Pathology Day 2025: Educational Programme on Cancer Awareness and the Vital Role of Histopathology

17th July 2025

The College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka, in a significant collaboration with the Department of Histopathology at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, successfully organized "Pathology Day 2025 - Cancer Awareness" on July 17, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

his impactful event, held under the theme "Histopathology Saves Lives: The Hidden Language of Diseases," was a cornerstone of the College's ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations. Additional support was provided by the Directorate of Education Training & Research Unit of the Ministry of Health and the Anuradhapura Medical Association, highlighting a broad commitment to public health. Dr Jayanjana Asanthi and Dr Sanjeewani Jayawardena, Consutant Histopathologists from Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital played the key role in organizing the event.

 

 

The day's comprehensive program was meticulously designed to achieve several key objectives: to raise awareness among both healthcare workers and the public about common malignancies and early detection, to showcase the intricate workflow and indispensable importance of histopathology in diagnosis, to engage healthcare professionals in valuable educational activities, and to foster collaboration and provide crucial career guidance in pathology.

Key activities included highly engaging Laboratory Open Day, where visitors received guided tours through the histopathology laboratory, witnessing demonstrations of procedures, sample processing, and the advanced IHC laboratory. Educational booths featured a fascinating display of gross specimens (kindly supplied by CeDARC) and microscope slides, expertly explained by registrars in Histopathology.

 

 

Direct community benefit was provided through free cervical smear screening and an FNAC clinic, offering crucial early cancer diagnostic services. Interactive segments like the "Pathology Challenge", "Ask the Experts" hub, and Career Guidance featuring consultants like Dr. Palitha Rathnayake and Dr. Ramani Punchihewa, Prof Priyani Amarathunga, Dr Vasana Mendis captivated attendees.

 

 

The event also featured insightful health talks by an array of Consultants Histopathologists Dr Ramani Punchihewa, Dr Dayal Gamlaksha, Dr Amal Jayathilake, Dr Deshani Walisnghe, Dr Gayani Ranaweera and Dr Lalni De Silva on various cancer types, prevention, and diagnosis, alongside a crucial presentation by Dr. Mahasen Neththikumara, Consultant Oncologist, on the importance of histopathology reports in cancer management.

A powerful stage drama on early breast cancer detection, performed by medical undergraduates, or Rajarata University further amplified the message.

 

 

With over 270 healthcare professionals and more than 100 members of the public participating, Pathology Day 2025 successfully fostered community engagement, strengthened professional interest in histopathology as a career, and enhanced vital interdisciplinary cooperation.

 

 

The College extends its sincere gratitude to all collaborators, staff members, and volunteers for making this initiative a great success. The contribution and the team effort of the Histopatholgy Laboratory staff of Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital is exceptional.