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RHIYA brought together 80 young people from all RHIYA countries and Europe to Sri Lanka to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues. For the majority, it is the first time they leave their country. Here are their thoughts and acts.
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| PROFILE |
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History / Culture: Sri Lanka was a former colony of the British Commonwealth. Its original name, Ceylon was changed in 1972 into Sri Lanka. There are 3 main ethnic groups; Sinhalese, Tamils and Moors while relatively smaller proportions are Burghers and Malays. They follow 5 main religions. Buddhists forms the majority while Hindus Muslims, Catholics and Christians comprise the rest. Since the beginning of the 80s, claims for independence by the Tamil minority led to violence many times in Sri Lanka. Even in 2007, tensions between rebel groups and the government have not been resolved yet. Violence within the country led to the internal displacement of many civilians.
Geography: Sri Lanka, is a large teardrop-shaped island, and lies off the southeast coast of India.
Population / Demography: Sri Lanka is inhabited by 19.5 million people, and the population density is about 296 people per square kilometer. The Population growth rate is 1.1% a year. Life expectancy at birth averages around 72 years; the infant mortality rate is just 12 deaths per 1,000 live births; the maternal mortality ratio is 42 deaths per 100,000 live births; and the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel is 97% (see charting Progress).
Economy / Productivity: Despite internal strife, economic growth has been steady and sustained at 5-5.5% per year for a decade. Over the past 30 years the country has moved from a largely agricultural-based economy to service-based one (tourism, trade, communications and financial services). Poverty levels have been reduced currently 22% of the population lives below the poverty line and Sri Lanka is poised to enter the ranks of middle-income countries. The tsunami, which slammed into the island on 26th December 2004, resulted in over 30,000 dead, and nearly half a million displaced with severe damage to coastal areas and tourism industry in the South, East and North. Overall damage was estimated at over $2 billion.
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| BACKGROUND |
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Characteristics of Youth and Adolescent Population: The adolescent population of Sri Lanka is approximately 3.7 million which accounts for 19.7 % of the countrys total population. More than 20 years of ethnic conflict is one of the main problems affecting adolescents in North and East Provinces of the country. The war has direct effect on them. Some of them were killed during the war, other are disabled, suffering from post traumatic stress, being forcibly conscripted for rebel forces, and deprived of education. Their SRH and other basic rights have often been violated. Some of them live as internally displaced individuals either alone as orphans or with their families. The exact statistics on the adolescents affected by the war is not available. However, a recent national survey on emerging issues of adolescents shows that almost all the indicators among adolescents from these areas are relatively poor when compared to those in other areas of the country (Thalagala and Rajapakse 2004).
Education / Socio-Economic Development: The countrys investment in social programmes has been impressive: over 90% of the population is literate (including 90% of women and girls). The globalization process facilitated by the open economy is resulting in rapid social and cultural changes that have tremendous impact on the well being of young people. Approximately 92.1 % of Sri Lankan adolescents, complete primary education (Completed Kindergarten to passed year 6) and only 62.2 % completes secondary education (Passed Year 7 to Passed year 10 / Up to G.C.E. O/L). There is a slight gender gap seen in educational achievements. Relatively more females (9.7%) never attend school when compared to Males (5%). During the year 2006 literacy rates was 92 % among males and 89% among females.). The positive health seeking behaviour resulting form high literacy, especially that of females, has been identified as a major reason for commendable health indicators in Sri Lanka in relation to relatively smaller per capita G.N.P. ( US $ 899 in 2003) (Central Bank of Sri Lanka 2005)
Health / Knowledge on Sexuality and Reproductive Health: Most of the population (93%) has access to free basic health care. Knowledge about SRH varies depending on urban and rural areas, although recent studies has shown it has increased in the past years, including in rural areas.A considerably large number of mothers, approximately 500,000 (SLBFE 2000) have migrated to Middle Eastern Countries for employment. They left behind more than 1 million children and of them a considerable proportion is in adolescent age groups. These adolescents especially, girls are reported to become vulnerable to many SRH risks.
Traditional Values and Attitudes / Marriage: The mean age at marriage for males is 28 years old, and 24 for females. However, premarital sex among adolescents is increasing. A recent study has shown that one fifth of all abortions are performed on youth and adolescents. Abortion in Sri Lanka is illegal except when the life of the mother is in danger, but it is well known that it is practiced anyway, on a daily basis. A large majority of abortions in Sri Lanka are thus performed on women under 30 (UNESCO). Even when mothers are present, talking about SRH issues with their children is culturally taboo. Major SRH problems in Sri Lanka are sexual abuse, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, suicide, and substance abuses.
Actions: Sri Lankas demographic success is attributed to strong Government commitment to investing in health care and education, a robust primary health care infrastructure, high levels of female education, the integration of family planning into the mother and child health care (MCH) programme, and the fact that reproductive health services strive to meet improved quality standards.
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