Colombo – Sri Lanka’s first self-learning comprehensive sexuality education website -- www.RoadToAdulthood.lk -- is set to help thousands of young people navigate the complex and challenging trials of life and love.

Produced by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Y-PEER youth network, and under the guidance of Sri Lanka’s University Grants Commission, the online platform targets young adults with interactive learning tools on a range of issues from sexuality and gender to reproductive health and the reproductive system, from safe sex (including HIV and sexually transmitted infections) and contraception  to drug abuse and addictive behaviours.

“It’s of the utmost importance to ensure that students are empowered to make the right decisions and choices in regard to their reproductive health,” said Professor Mohan de Silva, Chairman of the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka at the website’s launch event. “I encourage all universities in Sri Lanka to include this e-course as part of the new entrants’ programme to ensure that we develop full-rounded individuals at all our universities,”

One in four people in Sri Lanka are between the ages of 15 and 29 years, and according to the country’s latest National Youth Health Survey, over half of all young people are not aware of key issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The new site makes a course only previously available to a limited number of university students accessible to all Sri Lankans in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages, to ensure young people can navigate risks like sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, and strengthen their ability to enjoy healthy, happy lives and relationships.

“The launch of this website enables anyone aged 18 years or above to access a wealth of information that is absolutely crucial to boost essential knowledge and support young people in accessing pathways to sexual and reproductive health and rights,”  said Ritsu Nacken, UNFPA’s Representative in Sri Lanka.

UNFPA is committed to ensuring that all Sri Lankan youth can meet their full potential, and this begins by young people being empowered to make informed choices and decisions about their bodies, lives and relationships as they embark upon the road to adulthood. Comprehensive sexuality education is more than just sex education from a biological or physical perspective – it addresses abilities and skills that span a lifetime.