Sampath Bank has supported a series of upgrades at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, strengthening facilities at Sri Lanka’s largest free paediatric hospital and national referral centre.
Sampath Bank supports improvements at Sri Lanka’s largest free paediatric hospital
The initiative, carried out to mark the 35th anniversary of the Sampath Bank Employees’ Union, focused on several practical improvements designed to support patient care and create a more comfortable environment for children and their families.
Among the key components was the refurbishment of a blood filtration machine used in patient care. The equipment plays an important role in the hospital’s ability to provide specialised treatment, making its refurbishment a significant part of the initiative.
The project also included the installation of air-conditioning for the Physiotherapy Unit. Improving conditions within the unit is expected to provide a more comfortable setting for children undergoing physiotherapy and for healthcare professionals delivering treatment.
In addition to the facility and equipment improvements, new directional signboards were erected across the hospital premises. The signage is intended to help patients, parents and visitors navigate the extensive hospital complex more easily, an important consideration for a facility that receives children and families from across the country.
The initiative also introduced child-friendly decorations to selected areas, helping create a more welcoming environment for young patients. For children receiving medical treatment, the hospital experience can be stressful, and improvements to the physical surroundings can contribute to a more reassuring atmosphere for both patients and their families.
Lady Ridgeway Hospital provides specialised paediatric healthcare to children from across Sri Lanka. As the country’s national referral centre for children, it plays a critical role in providing advanced medical services to patients referred from hospitals and healthcare facilities around the island.
The latest initiative reflects a broader approach to corporate social responsibility in which businesses contribute not only through financial support but also by addressing specific operational and patient-care needs within public institutions.
For Sampath Bank, the project was closely linked to the 35th anniversary of its Employees’ Union. The bank’s Sustainability Unit also supported the initiative, bringing together employee engagement and the institution’s wider sustainability efforts.
Such partnerships can provide public healthcare institutions with additional resources for improvements that may not always be part of routine operational expenditure. Targeted support for equipment, infrastructure and patient facilities can help complement the work carried out by healthcare authorities and hospital staff.
The refurbishment of the blood filtration machine is particularly relevant because medical equipment requires regular maintenance and refurbishment to remain functional and reliable. Supporting such equipment can directly contribute to the continuity of services provided to patients.
Similarly, the installation of air-conditioning in the Physiotherapy Unit addresses a practical facility requirement while improving the environment in which treatment is delivered. Physiotherapy can form an important part of recovery and rehabilitation for children with a range of medical conditions, making the quality of the treatment environment an important consideration.
The new directional signboards represent another practical intervention. Large hospitals can be difficult to navigate, particularly for families visiting for the first time. Clear signage can reduce confusion and help patients reach the relevant departments more efficiently.
The child-friendly decorations add a different dimension to the project by focusing on the emotional experience of young patients. Creating more approachable and welcoming spaces can help make hospital visits less intimidating for children who may already be dealing with illness, treatment and unfamiliar surroundings.
The event marking the completion of the initiative was attended by Sampath Bank Chief Operating Officer Deepal de Silva, Sampath Bank Employees’ Union President Kalpa Jayasinghe, members of the bank’s staff, and the Hospital Director and hospital staff.
The participation of employees alongside hospital representatives also highlighted the role of staff-led initiatives in corporate community engagement. Employee unions and corporate sustainability teams can provide a platform for identifying community needs and directing resources towards projects with a tangible social impact.
The support for Lady Ridgeway Hospital comes as paediatric healthcare remains an important area of public service in Sri Lanka. With children referred from different parts of the country, the hospital serves a wide population and relies on functioning equipment, appropriate facilities and a supportive environment to maintain the quality of care.
Through the latest intervention, Sampath Bank has combined equipment refurbishment, facility improvements and patient-focused enhancements in a single community initiative. The project demonstrates how targeted corporate support can address practical needs within a major public healthcare institution while contributing to a more welcoming experience for children and their families.
For Lady Ridgeway Hospital, the improvements add to the facilities available to healthcare workers and patients, while the partnership illustrates the potential for stronger collaboration between Sri Lanka’s corporate sector and public healthcare institutions.