CPD Corner

KidsToxLK Paediatric Poison Information and Research Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, will conduct a CPD-accredited educational webinar titled “Unexplained Metabolic Acidosis: Recognizing Poisoning Mimickers” on 14th January from 12.00 PM onwards.

The workshop aims to enhance clinicians’ ability to identify toxicological causes and mimickers of metabolic acidosis in children through a case-based and practical approach. The programme will be moderated by Professor Namal Rathnayaka, Professor in Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

The session will include a case presentation by Dr. Yashodha Samarakoon (Registrar in Paediatrics, North Colombo Teaching Hospital), followed by expert talks on toxicological evaluation of metabolic acidosis by Professor Kavinda Dayasiri (Professor in Paediatrics, University of Kelaniya) and an approach to the child with metabolic acidosis by Dr. Imalke Kankananarachchi (Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, University of Ruhuna).

The webinar carries 1.00 CPD point and is targeted at paediatricians, medical officers, and other healthcare professionals involved in child health care. Participants can join the session via the QR code provided in the event announcement.

KidsToxLK Paediatric Poison Information Centre is pleased to announce an upcoming CPD educational programme titled “Paediatric Poisoning and Snakebite Management: Essentials for Students of the University of Indigenous Medicine.”

This programme will be held on 17 January 2026 from 8.30 a.m. onwards, in collaboration with the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine. The session is designed to provide essential, evidence-based knowledge on the recognition and early management of paediatric poisoning and snakebite, with particular relevance to local clinical and community settings in Sri Lanka.

The programme will feature expert faculty including Professor Kavinda Dayasiri (Consultant Paediatrician), Dr Ravindra Weerasinghe (Ayurvedic Paediatrician), Dr M.N.S. Marasinghe (Ayurvedic Paediatrician), and Dr Ajith Dissanayake (Medical Toxicologist).

Through this initiative, KidsToxLK continues its commitment to capacity building and interprofessional education to improve child safety and outcomes related to poisoning and envenomation in Sri Lanka.

A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session titled “From Evidence to Practice: Use of AI in Research” will be held on 13th February 2026 from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm. The session will be delivered by Prof. Amaranth Karunanayake, Associate Professor in Physiology, University of Ruhuna, and moderated by Prof. Kavinda Dayasiri.

The programme will focus on the practical application of artificial intelligence in research, bridging the gap between emerging evidence and real-world research practice. It is co-organised by KidsToxLK and the Research Management Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya.

Participants will be awarded 1.00 CPD point by the Education and Training Unit of the Ministry of Health. Registration details are available via the QR code on the announcement.

A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session titled “Rodenticide Pesticide Poisoning among Children” will be held on 12th February 2026 from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm. The session will be delivered by Dr Indira Madhavan, MD, MSc (Medical Toxicology), Professor at the Government Medical College, Thrissur, India, and moderated by Prof. Kavinda Dayasiri.

This session will address the epidemiology, clinical features, and management principles of rodenticide poisoning in children, with a focus on practical challenges relevant to clinical settings in the region. The programme is organised by KidsToxLK – the Paediatric Poisoning Information and Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya.

Participants will receive 1.00 CPD point, awarded by the Education and Training Unit of the Ministry of Health. Registration details are available via the QR code provided in the announcement.

KidsToxLK Paediatric Poison Information and Research Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, will host an expert webinar titled “Managing Scorpion Stings in Children” on 17th December from 12.00 PM onwards. The session brings together leading clinicians to address an increasingly important area in paediatric emergency care.

Dr. Nayani Suraweera, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, will open the event with a session on “Paediatric Scorpion Stings: Interesting Cases from Sri Lanka.” This will be followed by Dr. Hanane Chaoui, MD, PhD, Head of the Toxicovigilance Department at the Centre Anti-poison et de Pharmacovigilance du Maroc, who will speak on “Paediatric Scorpion Stings: What Do Clinicians Need to Know.” Healthcare professionals can join the event by scanning the QR code provided on the official event flyer. Participants are eligible for 1.25 CPD points.

KidsToxLK, in collaboration with the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, is pleased to announce an upcoming educational session titled “Common Household Poisonings in Children.”

The session will be conducted by Dr. Ajith Dissanayake (MBBS, MSc, PhD), a Poison Information Specialist at KidsToxLK, on 11th December 2025, from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm, at the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine in Gampaha.

This awareness programme aims to strengthen understanding among students and healthcare trainees about common toxic exposures in the home environment, early warning signs of poisoning, essential first-aid responses, and practical preventive strategies to safeguard children.

As part of KidsToxLK’s mission to enhance paediatric poisoning prevention and community education across Sri Lanka, this session will provide valuable knowledge for future practitioners and public health advocates.

All interested participants are warmly invited to attend.

The KidsToxLK Paediatric Poison Information and Research Centre, in collaboration with the Research Management Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, will host a hands-on workshop titled:

“How to Do a Literature Survey – Let’s Do a Search for a Toxicology-related Study.”

🗓 Date: 25th November 2025

🕛 Time: 12.00 – 1.15 pm

📍 Venue: Computer Lab, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

Resource Person: Dr. Lakmini Marasinghe, Librarian, Faculty of Medicine

Moderator: Professor Kavinda Dayasiri

Participants will gain practical skills in conducting effective literature searches using online databases, with a special focus on toxicology-related research.

✅ 1.25 CPD points will be awarded by the Education and Training Unit of the Ministry of Health.

📲 Register now by scanning the QR code on the poster

The KidsToxLK Paediatric Poison Information and Research Center, in collaboration with the Education, Training and Research Unit (ETR) of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, will conduct a one-day training workshop on “Community-Based Paediatric Snakebite Risk Management for Public Health Midwives” on 7th November 2025 at the Auditorium of the District General Hospital, Ampara.

This capacity-building program aims to empower Public Health Midwives (PHMs) working in high-risk rural communities with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for early identification, first-aid, and prevention of paediatric snakebites.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Dr. Ranga Chandrasena (Director, DGH Ampara), Dr. Nishshanka Wijewardena (RDHS Ampara), and Dr. Samantha Ranasinghe (Director, ETR Unit, Ministry of Health). The program will be led by Dr. Kavinda Dayasiri, Director of KidsToxLK and Professor in Paediatrics at the University of Kelaniya.

Interactive sessions will include audiovisual demonstrations on snake identification, first-aid for paediatric snakebites, and community-based prevention strategies, facilitated by subject experts. Five hands-on parallel workshops will follow, focusing on key aspects of paediatric snakebite management: 

(1) First-aid for paediatric snakebites and avoiding harmful practices, 

(2) Enhancing community awareness and education, 

(3) Identifying snakes and responding safely to encounters, 

(4) Recognising warning signs and coordinating emergency transport, 

(5) Prevention of snakebites and promoting home safety. 

Participants will receive 3.25 CPD points, accredited by the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka. This initiative forms part of KidsToxLK’s broader commitment to strengthening the capacity of frontline health workers and promoting community-based strategies to reduce the burden of paediatric snakebites across Sri Lanka.

Discover how New Zealand tackles household poisoning in children — from prevention to rapid response. 🧴☠

🗓️ 6th November, 12 Noon

👩‍⚕ Featuring Lucy Shieffelbien, Service Delivery Manager, National Poisons Centre, New Zealand

🎓 Moderated by Professor Kavinda Dayasiri

Earn 1.25 CPD points | Organised by KidsToxLK, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from global experience and strengthen child safety in our communities!

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76997557201?pwd=98fKc2A4Zeb6u1oh7XKLumdsG7cXlI.1