The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for allowing me to second the Motion on preventing breast cancer.

¶ 02 Breast cancer is a sensitive topic for all of us. Many of us have encountered a mother, sister, or daughter who suffered or died due to breast cancer. Women constitute about 52% of our population, and breast cancer is their most significant cancer burden. As stated, in 2021 there were 5,447 cases; about 15 new cases are identified daily, and three women die daily.

¶ 03 Early detection leads to nearly 100% cure rates. Therefore, starting from Parliament and expanding to public and private institutions, we should increase early detection.

¶ 04 We acknowledge the work of organizations such as the Indira Cancer Trust and the Roshan Mahanama Trust, and programs like TLC—Touch, Look, Check. For the first time, students and staff at Musaeus College in Colombo wear pink ribbons weekly to promote awareness. If replicated across schools, we can spread awareness from children to parents.

¶ 05 I thank the Indira Cancer Trust and Health Ministry officials for supporting today’s program, and the officials of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. I conclude.