TEXT AND PICTURES BY HERBERT PERERA – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – DISCOVERY SRI LANKA
The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) announced the launch of the third edition of the ICA International Marathon, scheduled to take place on the 13th December, 2026 at Galle Face Green, Colombo.The event is set to bring together runners, fitness communities, corporate team, and international participants for a certified road-running experience that combines athletic ambition with a sense of community purpose.
Building on a momentum of previous editions, the 2026 marathon will feature the 21.1 kilo meters Half-Marathon, the 10 kilo meters Challengers Run and the 5 kilo meters Family Run, with courses measured and certified under the World Athletics International Measurement Programme cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). This certification gives participants confidence that they are competing on internationally measure courses and strengthens Colombo’s positioning on the regional running calender.
The event will also award prizes to the top finishes across the 21.1 kilo meters, 10 kilo meters and 5 kilo meters race categories, reinforcing the competitive appeal of the marathon while keeping the wider event open and welcoming for recreational runners and first time participants The 2026 official event T-shirt, designed by Sri Lankan active wear brand Carnage, will be unveiled at the press conference was held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on Thursday, adding a strong local identity to the race experience.
“This certification marks a major millstone for running in Sri Lanka, “ said Captain Anirban Banerjee , President of the Indian Cultural Associstion (ICA). “The ICA International Marathon is about more than crossing the finish line.It is a platform to raise athletic standards, support sports tourism and make a meaningful difference in our communities through clean water and organ donation initiatives.” He also said marathon is a largest event and we are having children’s orphanages in Sri Lanka and there are 16000 children are living in Sri Lanka and also more than 267 orphanages in the the world. We are also planing to share 700 computers among kids and its no an easy task to implement and we are take interest to do it. We are also donating water purification unite to give pure water among the children and we have received donations to to do it. And he also stressed that we should thank Mr. Joel Tillekeratne, Founder of Carnage as the Official Tee Shirts Provider donating 4000 jersey’s for the marathon. I also should thank Mr. Ravi Liyanage, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Janashakthi Insurance for their generous sponsorship for our marathon. I also thank the Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha, though he is not present here due to he had to participate for an urgent meeting due the forthcoming India National Day Celebrations. He also stressed that Janashakthi Life’s role as Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year and we in creating meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Our continued partnership with the ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2026as the Title Sponsor reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that bring people together, promote active and healthier lifestyles, and create positive experiences for the wider community.We are proud to once again be associated with this high-profile event, strengthening our connection with Sri Lankans through a platform that celebrates participation, perseverance and spirit of coming together.
The 2026 marathon is supported by the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports,the Ministry of Tourism, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, highlighting the events role in promoting healthy living, international sports culture and people-to-people engagement.
Mr. Ravi Liyanage, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Janashakthi Insurance said the India is our closest neighbour and helps our country long time. They are in many ways for our charity in Sri Lanka. We as Janashakthi Insurance helped for sports for so many years and we produced our spinning legend in cricket Muttia Muralitharan from the Tamil Union Club and we helped in so many ways to promote cricket and other sports events too in our country in the past and present. He also stressed that Janashakthi Life’s role as the title sponsor for the second consecutive year and we in creating meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Out continued partnership with ICA International Half Marathon Colombo 2026 as the Title Sponsor reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that bring people together, promote active and healthier lifestyles, and create positive experiences for the wider community. We are proud to once again be associated with this high-profile event, strengthening our connection with Sri Lankans through a platform that celebrates participation, perseverance and spirit of coming together.
Beyond the sporting platform, the ICA International Marathon continues to carry a strong social purpose. Proceeds from the previous edition supported an islandwide clean water initiative, including the procurement of 54 Reverse Osmosis water filtration unite for underpriviledge schools and orphanages across Sri Lanka. The units are intended to support access to safe drinking water, with supplier technicians overseeing installation to ensure proper implementation and long-term reliability.
The marathon will also continue its organ donation awareness campaign for the third consecutive year. With participant consent, runners will receive donor cards with their race kits,encouraging greater public awareness and support for life-saving health initiatives. Early Bird registration is open until 31 st of August 2026. Runners, corporate teams and international participants can register at www.icainernationalmarathon.com
(from left to right)) Mr. Joel Thillekeratne - Founder of Carnage, Tee Shirts Sponsor Mr. Devanashu Bhatia - Head of Techno Commercials, Captain Anirban Benerjee - President of ICA, Ms. Mathisha Jayathileka - Commissioner of the Department of Probation and Child Care services, Mr. Ravi Liyanage - Director and CEO Janashakthi Insurance and Mr. Suresh Abbas General Manager Galle Face Hotel look on
(from left to right)) Mr. Joel Thillekeratne - Founder of Carnage, Tee Shirts Sponsor, Mr. Devanashu Bhatia - Head of Techno Commercials, Colombo West International Terminal, Captain Anirban Benerjee - President ICA, Mr. Ravi Liyanage - Director and Chief Executive Officer - Janashakthi Insurance, and Mr. Suresh Abbas - General Manager - Galle Face Hotel look on
