In observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, a collaborative consortium of organisations, namely NetWwater, FPA Sri Lanka, Rotary Club of Colombo West, Perera and Sons PLC, the Marga Institute, and Appe Lanka Foundation organized an advocacy initiative bringing together leaders and advocates working across menstrual health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Held at FPA Sri Lanka, the event was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The keynote address by Ms. Kusum Athukorala explored the interconnectedness of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), and Climate-Informed Action (CIA) in advancing community well-being.

The programme featured insightful presentations by:

• Dr. Chintha Rupasinghe, Director SRH – FPA Sri Lanka, on menstrual health, dignity, and advancing equity within the SDGs

• Ms. Diluka Piyasena, Interim Coordinator – Global Water Partnership South Asia, on climate change, community water resilience, and menstrual hygiene management

• Ms. Shaan Corea, Founder/CEO of Appe Lanka Foundation, on bridging rural development, WASH, and MHM.

An interactive reflection session moderated by Amar Gunatilleke, Executive Vice Chairman of the Marga Institute, encouraged participants to identify key challenges, practical solutions, and collective pathways forward.

The discussions reinforced that menstrual health is not only a health issue, but also a matter of dignity, gender equality, climate resilience, education, and sustainable development. Strengthening partnerships and cross-sector collaboration remains essential to ensuring equitable access and breaking stigma for all.