“PAD MAN” Raises His Voice Again for Girls and Women

Highlights the Damage Caused to the Nation by Period Poverty

“If Health and Education Were Recognized as Fundamental Rights, Even Period Poverty Could Be Eliminated”

- Opposition Leader Emphasizes -

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that Sri Lanka’s Constitution does not currently include economic, social, health, and education rights among the country’s fundamental rights framework, which mainly focuses on civil and political rights. He emphasized that if health and education were formally recognized as human rights, sustainable solutions could be found not only for period poverty but also for the broader health issues faced by citizens across the country.

The Opposition Leader made these remarks on Thursday (28) during a discussion held at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo regarding issues related to period poverty.

He pointed out that women make up 52% of Sri Lanka’s population and stressed that discussions on period poverty involve many dimensions. He said that society still shows reluctance to openly discuss menstruation, largely due to cultural stigma and misconceptions, but stressed that the country must move beyond such attitudes.

Improper Menstrual Management Leads to Serious Health Problems

The Opposition Leader noted that experts in the medical field have repeatedly highlighted how improper menstrual management can lead to numerous health complications. He revealed that out of approximately 4.2 million women affected, nearly 70% — around 3 million women — do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene management and are forced to rely on unsafe or informal methods.

He further stated that only about 12.6% of those facing serious menstrual health complications seek medical assistance, while the overall situation has also contributed to reduced school attendance among girls.

Period Poverty Even Affects National Economic Growth

Sajith Premadasa explained that due to ridicule, embarrassment, the impact on school uniforms, and psychological stress, around 50–60% of schoolgirls avoid attending school during menstruation. He added that working women are also significantly affected by these challenges.

He stressed that in a country where female participation in the labor force is already low, the inability to properly manage menstruation directly impacts workforce productivity and even affects the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Government Has Imposed Heavy Taxes on Sanitary Products

The Opposition Leader further stated that workplace sanitary and health facilities for women remain at a very poor level, making the issue even more severe.

He pointed out that although the Opposition had long raised concerns regarding period poverty, there had previously been no clear government policy on the matter. While the government now spends Rs. 1.4 billion to provide sanitary products to one million schoolgirls, it has simultaneously increased taxes imposed on these essential items.

He highlighted that sanitary products are currently subject to five different taxes:

15% General Duty
18% VAT
10% PAL Tax
15% CESS Tax
2.5% SSCL Tax

He strongly emphasized that imposing such taxes on essential sanitary products is fundamentally wrong.

Taxes on Sanitary Products Must Be Removed

Sajith Premadasa noted that countries such as India and Bangladesh do not impose taxes on sanitary products. He added that Kenya, South Africa, and even the United Kingdom have removed such taxes.

He also pointed out that the Parliament of Scotland decided to provide sanitary products free of charge, while former leaders in New Zealand had implemented similar school-level programs.

Therefore, he stressed that Sri Lanka too should abolish all taxes imposed on sanitary products, following the example set by many countries around the world.

Sanitary Products Should Be Manufactured Locally

Finally, the Opposition Leader questioned why Sri Lanka has still failed to locally manufacture high-quality sanitary products at affordable prices. He pointed out that encouraging local production could help establish new industries while simultaneously creating employment opportunities within the country.