Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says many women suffer in silence because of the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, a natural part of life. Speaking at the “Period Proud 2025” conference held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, she called for urgent action to protect women’s health, education, and dignity.

The event was organised under the “Collective Action Against Period Poverty (CAAPP)” initiative. The Prime Minister said that menstrual health should not be treated as a taboo and highlighted that period poverty is not just a health issue—it’s also about equality, dignity, and human rights.

She referred to a recent survey done in Trincomalee, Kandy, and Colombo, which showed that many schoolgirls skip school because they don’t have access to proper sanitary products. Some are even forced to use unsafe alternatives, which puts their health at serious risk.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for a clear, structured plan to ensure that periods do not become a barrier to education or wellbeing. She added that the Ministry of Education has already started giving free sanitary products to schoolgirls over the age of 13, especially those from low-income families.

“No girl should miss school because of her period,” she said.

She also revealed that the government is considering a programme to provide reusable sanitary pads starting next year. In addition, she acknowledged the calls to remove all taxes on menstrual hygiene products. While some progress has been made, she said more needs to be done and that policy changes are being discussed with the Ministry of Finance.

The Prime Minister ended her speech by calling on civil society and the private sector to help make menstrual health a priority.

The event was attended by French Ambassador Rémy Lambeau, members of the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, activists, and other invited guests.