Population Situation Analysis in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This presentation shows how the Population Situation Analysis (PSA) was carried out in Sri Lanka by adopting the UNFPA’s PSA guidelines. The PSA process at its initiation itself identified the key stakeholders, that is, who are the main actors who authorize and advocate population and related policies and programmes. Specifically, these include the Ministry of Finance and Planning and its National Planning Department as well as other government authorities such as Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Services, Ministry Youth Affairs and Skills Development and it National Youth Services Council, Department of Census and Statistics, and Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affair. In addition, civil society organizations and the private sector organizations also actively participated. Participatory approach was used to promote ownership and commitment and thus expected to enhance both the quality and relevance of the emerging issues presented in the PSA. Heavy involvement in the preparation of the PSA by the National Planning Department which prepares national planning and development strategies made themselves to own the PSA. UNFPA Sri Lanka country office recognized the need for a strong advocacy strategy. Hence, a national forum on population issues was created, consultative meetings were arranged, and working clusters were organized under themes such as reproductive health, gender and population dynamics This will enable them to use the PSA for various policy formulations.