In the vast dry-zone wilderness of Sri Lanka, where ancient reservoirs mirror crimson sunsets and monsoon winds whisper through forests untouched for centuries, there still roams a giant who has become both legend and symbol.

His name is Mahasen — perhaps the most celebrated wild tusker Sri Lanka has ever known.

To wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and villagers across the North Central Province, Mahasen is not merely an elephant. He is the living embodiment of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness, a reminder of a time when giant tuskers ruled the forests that surrounded the island’s great hydraulic civilisation.

Secretary and Chief Coordinator of Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka, Chandika Lakmal, describes Mahasen as “one of the greatest living treasures of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.”

“When people see Mahasen, they are not simply looking at a wild elephant,” he said.

“They are witnessing history, culture, ecology, and wilderness all combined into one magnificent animal. Tuskers like Mahasen are extremely rare, and losing such an elephant would mean losing a part of Sri Lanka’s identity itself.”

Sri Lanka has long shared a sacred bond with elephants. Ancient kings regarded tuskers as symbols of sovereignty and divine authority.

From the kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the Kandyan era, elephants marched beside rulers during ceremonies and wars alike. Within Buddhist culture, elephants became revered symbols of strength, wisdom, and spiritual purity.

Yet among all elephants, the tusker has always occupied a special place.

Unlike African elephants, only a very small percentage of male Asian elephants develop tusks. This makes Sri Lankan tuskers exceptionally rare. Over centuries, they became deeply embedded in folklore, temple art, and village legends.

Mahasen stands today as perhaps the finest surviving example of that ancient legacy.

Mahasen, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild tuskers, photographed during his majestic prime in 2014 and in 2025 as the ageing giant continues his struggle for survival in the island’s shrinking wilderness

The legendary tusker was first photographed in 2002 by renowned wildlife photographer Vajira Wijegunawardena. During those early years, wildlife enthusiasts referred to him as the “Somawathiya Tusker” because he was frequently sighted around the floodplains near Somawathiya before travelling towards Minneriya and Kaudulla during the season of the great elephant gathering.

Later, the giant elephant was named Mahasen in honour of the ancient King Mahasen, the visionary ruler who built the magnificent Minneriya Tank. The name reflected not only strength and majesty, but also a deep connection to the same historic landscape shaped by kings, forests, and elephants thousands of years ago.

Today, Mahasen is believed to be around 60 years old, making him one of the oldest surviving wild tuskers in Sri Lanka. Towering above most elephants, he possesses perhaps the largest pair of tusks ever documented among Sri Lanka’s wild elephants, stretching beyond six feet in length.

For decades, Mahasen became one of the greatest attractions of the famous elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park — one of the largest congregations of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

Photographers from across the globe waited patiently for hours hoping to capture the old king emerging from the dusty grasslands, at dusk, his enormous tusks glowing beneath the golden evening light. For many wildlife lovers, witnessing Mahasen in the wild became an unforgettable experience.

“Mahasen carries an extraordinary presence,” Chandika Lakmal explained. “Even among large elephants, he stands apart. There is a certain calmness, confidence, and dignity in the way he moves. You immediately understand why ancient people considered tuskers sacred.”

Yet beyond his beauty and fame, Mahasen also represents the fragile future of Sri Lanka’s elephants.

Modern conservation science identifies elephants as “keystone species” and “umbrella species,” meaning their survival protects entire ecosystems. Elephants create pathways through forests, disperse seeds, maintain grasslands, and help sustain biodiversity across vast landscapes.

“Elephants are ecosystem engineers,” Chandika Lakmal said. “The forest itself depends on them. Without elephants, the structure of these ecosystems begins to change. Protecting tuskers, like Mahasen, means protecting entire habitats and countless other species.”

Sadly, Sri Lanka’s wild elephants now face mounting threats.

Habitat fragmentation, shrinking forests, electric fences, roads, railway accidents, illegal shootings, and human-elephant conflict continue to endanger their survival.

Nearly 60 percent of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants live outside protected national parks, surviving within fragmented forests and ancient tank ecosystems increasingly surrounded by human settlements.

Traditional elephant migration corridors that existed for centuries have now been blocked by agriculture and development projects. As elephants lose access to food and water, they are increasingly forced into villages and farmlands, creating dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife.

Even Mahasen has not escaped these pressures.

In recent years, the ageing tusker’s movements have become increasingly restricted. Wildlife observers believe the enormous weight of his tusks, combined with old age, has forced him into smaller forest patches between Kakirawa and Maradankadawala where food and water are available within shorter distances.

Several months ago, Mahasen was discovered with a serious wound on his back believed to have been caused either by a gunshot injury or a clash with another elephant. Wildlife officials intervened quickly and treated the giant tusker, offering hope that he would recover once again.

However, concern continues to grow among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts as sightings of Mahasen have become increasingly rare in recent months.

For many Sri Lankans, the thought of losing Mahasen is deeply emotional.

“Mahasen is not just another elephant,” Chandika Lakmal said quietly. “He is one of the last living symbols of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness. Future generations deserve the chance to see such animals alive in our forests, not only in photographs or history books.”

Despite his immense ecological and cultural importance, many villagers living near elephant habitats still struggle with fear and economic hardship caused by crop raids and property damage.

Conservationists stress that long-term coexistence can only be achieved through proper land-use planning, protection of elephant corridors, community awareness, and sustainable conservation policies.

Across the forests of Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Gal Oya National Park, and Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers continue their silent struggle against an uncertain future.

But among them all, Mahasen remains special.

He is more than an old tusker wandering through fading forests.

He is the last king of a vanishing wilderness.

And as long as Mahasen still walks beneath the ancient trees of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the spirit of the island’s wild heritage continues to survive majestic, untamed, and unforgettable.

By Ifham Nizam

Life style

Stars shine bright

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Leading figures from the industry graced the ‘Tharulya’ Muhurat ceremony

An auspicious beginning for ‘Tharulya’

The Muhurath ceremony of ‘Tharulya’ the newest teledrama directed by Sudarma Jayewardena, was held in a graceful setting at Waters Edge recently, bringing together artistes, television personalities and invited guests from the entertainment industry.

The auspicious occasion marked the official beginning of the much-awarded teleseries, with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp adding colour and glamour to the evening.

Cast members and crew joined Sudarma in celebrating the launch while industry well-wishers extended their support for the production.

Sudarma is known for her emotionally rich story telling and distinctive creative touch. When asked about her new tele-serial, she expressed optimism ‘Tharulya’ is expected to bring a fresh narrative to the local television audiences. For her ‘Tharulya’ can be described as a reflection of dreams, emotions and human relationships, woven into meaningful teledrama narratives. The word ‘Tharulya’ evokes a poetic sense of stars, hope and destiny, symbolising the journeys and emotional bonds explored through the story.

Sudarma Jayewardena is known for her work as a actress, director, producer and creative visionary behind several acclaimed teledramas. Over the years she has build a reputation for presenting emotionally layered stories that explore family dynamics, social realities, women’s experiences and human relationships with sensitivity and depth .

Her teledramas are known for strong story telling, refined casting and cinematic production.

The teledrama, ‘Ganga Adare’, directed by Sudarma, is among the well known television production.

This tele-series became popular on the small screen for its emotional story telling, strong character development and family centred narrative style that resonated with Sinhala TV audiences.

Sudarma’s involvement in musical events, like ‘Sonu Nigam,’ highlighted her versatility beyond teledramas, showcasing her ability to create large scale entertainment events that combined glamour, culture and audience appeal.

Sudharma, who is no stranger in the entertainment industry, is the Managing Director of Star Events. ‘Tharulya’ was produced by Saranga Mendis. This much talked about teleserial is all set to unspool on Derena TV.

Beyond teledramas , Sudarma also contributed to musical and entertainment programmes, expanding her influence within Sri Lanka’s media industry. Her productions are often noted for their polished presentation and emotional story telling. (Zanita) Pix by Thushara Attapathu

: Smile,glamour and anticipation for the young star

: Powerful performances expected as he steps into a key role

: Moments from the launch

: Soulful voice adds magic

: Creativity in motion as Director Sudarma Jayewardena leads the cast with her spouse

: Invited guests marked the launch

Life style

Sri Lanka and Viet Nam soar into a new era of co-operation

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Landmark visit celebrating diplomacy, connectivity and growing economic partnerships

Air Bridge of Friendship

The state visit of the Party Secretary and State President, To Lam of Viet Nam, to Sri Lanka, heralds a defining moment in bilateral relations, where diplomacy and aviation converge in a new era of connectivity. With the launch of Viet Nam air services, linking the two nations, the partnership soars behind traditional statecraft -opening a seamless corridors for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between South and South East Asia.

My interview with the Ambassador for Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, went as follows:

(Q) How significant is the State visit to Sri Lanka by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam?

(A)Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Sri Lanka is highly significant as it takes place when the two countries have just celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Viet Nam is the first ASEAN members to visit Sri Lanka, and is also the first ASEAN country that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited after assuming office. More, importantly, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership on this occasion, opening a new chapter for cooperation in politics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and connectivity. The visit reflects the strong mutual trust and the shared determination to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries old Buddhist links. How can these spiritual and cultural ties be transformed into stronger people-to-people tourism?

(A) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries-old Buddhist and cultural links, which create a very strong foundation for closer people-to-people relations. These spiritual ties can be transformed into stronger tourism cooperation through Buddhist pilgrimage tours, exchanges between temples and universities, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion programmes. Increased air connectivity and easier travel arrangements will also encourage more visitors to explore each other’s cultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

(Q) Direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City has generated great excitement in Sri Lanka. How important is this milestone for tourism and bilateral relations?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

(A) The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City by Viet Nam Airlines (national carrier) and Viet Jet (a private airline) is a historic milestone for bilateral relations. It not only shortens travel time but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchange. This achievement comes at a very meaningful moment, following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to enhance practical cooperation and strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

(Q) Do you think this direct flight will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka within the next few years?

(A) Yes, we believe the direct flights will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka over the next few years. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers because of its beautiful beaches, Buddhist heritage, natural landscapes, and hospitality. Easier connectivity and tourism promotion activities will help more Vietnamese people discover Sri Lanka. We also expect stronger two-way tourism exchanges, contributing positively to economic cooperation and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

(Q) Do you see Colombo becoming a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with the Indian Ocean region?

(A) Colombo has great potential to become a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location, combined with improving connectivity and growing economic cooperation, can help facilitate trade, tourism, logistics, and maritime cooperation. Following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam sees many opportunities to work more closely with Sri Lanka in regional connectivity initiatives and strengthen economic links between Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have enjoyed decades of friendly relations. What makes this partnership unique in Asia?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

Trinh Thi Tam played a key role in celebrating the historic visit

(A) The Viet Nam–Sri Lanka partnership has been built on longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and deep cultural connections rather than only economic interests. The two countries have consistently supported each other over many decades and share common values regarding independence, peace, and international cooperation. President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam’s Nation Father, stopped over in Sri Lanka on three occasions. Vietnamese people has always treasured the strong, unconditional support offered by Sri Lankan people during our hard struggle against imperialism and colonialism. The recent elevation of bilateral ties reflects the maturity of this relationship and the shared vision to expand cooperation across many sectors in a sustainable and balanced manner.

(Q) How does Viet Nam view Sri Lanka’s role with South Asia and the Indian Ocean together?

(A) Viet Nam highly values Sri Lanka’s important role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and historical role as a maritime and commercial centre make it an important partner for regional connectivity and economic cooperation. With Sri Lanka’s keen interest in engaging more with ASEAN (Regional Comprehensive Economic Parnership ) Viet Nam believes Sri Lanka can play an even stronger role in connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in trade, tourism, logistics and maritime cooperation.

(Q) How would you describe the current diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka after the Party General Secretary and State President’s visit?

(A) Following the visit, the diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka can be described as stronger, more dynamic, and more future-oriented. The establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership demonstrates the high level of political trust and creates a solid framework for expanding cooperation in many important sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education, digital transformation, agriculture, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

(Q) After the Party General Secretary and State President, what is your vision for Viet Nam-Sri Lanka relations over the next decade?

(A) Over the next decade, we hope Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations will develop into a stronger, broader, and more practical partnership under the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership. We expect deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, connectivity, digital economy, education, renewable energy, agriculture, and maritime cooperation. At the same time, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation will continue to grow, creating a solid foundation for long-term friendship and mutual prosperity between the two countries.

(Q) What message does Viet Nam wish to send to Sri Lanka and South Asian Region through the visit?

(A) Through the Party General Secretary and State President’s visits to India and Sri Lanka, Viet Nam wishes to send a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and shared development to Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region. The visits demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in South Asia and promoting peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.