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Palliative Care in Sri Lanka

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Tour leader
David Praill BA
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Dates
28 Feb
14 Mar
2027

A fascinating new study tour, offering an in-depth exploration of palliative care in the small, treasure-filled island of Sri Lanka. Led by David Praill, the Managing Editor of ehospice.com and an experienced tour leader, this itinerary brings together professional engagement, cultural context, and experiential travel.

Thanks to evolving government policies, collaboration with healthcare professionals in India and charitable initiatives, the landscape of palliative care in Sri Lanka has improved significantly over the past decade, but it is still in its nascent stages. With increased efforts needed to scale these developments to meet current and growing need, this is an exciting time to see its progress first-hand.

Through site visits to major facilities, including the National Cancer Institute and Suwa Arana Hospice, as well as expert discussions with specialist cohorts, key individuals and communities, the tour offers a holistic view of palliative care. It explores health policy, service provision, access to medication, research, education, and the empowerment of individuals and communities.

The full and varied cultural programme features iconic attractions, local visits and experiences. Enjoy mouthwatering cuisine and stay in some lovely hotels with ample free time to relax, join optional activities, or explore independently.

Price (sharing a room)
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per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
SRI0327-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Palliative Care
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Nights
14
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Colombo
Sunday
,
28
February
Arrive in Colombo and check in to the Radisson Hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
2
Colombo
Monday
,
1
March
Talk from local professionals about the history and evolution of palliative care services in Sri Lanka. Tour of Colombo, including the vibrant Pettah Market.
3
Colombo
Tuesday
,
2
March
Visit the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka, learn about the Hopeful Comfort Project and meet with Sister Dona Samindra, who trained in Kerala with Pallium India. Visit Suwa Arana Hospice, Sri Lanka’s first dedicated paediatric palliative care centre. Visit Prof. Samadhi’s residence for drinks and return to the hotel for dinner.
4
Colombo / Galle
Wednesday
,
3
March
Drive to Kahathuduwa and visit Olaboduwe Weda Medura, a traditional Sri Lankan medical practice run by a local practitioner. Explore natural herbs and remedies and discover Indigenous healing methods passed down through generations. Continue to Galle, arrive and check in to the Radisson Blu Resort.
5
Galle
Thursday
,
4
March
Drive to Matara and meet with Dr Samadhi Rajapaksa of the Institute of Palliative Medicine to learn about their community-based work. Meet with the team of volunteers, comprising a medical doctor, a nurse, and trained palliative care practitioners from Cancer Care Association of Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel, at leisure.
6
Galle
Friday
,
5
March
At leisure OR take an optional early-morning excursion to Mirissa for a deep-sea safari. Tour of Galle Fort, a historic coastal stronghold founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and developed in the 18th century under Dutch colonial rule. Enjoy dinner in the charming old town.
7
Galle / Amba
Saturday
,
6
March
Scenic drive to Bandarawela. Check in to the Amba Estate, a micro-scale tea factory, organic farm, guesthouse and social enterprise set in the Uva Mountains. At leisure.
8
Amba
Sunday
,
7
March
Take part in a walking waterfall loop. Explore the farm and learn of their organic methods for cultivating tea, coffee, cinnamon and a range of herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables. Take part in an artisanal tea and coffee production tour. Meet with a local community health worker and learn of community health provision in a remote area.
9
Amba / Kandy
Monday
,
8
March
Drive to Nuwara Eliya and explore this scenic hill station. Known as “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial history, it was a key centre of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Continue to Kandy and check in to Kandy Myst Hotel.
10
Kandy
Tuesday
,
9
March
Drive to Peradeniya to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, see the orchid collection and medicinal plant section. Continue to the University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Allied Health, to learn about their education programmes and the use of music therapy in palliative care with Prof. Damayanthi Dassanayake. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics.
11
Kandy / Sigiriya
Wednesday
,
10
March
Drive to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, stopping in Matale to visit a spice plantation where you will enjoy a delicious spread of Sri Lankan rice and curries. Continue to Dambulla and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cave Temples; a stunning complex of rock temples containing over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant murals. Arrive Sigiriya and check in to the Sigiriya Village Hotel.
12
Sigiriya
Thursday
,
11
March
Drive to Anuradhapura. Visit the Cancer Care Association of Sri Lanka hospice facility in Kurundankulama, which provides home-based care for cancer patients. At leisure in the hotel.
13
Sigiriya
Friday
,
12
March
Rise early to climb the legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya, possibly the most spectacular site in Sri Lanka. Built in the 5th century on top of a vast 200m granite rock, the rock fortress is famous for its ‘Lion Rock’ and its ‘Celestial Maidens’. Return to the hotel and at leisure. See large herds of wild elephants, sambhur deer and huge flocks of birds in Minneriya National Park.
14
Sigiriya / Negombo
Saturday
,
13
March
Wrap up session at the hotel to reflect on lessons learned. Depart the hotel and drive to Negombo. Arrive and check in to the Jetwing Blue Hotel with the rest of the day at leisure before a farewell dinner.
15
Negombo
Sunday
,
14
March
Depart the hotel after breakfast. Transfer to the airport OR take the extension to Wadduwa.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Travel around Sri Lanka - a land of mystical ruins, jungles, gleaming white tropical beaches, national parks with giant elephants and fleet leopards, seas with blue whales, and mouthwatering cuisine.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Specialist professional meetings and site visits
Sri Lanka

Meet with members of the Palliative Care Association and visit the National Cancer Institute and Suwa Arana Hospice, Sri Lanka’s first dedicated paediatric palliative care centre.

Cultural riches
Sigiriya

The full and varied cultural programme features iconic attractions including the momentous sky citadel of Sigiriya.

Natural beauty and wildlife
Minneriya National Park and Galle

See the largest herds of wild elephants in the world in Minneriya and take an optional deep-sea marine mammal safari off the coast of Galle.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

Enrich your journey

Extend your holiday

Post-tour

Wadduwa
14 –17 March 2027

There is the option to extend your stay at the Blue Water Hotel in Wadduwa, a relaxed coastal town known for its golden sands and palm-fringed beaches.

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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