News
UNFPA launches new interactive learning material supporting ‘Happy Family’ initiative
The health and happiness of a family unit – is a good indicator of a prosperous society. In 2020, keeping in line with this concept, the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) of the Ministry of Health, together with UNFPA, Sri Lanka launched the “Happy Family” Initiative; a communications program aimed at training healthcare providers. The adult learning training exercises consisted of roleplays, and case studies, exploring challenges faced within the family unit and how assertive communications and interactions could help overcome these issues. The training addressed misconceptions on gender-based violence, adolescent health, alcohol and drug abuse, maternal and child health, women’s health, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and nutritional habits. In 2022, men’s health was also added to the list.
Sri Lankan health providers in 2022 needed a new framework to cater to the needs of the family unit within the context of COVID-19 and the ensuing economic and political instability. Daily life in Sri Lanka had changed dramatically and the family unit and its needs together with that.
To cater to this requirement, a series of new communication materials were developed by the Health Promotion Bureau with the technical support of the Family Health Bureau and professional colleges. The areas addressed are:
* Life skills development for adolescents: Alcohol and drug use, exam anxiety, responsible use of new technology
* Happy life promotion: Love, understanding, and assertiveness at different life stages
* Men’s health: Men’s mental health, prostate disease and sexual dysfunction
* Subfertility management: Awareness and combating myths on subfertility
* The promotion of Well-Woman Clinics via social media to encourage testing for cancers
Speaking of the new communications material, S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Secretary of Health, said that “We have seen how effective these tools have worked in sending the accurate message to communities; developing and disseminating these communication tools are crucial in addressing health issues”. Kunle Adeniyi, Representative, UNFPA Sri Lanka further elaborated that “UNFPA believes that by strengthening the capacities of health workers we can better understand and respond to the critical sexual and reproductive health issues of women and girls and communities in order to reduce the negative impacts of the current crisis”.
The additional secretary of Health, Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, The Deputy Director General Public Health II Dr. Susie Perera, The Director of FHB Dr. Chtramali de Silva, and Director HPB Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe expressed their vision and way forward with this project.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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