Category: Events

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) organized a special Mindfulness Programme for the Kandy and Peradeniya cluster centre blood banks on 09th February 2026 at Sri Kalyani Sevana Sathi Pasal.The programme was conducted under the patronage and guidance of Ven. Matara Wimalabuddhi Thero and was attended by staff members representing the National Blood Centre, Kandy Blood Bank, Peradeniya Blood Bank, and the blood banks of Theldeniya, Matale, Dambulla, Gampola, and Nawalapitiya.This initiative was designed to strengthen mental well-being and cultivate mindfulness among blood bank professionals who are engaged in highly responsible and detail-oriented clinical and laboratory work. In transfusion medicine, where accuracy, vigilance, and timely decision-making are critical, maintaining a calm and focused mindset is essential to ensuring patient safety and service quality. Through guided sessions and reflective practices, participants…

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) 2026 Calendar has been specially designed to promote voluntary blood donation and raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of blood donors across Sri Lanka.This calendar highlights important national events, public holidays, and key blood donation awareness days throughout the year. It serves as a reminder of the continuous need for safe blood and the invaluable contribution of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.We encourage all donors, healthcare institutions, government organizations, and well-wishers to download and display the NBTS 2026 Calendar to support the national mission of ensuring a safe and adequate blood supply for the country.Together, let us make 2026 a year of saving more lives through regular voluntary blood donation.Click on Here to Download the NBTS 2026 E-Calendar

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully conducted a two-day workshop on 05 and 06 November 2025 to prepare the Strategic Plan for 2027–2029.This important workshop brought together all key stakeholders in the NBTS, including the Director, Consultant Transfusion Physicians, Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs), Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and PHLTs, as well as Administrative, Accounting, and other staff. Key Highlights of the WorkshopFinalization of the NBTS Strategic Plan for 2027–2029Consensus on the specifications for all major medical equipmentCollaborative decision-making through multidisciplinary participationStrengthened alignment of the National Blood Transfusion Service with future healthcare needs This workshop marks a major milestone for the NBTS as it continues to enhance the safety, quality, and efficiency of blood transfusion service across Sri Lanka.The NBTS extends its appreciation to all participants…

The Education Training & Research Unit (ETRU) of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully held a Continuous Medical Education (CME) Program for Blood Bank Drivers on 13th August 2025 at the National Blood Center Auditorium, Colombo. The training, titled “Safe Blood Transport: A Specialized Training Program for Blood Bank Drivers”, brought together NBTS-attached drivers from across the country. The program featured a series of lectures and practical sessions by expert resource persons. Key topics included,Professionalism and Team WorkBy Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe (Director, NBTS)The program commenced with a keynote session emphasising the importance of teamwork, discipline, and professionalism in the critical role played by drivers in the healthcare system.Duties of a Medical DriverBy Mr. Fowshan (Senior Administration Officer, CSTH)Participants were guided through the responsibilities and duties of medical drivers, highlighting…

In a continuing effort to strengthen the safety and efficiency of blood transfusion services in Sri Lanka, the Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU) of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully conducted a targeted Continuous Medical Education (CME) program for Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the NBTS. The event was held on 04th June 2025 at the National Blood Center, Colombo.With the theme "The Role of Public Health Inspectors in Improving Blood Transfusion Safety," the program was designed to equip PHIs with updated knowledge on emerging public health challenges that directly impact the safety of the national blood supply, as well as to enhance their role in donor mobilization and retention. The CME program featured expert-led sessions on current public health concerns affecting blood safety. An engaging session…

In a continued effort to strengthen the quality and coordination of Sri Lanka’s transfusion services, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), through its Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU), hosted a regional Continuing Medical Education (CME) workshop on 30th May 2025 at the Teaching Hospital Polonnaruwa. This impactful event brought together blood donation teams from three key clusters—Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. The workshop served as a dynamic forum to enhance knowledge and reinforce core principles of safe blood collection, donor care, and ethical campaign management, while also fostering cross-district collaboration and unity among provincial teams.Cluster representation included:Polonnaruwa Cluster: Polonnaruwa and Medirigiriya Blood BanksTrincomalee Cluster: Trincomalee, Kanthale, Kinya, and Muthur Blood BanksBatticaloa Cluster: Batticaloa, Valachenai, Kattankudy, and Kalawanchikudy Blood Banks The program focused on core clinical competencies as well as leadership…

Kegalle Hosts CME Program Advancing Blood Donation Team Excellence in Kegalle and Peradeniya ClustersHeld at Teaching Hospital Kegalle | 23rd May 2025 In pursuit of excellence in transfusion services, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on 23rd May 2025 at the Teaching Hospital Kegalle, focusing on strengthening the capabilities of blood donation teams from both the Kegalle and Peradeniya Clusters. Organized under the direction of the Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU), the session—brought together key personnel from the Kegalle Cluster—comprising Kegalle, Mawanella, and Warakapola blood banks—as well as from the Peradeniya Cluster, representing Peradeniya, Gampola, and Nawalapitiya blood banks, The event provided a valuable platform for enhancing operational knowledge, safety protocols, and team coordination. This program is a testament to NBTS’s vision…

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), through its Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU), held a special dual Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on 19th May 2025 at the National Blood Center (NBC), Colombo. This initiative brought together blood donation teams from three key regional clusters – Kalutara, Ragama and Gampaha  – for a day of learning, collaboration, and performance enhancement. The sessions focused on sharpening operational knowledge, donor care strategies, and transfusion safety protocols, in line with the NBTS’s mission to maintain high standards in blood collection and transfusion practices nationwide.The Ragama Cluster saw participation from blood banks affiliated with Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH), Negombo, Welisara, and Kiribathgoda, while the Kalutara Cluster included teams from Kalutara, Kethumathi, Panadura, and Horana. The Gampaha, cluster included blood bank staff from…