27/04/2026
Breaking the Silence: Sri Lanka’s Menstrual Hygiene Crisis Takes Centre Stage
COLOMBO – On April 24, 2026, a high-level roundtable at Hotel Janaki brought together experts from NetWwater, the Rotary Club Colombo West, and the Marga Institute to address the systemic barriers surrounding Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Sri Lanka. The discussion highlighted a "silent crisis" where 4.2 million women and girls face period poverty, driven by high costs, deep-seated cultural taboos, and alarming health risks from conventional products.
A Crisis of Awareness and Affordability
Despite Sri Lanka’s strong regional standing in health and education, MHM remains a neglected human rights issue. Shockingly, 66% of girls are unaware of menstruation until they experience their first period. This lack of preparation, combined with the fact that only 30% of women have access to affordable menstrual products, has led to significant educational gaps. Statistics revealed that between 37% and 60% of schoolgirls miss classes during their periods, reinforcing long-standing gender inequalities.
The Hidden Dangers in Every Pack
The roundtable raised urgent concerns regarding the safety of conventional sanitary napkins, which are estimated to be 90% plastic. Experts warned that these products take 500 to 800 years to decompose and can leach harmful chemicals—including dioxins, phthalates, and heavy metals—into the body and environment.
Recent studies cited during the session linked long-term exposure to these materials to grave health concerns, including:
• Hormonal disruption and infertility.
• Reproductive toxicity and endometriosis.
• Potential links to cancer and neurological damage.
Challenging the Patriarchal Lens
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the need for a "cultural shift" in how menstruation is discussed. Participants called for the abandonment of "patriarchal" and medicalised language, such as "MENS-truation" and "MENARCHE," in favour of simple, positive semantics. The use of modern platforms like TikTok, teledramas, and 30-second digital cuts was proposed to reach younger audiences and break the cycle of stigma.
The Path to Sustainability
To combat both health risks and environmental damage, the roundtable promoted sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable pads made from bamboo and jute. These natural fibres offer high absorbency and anti-bacterial properties without the toxic chemical load of plastic-based pads.
Institutional Progress
While the challenges are vast, institutional efforts are gaining momentum:
• The Ministry of Education has integrated MHM into school curricula and teacher training.
• The Ministry of Health is currently formulating a national policy to standardize hygienic practices.
• The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has launched the country’s first National Sanitary Policy and designed improved disposal facilities for schools.
Effective Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is recognized as a cornerstone for achieving several Sustainable Goals:
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Reducing school absenteeism caused by a lack of products and private facilities.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Breaking down patriarchal social norms and myths that lead to the exclusion of women and girls.
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Ensuring access to clean water and safe, private disposal mechanisms in schools and workplaces.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Addressing the disproportionate impact of period poverty on marginalized communities, such as those in the plantation sector and dry zones
As the world prepares for Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, the message from Colombo is clear: MHM is not just a "women's issue" but a cornerstone of sustainable development and public health, requiring urgent, coordinated national action.
