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Higher National Diploma in General Nursing – 2020 A Batch
Dr. A.M.S.D. Pathiranage, Head of the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS),
University of Peradeniya, delivered the keynote address at the General Convocation 2026 of the College
of Nursing, Kalutara, held on 19 October 2026. The ceremony marked the graduation of the Higher National
Diploma in General Nursing – 2020 A Batch.
In her keynote address, Dr. Pathiranage highlighted the transition of student nurses into competent, accountable and compassionate health professionals. She emphasized that a nursing diploma should not be regarded as the endpoint of professional education, but rather as a foundation for lifelong learning and continuing professional development. Drawing from her own professional journey from student nurse to academic, researcher and nursing leader, she encouraged the graduates to approach nursing with integrity, compassion, commitment to patient safety and a sustained commitment to learning.
Learning, Research and Evidence-Informed Practice
The address further emphasized the importance of continuing professional education, evidence-informed
nursing practice and scientific inquiry. The graduates were encouraged to pursue higher academic
qualifications, engage in research, disseminate knowledge through professional and scholarly platforms,
and remain responsive to advances in healthcare and technology. These messages reflected the evolving
expectations of contemporary nursing professionals, who are required not only to demonstrate clinical
competence, but also to engage in critical thinking, evidence-based practice, professional leadership and
lifelong learning.
Dr. Pathiranage also emphasized that professional growth in nursing extends beyond the acquisition of an initial qualification. She encouraged the graduates to recognize the diverse opportunities available within nursing and to actively pursue further education, research and leadership pathways. She highlighted the importance of developing as reflective practitioners who can contribute meaningfully to the quality and advancement of healthcare services.
Academic and Professional Engagement
The keynote engagement provided an opportunity for academic and professional knowledge exchange between the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, and the wider nursing education community. Such professional engagements contribute to strengthening links between university-based nursing education and nursing training institutions, while creating opportunities to share contemporary perspectives on nursing education, professional development, research and the future of the nursing profession in Sri Lanka.
The engagement is also consistent with the academic mission of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, which provides professional education in allied health disciplines, including Nursing. The Faculty was inaugurated in 2007 and offers professional degree programmes, while the Department of Nursing provides a pre-registration BSc Nursing programme designed to prepare graduates to deliver safe and effective nursing care across diverse practice settings.
The occasion concluded with the presentation of a memento of appreciation to Dr. A.M.S.D. Pathiranage by the College of Nursing, Kalutara, in recognition of her contribution as the keynote speaker.
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