The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I move the following Adjournment Motion:

¶ 02 “October 2025 is designated by the World Health Organization as Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2022, Sri Lanka recorded 5,447 new breast cancer diagnoses, with 28% of all cancers among women being breast cancer. Although methods for early detection and self-examination exist, lack of awareness prevents early-stage diagnosis.

¶ 03 This situation must be overcome through proper, effective awareness. As a small step, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has brought this Adjournment Motion today. Supporting this, the Parliamentary staff are dressed in pink.

¶ 04 We propose that early-detection methods be further systematized and that comprehensive awareness programs be conducted across all segments of society, with the cooperation of all sectors.”

¶ 05 Using this month as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several programs were held in Parliament today. The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, with officials of the National Cancer Control Programme of the Ministry of Health, conducted awareness for our female MPs. We must take this nationwide.

¶ 06 According to statistics since 2015, cancer cases have increased in both men and women. By 2021, there were 16,398 men and 19,547 women diagnosed. If breast cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be treated and cured. Unfortunately, over 5,000 women are being diagnosed annually; about 15 new female patients are detected daily, and three women die daily—roughly 800 deaths a year.

¶ 07 We must address social attitudes. Awareness of self-examination is low. We should develop women’s health literacy and attitudes, with family roles—husbands, fathers, brothers—supporting women. This is a collective social responsibility.

¶ 08 Working with the Ministry of Health, we need a strong awareness program, involving women’s organizations and state and non-state entities, recognizing the social and economic burdens on families affected.

¶ 09 [Document placed in the Library.]