Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 9, 2026: The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka successfully concluded its International Women’s Day celebration programme – EmpowHER – at the NOC headquarters in Colombo.
A total of 74 female coaches, mentors and champions across Sri Lanka took part in the programme, reflecting a strong and diverse national presence committed to advancing women in sport.
The programme was specifically designed to recognise and empower coaches, acknowledging their vital role in shaping athletes and strengthening the future of sport in the island nation.
The President of Sri Lanka NOC, Suresh Subramaniam, said: “EmpowHER stands as a powerful reminder that the true strength of sport lies not only in performance but in the people who shape it. This programme has celebrated and empowered the remarkable women coaches and mentors across Sri Lanka who continue to give selflessly of their time, knowledge and passion to uplift others.
“At NOC Sri Lanka, we remain committed to fostering an environment where women in sport are valued and given every opportunity to lead, inspire and succeed,” Subramaniam added.
The Chair of the NOC’s Gender Equity Committee, Ms. Niloo Jayatilake, said: “We organised this programme not just to mark International Women’s Day but to honour the women who show up, the women who give their time, knowledge, encouragement and belief, often asking for very little in return.”
A key highlight of the programme was four dedicated Active Stations - lifestyle medicine, lifestyle fitness, nutrition and safe sport - designed to translate knowledge into practice through hands-on experiences. All participants rotated through these four stations.
