The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka is the sub-recipient for the Multi-country South Asia (MSA) Global Fund HIV Programme in Sri Lanka. Save the Children International in Nepal is the Principal Recipient of MSA Global Fund HIV Programme. The MSA Global Fund HIV Programme operates in seven countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This programme is supported by a grant provided by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The overall goal of the programme is to reduce the impact of and vulnerability to HIV of men who have sex with men (MSM), hijras and transgender people.

Individuals representing MSM, TG and PLHIV communities were selected and provided with a 3-day residential training from the 14^th- 16^th of August at the Pegasus Reef Hotel, Wattala. Upon the successful completion of this training, these individuals were identified as Community Role Models of Multi-country South Asia Global Fund HIV Programme.   

Expected Outcomes

• Expand the membership of the Community Role Models Hub.
• Interact at capacity building and sensitization workshops as advocates of issues concerning Key Populations.
• Further strengthen the knowledge and skills of individuals.
• Build confidence and encourage these individuals to represent Sri Lanka at national and international forums. 

Topics of discussion and resource persons at this event were: 

Topics of discussion and resource persons at this event were: 

National Strategic Plan of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (2013 – 2017) - Dr. Sisira Liyanage, Director-National STD/ AIDS Control Programme

Laws and Policies - Mr. Ajith Rohana, Deputy Inspector General of Police-Sri Lanka Police Department

Human Rights and Social Justice Frameworks -Ms. Roma Ranasinghe, Attorney-at-Law

Understanding MSM and transgender people - Dr. Nadeera Attanayake, Senior Medical Officer-National Institute of Mental Health

Understanding HIV and Developments of HIV - Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Consultant Community Physician-National STD/ AIDS Control Programme

Etiquette and personal grooming - Ms. Irushi Aluvihare, Director-Image Consultants

Developing social media skills tailored towards promoting Community goals - Mr. Senel Wanniarachchi, Co-Founder-Hashtag Generation

Developing media relations skills and effectively handling interviews- Mr. Narada Bakmeewewa, Journalist.