KURUNEGALA, Sri Lanka (01 Apr 2018):  The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) together with the United Nations in Sri Lanka, participated in ‘Yowunpuraya’ – a 5 day residential youth festival organized by the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs, the National Youth Services Council, and Sri Lanka Youth.

This year, Yowunpuraya was held in Kurunegala, and reached out to more than 5,000 young people across the island. Highlighting the importance of love and peace, UNFPA conducted sessions focusing on comprehensive sexuality education. This included educative sessions that disseminate among youth, scientifically accurate information about human development, anatomy, and reproductive health, as well as information about contraception, childbirth and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV/AIDS. This education goes beyond information, helping young people to explore and nurture positive values regarding their sexual and reproductive health. It further includes discussions about family life, relationships, culture and gender roles, and addresses human rights, gender equality and threats such as discrimination and sexual abuse, to build peaceful communities.

UNFPA is the United Nation's reproductive health and rights agency.