Author: Dr. Thushari Hapuarachchi, Dr. S.A.S.S. Dilankani
The National Cancer Institute (Apeksha Hospital), Sri Lanka (NCISL), commemorated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 on 19 October with two meaningful celebrations that reflected the true spirit of palliative care, strengthening compassionate clinical services and bringing moments of happiness to children facing serious illnesses.
Under this year’s theme, “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care,” the morning program brought together 105 participants, including hospital leadership, representatives of the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) of the Ministry of Health, consultant oncologists, medical officers, postgraduate trainees, nursing officers and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
The program highlighted the importance of holistic, patient-centred care, effective pain management and multidisciplinary collaboration. Dr. G. Sanketha Francis, Deputy Director of NCISL, representing Dr. Suranga Dolamulla, Director of NCISL, and Dr. Bhanuja S. Wijayatilaka, Head of Palliative Care at the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP), expressed their appreciation for the ongoing efforts to strengthen palliative care services and reaffirmed the importance of continued institutional commitment and national collaboration in advancing palliative care in Sri Lanka.
A significant milestone of this year’s commemoration was the introduction of the Ward-Based Palliative Care Liaison Nursing Officer initiative, aimed at bringing compassionate care closer to patients throughout the hospital. Volunteer nursing officers nominated from individual wards/units will serve as links between their teams and the Palliative Care Unit, supporting early identification of palliative care needs, timely referrals and coordinated patient and family support.
The initiative encompasses 19 adult wards, four paediatric oncology wards, intensive care units, bone marrow transplant units and multidisciplinary services, including pain management, clinical nutrition, counselling and relaxation services.
The nominated nursing officers will undertake a structured 50-hour palliative care training program over three months, followed by awarding certificates and designated identification badges. This initiative represents an important step towards integrating palliative care into everyday clinical practice, ensuring that comfort, dignity and compassionate support are accessible wherever patients receive treatment.
The evening brought a different yet equally meaningful expression of palliative care through a joyful Hats On 4 Children’s Palliative Care Day celebration for children receiving paediatric palliative care.
Colorful hats, cheerful songs, dancing and playful activities created an atmosphere of warmth and happiness. Children received gifts and shared memorable moments with healthcare professionals, enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood beyond the routines of illness and treatment.
The celebration was a touching reminder that paediatric palliative care extends beyond symptom management. It is also about nurturing emotional well-being, creating meaningful experiences and ensuring that every child has opportunities to smile, play and feel loved.
Together, these celebrations reflected the two inseparable dimensions of palliative care, professional commitment and genuine human compassion.
From strengthening ward-based services to sharing laughter with children, the day conveyed a powerful message that palliative care is not only about relieving suffering, but also about preserving dignity, nurturing hope and bringing comfort and moments of joy to every life we touch.
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