January 23, Colombo (LNW): In an important step to improve the well-being of female students across the country, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya convened a vital meeting yesterday (22) to explore solutions for the hygiene challenges faced by girls in secondary schools.
The gathering, held at the Ministry of Education, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Director of the Health and Nutrition Branch of the Ministry, key officials from that division, and the Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution.
A number of representatives from four leading companies, all of whom are certified by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution for the production of sanitary napkins, were also present to discuss potential strategies for improving access to sanitary products for female students.
During the session, Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of addressing this critical issue, noting that many girls above grade 6 in schools across the nation struggle with inadequate hygiene facilities, often leading to missed school days and hindering their education.
The discussion focused on enhancing the quality, availability, and affordability of sanitary products, ensuring that schools are equipped with proper facilities, and raising awareness about menstrual hygiene.
The Minister expressed a strong commitment to tackling these challenges, highlighting that ensuring the health and dignity of young women is key to their educational success.
The collaborative meeting sought to pave the way for practical solutions that will have a positive, lasting impact on the lives of students throughout the country.
Moving forward, the Ministry plans to implement targeted actions based on the recommendations discussed, with the aim of fostering a more supportive and hygienic environment for female students.
