Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) and the Colombo School of Health and Sciences (CSHS) have established a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding signed last week, marking a significant advancement in nursing education and healthcare workforce development in Sri Lanka. The signing ceremony took place at Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, bringing together key representatives from both institutions. The NFTH delegation included Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe, Director of the hospital; Mr. Sunil Galagama, Chairman; and Mr. M.P Perera, Chief Special Grade Nursing Officer. Representing CSHS were Ms. Maneka Weddikkara, Program Director; Ms. Darshani Amarabandu, Director of Academic Support and Internal Verification; Mr. Harshana Rathnayaka, Lecturer and Academic Support Officer; and Mr. Nethma Shatika, Senior Marketing Officer.
Through this collaboration, NFTH has been designated as the official clinical training partner for CSHS’s newly launched NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Nursing programme, scheduled to begin in February 2026. This initiative reflects CSHS’s commitment to expanding nursing education and addressing the increasing demand for qualified nursing professionals both locally and internationally. The programme features a curriculum that combines comprehensive theoretical instruction and skills-based practical training at CSHS facilities with extensive hands-on clinical experience at NFTH. Students will gain real-world exposure in a modern clinical environment, working under the guidance and mentorship of experienced nursing and medical professionals, supported by contemporary clinical technology.
One of the programme’s key strengths is NFTH’s diverse range of specialised clinical units, offering students comprehensive training in various nursing disciplines. These include Intensive Care Nursing, Medical and Surgical Nursing, Trauma and Emergency Nursing, Dialysis and Renal Care Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Gynaecology and Obstetrics Nursing, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, and Geriatric Nursing. This extensive clinical exposure ensures that graduates become well-rounded, competent practitioners capable of working across different healthcare settings.
The three-year NVQ Level 6 / Higher National Diploma pathway is meticulously designed to produce practice-ready nurses capable of making immediate contributions to Sri Lanka’s national healthcare system. Furthermore, graduates will have the opportunity to seek overseas employment, subject to meeting the relevant regulatory requirements in their destination countries. For those aiming to further their academic qualifications, the programme provides a clear progression pathway. Successful graduates will be eligible to pursue an internationally recognised BSc (Hons) Nursing top-up degree, which enhances career prospects and professional development opportunities in the global healthcare sector.
This collaboration between NFTH and CSHS represents a forward-thinking approach to nursing education, blending academic rigour with practical clinical excellence. As Sri Lanka continues to bolster its healthcare infrastructure and tackle evolving medical challenges, partnerships like this are vital in ensuring a steady supply of highly trained nursing professionals equipped to meet both current and future healthcare demands. The partnership is anticipated to set a new standard for nursing education in the region, highlighting the value of collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare facilities in producing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also clinically competent and ready to make an immediate impact in their professional roles.
Image Caption: Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe (Director – NFTH), Mr. Sunil Galagama (Chairman – NFTH), Mr. M.P. Perera (Chief Special Grade Nursing Officer), Ms. Maneka Weddikkara (Program Director – CSHS), Ms. Darshani Amarabandu (Director of Academic Support and Internal Verification), Mr. Harshana Rathnayaka (Lecturer and Academic Support Officer), and Mr. Nethma Shatika (Senior Marketing Officer).
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