European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) conclude landmark SRHR study tour in Sri Lanka

European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) Conclude Landmark SRHR Study Tour in Sri Lanka

A high-level delegation from the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) concluded a study tour across Sri Lanka, hosted by The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka). The visit, held from May 25–30, 2025, aimed to strengthen global collaboration and provide firsthand insight into the country’s efforts to promote Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice (SRHRJ).

The delegation comprised prominent Members of the European Parliament and national-level representatives: Pia Maria Wieninger (MP, Austria), Celia Groothedde (Senator, Belgium), Fatima Lamarti (MP, Belgium), Jeppe Søe (MP, Denmark), Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (MEP, European Parliament), Krzysztof Jan Śmiszek (MEP, European Parliament), Eva-Johanna Eloranta (MP, Finland), Hanna Leena Kosonen (MP, Finland), Anne Cecile Violland (MP, France), Helena Vilhelmsson (MP, Sweden) and Apsana Begum (MP, United Kingdom).

The delegation visited FPA Sri Lanka’s Service Delivery Point locations in Batticaloa, Nuwara Eliya, and Koggala, engaging with healthcare providers, government officials, civil society leaders, and community members. Their itinerary included mobile clinics, awareness programmes, policy roundtables, and community discussions, offering a 360-degree view of the challenges and innovations in delivering SRHR services across diverse settings.

Stakeholder forums were held in Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, and Koggala, addressing SRHR in diverse communities, including estate communities, rural areas, and populations in export processing zones and industrial sectors.

This visit reinforced the importance of local-global dialogue in advancing SRHR as a human right. Through collaborative learning and mutual understanding, the EPF delegation gained valuable insight into Sri Lanka’s model of rights-based, inclusive healthcare delivery.

“We all face our own challenges. And we all must continue the fight, for gender equality, against gender-based violence, and for the protection of minorities and LGBTQ+ people. And I truly believe that by exchanging good practices and sharing knowledge, we can build a better world, not just in Sri Lanka, not just in Europe, but across this planet-for everyone”, said Krzysztof Jan Śmiszek, Member of the European Parliament, Poland.

FPA Sri Lanka, as a pioneering NGO with over 72 years of experience, continues to lead the nation’s efforts to ensure that no one is left behind, especially in hard-to-reach, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. The organization operates 10 Service Delivery Points across the island and engages in community outreach, education, policy advocacy and health services for all.

“This visit highlighted the power of partnership and the importance of global solidarity in achieving reproductive justice,” said Dr. Ruchitha Perera, Executive Director of FPA Sri Lanka. “We were proud to share our work and learn from international allies committed to advancing SRHRJ for all.”

FPA Sri Lanka has a long-standing partnership that supports health and education nationwide, working closely with national stakeholders on key programmes, such as the National HIV Prevention Project. This collaboration has enhanced awareness, promoted safe practices, and increased access to prevention and care, thereby strengthening the national HIV response.

The visit by European parliamentarians offered a valuable chance for shared learning, policy dialogue, and strategy exchange. It enhanced mutual understanding and built a foundation for future collaboration, resource mobilization, and advocacy, crucial for advancing universal access to SRHR and protecting health and rights everywhere.