Nearly one million schoolgirls from more than 6,100 schools across Sri Lanka are benefiting from a government-supported initiative aimed at improving access to menstrual hygiene products and education. The programme, known as Thilinapath, was launched by the Ministry of Education in June 2024 to provide free sanitary napkins to female students in Grade 6 and above.
Fems, a prominent feminine hygiene brand under Hemas Consumer Brands, has been a key partner in the initiative since its inception. The company facilitates the distribution of sanitary products, allowing schoolgirls to choose their preferred brand and product variant directly at their schools. Sachini Gamage, General Manager of Marketing at Hemas Consumer Brands, highlighted the significance of the initiative in providing girls with a full year’s supply of pads at no cost, emphasizing the independence it offers to the recipients.
Beyond providing access to sanitary products, efforts have also focused on addressing stigmas and informational gaps surrounding menstruation. Fems has implemented the ‘Api Katha Karamu’ (‘Let’s Talk’) Menstrual Health and Hygiene Education Programme, which brings medical professionals into classrooms to deliver accurate information on menstrual health and hygiene practices. Since its launch in 2021, the educational programme has reached over 250,000 schoolgirls nationwide, with the aim of normalizing conversations about menstruation that are often considered taboo.
Another key component of the initiative addresses safe and dignified disposal of menstrual waste. Many schools previously lacked adequate facilities for sanitary waste disposal, which posed health and privacy challenges. The Purple Bin project, developed with guidance from the Central Environmental Authority and supported by Fems, introduced dedicated collection bins in schools. These bins are managed by Sisil Hanaro Encare, a licensed waste management operator that runs Sri Lanka's largest centralized clinical waste management facility. This ensures the environmentally responsible disposal of collected waste.
Together, these combined efforts reflect a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply providing menstrual hygiene products. By incorporating education, awareness, access, and proper disposal infrastructure, the programme aims to enable schoolgirls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. Thilinapath remains a critical element in advancing menstrual health and hygiene outcomes in Sri Lanka through collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Fems, and other stakeholders.