Hemas Hospital Wattala Performs Sri Lanka’s First Paediatric Liver Transplant in Private Healthcare Sector

Sri Lanka has reached a significant milestone in advanced healthcare, with Hemas Hospital Wattala successfully performing the country’s first paediatric liver transplant in the private healthcare sector, expanding access to highly specialised treatment for children with severe liver disease.

The achievement marks an important advancement in the country’s medical capabilities, offering families the opportunity to access complex transplant care locally rather than having to consider treatment overseas.

Paediatric liver transplantation is among the most demanding procedures in modern medicine, requiring specialised surgical expertise, advanced technology and coordinated care across multiple medical disciplines. Until now, families requiring such treatment have faced limited local options, with overseas treatment often becoming an alternative for those unable to access the necessary care in Sri Lanka.

The successful procedure at Hemas Hospital Wattala therefore represents more than a first for the private healthcare sector. It demonstrates the growing capacity of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system to undertake increasingly complex medical procedures while bringing advanced treatment closer to home.

Dr. Lakith Peiris, Managing Director of Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain, described the achievement as an important milestone for both the hospital and the country's healthcare sector, highlighting the investment in clinical expertise, infrastructure, technology and multidisciplinary care required to establish such capabilities locally.

Building advanced transplant capabilities

The successful transplant was made possible through the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in paediatric hepatology, gastroenterology, hepatobiliary surgery, anaesthesia, critical care, interventional radiology and other supporting disciplines.

The hospital's dedicated transplant facilities include specialised surgical equipment, advanced anaesthesia systems and monitoring technology to support patients throughout the procedure and recovery.

Following surgery, children receive round-the-clock care in a dedicated Liver Transplant Intensive Care Unit, where specialised medical and nursing teams closely monitor their condition. Infection prevention, nutritional care and psychological support are also integral to the treatment programme.

Care continues beyond hospital discharge through lifelong specialist follow-up and medication to support the transplanted liver and the child's long-term health.

The multidisciplinary team behind the milestone included Prof. Meranthi Fernando, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Hepatologist; Prof. Rohan Siriwardana and Dr. Suchintha Tillakaratne, Consultant Gastroenterological and Hepatobiliary Surgeons; and Dr. Aruna Weerasuriya, Consultant Vascular Surgeon.

The anaesthesia and critical care team comprised Prof. Bhagaya Gunetilleke, Dr. Chamila Liyanage and Dr. Rachini Kishara Withanage. The wider team also included specialists in interventional radiology, adult hepatology, transfusion medicine, nutrition and psychiatry.

Dr. Malith Atapattu, Director Medical Services and Quality of Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain, emphasised that the success of a paediatric liver transplant depends on every aspect of care working together, from preparation and surgery to intensive care, infection control and long-term follow-up.

A new lifeline for families

For the family of the young recipient, the availability of the procedure in Sri Lanka carried immense emotional significance.

“When doctors told us a transplant was our child’s only chance, fear completely paralysed us. Knowing this surgery could finally be done right here in Sri Lanka felt like a miracle. To hold our child’s hand after surgery, surrounded by family, and see life returning to their eyes without waiting for months or having to cross oceans gave us back our life,” said Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Ratnayake, parents of the young recipient.

Their experience highlights the importance of having advanced treatment options available locally, particularly for families facing time-sensitive and life-threatening childhood illnesses.

Strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare capacity

The achievement forms part of Hemas Hospitals' broader commitment to expanding specialised medical services and strengthening the country's capacity to manage complex healthcare needs.

Hemas Hospital Wattala also operates a dedicated Liver Centre offering comprehensive liver care for adults and children, ranging from diagnostic services and early detection to specialist treatment, long-term disease management and advanced procedures, including liver transplantation.

Prabhan Gunawardena, Director General Manager of Hemas Hospital Wattala, said the milestone reflected the hospital's ambition to develop capabilities beyond conventional private healthcare and take on increasingly complex areas of medicine.

The successful paediatric liver transplant represents a significant addition to Sri Lanka's advanced medical capabilities, creating new possibilities for children requiring highly specialised treatment.

For families confronting severe childhood liver disease, the achievement brings renewed hope that life-saving care can be accessed closer to home.