Welcome to NBTS

(National Blood Transfusion Service)

Sri Lanka

PRAANA (SLSCDR)

You Can Get Involved

You can now join hands with us to help patients by donating Whole Blood, Apheresis Platelets, Stem Cells or Hosting a Blood Donation Campaign

🚑 Click to Find the Nearest Blood Bank
Become a Blood Donor
Become a Platelet Donor
Become a Stem Cell Donor
Host a Blood Drive

Notifications

ℹ️ Join Praana : Save Lives by Becoming a Stem Cell Donor
The Sri Lanka Stem Cell Donor Registry (SLSCDR), initiated by the NBTS, is a nationwide effort to recruit potential stem cell donors. Launched on July 14th, 2024, the registry has since recruited donors both online and through NBTS’s blood donation campaigns.
ℹ️ NBTS Re-designated as WHO CC
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Sri Lanka has been redesignated as a WHO Collaborating Centre (CC) for Blood Transfusion Services for another 3 years, starting from 7th September 2024.
ℹ️ NBTS Sri Lanka Receives AABB Quality Certificate
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Sri Lanka has successfully been awarded the prestigious AABB Quality Certificate, effective from August 2024 to August 2026.
📘 Blood Donation Invitation
Eligible donors are encouraged to visit the nearest blood bank and donate blood at their convenience. 🕗 NBC (Narahenpita): 8.00 am – 6.00 pm 🕓 Other Blood Banks: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
ℹ️ Join Praana : Save Lives by Becoming a Stem Cell Donor
The Sri Lanka Stem Cell Donor Registry (SLSCDR), initiated by the NBTS, is a nationwide effort to recruit potential stem cell donors. Launched on July 14th, 2024, the registry has since recruited donors both online and through NBTS’s blood donation campaigns.
ℹ️ NBTS Re-designated as WHO CC
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Sri Lanka has been redesignated as a WHO Collaborating Centre (CC) for Blood Transfusion Services for another 3 years, starting from 7th September 2024.
ℹ️ NBTS Sri Lanka Receives AABB Quality Certificate
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Sri Lanka has successfully been awarded the prestigious AABB Quality Certificate, effective from August 2024 to August 2026.
📘 Blood Donation Invitation
Eligible donors are encouraged to visit the nearest blood bank and donate blood at their convenience. 🕗 NBC (Narahenpita): 8.00 am – 6.00 pm 🕓 Other Blood Banks: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm

Organizing a blood donation campaign

We are committed to making quality blood available for patients throughout the year. To support this goal, we organize local and national campaigns that promote voluntary blood donation. Today, 85% of the island-wide blood supply is collected through mobile blood donation campaigns.

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Today’s Mobile
Blood Donation Campaigns

Here you can find mobile blood donation campaigns that are organized all around the Island.

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Mobile blood donation campaigns may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice.

📅 Date🩸 Name🏥 Venue🏢 Blood Bank
October 29, 2025 ANOMARAMAYA WALGAMA, MATARA ANOMARAMAYA WALGAMA, MATARA Kamburugamuwa
October 29, 2025 GANGARAMA PIRIVENA-G/PANANGALA GANGARAMA PIRIVENA-G/PANANGALA Karapitiya
October 29, 2025 CINAMON CILTADEL - DODAMWALA CINAMON CILTADEL - DODAMWALA Kandy
October 29, 2025 A.G.A.OFFICE-UDUBADDAWA A.G.A.OFFICE-UDUBADDAWA Kuliyapitiya
October 29, 2025 IRRIGATION OFFICE KURUNEGALA KURUNEGALA Kurunegala
📅 Date🩸 Name🏥 Venue🏢 Blood Bank
October 29, 2025 SLAF - Anuradapura SLAF - Anuradapura Anuradhapura
October 29, 2025 DS OFFICE LANKAPURA DS OFFICE LANKAPURA Polonnaruwa
October 29, 2025 Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority - Colombo 10 Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority - Colombo 10 NBC
October 29, 2025 AGA OFFICE -YATINUWARA AGA OFFICE -YATINUWARA Peradeniya
October 29, 2025 SIRI PIYARATHANA M.M.V. PADUKKA SIRI PIYARATHANA M.M.V. PADUKKA Apeksha

We Believe In

Proper Education and Quality Knowledge

Education, Training and Research Unit (ETRU)

The Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU) of the National Blood Center (NBC) plays a crucial role in enhancing the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies of blood bank personnel across the country. Committed to upholding high standards in Transfusion Medicine, the ETRU facilitates Continuous Professional Development, in-service training, and research initiatives that contribute to the overall improvement of National Blood Transfusion Service.

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Our Vision

“To be a unique for the world, securing quality assured blood services through a nationally coordinated system”

TOP OFFICIALS
Director1
Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe
Director
TOP OFFICIALS
drjayasekara1
Dr. Senarath Jayasekara
Senior Consultant

Our Mission

“To ensure the quality, safety, adequacy and cost effectiveness of the blood supply and related laboratory, clinical, academic and research services in accordance with national requirements and WHO recommendations” 

Events & News
August 15, 2025The Education Training & Research Unit (ETRU) of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully held a Continuous Medical Education (CME) Program for Blood Bank Drivers on 13th August 2025 at the National Blood Center Auditorium, Colombo. The training, titled “Safe Blood Transport: A Specialized Training Program for Blood Bank Drivers”, brought together NBTS-attached drivers from across the country. The program featured a series of lectures and practical sessions by expert resource persons. Key topics included, Professionalism and Team WorkBy Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe (Director, NBTS)The program commenced with a keynote session emphasising the importance of teamwork, discipline, and professionalism in the critical role played by drivers in the healthcare system. Duties of a Medical DriverBy Mr. Fowshan (Senior Administration Officer, CSTH)Participants were guided through the responsibilities and duties of medical drivers, highlighting the significance of accountability, punctuality, and adherence to protocols. Vehicle Maintenance, Breakdown, and ServicingBy Mr. Sahan Pathum (Mechanical Engineer, MOH)Practical insights on preventive maintenance, managing vehicle breakdowns, and ensuring roadworthiness were provided to help drivers handle challenges in the field effectively. Principles of Blood Transport & Cold Chain ManagementBy Dr. Dhammika Senevirathna (CTP Anuradhapura)The session underlined the critical importance of maintaining the cold chain during blood transportation to preserve quality and safety. Biohazard Safety & Infection Control in Blood Transport By Dr. Namal Bandara (CTP Negombo)Drivers were trained on biohazard safety measures and infection control practices, ensuring safe handling procedures to protect both the blood supply and the healthcare staff involved. The CME program provided an excellent platform for blood bank drivers to strengthen their professional knowledge and share experiences. The training emphasised the vital contribution of drivers in safeguarding the quality of blood products, ensuring timely and safe delivery to patients in need. The NBTS extends its appreciation to all participating drivers and the distinguished panel of lecturers for making this program a success. Continuous training initiatives such as this reaffirm the commitment of the NBTS towards achieving the highest standards in blood transfusion services across Sri Lanka. [...] Read more...
July 8, 2025The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) conducted a webinar on Incident Management and Corrective Action on 04th July 2025, with the participation of 187 healthcare professionals from across Sri Lanka. The audience included Consultants, Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs), and Public Health Laboratory Technicians (PHLTs) who joined both online and onsite at the National Blood Centre. The program focused on strengthening transfusion safety through the WHO-recommended Quality System Essentials (QSEs). Key discussions covered the identification of non-conformities and adverse incidents, application of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, and the use of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to address and prevent errors. A practical case study on a mislabeled blood unit highlighted the importance of prompt detection, corrective retraining, and system improvements, including barcode scanning and revised SOPs. The event emphasized the standardized NBTS incident management process of reporting, investigation, corrective action, and review, reinforcing a culture of safety and accountability. This island-wide engagement reflects NBTS’s continued commitment to quality improvement and patient safety in transfusion medicine. [...] Read more...
June 15, 2025“Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives” The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) of Sri Lanka proudly hosted the World Blood Donor Day 2025 National Ceremony on 14th June at the prestigious Temple Trees, Colombo, with the gracious presence of Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as the Chief Guest. This year’s event was held under the global theme “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives”, emphasizing the critical importance of voluntary blood donation in saving lives, restoring health, and building strong communities. 🎉 Celebrating Our Lifesavers The event was organized in collaboration with the College of Transfusion Physicians and the Welfare Society of the National Blood Transfusion Service, as a tribute to the thousands of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors and mobile blood donation campaign organizers who dedicate their time and effort to support the national blood supply. Over 3,000 participants attended the ceremony, representing the true spirit of compassion and unity. The event also marked the beginning of a national-level recognition initiative where over 4,000 voluntary blood donors and organizers from across the island will be honored with mementos and certificates in regional events. 👥 Dignitaries in Attendance The event was graced by several distinguished guests and health leaders including: Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Their presence reaffirmed the government’s continued support and appreciation for the national voluntary blood donation programme, which plays a crucial role in the country’s healthcare delivery system. 🏥 A National Effort in Blood Safety Sri Lanka remains one of the few countries in the region to maintain a 100% voluntary blood donation-based service, ensuring both the safety and adequacy of blood for all patients in need. NBTS continues to set an example regionally and globally for its well-organized blood collection, testing, processing, and distribution systems. As we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, NBTS takes this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to every donor, campaign organizer, staff member, and supporter who makes this life-saving mission possible. Your contribution truly saves lives – from accident victims to patients with chronic illnesses, surgeries, cancer treatments, and childbirth emergencies. Every drop donated brings hope and healing. 📺 Watch the Event If you missed the live celebration, you can watch the full video of the National Ceremony here:👉 Click to Watch the Event  🩸 Become a Donor – Be a Lifesaver We invite all eligible citizens to join the life-saving mission by becoming regular blood donors. Your simple act can make a world of difference. National Blood Transfusion Service – Sri LankaSaving Lives, One Drop at a Time #WBDD2025 #GiveBloodGiveHope #NBTS #BloodDonorsSL #TogetherWeSaveLives #WBDD2025SriLanka #VoluntaryDonation #SaveLivesSL [...] Read more...
June 6, 2025In a continuing effort to strengthen the safety and efficiency of blood transfusion services in Sri Lanka, the Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU) of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully conducted a targeted Continuous Medical Education (CME) program for Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the NBTS. The event was held on 04th June 2025 at the National Blood Center, Colombo. With the theme “The Role of Public Health Inspectors in Improving Blood Transfusion Safety,” the program was designed to equip PHIs with updated knowledge on emerging public health challenges that directly impact the safety of the national blood supply, as well as to enhance their role in donor mobilization and retention. The CME program featured expert-led sessions on current public health concerns affecting blood safety. An engaging session on “Current Trends in Sexually Transmitted Diseases” delivered by Dr. Sathya Herath from the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP). The discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of STDs and their implications for donor screening and public awareness. A lecture on “Malaria Update & Its Impact on Blood Transfusion Safety” by Dr. I.E. Gunarathne from the Anti Malaria Campaign (AMC), which shed light on the resurgence risks of malaria and emphasized the role of PHIs in safeguarding the blood supply through community surveillance and education. A performance review conducted by Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe, Director NBTS, and Dr. Anoja Herath, Consultant Transfusion Physician (NHSL), highlighted field-level challenges and achievements, while the final session focused on improving blood donation campaigns and donor retention strategies. The CME program underscored the critical importance of inter-sectoral collaboration, continuous professional development, and evidence-based practices to uphold the safety and sustainability of the national blood transfusion service. [...] Read more...
June 2, 2025In a continued effort to strengthen the quality and coordination of Sri Lanka’s transfusion services, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), through its Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU), hosted a regional Continuing Medical Education (CME) workshop on 30th May 2025 at the Teaching Hospital Polonnaruwa. This impactful event brought together blood donation teams from three key clusters—Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. The workshop served as a dynamic forum to enhance knowledge and reinforce core principles of safe blood collection, donor care, and ethical campaign management, while also fostering cross-district collaboration and unity among provincial teams. Cluster representation included: Polonnaruwa Cluster: Polonnaruwa and Medirigiriya Blood Banks Trincomalee Cluster: Trincomalee, Kanthale, Kinya, and Muthur Blood Banks Batticaloa Cluster: Batticaloa, Valachenai, Kattankudy, and Kalawanchikudy Blood Banks The program focused on core clinical competencies as well as leadership and communication skills essential for field-level blood donation teams. Participants benefited from expert-led sessions on: Safe and standardized donor selection and collection procedures Trends in donor risk behavior and implications for blood safety Managing donor reactions and ensuring post-donation wellbeing Building professional excellence in donor campaigns through teamwork and ethical conduct The event concluded with a Q&A forum that encouraged feedback and open dialogue, strengthening inter-cluster connections and reaffirming shared goals. This CME marks a critical milestone in empowering teams from the Eastern Province to elevate service delivery and safeguard public health. Through consistent training and knowledge-sharing platforms, NBTS continues to build a resilient, skilled, and community-driven national blood service. Image Gallery Link [...] Read more...
May 25, 2025Kegalle Hosts CME Program Advancing Blood Donation Team Excellence in Kegalle and Peradeniya ClustersHeld at Teaching Hospital Kegalle | 23rd May 2025 In pursuit of excellence in transfusion services, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on 23rd May 2025 at the Teaching Hospital Kegalle, focusing on strengthening the capabilities of blood donation teams from both the Kegalle and Peradeniya Clusters. Organized under the direction of the Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU), the session—brought together key personnel from the Kegalle Cluster—comprising Kegalle, Mawanella, and Warakapola blood banks—as well as from the Peradeniya Cluster, representing Peradeniya, Gampola, and Nawalapitiya blood banks, The event provided a valuable platform for enhancing operational knowledge, safety protocols, and team coordination. This program is a testament to NBTS’s vision of building not only a technically proficient but also an ethically driven and community-responsive blood service network. By nurturing the development of both hard and soft skills among frontline staff, the NBTS continues to lay the foundation for a safer and more effective transfusion system across Sri Lanka. Image Gallery Link [...] Read more...
May 21, 2025The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), through its Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU), held a special dual Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on 19th May 2025 at the National Blood Center (NBC), Colombo. This initiative brought together blood donation teams from three key regional clusters – Kalutara, Ragama and Gampaha  – for a day of learning, collaboration, and performance enhancement. The sessions focused on sharpening operational knowledge, donor care strategies, and transfusion safety protocols, in line with the NBTS’s mission to maintain high standards in blood collection and transfusion practices nationwide. The Ragama Cluster saw participation from blood banks affiliated with Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH), Negombo, Welisara, and Kiribathgoda, while the Kalutara Cluster included teams from Kalutara, Kethumathi, Panadura, and Horana. The Gampaha, cluster included blood bank staff from Gampaha, Wathupitiwala, Meerigama and Minuwangoda. In addition to knowledge-sharing, the program fostered a strong sense of regional coordination, encouraging cross-institutional collaboration and mutual learning among the clusters. By continuously investing in the training and development of its frontline staff, NBTS reaffirms its commitment to delivering a safe, sustainable, and community-centered transfusion service across Sri Lanka. Image Gallery Link [...] Read more...
May 18, 2025Rathnapura Hosts CME Program to Strengthen Blood Donation Teams Across the ClusterHeld at Teaching Hospital Rathnapura | 16th May 2025 As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence in transfusion services, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on 16th May 2025 at the Teaching Hospital Rathnapura. The session was designed to enhance the competencies of blood donation teams within the Rathnapura Cluster. Organized by the Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU) of NBTS, the program brought together healthcare professionals from the blood banks of Teaching Hospital Rathnapura, Embilipitiya, Balangoda, and Kahawatta. It served as a vital platform for reviewing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and strengthening inter-institutional collaboration. This initiative is part of NBTS’s broader strategic vision to build a resilient, quality-focused blood service across Sri Lanka. By empowering frontline staff with updated technical expertise and fostering teamwork, NBTS aims to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transfusion practices nationwide. Image Gallery Link [...] Read more...
May 1, 2025The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully conducted a one-hour online webinar on Quality Management Systems (QMS), led by Dr. Namal Bandara. Delivered bilingually in both Sinhala and English, the session aimed to build foundational knowledge on QMS practices among blood bank staff as part of NBTS’s long-term strategy to achieve Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) accreditation. A total of 185 participants joined the session, representing a diverse cross-section of healthcare professionals: Clinical Transfusion Practitioners (11), Medical Officers (109), Nursing Officers (39), Medical Laboratory Technologists (22), Junior Staff (3), and a Public Health Inspector (1). The webinar provided an overview of the essential components of a QMS specifically tailored for blood bank operations. Dr. Bandara highlighted the importance of implementing QMS to ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of blood and blood products. Key topics included Quality System Essentials (QSEs), regulatory compliance, effective documentation and record-keeping, internal audits, and the importance of continuous improvement. Participants were also introduced to the structural elements of a QMS, such as quality policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and clearly defined staff responsibilities at various operational levels. The online program was accredited by the Education, Training and Research Unit (ETRU) of the Ministry of Health and provided Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for participants, further emphasizing its value and recognition within the healthcare sector. This educational initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing quality standards and aligning blood transfusion services with international best practices. [...] Read more...
April 29, 2025The Education, Training, and Research Unit (ETRU) of the National Blood Center successfully conducted a Continuous Medical Education (CME) program titled “Capacity Building for Blood Donation Teams – Safe Blood Practices in Transfusion Service” for the Matara and Hambantota clusters on April 25, 2025. Held at the National Blood Center Auditorium, the program brought together medical professionals and experts to strengthen the skills and knowledge of blood donation teams. This program was a vital step toward enhancing safe blood collection practices and promoting excellence in blood donation services across the region. [...] Read more...

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ABOUT US

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), under the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, is a centrally coordinated system. It serves as the sole provider of blood and blood products to all government hospitals and most private hospitals. Headquartered at the National Blood Centre (NBC) in Colombo, NBTS operates more than 108 blood banks island-wide.

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Address :

National Blood Center,
No. 555/5D, Elvitigala Mawatha, Narahenpita, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka.

Telephone : +94112369931 – 4

Fax  : +94112369939

Email : info@nbts.health.gov.lk

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