UNFPA, Parliament of Sri Lanka sign MoU to strengthen evidence-based policymaking

Colombo, July 10 (Daily Mirror) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Parliament of Sri Lanka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the use of population data and evidence in policymaking, with the aim of ensuring the country's changing demographic trends are reflected in future legislation and development planning.

The agreement was signed by Parliament Secretary-General Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative a.i. Phuntsho Wangyel.

The partnership seeks to support the formulation of laws and policies based on reliable population data, enabling Sri Lanka to better address challenges such as population ageing, changing family structures and evolving development needs while promoting gender equality and safeguarding the health and rights of women and young people.

UNFPA Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific, Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, said the partnership would help ensure Parliament has access to the evidence and data needed to develop policies that respond to demographic changes while protecting people's rights and expanding opportunities.

He noted that demographic change should be viewed as an opportunity to build a stronger and more inclusive future through informed planning.

The MoU was signed during Dr. Bodiroza's official visit to Sri Lanka from June 28 to July 4, during which he held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs W.M.D.T. Wickremasinghe.

According to UNFPA, the discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing gender equality, supporting women and young people, and preparing for Sri Lanka's changing population landscape through evidence-based, rights-centred policies.

During his visit, Dr. Bodiroza also visited estate communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah to observe UNFPA-supported programmes providing reproductive healthcare, protection services and humanitarian assistance to women and girls.

UNFPA said it has worked with Sri Lanka for more than five decades, supporting maternal health, gender equality, population data systems and access to sexual and reproductive health services, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government and Parliament in developing evidence-based, people-centred policies.