Introduction Studies across the world have shown that parent-adolescent SRH communication can prevent unhealthy sexual and reproductive health (SRH) practices among adolescents and promote their sexual and reproductive health. Parents have the ability to provide individualized sex education to suit the needs of their children, their families, and societal values. The fact that children have more opportunities in the family, makes parent-based sexuality education of children a better approach to Sri Lankan context. Objective To explore mother’s perceptions and concerns over sharing SRH information with their daughters among Sinhalese mothers of adolescent girls aged 14–19 years in Sri Lanka. Methodology Six Focus group discussions (FGD) were carried out among mothers of adolescent girls aged 14–19 years. Each focus group discussion included 10–12 participants who were recruited using the purposive sampling method. A focus group discussion guide developed after an extensive literature search and expert opinion was used to retrieve information from mothers. Data management and analysis mainly followed an inductive approach to thematic analysis principles. The findings were presented in narrative form using respondents’ quotes in their own words and were developed into codes and themes. Results The mean age of the participants was 43.5 years while 62.4% (n = 40) were educated above the Ordinary level. Analysis of data identified eight main themes from the FGDs. Many mothers thought that sexual and reproductive information is important to adolescent girls. They tried to keep their girl adolescents informed about Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) issues. They preferred abstinence-only education over abstinence-plus education. Lack of skills and lack of knowledge on adolescent SRH issues was a major challenge identified by the mothers to communicate SRH matters with their children. Conclusions and recommendations Although mothers perceived their role as primary sex educators to their children, they were not confident about their knowledge and skills in discussing SRH matters with children. Implementation of interventions to improve mothers’ attitudes and skills in communicating SRH matters with children is recommended.

Background: Sexual and reproductive health is a major concern among adolescents and youth in Sri Lanka. The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, and practices of the youth trainees attached to youth training institutes in Sri Lanka. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 425 youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-21. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Comparison of categorical variables was conducted using Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test as applicable. Results: Study group consisted of 51.8% (n=220) males and 48.2% (n=205) females with mean age of 18.6 years (SD= 1.8). Only 49% (n=211) knew that nocturnal emission is normal in young men, while 8% (n=34) thought that nocturnal emission would weaken their body. Only 47.5% (n=202) had ever heard of condoms, and 13.2% (n=56) knew about the emergency contraceptive pill. While 23.3% (n=98) identified abortion could cause maternal death, 53.9% (n=227) knew that teenage pregnancy lead to complications in both mother and baby. A majority, 75.5% (n=318) expressed that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted via unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 114 (26.8%) correctly identified abstinence and limiting to one faithful sexual partner as successful ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI). Nearly 8% (n=33) said that they engaged in sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime. Of them, nearly 75% (n=23) had their first sexual contact at the age of 14-18 years and only 58% (n=19) had used condoms. Male gender (p<0.001), being a Buddhist (P=0.027), age above 20 years (P=0.002), having a education level above grade 11 (p=0.022) were positively associated with SRH knowledge. Conclusions and recommendations: Knowledge and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees were sub-standard. Study recommends strengthening sexual and reproductive health education at youth training centers.