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For many schoolgirls in Sri Lanka, getting their period is more than a biological milestone-it is a recurring obstacle to their education. In the country’s rural and plantation communities, period poverty, defined as the lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, has become a pressing concern, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation’s economic crisis.
Struggling to Stay in School
A significant number of girls are forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles. According to a recent survey of over 500 girls in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, nearly half reported difficulties affording sanitary pads each month, with the figure rising to 81% in some schools. Many girls, like 14-year-old Janani from Nuwara Eliya District, resort to using makeshift pads made from old fabric when their families cannot afford sanitary products. The embarrassment and discomfort associated with these alternatives often lead them to skip school entirely.
The impact is not just academic. Missing classes means falling behind, with little chance to catch up. “If I miss school because of this, they won’t cover the lessons I’ve missed, will they?” Janani asks-a sentiment echoed by her peers. Teachers and students alike report that the lack of proper facilities for changing and disposing of pads at school further discourages attendance during menstruation.
Economic and Social Barriers
The economic crisis has exacerbated the situation. The price of sanitary napkins has soared by 92% since 2022, and imported pads are still subject to a 51% tax2. Many families, especially those relying on daily wage labor like tea picking, cannot consistently afford these essential products. A 2021 report found that half of Sri Lankan women did not allocate funds for sanitary products, and experts believe the situation has only worsened since.
Cultural taboos and misinformation about menstruation also play a role. In both urban and rural areas, menstruation remains a sensitive and often stigmatized topic, limiting open discussion and education about menstrual health. This lack of awareness, combined with inadequate sanitation facilities, further compounds the problem.
Government and Community Responses
Recognizing the scale of the issue, the Sri Lankan government has taken steps to address period poverty. The 2025 budget allocates 1.44 billion rupees to provide sanitary napkins for over a million female students above Grade 6 in government schools1. Additional funds have been set aside to improve school sanitation facilities. However, previous attempts, such as a voucher scheme for purchasing sanitary pads, have been criticized as insufficient and unsustainable, with reports of vouchers being used for other essentials or not at all.
Non-governmental organizations, such as the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka and the Arka Initiative, are also working to improve menstrual health education and product access, particularly in rural areas. Experts stress the importance of community-based solutions and collaboration between government, NGOs, and local organizations to ensure these initiatives reach the girls who need them most.
Looking Forward
Despite ongoing efforts, period poverty remains a significant barrier to education and well-being for many Sri Lankan girls. As the country continues to recover from economic hardship, sustained attention and innovative solutions will be crucial to ensure that no girl’s education is interrupted simply because she cannot afford sanitary products.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from multiple news and research sources, including The Morning, DW, and other publicly available reports. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be subject to change as new information emerges.
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