• Why sex education is essential education

While Sri Lanka is often praised for its free education system and high literacy rate, many people often find that certain aspects of education are neglected by the system. Sex education is one of them.

This is mainly because sex, and, by extension, sex education is considered a taboo topic in Sri Lanka. From stories of teachers skipping sex ed chapters in school to textbooks blaming victims of sexual violence, many people across generational divides are disappointed with what young people are being taught.

“Sex education is a taboo; no one wants to talk about it,” medical practitioner Dr. Burhanuddin Hamza said at an event titled ‘Speak Sri Lanka’. The event was held on 8 May and featured seminars on topics relating to sex education such as sexual health, relationships and consent. 

“You will not see this talked about in schools,” Sexual and Reproductive Health Expert and National Programme Analyst at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Sarah Soysa, said.

Education limits unhealthy behaviour

The lack of information surrounding sexual education has led to some unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors and mindsets that may require years of work to undo.

“Young people should be allowed to learn about sex and sexual health in a healthy environment. Since many of our children and young people are being shielded from sexual education, a lot of them pick up what they know from pornography,” Psychiatrist Dr. Kavinda De Silva said.

While there have been many attempts to bring about a more comprehensive approach to sex education including topics such as diverse sexualities and use of contraception, opposition from religious leaders and other groups have reinforced the taboo.

Dr. De Silva joined medical experts in saying that the lack of education surrounding topics such as sexuality and consent has led to many people unable to understand how to protect themselves and others. He also emphasised the unhealthy role of pornographic content in shaping people’s perceptions of what sex should be.

“There is high novelty and stimulation,” Dr. De Silva said, referring to pornographic material. “Gradually high dopamine pleasure becomes associated with porn and the brain begins experiencing rewards from artificial stimulation.”

He explained that over time this leads to effects such as a decreased ability to experience natural rewards, brain fog, and a loss of motivation. Dr. De Silva also stated that an addiction to porn can negatively affect relationships. “Men look at the women they see in porn and then they try to look for the same type of woman in their girlfriends,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. De Silva emphasised the damage done when sex education is not taken seriously.  “In Sri Lanka, there are a lot of miscommunications and misunderstandings with relationships and situationships,” he said. “This is why a lot of professionals are trying to do something about it.” 

Taking proactive measures

While unhealthy habits such as porn addiction and sexual and gender-based harassment have been prevalent in a country where sex education is poor, health experts say that there are solutions.  “With regards to addictions to porn, it is important to break the cycle of abuse, novelty, and guilt that occurs when consuming the material and abstain from porn,” Dr. De Silva said. 

He suggested replacing the dopamine hits that porn provides with activities that provide real connection and purpose while also rebuilding healthy routines such as sleep and exercise. “It’s important to heal your identity and repeat authentic wins until your brain resets and pleasure feels real,” he said.

Meanwhile, Soysa advocated for spaces where people can feel safe and honest  about their sexual and reproductive health. “Silence is not safe,” she said, noting that many people often admit to feeling uncomfortable to talk about sexual and reproductive health and fear being judged. This has led to many people being unaware of basic practices such as contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and consent. 

“This needs to change,” she said. “People need to feel comfortable about expressing themselves in a positive way so that we can break this taboo.” 

If the taboo persists, medical experts warn that there can be long-term health consequences. “STIs are common and can be prevented by basic knowledge on contraception,” Soysa said. “Also basic knowledge such as breast, testicular, and cervical cancer can be detected early if we remove the taboo surrounding certain parts of our bodies and are educated.”

Sex Ed continues to be one of the most hushed topics. From schools to family discussions, talks about relationships, boundaries and sexual health often get brushed aside. “Many young men and women are not taught the basics,” Dr. De Silva said. “And the psychological impacts of not having a safe space continues to exist.”