A Colourful Celebration of World Children’s Day – 2026

A colourful and meaningful celebration of World Children’s Day 2026 was held on 1^st of October 2026 at the Ayurveda National Hospital, Borella, for children and parents receiving care at the hospital. The programme aimed to create a joyful and memorable experience for the children while promoting their emotional wellbeing and strengthening the bond between children, parents and the healthcare community.

The programme was coordinated by Senior Lecturers of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, attached to the  Paediatrics Professorial Unit – Dr. W. A. S. S. Weerakoon, Dr. I. A. M. Leena, Dr. O. T. M. R. K. S. B. Kalawana and Dr.M.H Faslul Haq, in collaboration with the medical and nursing staff of the Ayurveda National Hospital, Borella.

The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by a welcome address by Ayurveda specialist Dr Kingsila Manohari. Addresses were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Professor S. P. Molligoda,  Deputy Director of the Ayurveda National Hospital, Dr. Nemesha Madawala , Head of the Department of Shalya Shalakya and Prasuti tantra Kaumarabhrithya Dr. W. A. S. S. Weerakoon and Emeritus Professor A. P. Gunapala Amarasinghe.

The event was supported by Demonstrators, MD Medical Officers, Intern Medical Officers, House Officers, nurses, students and other members of the hospital community. Students from the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 batches, together with hospital staff and members of the OPD, actively contributed to the celebrations through a range of performances and activities.

Children, parents, students and healthcare staff participated enthusiastically in songs, dances, games and recreational activities, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere. The programme provided children with opportunities for self-expression, interaction and enjoyment beyond their routine clinical care.

In addition, nutritional supplement packets were provided by the Department of Ayurveda, Western Province, as a contribution towards the programme and were distributed among the children, further supporting the wellbeing-focused objectives of the celebration.

The celebration concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ayurveda specialist Dr. JA.Nirosha, followed by lunch and further games and recreational activities for children and parents.

The 2026 celebration continued the faculty’s tradition of organizing World Children’s Day activities within pediatric healthcare settings, reflecting the continued commitment of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, collaborating with the Ayurveda National Hospital, Borella in promoting compassionate, child-friendly and supportive healthcare environment.

Through the collective efforts of academic staff, healthcare professionals, students and hospital personnel, World Children’s Day 2026 provided a memorable day of care, participation, recreation and togetherness for the children and their families.