Sri Lankan Diaspora Unites for Apeksha as SLLF UK Launches £50,000 Fundraising Campaign

The Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation UK has unveiled an ambitious and deeply meaningful fundraising campaign set to take place throughout the month of May, with the goal of raising £50,000 to fund a vital ultrasound scanner for the Apeksha Cancer Hospital in Maharagama, Sri Lanka. This initiative reflects not only the growing strength and unity of the Sri Lankan diaspora in the United Kingdom, but also a shared commitment to improving access to life saving healthcare for patients in need. The campaign begins on the 3rd of May with the highly anticipated Try for Cure rugby tournament, organised in partnership with the Sri Lanka Schools Touch Rugby Association. It will continue later in the month with the Light of Hope for Apeksha community luncheon on the 24th of May. Together, these events represent a coordinated effort to engage the community through sport, culture, and philanthropy, all in support of the Ultrasound Scanner Project at the Apeksha Cancer Hospital, also known as the National Cancer Institute. At the heart of this campaign is a simple yet powerful idea. By combining the energy of community driven events with innovative fundraising methods, organisers hope to transform collective goodwill into tangible impact. The introduction of the Try for Cure model exemplifies this approach, offering a dynamic and engaging way for individuals and corporate sponsors to contribute directly to the cause. Through this model, supporters can sponsor an alumni team of their choice and pledge donations based on the number of tries scored during the tournament. Each successful play on the field becomes an opportunity to generate funds, effectively linking athletic achievement with real world outcomes. This initiative not only adds an exciting dimension to the tournament, but also reinforces the idea that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to saving lives.

A Landmark Sporting Event on the 3rd of May

The Try for Cure rugby tournament will take place on the 3rd of May 2026 at Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Football Club. Over the years, this event has evolved into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the UK Sri Lankan community calendar, drawing players, families, and supporters from across the country. This year’s tournament is particularly significant, as it marks a collaboration between two influential organisations within the diaspora. Jerome Adams, President of the Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation UK, and Navantha de Silva, President of the Sri Lanka Schools Touch Rugby Association, have joined forces to ensure that the event serves not only as a celebration of sport, but also as a platform for meaningful social impact. Navantha de Silva highlighted the long-standing importance of the tournament, noting that it has been held for 18 consecutive years and continues to grow in both scale and significance. What began as a sporting gathering has developed into a cherished tradition that brings together generations of Sri Lankans living in the United Kingdom. This year introduces an expanded format that reflects the evolving nature of the community. In addition to the men’s teams, the tournament will feature women’s teams and Old Girls’ Association teams, all competing for the prestigious TDM Challenge Trophy. This inclusive approach not only broadens participation but also celebrates the diversity and strength of the Sri Lankan diaspora. The integration of the Try for Cure initiative adds a new layer of purpose to the competition. Players are no longer competing solely for victory on the field, but also for a cause that extends far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. Each try scored represents a contribution towards improving diagnostic capabilities at Apeksha Cancer Hospital, making every moment of the game more meaningful.

Beyond the sporting action, the event promises a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Entertainment will play a key role in bringing the community together, with The Red Sticks set to perform a selection of classic rock and roll hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Their performance will be followed by a closing act from Hasti, a well-known UK based Sri Lankan band celebrated for their energetic renditions of popular Sri Lankan music. The tournament is supported by Themiya de Mel, owner of TDM International, whose sponsorship of the Challenge Trophy underscores the importance of corporate involvement in community initiatives. A long-time supporter of Sri Lankan schools rugby and cancer care projects, his contribution highlights how businesses can play a meaningful role in driving positive social change.

A Community Gathering on the 24th of May

The momentum generated by the rugby tournament will carry forward into the second major event of the campaign, the Light of Hope for Apeksha luncheon. Organised by the Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation UK, this gathering will take place on the 24th of May 2026 at Maneke Sri Lankan Restaurant in High Wycombe. Framed around the theme of a Month of Enlightenment, the luncheon is designed to provide a more intimate and reflective space for community engagement. While the rugby tournament captures the excitement and energy of collective action, the luncheon offers an opportunity for connection, conversation, and shared purpose. Guests will come together not only to enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine and hospitality, but also to learn more about the impact of the Ultrasound Scanner Project and the broader work of the foundation. The event serves as an important touchpoint for those who may wish to contribute in a different way, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply by spreading awareness. By creating multiple avenues for participation, the campaign ensures that everyone within the community can find a way to get involved. From sports enthusiasts and corporate sponsors to families and individuals, each contribution plays a vital role in achieving the overall fundraising target.

A Proven Record of Impact

The Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation UK has built a strong reputation for transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. As a registered charity, it has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver meaningful results, with more than 20 major projects successfully completed to date. Collectively, these initiatives have raised over £200,000 to support cancer related healthcare in Sri Lanka, providing essential equipment and resources that have directly benefited patients and medical professionals alike. This track record gives supporters confidence that their contributions will be used responsibly and will have a tangible impact.

In line with its continued growth, the foundation has recently launched a redesigned digital platform aimed at enhancing user engagement and showcasing the real-world outcomes of its work. The updated website provides detailed information about ongoing projects, fundraising efforts, and ways to get involved, making it easier than ever for supporters to stay connected. As a Meta approved charity, the organisation has also embraced modern fundraising tools, enabling individuals to create their own campaigns through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. This approach empowers supporters to take an active role in the mission, extending the reach of the campaign beyond traditional channels.

A Call to Action

The events taking place in May mark the beginning of a broader campaign planned for 2026, with the Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation UK aiming to build sustained momentum throughout the year. Jerome Adams has called on the British Sri Lankan community, as well as business enterprises, to come together in support of this important cause. He emphasised that the mission of the foundation is to turn compassion into action, encouraging people from all walks of life to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them. Whether it is through corporate sponsorship, volunteering time and expertise, or attending events, every effort brings the campaign one step closer to its goal. At its core, this initiative is about more than fundraising. It is about creating a sense of shared responsibility and collective purpose, reminding the diaspora of the powerful impact they can have when they unite around a common cause. The need for improved diagnostic equipment at Apeksha Cancer Hospital is both urgent and significant. An ultrasound scanner is a critical tool in the detection and monitoring of cancer, enabling healthcare professionals to provide timely and accurate diagnoses. By supporting this project, donors are contributing directly to better outcomes for patients and helping to strengthen the overall healthcare system.

How You Can Help

There are several ways for individuals and organisations to get involved in this campaign and make a difference. Sponsor a team by contacting the Sri Lanka Schools Touch Rugby Association and pledging a donation for every try scored during the tournament on the 3rd of May Attend the Try for Cure rugby tournament at Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Football Club on the 3rd of May 2026 and show your support in person Join the Light of Hope for Apeksha luncheon on the 24th of May 2026 in High Wycombe and be part of a meaningful community gathering.

• Donate or volunteer by visiting: www.sllfuk.org  and exploring the various ways to contribute
• Explore corporate partnership opportunities through the foundation’s official website and play a role in driving impactful change

Through these collective efforts, the Sri Lankan diaspora in the United Kingdom has an opportunity to make a lasting difference. By coming together in support of Apeksha Cancer Hospital, the community is not only raising funds but also reaffirming its commitment to compassion, solidarity, and hope.