On 5 December, a new event with a federation-judged competition at its heart invites every woman to move, compete and be seen
October 17 (Citizen News) – Sri Lanka's first ladies-only fitness stage opens on 5 December 2026. SL Women Fitness Expo 2026 takes place at Royal MAS Arena from 8.00 am, with one clear goal: to get more women active and give them the recognition they deserve.
A stage for every woman
Most fitness competitions are built for athletes. This one is built for women. The Expo welcomes experienced competitors, first-timers, mothers, housewives, working women and women who have never stepped into a gym.
Many of these women have changed their health and their bodies through years of quiet effort, with no stage and no applause. Many others want to begin but lack the confidence, the guidance or a safe space to start. The Expo is designed for both.
The main event is women only. Every competitor and every member of the audience will be a woman.
Why it matters
Non-communicable diseases cause 83% of deaths in Sri Lanka, according to the Ministry of Health. National survey data also shows that Sri Lankan women are less physically active than men. The Expo supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, and Goal 5 on gender equality.
What's on
At the heart of the event is the Motivational Women Fitness Competition, a separate contest with five categories: Women's Physique, Women's Fitness, Sport Model, Fit Glamour, and Strength & Elegance.
A Strength & Fitness Competition tests raw power through three events: kettlebell, clean & jerk and tire flip. Zumba Battles and Calisthenics add energy and skill to the programme.
The day opens with a ceremony welcoming chief guests. After the competitions, winners are crowned at the awards ceremony. The event closes with an after party, which will be open to the public with a separate ticket. Ticket details will be announced soon.
For many competitors, the Expo is also a first step towards a sporting career and international-level competition.
A federation-judged competition
The Motivational Women Fitness Competition is approved by the Sri Lanka Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, which will judge it under its full supervision. SL Women Fitness Expo 2026 is the wider event built around it.
From housewife to world stage
The Expo is the vision of Shara Weralavithana, owner and trainer at Fitness Routine and founder of Recovery Lab by Fitness Routine.
In 2010, she was a mother of two young children. While shopping one day, she found that only an XXL would fit. She chose to change. She trained as a fitness instructor, used Zumba to draw women into exercise, and in 2013 opened a ladies-only gym.
In 2024, she won the Female Sports Model Pro title at the Pan Pacific Ragnarok Pro Am in New Zealand. She became the first Sri Lankan female fitness athlete to earn a World Fitness Federation Pro Card.
“Many women work hard on their health and are never recognised. Many more do not know where to start. This stage is for all of them,” said Weralavithana. “If one woman watches and decides to begin, we have done our job.”
Partner with the Expo
Brands in fitness, health, nutrition, beauty and lifestyle can reach a focused female audience. Partnership options include an Exclusive Main Sponsor, Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers, LED wall packages and in-kind Strategic Partner roles.
Event at a glance
• Event: SL Women Fitness Expo 2026
• Competition: Motivational Women Fitness Competition, approved and judged by the Sri Lanka Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation
• Date: 5 December 2026
• Time: From 8.00 am
• Venue: Royal MAS Arena, Colombo
• Organised by: Fitness Routine
