The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Parliament of Sri Lanka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the use of population data and evidence in policymaking, ensuring that the country’s changing demographic trends are reflected in future legislation and national development strategies.
The agreement was signed by Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative a.i. Phuntsho Wangyel.
According to UNFPA, the partnership will help ensure that laws and policies shaping Sri Lanka’s future are guided by reliable population data, enabling the country to better address challenges such as population ageing, changing family structures and evolving development needs. The initiative also seeks to advance gender equality and safeguard the health and rights of women and young people.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, UNFPA Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific, said decisions made today would have a lasting impact on future generations.
“This partnership is about ensuring that Parliament has the evidence, data and insights needed to build policies that respond to a changing population while protecting people’s rights, expanding opportunities and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said. “Demographic change is not something to fear. It is an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive future if we prepare for it together.”
The MoU was a key outcome of Dr. Bodiroza’s official visit to Sri Lanka from June 28 to July 4, during which he engaged with senior Government leaders and development partners to strengthen collaboration on the country’s long-term development priorities.
During the visit, Dr. Bodiroza met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs W. M. D. T. Wickremasinghe. Discussions focused on strengthening health systems, promoting gender equality, supporting women and young people, and preparing for Sri Lanka’s demographic transition through evidence-based and rights-centred policies.
He also visited communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, where he observed UNFPA-supported initiatives providing reproductive healthcare, protection services and humanitarian assistance to women and girls in estate communities.
UNFPA said additional engagements with development partners, civil society organisations and private sector representatives highlighted the importance of broad-based partnerships in promoting inclusive development and ensuring women, girls and young people can actively contribute to Sri Lanka’s future.
Having partnered with Sri Lanka for more than five decades, UNFPA continues to support national efforts to improve maternal health, strengthen population data systems, advance gender equality and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government, Parliament and national stakeholders to ensure development policies remain evidence-based and focused on people’s health, rights and aspirations.