Sri Lanka launched its "National Policy on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment" on International Women’s Day 2023.

The policy was put forth by the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment Sri Lanka with technical support from UNFPA Sri Lanka and the support of other UN Agencies.

The purpose of the policy is to establish a framework to guide and standardize the development of laws, policies, programs, and mechanisms. It aims to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women in all spheres and structures of government as well as in the public and private workplace, community, family, and within the civic space.

The National Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy envisions a just society where equality of women and men and gender minorities is upheld, all women, men, and gender minorities enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms, and both women, men, and gender minorities are able to realize their full potential and participate equally and equitably in and benefit from democracy and development both in public and private life.  It recognizes that achieving gender equality and the participation and engagement of men and boys is critical in addressing development challenges.