The National Nephrology Specialized Hospital, also known as the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Kidney Hospital in Polonnaruwa, says it is prepared to continue pediatric kidney transplant surgeries following the success of its first such operation performed earlier this month.
Hospital officials said the first pediatric kidney transplant at the institution was successfully carried out on May 7 on a 16-year-old boy. The kidney was donated by the child’s father, and both the donor and recipient are recovering well.
Speaking at a media briefing, hospital Director Dr. Dilka Sarasinghe and the medical team involved in the surgery said the hospital is now ready to provide kidney transplant services for children across Sri Lanka according to national needs. They noted that the operation marked the first pediatric kidney transplant performed at a peripheral hospital outside a dedicated children’s hospital in the country.
Specialist pediatric nephrologist Dr. Venujaya Bandara said the hospital began pediatric kidney transplant services in mid-2025 and described the successful procedure as a major milestone in pediatric renal care. He said congenital kidney and urinary tract disorders remain among the leading causes of long-term kidney disease in children.
Consultant vascular and transplant surgeon Dr. Manujaya Godakandage said pediatric kidney transplants are technically more complex than adult procedures. He added that the successful completion of the surgery within a short time frame without complications demonstrated the capability of the hospital team.
Consultant anesthesiologist Dr. Jeevaka Kulatissa said coordinated teamwork and careful preparation of both the child and donor contributed to the success of the operation.
Hospital officials said Sri Lanka currently provides free pediatric kidney transplant services at several state hospitals, including the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya and the National Nephrology Specialized Hospital.
They added that while similar surgeries are available in countries including India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States, overseas treatment often remains financially challenging for Sri Lankan families. (Newswire)