As part of their Sri Lanka study tour hosted by FPA Sri Lanka, the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights (EPF) delegation began their Batticaloa visit at the Midwifery Training Centre (25th May), led by the Medical Officer in Charge of the Public Health Training Centre (PHTC), which is responsible for training Public Health Midwives and frontline health workers.

Thereafter, meetings with health officials commenced on 26th May. In his opening remarks, the Provincial Director of Health Services (PDHS) – Eastern Province underscored the province’s commitment to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programming.

This was followed by an overview of district-wide SRH service delivery presented by the Medical Officer of Health. The Regional Director of Health Services then led a session focused on strengthening Public Health Midwife (PHM) capacity to ensure quality care in remote communities. The day concluded with frontline NGOs, Women in Need, Surya Women Development, Action Unity Lanka, Women Care, and the Women Development Authority, sharing on-the-ground challenges, from stigma and misinformation to resource limitations. The session fostered a space for shared learning and mutual understanding through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.