Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka adopted its first NAP for the period of 2023-2027. It was launched by the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The NAP development process began in 2019 and was initiated with the help of the Government of Japan and the technical support of UN Women.

Objectives/Aims of the 2023-2027‍

The NAP has five overarching objectives:

1. To increase the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of national life, including the maintenance of peace and security
2. To protect women’s safety and well-being by addressing their needs, priorities and rights during and after conflict, as well as other emergency situations such as disasters and pandemics
3. To build and strengthen the capacities of communities and government institutions to promote social cohesion and prevent violence, terrorism, and crimes
4. To facilitate the relief and recovery of women and girl children affected by conflict contexts
5. To contribute towards achieving gender equality and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring inclusive, responsive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels

Commentary
The National Action Plan further aims to provide targeted support for women who have been and continue to be directly harmed by conflict, violence and climate insecurity. In addition, it aims to strengthen the security of marginalized women and girls, and the economic empowerment of women through access to equal opportunities and resources.

‍Involvement of Civil Society in Developing the NAPThe NAP was developed through a consultative process with input from provincial and district level public sector officials, civil society, community-based organizations, women leaders and others with direct and diverse experiences of conflict and crises.

UN Peacekeeping Statistics

As of March 31, 2025, Sri Lanka has contributed 332 personnel for peacekeeping missions (of which only 21 are women).

Sri Lanka' s ranking as a contributor of personnel to UN peacekeeping missions: 33

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Women in Peacekeeping
One of the focus areas set out in the NAP is on Peacebuilding, peacekeeping and Promoting Harmony Amongst Communities of Sri Lanka. The outcome of the focus area is to promote the democratic ideals of Sri Lankan society through the equitable involvement of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution and the involvement of women in decision-making at all levels of governance and politics. The responsible authorities under the relevant focus area is the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment, Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms.

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References

United Nations Peacekeeping. (July 2023): Troop and police contributors | United Nations Peacekeeping

Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country, Mission, and Personnel Type (May 2023): 05-Missions Detailed By Country‌

UN Women Asia and the Pacific Sri Lanka adopts first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

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Source

https://www.lk.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/11_000001_00015.html

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