News
National initiative to fight breast cancer kicks off from Kilinochchi
Lives of three Lankan women claimed by the disease each day
Over 1,000 participants took part in Sri Lanka’s first-ever nationwide TLC Triathlon, an initiative to fight breast cancer through awareness and early detection. The event was held in Kilinochchi on 05 October.
This unprecedented gathering, unlike anything Kilinochchi has ever seen, brought together students, teachers, families, and community members – all carrying one message home: Every woman above the age of 20 must perform a self-breast examination once a month.
The event was graced by Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedhanayagam, Government Agent S. Muralitharan, Regional Director of Health Services Dr Asela Dissanayake, and a wide array of dignitaries, including senior police officials, civil society leaders, and political representatives. Their presence underlined the importance of this collective fight against breast cancer – a disease that claims the lives of three Sri Lankan women every single day.
The TLC Triathlon – symbolising Touch · look · check – is designed as an accessible relay event with short distances: 250m swim, 6km cycle, and 3km run/walk. Teams of three participated with energy, determination, and solidarity, each dressed in pink T-shirts and receiving medals of participation to carry the message back into their homes, schools, and villages.
Speaking at the event, organisers emphasised:
An organiser addressing the gathering
“This is not about medals or times. This is about our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters. If even one life is saved because someone went home and reminded a loved one to examine herself, this triathlon has achieved its purpose.”
The Kilinochchi leg marks the beginning of a historic month-long campaign, spanning all four corners of Sri Lanka:
12th October – Batticaloa (East)
19th October – Matara (South)
26th October – Colombo (West)
Organised by the Indira Cancer Trust, together with Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, professional medical colleges, and community partners, including Rotary, Lions, Red Cross, Scouts, and Girl Guides, the TLC Triathlon is the largest breast cancer awareness initiative ever attempted in the country.
The event also highlighted the legacy of the Indira Cancer Trust, established in memory of Indira Jayasuriya, by her father, former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, after her courageous battle with breast cancer.
With immense community participation, heartfelt support from dignitaries, and the powerful visual of Kilinochchi turning pink, the message is clear: Sri Lanka is united in the fight against breast cancer.
For more details: www.indiracancertrust.org
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, at Temple Tress on the 17th of February
Dr. Georgieva, commended the Government’s efforts in stabilizing the country’s economy and in managing recent economic and natural shocks. She noted that Cyclone Ditwah had caused severe impacts, especially on economically vulnerable communities, underscoring the importance of targeted support and resilience-building measures.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The PM further emphasized that real economic recovery and development must directly benefit the economically vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive growth, highlighting the need for Sri Lanka to attract quality and sustainable investments, particularly in the tourism sector.
The importance of reforming the education system to focus not only on knowledge acquisition but also on skills development and employability was also discussed
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the IMF Managing Director Andreas Bauer, Director, Asia and Pacific Department, Dr. Krishna Srinivasan Division Chief (Strategic Communications), Communications Department, Pierre Mejlak Resident Representative for Sri Lanka Dr. Martha Woldemichael, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Deputy Governor Dr. C. Amarasekara, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to relocate the Deniyaya Base Hospital after constructing a new hospital with a capacity of 300 beds at an estimated cost of Rupees 6,000 million.
The Southern Provincial Department of Health has acquired a plot of land in Handford estate which is approximately 03 kilometres away from the town for this purpose.
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