Sanitary napkin programme for schoolgirls to continue

Colombo, March 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Government has decided to continue the programme to provide sanitary napkins to schoolgirls this year, with the aim of supporting the uninterrupted education of female students who have reached puberty.

According to the Government, the programme will cover about 1.05 million schoolgirls studying above Grade 6 in all Government schools and Government-aided special schools across the country.

Under the programme, each student will receive two gift certificates valued at Rs. 720 each, amounting to a total of Rs. 1,440 for the year. Using these vouchers, students will be able to purchase sanitary napkins during the year, either 12 packets containing eight napkins each at Rs. 120 per packet or eight packets containing ten napkins each at Rs. 180 per packet.

The Cabinet Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by the Prime Minister, in his capacity as the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister, to implement the sanitary napkin distribution programme in 2026 as well.

The programme is intended to reduce school absenteeism among girls and ensure that menstrual health needs do not become a barrier to continuing their education.