On the 4th and 5th of November 2019, FPA Sri Lanka held a series of consultations on the topic of Female Genital Cutting/Circumcision in Sri Lanka with medical professionals and activists. The consultations were facilitated by the lead researchers of a qualitative study conducted on the topic of FGC in Sri Lanka, intended to gain information about the practice and its nuances in the country. The consultation sought a set of recommendations from medical professionals and activists, for steps moving forward with advocacy efforts on FGC. Following a summary of the research methodology, findings, and shortcomings, the medical professionals and activists expressed their reflections and suggestions, which were taken into account for the final research report. The study (findings of it will be used for future advocacy efforts) was launched on the 10^th of December at the International Center for Ethnic Studies (ICES). This event also coincided with the global campaign '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence', which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) leading up to 10 December (Human Rights Day). 

“FGM has been highlighted as an issue in Sri Lanka in the past 2 or 3 years.  Whilst this practice has been happening in Sri Lanka for many years, this has come to light as an issue only in the past few years. The parliament select committee on women heard testimonies from many young women who had experienced FGM and this prompted the MoH to issue a circular in 2018 stating that all medical practitioners refrain from conducting FGM in Sri Lanka. Since there is very little information on FGM in Sri Lanka, FPA was interested in finding out the medical implications of FGM and possible support services available for women who face FGM. Since the topic is very sensitive, it was decided that conducting a prevalence study may not bring positive results however in depth qualitative interviews with women who have experienced FGM could give FPA an insight into how to support women who seek specialized services” – Sonali Gunasekera- Director Advocacy 

The book can be accessed via : http://www.fpasrilanka.org/sites/default/files/towards_understanding_female_genital_cutting_in_sri_lanka.pdf