To enhance the capabilities of Sri Lanka’s Health Care system by providing a large quantity of safe blood to the national blood bank annually.
To enhance the capabilities of Sri Lanka’s Health Care system by providing a large quantity of safe blood to the national blood bank annually.
The 45th Annual Blood Donation Campaign, organized by the Royal College Red Cross Society, was a landmark initiative featuring four impactful blood donation drives and the release of a commemorative souvenir.
The campaign began on September 16 at the Base Hospital, Padaviya, where 107 donors broke the hospital's two-year record, addressing critical blood shortages. The Gajaba Regimental Headquarters in Saliyapura provided accommodation for the team.
The second drive, held on October 9 at Sahas Uyana, Kandy, in collaboration with the Interact Club of Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy, gathered over 80 donors, strengthening ties between schools.
The third drive took place on October 12 at the District General Hospital, Hambantota, with over 100 donors contributing to replenish blood supplies, supported by Lakeview Cabana, Weerawila for accommodation.
The fourth and final phase on October 23 at the Royal College Main Hall, after a six year hiatus, marked a return to tradition. Organized with the Sri Lanka Blood Bank, it saw 123 donors, uniting the Colombo community and stakeholders, with the support of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage.
The campaign concluded with the release of a souvenir, celebrating 45 years of service, chronicling its history, and honoring the contributions of donors and organizers. This initiative symbolized the values of service, unity, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
The first blood donation of the 45th Annual Campaign was held at the Base Hospital, Padaviya, on the 16th of September from 9:00 a.m. onwards. Organized by the after O/L batch of the Royal College Red Cross Society, the event saw an impressive turnout of 107 donors, breaking the hospital’s previous records over the past two years. Accommodation for the organizing team was generously provided by the Gajaba Regimental Headquarters in Saliyapura. This blood donation made a significant impact in Padaviya, a rural area with limited blood supply, addressing the pressing need for life-saving blood reserves in the region.
Phase Directors: Dhashindra Bakmedeniya
: Kaveesha Chandrasekara
Accompanied by,
The second blood donation was conducted on the 9th of October from 9:00 a.m. onwards at Sahas Uyana, Kandy, in collaboration with the Interact Club of Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy. Organized by the Grade 11 batch of the Royal College Red Cross Society, the drive successfully gathered over 80 blood donors. This partnership not only strengthened ties between the two schools but also made a lasting contribution to the healthcare system in Kandy, a region where access to blood can be limited. The event emphasized the power of youth collaboration in tackling real-world issues and meeting critical health demands.
Phase Directors: Lithil Hewathantri
: Lavindu Pinidiyarachchi
The third outstation blood donation took place at the District General Hospital, Hambantota, on the 12th of October from 9:00 a.m. onwards. Organized by the Grade 10 batch of the Royal College Red Cross Society, this event saw over 100 blood donors contribute to replenishing the hospital's blood supply. Lakeview Cabana in Weerawila provided accommodation for the organizing team, ensuring smooth execution of the event. This donation drive addressed the acute shortage of blood in the Hambantota district, offering essential support to the local healthcare infrastructure.
Phase Directors: Tharuka Dias
: Sayuru Wijewardane
After a lapse of four years, the Royal College Red Cross Society proudly reintroduced a publication by releasing the 45th Annual Blood Donation Campaign Souvenir. This remarkable edition serves as a tribute to the club's enduring legacy and celebrates 45 years of unwavering commitment to community service and humanitarian aid.
The souvenir encapsulates the club's rich history, showcasing its evolution, achievements, and contributions over the decades. It features valuable articles that explore the roots of community service and the role of first aiders in fostering a culture of care and compassion. The information presented was meticulously gathered from the Royal College Archives and interviews with distinguished Old Royalists, ensuring that every detail reflects the depth of tradition and dedication synonymous with the Royal College Red Cross Society.
This publication also highlights the support of several sponsors whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Their generosity underscored the collaborative spirit necessary to sustain impactful initiatives like the Annual Blood Donation Campaign.
The souvenir stands as a testament to the commitment of the Royal College Red Cross Society to uphold its values, inspire future generations, and strengthen the bond between the past and present through the power of words and stories.
The 45th Annual Blood Donation Campaign, held on the 23rd of October 2024, marked a significant milestone for the Royal College Red Cross Society. This fourth and final phase of the campaign took place in the Royal College Main Hall, bringing back a cherished tradition after a six year hiatus due to renovations. The event, conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Blood Bank, exemplified the spirit of community service and the rich heritage of Royal College.
The return to the Main Hall, a venue synonymous with the school’s legacy, symbolized a revival of tradition, emphasizing the importance of service as a cornerstone of Royal College culture. The campaign successfully brought together the Colombo community, members of the armed forces, and other stakeholders in a unified effort to save lives.
The unwavering support of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, was instrumental in making this event a success. His encouragement, alongside the expertise and dedication of the Sri Lanka Blood Bank, ensured a seamless and impactful campaign.
Adding further significance to the occasion was the release of a souvenir, the first in four years, which chronicled the campaign's 45 year history and celebrated the contributions of those who made this initiative possible.
Commencing at 9.00 a.m and ending by collecting a total of 123 blood donors., the campaign not only restored a tradition but also reinforced the values of service, unity, and compassion that define the Royal College Red Cross Society, leaving a lasting impact on the community and beyond.