FPA Sri Lanka participated in the IPPF RESPOND 2 South and Southeast Asia Regional FGM/C Values Building Workshop, held on 7–8 October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The workshop brought together representatives from Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia to strengthen a shared regional approach to eliminating female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). FPA Sri Lanka was represented by Dr Chintha Rupasinghe, Director – Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Dr Melanie Goonarathne, Medical Officer.

Discussions focused on reviewing progress against regional intervention themes, mapping existing narratives around FGM/C, and co-developing shared values and principles to guide locally relevant messaging. The workshop also aimed to refresh regional priorities and strengthen peer learning among participating countries.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s priorities, Dr Chintha Rupasinghe said, “For Sri Lanka, an important priority is to strengthen the national evidence base while ensuring that research and prevention initiatives are conducted ethically, sensitively, and without stigmatising affected communities.”