Cabinet Approves Rs. 1.5 Bn Sanitary Napkin Program for 2026 📈

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the continuation of the national program to provide sanitary napkins to schoolgirls for the year 2026, aimed at supporting education and menstrual hygiene. • Coverage & Reach: The initiative will benefit approximately 1.05 million schoolgirls above Grade 6 across all Government schools and Government-aided special schools island-wide. • Financial Allocation: Each eligible student will receive two gift certificates valued at Rs. 720 each, totaling Rs. 1,440 per year. Based on the student count, the total state investment is estimated at approximately Rs. 1.51 Billion. • Product Options: Beneficiaries can utilize the vouchers to purchase: 12 packets (8-count) at Rs. 120 per packet; or 8 packets (10-count) at Rs. 180 per packet. • Economic & Social Impact: Proposed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the move aims to reduce the financial burden on households and prevent school absenteeism among adolescent girls, directly supporting human capital development.