United in Humanity: Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) joins the global International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in commemorating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026, honouring the birth and legacy of Henry Dunant, the visionary founder of the Red Cross Movement. This year’s theme, ‘United in Humanity,’ serves as a stirring reminder that transcending every emergency, every response, and every emblem, there is one fundamental truth that connects us all: humanity.

This year’s observance comes at a time of profound change and growing complexity in the global humanitarian landscape. Across the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are working in environments where access is limited, needs are surging, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers is under threat. From climate-related disasters and health emergencies to growing social vulnerabilities, the challenges are immense.

To mark the day, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society organized commemorative events across the country together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), volunteers, and local communities. At national level, SLRCS hosted a special ceremony recognizing outstanding volunteers from all 25 district branches, honouring their courage, commitment, and selfless service. These individuals are the lifeblood of the Society, sustaining its mission even in the most challenging environments. SLRCS branches commemorated the day through community-based activities including blood donation drives, tree planting initiatives, and volunteer appreciation programmes, all reflecting the core values of the Movement.

Mr. K. Balakrishnan, President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, stated: “On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we honour our volunteers who stand ready to serve with devotion and compassion – anytime and anywhere, for people in their darkest hours. Across Sri Lanka, from remote villages to urban centres, our volunteers are deeply rooted in their communities. Guided by the Fundamental Principles, we respond swiftly to urgent needs, providing life-saving assistance.”

“As we navigate an era shaped by increasingly complex humanitarian challenges, SLRCS remains committed to delivering timely and dignified support to those in need,” said Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. “Across the country, we are often among the first to respond and the last to leave. Our presence reflecting not only immediate action, but a sustained promise to stand with communities through every stage of recovery. From responding to climate-driven disasters to strengthening long-term community resilience, our work is grounded in partnership, trust, and a deep understanding of local needs.”

Mr. John Entwistle, Head of the South Asia Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, shared: “On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we honour the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who show up every day for people in crisis. They are not separate from the communities they serve; they are part of them. Because beyond every emergency, every response, and every emblem, there is one truth: we are United in Humanity.  In times of crisis, humanity is what brings us together. Today we celebrate the volunteers and staff who turn compassion into action, helping, healing and standing beside communities when it matters most. They are neighbors, friends, colleagues, family members. They are the people who show up in moments of fear, loss and uncertainty to remind others they are not alone. Today, we celebrate the power of being United in Humanity. No matter where, no matter when, the volunteers and staff of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement are there, united in humanity and working to preserve human dignity in the face of crisis.”

Mrs. Angelique Appeyroux, Head of the ICRC delegation in Sri Lanka, reflected: “Today, we honour the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their volunteers around the world for their commitment, courage and resilience. We also remember and pay tribute to our colleagues who lost their lives while trying to save others. When those who provide care come under attack, we face not only a humanitarian crisis, but a crisis of humanity. This is not a failure of the law. It is a failure of political will. Millions of lives depend on the political will to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.”

On this day as a part of the world’s largest humanitarian network anchored in local action, we raise our voices together as one global family to say: we remain, always, United in Humanity.