News and Events

As part of an ongoing commitment to support NCISL during its period of drug shortage, a significant donation of medicines valued at 4 million rupees was made on September 3, 2025, coinciding with the committee meeting. This generous contribution played a crucial role in alleviating the scarcity of essential drugs, and as a result, the overall situation regarding the shortage has markedly improved. The continued practice of such donations not only addresses immediate needs but also strengthens the resilience of the medical supply chain at NCISL, ensuring better preparedness for the future.

The following medicine quantities were included.

Name of the medicine  No of units

⁠Methotrexate injections 500mg     400Vials
Oxaliplatin injections 100mg             75 vials
Amikacin injections 500mg        1000 vials
Tigecycline injections 50mg          200 vials
Folinic acid injections 50mg          400 vials

There was a request from the Histopathology laboratory to supply   a set of wooden shelves to store pathology slides. These needed to be of specific sizes and had to be made to order.

It included   7 storage wooden shelves.  Total cost for these were SLR 550,000.00.  Two of our committee members Mrs Kumari Wanniarchchi  (cost of 5 shelves) and  Mr Nishan Wasalathanthri agreed to share (cost of 2 shelves) the cost personally. We appreciate their generous support to maintain the needs of the hospital.

In July 2025, the committee allocated SLR 5.0 million to purchase essential medicines and surgical items for patients. As recommended by the hospital's Donation Unit, the following medicines were donated on 10th July 2025, with the Hospital Director personally accepting the donation despite it being a public holiday:

342 units of Inj. Colistimethate 1MU

200 units of Inj. Tigecycline 50mg

500 units of Inj. Folinic Acid 50mg

400 units of Inj. Methotrexate 500mg

1,651 units of Inj. Mesna 200mg

Poson Poya day is observed in Sri Lanka to mark the introduction of Buddhism with the arrival of Arhat Mahinda from India. Major religious events typically take place in Anuradhapura and Mihinthale. During this time, decorations and illuminations are displayed across the country

During the government-declared Wesak week, including Wesak ‘Poya’ day on 12-05-2025, healthcare staff and patients collaborated to decorate the hospital with vibrant lanterns in shades of gold, crimson, and emerald, strings of twinkling multi-coloured lights, and fluttering Buddhist flags in brilliant saffron, indigo, and white. The project created a serene atmosphere, brought happiness to everyone involved, and complemented the religious events. The buddhist society of the hospital cordinated the activities of the Wesak poya day. Mr Weerakoon, a member of the Development Committee, contributed materials for the project.

The hospital Welfare Society organized traditional Sri Lankan New Year games and activities for staff and their families. The event was filled with laughter, excitement, and a sense of community as everyone came together to celebrate. Children and adults alike participated in various games, including tug-of-war, sack races, and coconut scraping contests, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The committee provided gifts for the winners, adding to the festive spirit and ensuring everyone went home with smiles on their faces. It was a day of fun, bonding, and cultural appreciation for all involved.

The generous donation made to our hospital by the hospital development committee on May 2025. The donation management unit managed the entire process, and the total value of the donated items amounts to Rs 2,992,208.00.

The following items were included in the donation:
- Central Vascular catheters 7Fr - 70 units
- Carboplatin 450mg vials - 25 units
- Mesna 200mg vials - 100 units
- Cisplatin 50mg vials - 300 units
- Amikacin 500mg vials - 500 units
- Zoledronic acid 4mg vials - 200 units

Additionally, for the exclusive use of the ENT department, the development committee contributed 3 micro laryngeal scissors worth Rs 573,480.00 on the same day.

We are grateful for these valuable donations, which will undoubtedly enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients.

The Development Committee is pleased to share some delightful news about our recent New Year tea party, held on 1st May 2025 at the hospital premises. The event was generously sponsored by individual members of the hospital committee and was a resounding success!

With a traditional theme, the tea party brought a charming touch to the celebration. Staff members from across departments participated, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. It was truly heartening to witness the pleasant interactions between committee members and staff, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

The day carried a relaxed and festive spirit, with traditional New Year games and activities organised by the hospital Welfare Society. The committee also sponsored gifts for winners across various categories, adding to the joy and excitement of the occasion.

In a continued effort to support cancer care in Sri Lanka, the Development Committee of the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka (Apeksha Hospital) facilitated the donation of approximately Rs. 4,457,772 million worth of essential and urgently needed medications during the first quarter of 2025. The donations, made between January and March, addressed critical pharmaceutical shortages and helped ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer therapies.

This initiative reflects the Committee’s proactive approach to safeguarding patient wellbeing and bridging vital supply gaps through the support of generous donors and well-wishers. The essential drugs were carefully procured based on the hospital’s immediate needs, further strengthening Apeksha Hospital’s capacity to provide timely and effective care to those in need.

With demand for oncology medications continuing to rise, the Development Committee remains committed to mobilising resources, raising awareness, and collaborating with partners to uphold the hospital’s mission of compassionate, accessible, and high-quality cancer treatment.

The National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka (Apeksha Hospital) has officially launched its new Outpatient Drug Issuing System, a key initiative aimed at enhancing patient access to essential medications and improving service efficiency. This significant upgrade was made possible through the collaboration between Apeksha Hospital’s administration, the Hospital Development Committee, and the Bank of Ceylon (BOC).

The opening ceremony, held on 7th March 2025, was attended by hospital leadership and Development Committee members, marking a meaningful milestone in the hospital’s journey toward modern, patient-centric healthcare delivery. The new system is designed to streamline outpatient services, reduce waiting times, and ensure that cancer patients receive their prescribed medications in a more organised and timely manner.

This initiative is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration in uplifting Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure and reflects Apeksha Hospital’s continued commitment to innovation and compassionate care.