Sri Lanka is set to expand its cancer treatment infrastructure with the resumption of construction on the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the country’s Southern Province and neighboring regions. Led by the non-profit Colours of Courage Trust (COC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Sri Lanka Army, the project aims for completion by 2026. A ceremony marking the start of Phase Two will take place on January 30.
The 10-story hospital will offer advanced cancer care, featuring a Radiology Unit, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Paediatric Ward, Surgical ICU, Chemotherapy Unit, Operating Theatres, and 160-bed Oncology Wards. The facility is expected to provide critical medical support to the growing number of patients seeking treatment in the region.
COC, co-founded in 2008 by Sri Lankan entrepreneur Nathan Sivagananathan and former national cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena, has been instrumental in enhancing cancer care across the country. The organization previously spearheaded the Trail 2011 initiative, which raised $2.6 million through a 670-kilometer cross-country walk to fund the Tellipalai Trail Cancer Hospital in Jaffna. Since opening in 2014, the hospital has treated nearly 800,000 patients, making it a crucial component of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.
However, the Karapitiya project has faced significant delays due to financial constraints, government funding issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country’s economic crisis. Despite these setbacks, renewed commitment from the Sri Lankan government and military has put the initiative back on track. The Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka Army have pledged full support, offering voluntary labor and technical expertise.
Financial hurdles remain, with construction costs soaring beyond initial estimates. While LKR 750 million ($2.3 million) has already been raised and utilized for Phase One, an additional LKR 2.2 billion ($6.7 million) is required to complete the project. In response, COC has reopened donation channels, seeking contributions worldwide to support construction and procurement of medical equipment.
How to Support the Project
Global donors can contribute directly to:
Colours of Courage Trust (Guarantee) Ltd
Account No: 003010491671
Bank: Hatton National Bank, Head Office Branch, Colombo 10
Swift Code: HBLILKLX
The Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital represents a crucial step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance cancer care and improve healthcare accessibility. With international support, the project aims to bring life-saving treatment to thousands of patients in the years to come.
