Sri Lanka is facing one of its most challenging moments in recent history. The recent floods, storms, and landslides have devastated communities, claimed lives, and displaced thousands. Children-always the most vulnerable in disasters-have lost homes, stability, and access to essential healthcare.
As the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, we stand united in safeguarding their physical and emotional well-being. Under the theme “United in Care: Rising Above the Storm for Our Children”, the SLCP has launched a coordinated national response to ensure that no child is left behind.
- Coordinated National Response for Child Health
SLCP is actively collaborating with Medical Officers of Maternal and Child Health (MO-MCH) across all affected districts.
Our goal is to identify and bridge gaps in essential paediatric services where the healthcare system is stretched.
Through both on-ground teams and virtual tele-paediatric support, we ensure that children continue to receive timely medical care even in hard-to-reach areas.
- Direct Support to Affected Hospitals
Following the call from the SLCP President on 28th November 2025, members promptly reported challenges faced at regional hospitals.
In response to identified needs at hospitals—SLCP coordinated the providing basic requirements, ensuring uninterrupted care and services for in-ward children. - Mobilising Volunteers for Field and Camp-Based Care
In just 48 hours, 76 paediatricians volunteered to support child health needs in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. They were deployed to cover each and every district of the country
This list has been shared with:
The Ministry of Health
MO/MCHs in all 25 districts
The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), to strengthen the Flood Health Helpline initiated by SLMA President, the volunteer mobilisation remains active as the crisis evolves. - Rebuilding and Strengthening Paediatric Units
Several paediatric and neonatology units in affected areas have suffered significant damage.
SLCP has launched an urgent fundraising initiative to:
Repair and refurbish damaged paediatric units
Restore essential equipment and infrastructure
Ensure hospitals remain safe healing environments for children
A newly created flood relief donation portal has already received notable support, especially from overseas members. - Health Education, Disease Prevention & Post-Flood Guidelines
Disasters often lead to secondary waves of illness.
To address this, SLCP has:
Rolled out health education campaigns focusing on water-borne diseases, hygiene, mental health, and early detection of psychological trauma to both medical staff as well as general public via mass media joining in hands with the Health Promotion Bureau of Ministry of Health.
Prepared guidelines on prevention and management of post-flood infections, developed by the Infectious Diseases Forum
Shared these guidelines with the Ministry of Health for wider dissemination
These measures aim to protect children in IDP camps and affected communities from preventable illnesses. - Standing Together for the Children of Sri Lanka
Our members, partners, and the public have shown extraordinary solidarity.
In just two days, SLCP has mobilised resources, volunteers, and technical expertise—yet much more remains to be done.
We call on all stakeholders to join our efforts as we work to restore stability, health, and hope for every affected child.
Together, we will rise above the storm and rebuild a safer, healthier future for our children.