International Nurses Day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale—regarded as the founder of modern nursing—was observed yesterday (12).
A commemorative event organized by the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union was held at the auditorium of the Neurology Department of the Colombo National Hospital, bringing together health sector professionals and trade union representatives to honour the contribution of nurses to the healthcare system.
The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne and Senior Specialist of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
The All Ceylon Nurses’ Union noted that this year’s main national celebration was planned in line with the official theme announced by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), “Our Nurses our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlighting the critical role of empowered nursing staff in saving lives and strengthening health systems.
Addressing the event, Education Secretary of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union Prasad Palipana explained the objective of the celebration, emphasizing appreciation for nurses’ dedication, professional dignity, and indispensable service to society.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Head of the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Colombo Professor Sudath Warnakulasuriya, and Head of the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna Professor Nirmala Ratnayake, who highlighted the evolving role of nursing education and practice in Sri Lanka.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Florence Nightingale and included the official launch of a new publication titled “Nursing”, aimed at strengthening professional knowledge sharing within the sector.
Among those present were Additional Secretary (Administration II) of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Chamika H. Gamage, Deputy Director General (Administration II) Sumedha Priyabhashini, Deputy Director General of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Nursing Council W. A. Keerthirathne, Steering Committee Member of the National Trade Union Centre D. M. Wijerathne, and General Secretary of the All Ceylon Nursing Association S. B. Mediwatte, along with a large number of members of the nursing community.
