Capacity Building Workshop for Maternal and Newborn Healthcare
The Capacity Building Workshop for Maternal and Newborn Healthcare, organized by the Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka, was held with great success on the 24th of April 2026, at Maternity & Children’s Hospital, Galassa, Kalutara (programmes for obstetric & neonatal staff) and National Institute of Health Sciences, Katukurunda, Kalutara (programme for field staff). The event was highly productive, and it was evident that everyone gained significant knowledge and practical insights to enhance their clinical practice.
The inauguration ceremony was honored by the participation of the Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and many distinguished healthcare professionals of the Kalutara district. The gathering was addressed by Dr. Sharada Jayalath (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecology), Prof. Ruwanthi Perera (President of PSSL), Dr. Madhubashini Karunaratna (Director TH Kalutara), Dr. K. Nanthakumaran (Director NIHS), Dr. Naveen De Soyza (RDHS Kalutara), and Dr. Nethmini Thenuwara (Family Health Bureau) and Honorable Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Jithma Fonseka (Secretary of PSSL).
The academic sessions had an impressive attendance of approximately 68 neonatology staff, 98 obstetric staff, and 175 field staff. The multi-faceted academic event provided deep-dive learning led by distinguished consultants on antenatal, natal and neonatal health. This CPD-accredited event, served as a vital platform for professional growth and was a resounding success for all involved. 6.5 CPD points were awarded for both neonatal and obstetric participants and 4.5 points were awarded to the participants of the programme for field staff.
The field staff programme focused on community health and maternal safety with contributions from Dr. Harendra Dassanayaka (MPDSR programme updates), Dr. Sharada Jayalath (Role in maternal mortility), Dr. Dammika Pathirage (Danger signs in newborn), Prof. Sanath Lanerolle (Maternal danger signs in antenatal period and management), Dr. Nethmini Thenuwara (Updates field newborn care package), Dr. Sudath Senaratne (Postpartum sepsis), Dr. Hemali Jayakody (Quality improvement in newborn care at MOH level), Dr. Ruwan Silva (Postpartum care), followed by an interactive session on “Supporting mothers for a successful breastfeeding journey” by Dr. Sandya Doluweera.
Programme for obstetric staff featured expert guidance from Dr. A. Shritharan (Respectful maternity care), Dr. Mangala Dissanayake (Labour care & Meows chart), Dr. Manoj Perera (PPH management), Dr. Dinusha Liyanapatabendi (CTG interpretation), and Dr. Wedisha Gankanda (Instrumental deliveries).
Programme for the neonatology staff covered critical newborn care by Dr. Dilani Dehigama (Navigating preterm transition), Dr. Dilusha Atukorale (Ethics & communication in NICU), Dr. Jithma Fonseka (Optimal preterm nutrition), Dr. Gayana Gunaratne (Late-onset sepsis in NICU), and Prof. Saraji Wijesekara (Safeguarding preterm brain).
The programme concluded with afternoon intensive hands-on training sessions. Obstetric practicals were facilitated by Dr. Sharada Jayalath, Dr. Manoj Perera, Dr. Prasanna Wanigasekara and Dr. Lakmini De Silva on PPH management, instrumental delivery, shoulder dystocia and breech delivery. The neonatal session included stabilization and transport training of a preterm and sick newborn which was conducted by Dr. Kapilani Withanarachchi, Dr. Sharmy Hassan, Dr. Dilusha Atukorale, Dr. Dilani Dehigama, Dr. Jithma Fonseka and Dr. Sandhya Doluweera.