REACH Sri Lanka continues to Strengthen Paediatric Palliative Care education across the Country

Authors: Dr S.A.S.S. Dilankani and Dr M.S.T Guruge

Sri Lanka marked another important milestone in paediatric palliative care (PPC) development with the successful launch of REACH Sri Lanka 2026, an educational programme of the Sunflower Children’s Network, Two World Cancer Collaboration, conducted in partnership with the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, Sri Lanka Medical Association and National Cancer Control Programme as local collaborators. International faculty leadership includes Dr Megan Doherty, Programme Director of the Paediatric Palliative Care Programme of Two World Cancer Collaboration, and Dr Spandana Rayala, Associate Director of Sunflower Children’s network, who have supported paediatric palliative care education and mentorship initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The inaugural session of the programme was held on 28 May 2026 with the participation of more than 120 doctors and nurses. Participants include paediatric trainees, medical officers and nursing officers representing hospitals and diverse healthcare settings across Sri Lanka. Professor Pujitha Wickramasinghe, President of Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, and Dr Sanjeeva Gunasekara, President of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, graced the inaugural session with their participation, highlighting the rising national recognition of paediatric palliative care as an important healthcare priority.

Paediatric palliative care is increasingly recognised as an essential component of child health services worldwide. In Sri Lanka, despite significant achievements in maternal and child health indicators, access to specialised paediatric palliative care remains limited.

REACH Sri Lanka 2026, “Resources, Education and Awareness in Children’s Palliative Care for Healthcare Providers” is a six-week virtual educational programme focusing on improving knowledge of PPC. The course covers the principles of PPC, pain and symptom management, communication in serious illness, end-of-life care, grief, and bereavement in children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. This year marks the third time the programme has been conducted in Sri Lanka, following previous successful programmes held in 2023 and 2024. The continuation of REACH Sri Lanka reflects the growing interest and commitment toward strengthening paediatric palliative care services and education nationally.

The value of collaborative educational models in strengthening paediatric palliative care capacity in low- and middle-income settings is demonstrated by the success of these education initiatives. Through mentorship, multidisciplinary collaboration, and virtual learning, this programme aims to equip health care professionals with the knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality PPC services.