1 March 2024, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka: Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Ms. Lalita Kapur and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota visited UNDPs mobile interactive exhibition space, ‘A Journey of Transformation and Women’s Empowerment’, taking place from 29th February to 2nd March in Kurunegala and open to the public. Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, Chief Secretary of the North-Western Province was also present at the opening. Born from the initiative sparked during the 16 Days of Activism campaign last year, the exhibition was also attended by local government and civil society representatives working in the area. From its inception in November 2023 in Kandy, this exhibition has evolved into a dynamic platform for social dialogue and empowerment, celebrating the resilience of Sri Lankan communities supported through UNDP Sri Lanka's efforts across the years through the support of multiple partners, to address barriers to gender equality and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Acting High Commissioner together with UNDP RR symbolically launched a series of video knowledge products funded by the Government of Australia, which highlights support provided to the Women’s shelter as a part of socio-economic recovery response during the crisis.

The high-level mission also visited and declared open other UNDP led initiatives including the Buduruwakanda Cereal Processing Centre, following which a visit to the Mee Oya Green Entrepreneurs Forum and Monthly Fair. A discussion also took place with a group of entrepreneurs of the 200 beneficiaries that have been supported through UNDPs area-based programming efforts in Kurunegala, funded by the Green Climate Fund, Citi Foundation, and the Government of Thailand, strengthening women entrepreneurs for climate change adaptation. 
 

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