As part of the International Planned Parenthood Federation's (IPPF) #Idecide campaign, we conducted an exchange programme for the members of our youth clubs from Batticaloa and Matara.

The members of the Batticaloa youth club who come from all parts of the Eastern Province travelled to Matara for this exchange programme. For many of them, it was their first visit to the Island’s southern coast. The members of the Matara Youth Club warmly welcomed their counterparts.

Members of both youth clubs then attended a session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) which was facilitated by young activist and FPA Sri Lanka volunteer, Ms Uda Deshapriya. This was followed by a session on the role of youth in ‘peace building’ which was facilitated by Mr Senel Wanniarachchi ( FPA Sri Lanka’s Senior Manager Advocacy and Communications and Youth Focal Point) and Miss.Priskila Arulpragasam (Chairperson – Youth Technical Advisory Committee)

All sessions were conducted simultaneously in Sinhala and Tamil.  The young volunteers discussed SRHR , the role of youth in peace building and made some lasting friendships. The programme was in part supported by the British Council Active Citizens’ programme