ABSTRACT
<b>Introduction</b><br> Recent strategic plans for HIV/AIDS control in Sri Lanka have stressed the need to focus prevention interventions on most-at-risk populations and similarly laid out the importance of improving HIV/AIDS awareness among the general population. Programmatic attention has to be strengthened to effectively change AIDS-related poor knowledge, low risk perceptions and risky sexual practices at the individual level, and avert an epidemic. While current data on at-risk populations are available to inform interventions, there is paucity of latest evidence for the general population programs.<br><b>Methods</b><br> In April-May 2009, a cross-sectional study involving 1,239 population-based and randomly selected respondents aged 15-49 was completed in Kandy, Sri Lanka (response rate=87.2%). The study collected data on HIV/AIDS knowledge, perceptions and sexual practices among the general population to supply current information for the intervention. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate approaches. <br><b>Results</b><br> While almost all respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS, sizeable proportions (44.7-76.2%) knew little about the types of sexually transmitted infections, and about the transmission modes and prevention methods of HIV/AIDS. Although 80% of respondents had low risk perceptions and were mostly at low risk behaviorally, their knowledge of HIV/AIDS was inadequate. They assessed their risks and practiced unsafer sex without the benefit of having evidence-based knowledge. The knowledge, perceptions and practices were significantly associated with gender, marital status, education, religion, and/or residence.<br><b>Conclusions</b><br> The gaps in substantive knowledge on HIV/AIDS suggest that no effective information and other related types of support have been provided to the general population in Sri Lanka. In the context of the need to contribute to sustaining the low prevalence of HIV in the country, a base of scientific knowledge and wider advocacy programs should be developed.