By NELUM BUDDHADASA
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 01 July, 2025: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with the Government of Japan has supported the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) to build capacities of over 2,000 women and young people across Sri Lanka on social cohesion, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate action. This project is a part of the Japan’s grant assistance of 5.29 million USD which supports welfare and empowerment of the Sri Lanka’s women and girls in vulnerable communities.
With support from the Government of Japan, UNFPA and ADT launched two landmark initiatives: the Social Cohesion and Climate Innovation Grants. In collaboration with 11 dynamic organizations across 12 districts, today’s event “Together we Elevate” celebrated the collective journey on enhancing the resilience of vulnerable women, girls and young people in Sri Lanka through various initiatives promoting social cohesion, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights and innovative climate solutions.
The official ceremony took place with the participation of key dignitaries, including Hon. Minister Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Kenji OHASHI – First Secretary and Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka and Mr. Godfrey Yogaraja – CEO, Alliance Development Trust.
Hon. Minister Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, expressed his sincere gratitude to UNFPA and the Government of Japan and highlighted the vital importance of actively investing in Sri Lankan women and youth, recognizing them as the powerful drivers of positive change. He emphasized that empowering these women and youth isn’t just about protection of vulnerable groups nor providing opportunities to them, but about fostering a resilient, inclusive society where every voice contributes to a brighter tomorrow.
Echoing this, Mr. Kenji OHASHI, First Secretary and Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, stated that Japan has been a long-standing partner of Sri Lanka to empower the communities, especially women and youth, to foster social cohesion and sustainable development. He emphasized that every member of society has a role to play to the development and betterment of society, and investing in women, young people, and vulnerable communities is equivalent to investing in the future of Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event, UNFPA Representative Mr. Kunle Adeniyi underscored the importance of an integrated approach to sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment, and gender inclusion for social cohesion. He emphasized directly confronting myths and misconceptions surrounding these issues, ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are central to both identifying problems and shaping solutions and that this holistic perspective is crucial for building resilient and equitable societies.CEO of ADT, Mr. Godfrey Yogarajah, while sharing his sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and the UNFPA, indicated on how this initiative to peace building by linking with awareness and advocacy promotion through young people on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), gender, and climate action have been impactful in building a fairer, more inclusive, and stronger Sri Lanka. By focusing on SRHR, gender equality and climate justice the project has given youth at grass root level, the tools and confidence to lead change.
At the event “Together we Elevate”, unique stories of resilience, innovation, and community-led impact were brought to the forefront. The event captivated participants with panel discussions, awareness sessions, forum theatre performances, puppet shows, games, and many more interactive activities. Throughout, the sessions reinforced the importance of a multi-sectoral and innovative approach to achieving social cohesion and effective climate action.