The Dambulla Sixers have kicked off the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 with a significant initiative aimed at raising cancer awareness across Sri Lanka.
Prior to the commencement of any matches, the team is set to embark on a nationwide campaign that highlights the challenges faced by children battling cancer. This initiative will lead up to the highly anticipated Pink Match, utilizing the prominent cricket platform to convey an essential message that transcends the sport itself.
On July 17, the entire Dambulla Sixers team, along with their coaching staff and management, will dedicate their morning to visiting Suwa Arana – A Place for Healing, where they will interact with children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. This visit includes a tour of the facility, engaging activities with the children, gift presentations, and the official launch of the team’s Pink Campaign for the 2026 season.
Suwa Arana, managed by the Indira Cancer Trust, offers vital services such as free accommodation and meals, as well as holistic support for children traveling from various parts of Sri Lanka to receive essential treatment at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama. For many families, this facility serves as a supportive home during their treatment journey, providing not just shelter but also dignity, compassion, and hope.
After their visit, the Dambulla Sixers will participate in the official media launch for the LPL before beginning their tournament campaign.
The cancer awareness campaign will continue on July 19, coinciding with the Dambulla Sixers’ match against the Jaffna Kings during the LPL Pink Match.
This match aims to transform the LPL into a major public health awareness event in Sri Lanka. The Dambulla Sixers will don specially designed pink uniforms and helmets, while messages promoting breast cancer awareness will be displayed throughout the stadium, on large screens, and during the televised broadcast. Children from Suwa Arana and SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka will join the players for the pre-match ceremony, emphasizing the broader impact of cancer on families and communities. Additionally, Pink Fan T-shirts will be sold, with proceeds directed towards the Indira Cancer Trust’s initiatives.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women in Sri Lanka, with approximately 15 women diagnosed and three succumbing to the illness each day. Early detection remains critical for improving survival rates. The Pink Match will promote the Touch • Look • Check (TLC) campaign, encouraging women to familiarize themselves with their bodies, recognize changes, and seek medical help promptly.
The Indira Cancer Trust collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, Apeksha Hospital, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, and other key organizations to enhance cancer prevention, early detection, patient support, and palliative care throughout the nation. This awareness initiative aligns with national public health goals and leverages the influence of cricket to disseminate vital health messages to millions of Sri Lankans.
Dinesh Chandimal, Captain of the Dambulla Sixers, expressed, “While winning the LPL is our ultimate dream, our visit to these brave children serves as a powerful reminder of their courage. Cricket has given us an incredible platform, and if wearing pink or spending time with these families encourages even one individual to seek early medical advice, we have accomplished something meaningful. We hope this initiative resonates with the entire cricketing community.”
Roshan Mahanama, the Mentor of the Dambulla Sixers, remarked, “Cricket has an extraordinary ability to unite people beyond the confines of the game. Throughout my career, I have witnessed how sports can provide hope during challenging times. Kicking off our LPL campaign with children battling cancer reminds us of true bravery. We aim for this initiative to inspire all Sri Lankans to support those affected by cancer, promote early detection, and demonstrate how cricket can effect positive change beyond the field.”
The Dambulla Sixers are optimistic that this initiative will establish a lasting tradition within the Lanka Premier League, where the sport not only showcases athletic excellence but also fosters significant social impact throughout Sri Lanka.
