CanHOPE Colombo received official recognition at the Rotary District 3220 Awards, held on June 14, 2025, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, for its leadership in advancing cancer awareness through the Cup of Courage – A High Tea for Cancer Awareness initiative. The award highlights the power of collaboration between healthcare providers and service organizations in strengthening public engagement and education.
(From left) – Chairperson, Women in Rotary, District 3220, Rotary Club of Colombo West – Rtn. PP Archt. Danya Udukumbure; Chief Executive Officer, Parkway Cancer Centre, Singapore – Mr. Kim Seck; Radiation Oncologist, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore – Dr. Ivan Tham Weng Keong; Medical Oncologist, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore – Dr. Tanujaa Rajasekaran; Chairperson / Medical Director, Indira Cancer Trust, Sri Lanka – Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayake; Managing Director, Shiranee Joseph De Saram Foundation/ Member – Rotary Club of Colombo West – Ms. Praveena Joseph De Saram; and Country Director – Sri Lanka IHH Healthcare, Singapore – Mr. Shuvo Hridayesh
The event, hosted earlier in 2025 at Virticle by Jetwing in Colombo, was organised in partnership with the Rotary Club of Colombo West as part of the Rotary International District 3220’s Women in Rotary programme, led by Danya Udukumbure. The initiative featured keynote addresses by Dr. Ivan Tham and Dr. Tanujaa Rajasekaran, leading oncologists from Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore, who provided expert insights into early detection and emerging therapies such as Proton Therapy.
Commenting on the recently concluded event, and recognition, Country Director, IHH Singapore Patient Assistance Center, Sri Lanka – Shuvo Hridesh stated: “Cup of Courage was more than an event – it was a platform to change perspectives and provide strength through knowledge. We are honoured by its recognition and committed to making cancer awareness more accessible in Sri Lanka”.
Backed by CanHOPE Colombo, the regional representative of Parkway Cancer Centre Singapore, the event attracted wide participation and donated 100% of its proceeds to the Indira Cancer Trust, reinforcing its mission-driven impact.
The Rotary award reflects a growing demand for health initiatives that combine global medical expertise with local advocacy. CanHOPE Colombo is poised to lead future efforts that bridge this gap, championing early detection, cross-border treatment access, and community empowerment through targeted cancer support programmes.