“Do It For Her” Sri Lanka’s First Nationwide Triathlon to Fight Breast Cancer

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a Triathlon will be held not for athletes or medals, but for mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, and friends whose lives are cut short every day by breast cancer.

Every day, 15 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka, and 3 lose their lives. Most of these deaths could be prevented through early detection and monthly self-breast examination. That life-saving message is now being carried nationwide through the TLC Triathlon 2025.

An Island Turns Pink

This October—every Sunday, in all four corners of the island—Sri Lanka will unite in pink for a symbolic triathlon:

• 5th October – Kilinochchi (North)
• 12th October – Batticaloa (East)
• 19th October – Matara (South)
• 26th October – Colombo (West)

The triathlon is built around the theme “Touch · Look · Check” (TLC)—a reminder for every woman over 20 to perform a self-exam once a month. Each segment—swim, bike, run—symbolises endurance, resilience, and the collective fight against cancer.

Every participant will wear a pink T-shirt and receive a medal at the finish line, carrying the message home to share with mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. Because this campaign is not only for women: husbands, brothers, sons, and children also have a role to play in supporting the women they love to check themselves.

A National Movement

The TLC Triathlon is organised by the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) together with the Indira Cancer Trust, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, the Sri Lanka Society of Breast Surgeons, and the College of Community Physicians.

It is further supported by the Rotary, Lions, Red Cross, Scouts, and Girl Guides, making it one of the most inclusive public health campaigns ever undertaken.

Private Sector and Media Partners Step Forward

This unprecedented effort has also been powered by the private sector and media partners, who have looked at this event not as a promotional opportunity, but as a national responsibility.

Gold Sponsor: Commercial Bank – Exclusive Banking Partner

Silver Sponsor: Melwa

Bronze Sponsors: Pyramid Wilmar, CIC Holdings, Medisurg International, Damro, and Hameedia

Media Partners: Sirasa/MTV, Shakthi TV, Wijeya Newspapers, Emerging Media, Sound Asia Holdings, Media Monkey

Event Partners: G360, Aitken Spence Travels

Community Partners: Perera & Sons, Pelwatte Dairy

Their support ensures that this campaign will not only touch lives on the ground but also reach millions through an unprecedented two-month media campaign from August to October 2025.