Family planning is central to women's empowerment and sustainable development. It strengthens women’s economic security and well-being and that of their families.  Globally, more than 300 million women in developing countries are using contraception, but more than 214 million women who want to plan their births do not have access to modern family planning. 

During crises and public health emergencies such as COVID-19, sexual and reproductive health needs are often overlooked resulting in staggering consequences, as women and girls may lose access to healthcare, family planning services and Comprehensive Sexuality Education, exposing them to unintended pregnancies in perilous conditions. 

Reproductive health is a lifetime concern for both women and men, from infancy to old age. UNFPA works with governments and partners to promote universal access to quality, integrated sexual and reproductive health services. 

UNFPA also promotes comprehensive sexuality education and youth leadership, which empower young people to exercise autonomy, choice and participation with regard to their sexual and reproductive health and rights. A nationwide Youth Health Survey conducted in the year 2013 and 2014 revealed that only 59% of respondents received education on reproductive health in school and that sexual and reproductive health related knowledge among youth was not satisfactory as nearly 50% were unaware about most aspects of basic SRH issues. This is why UNFPA works with the relevant Government and non Government partners and youth organizations to ensure age-appropriate CSE is provided for school and out of school young people across Sri Lanka. 

To achieve this goal, UNFPA has supported:
- The Ministry of Education to advocate for age-appropriate CSE to be incorporated for school and out of school young people
- The Ministry of Health to ensure everyone has equal access to sexual and reproductive health services and information even in the midst of the pandemic
- Healthcare workers, including Midwives, to ensure women can continue to have access to essential and lifesaving gynecological a obstetric care

UNFPA supports the Government of Sri Lanka and works with a range of local and international partners to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights remain at the core of the Population and Development Agenda.