May 28, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for sweeping reforms to address menstrual health inequalities in Sri Lanka, warning that period poverty continues to affect millions of women and girls while remaining an overlooked national concern.
Marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, Premadasa urged the country to work towards creating a more inclusive and “period-friendly” society by dismantling long-standing social stigma and improving access to affordable menstrual hygiene products.
In a strongly worded statement, the Opposition Leader described inadequate menstrual care as a growing public health and economic issue rather than merely a private women’s matter. He noted that a significant percentage of Sri Lankan women and girls still struggle to obtain basic sanitary products consistently, forcing many to rely on unsafe or unhygienic alternatives.
Premadasa highlighted the impact on education, claiming that thousands of schoolgirls continue to miss lessons during menstruation due to poor sanitation facilities, lack of privacy and social embarrassment. He argued that the issue contributes directly to educational inequality and limits opportunities for young women at a critical stage of development.
The Opposition Leader also drew attention to challenges faced by women in the workforce, particularly in factories and labour-intensive industries where proper hygiene facilities and workplace support remain inadequate. According to him, the absence of menstrual-friendly policies negatively affects productivity, wellbeing and female participation in the economy.
Criticising the existing tax structure on sanitary products, Premadasa said the government’s decision to subsidise sanitary napkins for schoolgirls while continuing to impose multiple taxes on such essentials represented a major contradiction in policy. He argued that menstrual hygiene products should be treated as necessities rather than luxury items.
As part of his proposals, Premadasa pledged to advocate for the complete removal of taxes on sanitary products and to encourage local manufacturing in order to reduce costs and improve accessibility. He also said Sri Lanka should examine international models, including Scotland’s policy of providing free menstrual products through public institutions.
In addition, he called for broader constitutional reforms aimed at recognising health and education as guaranteed social rights, arguing that access to menstrual healthcare should form part of the State’s responsibility towards citizens.
Premadasa stressed that menstrual equity is closely linked to public health, social dignity and national economic progress. He urged policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders to work together on a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate period poverty and ensure women and girls are able to participate fully in society without barriers or stigma.
Concluding his message, the Opposition Leader said Sri Lanka must move beyond outdated cultural attitudes surrounding menstruation and create an environment where discussions on menstrual health can take place openly, respectfully and without shame.