The National Police Academy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the support of the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya, successfully conducted a Curriculum Development Consultative Meeting from 25th to 27th April 2025 at Jetwing Sea Hotel, Negombo.

This consultative meeting was a key initiative under a national training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of over 1,500 police officers assigned to Women and Child Desks across Sri Lanka. The discussions focused on co-developing a comprehensive, context-sensitive curriculum addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and psychosocial support, with an emphasis on human rights principles, trauma-informed practices, and legal protocols.

The meeting brought together critical stakeholders from government institutions and development agencies. Notable participants included Mr. Tharanga Gunasinghe and Mr. Susmitha Thayanandan from the UNDP; DIG Jaliya Senaratna, Executive Director, National Police Academy; SSP Nishantha Chandrasekara, Director, National Police Academy; and DIG Renuka Jayasundara, Head of the Children & Women Abuse Investigation Range.

Key state institutions responsible for the prevention of SGBV against women and children were also represented. These included the National Child Protection Authority, Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Attorney General’s Department, and the Government Analyst’s Department, among others, involving representatives from 25 state institutions.

Representing the University of Kelaniya were Senior Professor Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director, Centre for Gender Studies; Dr. Kumudu Sumedha, Director, Social Reconciliation Centre; Dr. Shobavi Randeny, Department of Paediatrics; Dr. Pavithra Godamunne, Department of Medical Education; and Ms. Harshani Karunanayake, Coordinator, Centre for Gender Studies.

The consultative process underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and academic engagement in designing effective, rights-based training curricula. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to make a significant contribution to the professional development of frontline officers working to protect women and children from gender-based violence throughout Sri Lanka.