In the framework of a 4-years collaboration through the ISN-TTS sister transplant center program, a team of donation and transplantation experts visited Sri Lanka, with the primary objective of advancing and enhancing pancreas transplantation and organ donation practices within the country.

The team visited the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in Colombo, assessing their program and providing with valuable insights and recommendations. Afterward, they visited the Sri Lanka Human Tissue Bank and Sri Lanka International Eye Bank, one of the leaders in their region, to share experiences and future collaborations.

The organization of a joint symposium on pancreas transplantation, conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Society of Nephrology and the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists, served as a platform to exchange knowledge and expertise. The collaborative discussions aimed at bridging gaps in understanding pancreas transplantation and its implementation in Sri Lanka.

DTI professionals also participated in a National Workshop on Multi-Organ Procurement and Transplantation organized by the Sri Jayewardenepura Transplant Unit. This workshop attracted more than 120 professionals from the whole country, creating a dynamic environment for in-depth discussions on the latest techniques and methodologies in deceased donation and multi-organ transplantation.

To strengthen ties with local authorities and ensure the sustainability of advancements, the visiting healthcare professionals engaged in a strategic meeting with authorities from the Ministry of Health. This meeting was instrumental in aligning strategies and building a collaborative framework for ongoing support.

As part of the 40th Annual Congress of the College of Anesthesiologists & Intensivists in Sri Lanka, the team held a post-congress specialized “Workshop on Deceased Multi-Organ Donation and Transplantation”.

In summary, the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices through symposia, workshops, and strategic meetings laid the foundation for a strengthened healthcare system in Sri Lanka, ultimately benefiting patients in need of organ transplants.