Even though breast cancer is one of the most commonly reported cancers among women in Sri Lanka, only around 50 per cent of women aged 35–45 currently attend Suwanari clinics, which are designated cancer early-detection centres. Approximately 6,000 new cases of breast cancer are reported in Sri Lanka annually, while around 1,000 women die from the disease each year. Although breast cancer can be completely cured when detected at an early stage, delays in seeking treatment due to fear, embarrassment or a lack of awareness remain a major challenge.
Therefore, an island-wide special national programme will be held on 2 November under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Health Ministry to promote the early detection of breast cancer. Accordingly, women MPs are scheduled to organise health clinics and awareness programmes at the electorate and District levels and participate directly in these initiatives. Special attention will be given to encouraging women in rural communities, plantation areas, urban high-rise housing complexes and underserved areas to attend Suwanari Clinics. Efforts will be made to encourage more women in this age group to make use of the facilities available at these centres.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive programme is also planned for implementation next year (2027) to refer all women aged 35–45 for screening tests, bringing together the relevant stakeholders, including women’s societies operating at the Grama Niladhari Division level.
In addition, the meeting between the Caucus and the Ministry discussed conducting cervical cancer awareness programmes in January 2027 under the leadership of women MPs.
The meeting also focused on gender-responsive budgeting and the care economy. Discussions were held on obtaining technical advisory support to facilitate the implementation of the National Care Policy and the incorporation of gender-responsive policies into the budgetary process.
Furthermore, the need to expedite amendments to address existing shortcomings in legislation relating to the prevention of domestic violence, maintenance, and the prohibition of corporal punishment against children was emphasised. The importance of coordinating with the Justice Ministry to advance these amendments was also highlighted.