News
UNFPA , Japan support Lanka to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health services amidst COVID-19
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 29 March 2021:
The United Nations Population Fund (formerly UN Family Planning Association) in Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan recently handed over a consignment of goods to support the Ministry of Health to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Additionally, the infrastructure provided will further strengthen the service provision capacity at Women and Youth-Friendly health centres.
This support was made possible through ‘PROMISES’ – a USD 1.5 million UNFPA project supported by the Government of Japan designed to improve access to information and services on sexual and reproductive health and gender based violence, aimed at women and young people.
The three-year project primarily focuses on improving women’s access to family planning services in Sri Lanka, enhancing the capacity of Women and Youth-friendly health centres and strengthening services for victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
As such, UNFPA Sri Lanka handed over essential medical and ICT equipment worth over USD 150,000 to the Ministry of Health on 29 March 2021, at the Family Health Bureau in the presence of State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama, UNFPA Representative Ritsu Nacken and other officials.
Acknowledging this support, Dr. Fernandopulle stated: ‘’Sri Lanka has made significant progress in the health sector. Yet there continues to be areas where we can do better – particularly in terms of enhancing our delivery of sexual and reproductive health services for women and young people. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I want to thank UNFPA Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan for the tremendous support and assistance in this area.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Sugiyama, said: “As a long-time development partner, Japan has been supporting the peace and development of Sri Lanka in response to the genuine needs of the Sri Lankan people, including in the areas of gender and women’s empowerment. Sri Lanka and Japan are partner countries under the G7 Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Initiative, for which Japan has so far extended approximately USD 6 million to Sri Lanka.
“We hope that the equipment and furniture handed over today will help the health centers better serve women and young people in need, who are key contributors to peace and sustainable development in this country.”
Representative of UNFPA Sri Lanka Ritsu Nacken stated, “Strengthening the access to and delivery of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services is imperative so that women and girls are not left behind as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Even pre-COVID access to SRH information and services was tough for many, especially for young people. UNFPA together with the Government of Japan is pleased to support the Ministry of Health in ensuring everyone has access to essential life-saving services.”
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
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