FPA Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Disaster Management Centre, AUS Aid and IPPF Global- Sprint conducted a 2 day workshop and training course in Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Crisis on the 29th and 30th of August 2016 at the MAS Athena centre in Thulhiriya, Kegalle. Participants included front-line service providers such as Child Protection Officers, Disaster Management Officers, Police Women Section Officers, Doctors, Midwives, nurses and Counselors.

The importance of preventing sexual violence during crisis/emergency situations was highlighted and the need of implementing a system/framework to protect women and girls together with providing additional psychological support.

During the workshop, participants were trained on reducing transmission of HIV by educating them on safe and rational blood transfusions and standard precautions practiced. Availability of free condoms was also explained.

In addition to the FPASL interaction, a discussion led by Mr Chathura Liyanarachchi from the Disaster Management Centre enthralled the participants attending whilst Dr Dinesh Fernando of the Peradeniya University discussed the SGBV & IASC guidelines along with medical services for rape survivors. Group activities were conducted and the events concluded after an evaluation was completed.