Kilinochchi, 5th October 2025 – History was made in Kilinochchi as over 1,000 participants and nearly 500 spectators filled the town in a sea of pink for Sri Lanka’s first-ever nationwide TLC Triathlon, an initiative to fight breast cancer through awareness and early detection.
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 Hon. Nagalingam Vedhanayagam Governor of the Northern Province, Government Agent Mr S Muralitharan, the 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:
“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 Hon. 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
Ranga Jayathilaka (Media Coordinator)
(071 04 41 149)
