UNFPA, Japan and ADT empower 2,000 Sri Lankan women and youth

By Pranavesh Sivakumar

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Alliance Development Trust (ADT), launched a programme to strengthen the capacities of over 2,000 women and young people across Sri Lanka on social cohesion, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate action.

The official ceremony for the initiative, titled ‘Elevate’, was held at the BMICH on Tuesday. It forms part of Japan’s USD 5.29 million grant assistance to support the welfare and empowerment of women and girls in vulnerable communities across the country.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Eranga Gunasekara stressed the importance of actively investing in Sri Lankan women and youth, describing them as powerful drivers of positive change.

“Empowering women and youth is not just about protecting vulnerable groups or providing opportunities but about building a resilient, inclusive society where every voice shapes a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

He further emphasized the need for reconciliation through cooperation between generations and called on political organizations to prioritize economic development while mentoring the country’s youth. “As a ministry, we are always ready to build the nation with the support of our youngsters and women,” he added.

Colombo, Trincomalee, and Gampaha are among the districts identified for programme activities.

Two key initiatives - Social Cohesion Grants and Climate Innovation Grants - were also launched through this collaboration.

Partnering with 11 local organizations across 12 districts, the event marked a collective effort to enhance the resilience of vulnerable women, girls, and young people through projects promoting social cohesion, gender equality, reproductive rights, and climate solutions.

Kenji Ohashi, First Secretary and Head of Economic and Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing commitment to empowering communities, particularly women and youth, to foster social cohesion and sustainable development.