UNFPA Sri Lanka is pleased to announce a productive meeting held between UNFPA Asia Pacific Regional Director, Mr. Pio Smith, and the State Minister of Finance, Hon. Shehan Semasinghe, on Thursday (Feb. 29). The meeting, which took place at the Office of the State Minister of Finance, focused on discussing UNFPA's priorities, support, and key concerns in Sri Lanka, further strengthening the collaborative relationship for future endeavors.

During the meeting, Mr. Pio Smith commended the government’s efforts in economic reform, emphasizing the critical importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka’s recovery. UNFPA reiterated its longstanding partnership with the government, highlighting its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in areas such as health, education, and gender equality.

Acknowledging the government's economic reform efforts, Mr. Smith underscored the significance of fostering equal opportunities and breaking down gender barriers to tap into the full potential of Sri Lanka's labor force. Furthermore, UNFPA expressed its commitment to supporting the government in strengthening its national statistical system, recognizing the essential role of accurate and timely data in informing policy decisions and government programs.

In light of Sri Lanka's ongoing socio-economic crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government's efforts in addressing immediate needs, including medicines and commodities for maternal health and contraceptives, through innovative approaches and agile responses.

UNFPA Sri Lanka also reiterated its support for the development of the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, along with key bills aimed at advancing gender equality and the establishment of a National Commission on Women. Additionally, UNFPA emphasized its technical assistance to the Department of Census and Statistics in conducting the 2024 Population and Housing Census, including resource mobilization at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka.

UNFPA Sri Lanka looks forward to continued collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to advance gender equality, women's empowerment, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.