The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka conducted a sensitization workshop for 38 legal officers in the Western and Southern provinces of the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka on the 29th of July 2017. Technical hub representing, health, law enforcement and legal sector and community advocates of the Multi-country South Asia Global Fund HIV programme conducted sessions with the objective of:
- Sensitizing the legal officers on critical human rights issues faced by the LGBTI community, including Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and transgender communities in Sri Lanka.
- Enabling the recognition of the essential role of the judiciary in achieving positive health and social outcomes at national level
- Encouraging legal officers to work as active partners in the national HIV response.
- Promoting alliances and partnerships between the Legal Sector and civil society partners.
Sessions were as follows
- HIV prevention among Key Populations in Sri Lanka: Human Rights perspective- Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, Fomer Human Rights Commissioner
- HIV prevention among Key Populations in Sri Lanka: Legal Perspective - Mr. Ajith Rohana, Deputy Inspector General of Police – Sri Lanka Police Department
- What is Sexuality, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities - Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Consultant Community Physician - National STD/AIDS Control Programme
- HIV epidemiology- Dr. Nimal Edirisinghe, Former Director – National STD/AIDS Control Programme
- Sharing of experiences- Mr. Saman Kumara, Mr. Thenu Ranketh and Mr. Sakuni Mayadunne, Community Role Models – MSA Global Fund HIV Programme 2016