Sri Lanka Opens First GBV Shelter for Women in Nuwara Eliya with Support from UNFPA and the Government of Japan

The first dedicated shelter for women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nuwara Eliya was officially opened today, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen protection and support services for women facing violence.

The shelter, under the purview of the District Secretariat in Nuwara Eliya and the Women’s Bureau of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, established with financial support from the Government of Japan and technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), constructed by World Vision Lanka and Women Development Centre (WDC) was opened by the Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, and H.E. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, senior representatives from the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, the Women’s Bureau, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary and UNFPA. The shelter will be managed by the Women’s Development Centre and the Women’s Bureau of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

Violence against women remains a persistent issue in Sri Lanka, and expanding access to safe spaces for survivors is a critical priority under the country’s second National Action Plan to address Sexual and Gender‑Based Violence (2024–2028). The new shelter in Nuwara Eliya will offer survivors immediate protection, temporary accommodation, psychosocial support, and pathways to legal and health services, ensuring a survivor‑centered, dignified response for women survivors.

UNFPA Representative to Sri Lanka noted, “This shelter represents a beacon of hope and a safe haven for women seeking protection and support to rebuild their lives. UNFPA remains committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of Japan, and local partners to end violence against women and girls, ensuring no one is left behind.”

H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, reiterated Japan’s continued support for securing the safety and enhancing the welfare of women and children in Sri Lanka, and emphasized the importance of coordinated approach by the central and local governments, police, local communities and NPOs: “The current project of the UNFPA is very much aligned with the concept of 'Human Security' the Government of Japan adopts as an important pillar of its diplomacy. This shelter in Nuwara Eliya and other shelters under the project are good starters, and similar shelters are expected to be established by the central and local governments for women in need across the country as an extension of this project. It is also essential to ensure legal measures against gender-based violence and to provide necessary support for the self-reliance of women who seek refuge and assistance. Together with the robust support from local communities and NPOs along the efforts of the governments, I hope GBV in the country will be effectively prevented and appropriately addressed.”

The initiative follows the signing of an MOU in June 2025 between the District Secretariat of Nuwara Eliya, the Women’s Bureau of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and the Women’s Development Centre, Kandy, to operationalize the shelter in collaboration with local authorities.

Following the opening, the delegation visited the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital’s Maternity Unit, where the Government of Japan and UNFPA have supported the installation of heating and solar power systems to enhance maternal and neonatal care, reducing neonatal hypothermia in the region’s cold climate and strengthening climate resilience in Sri Lanka’s health system.

By strengthening GBV referral pathways and supporting critical infrastructure, the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of Japan, and UNFPA continue to work together to create a safer, more equitable environment for women and girls across the country.