The department is responsible for teaching paediatrics to undergraduate medical students. The department is also involved in postgraduate training activities. The Clinical Unit is housed in the 80 bedded Ward 1 of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo, the only children’s hospital in Sri Lanka. The research interests of the department academics include Gastroenterology, Developmental Paediatrics, Neurology, Endocrinology, Neonatology, Intensive Care, Nutrition and Nephrology. The department also conducts specialised Child Development, Renal, Endocrine and Obesity clinics at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. In addition to the faculty academics, the department staff includes a social worker, research assistants, technical, administrative and secretarial staff. Academic members serve on numerous national and international committees dedicated to the progress of paediatrics and national health policies pertaining to child health.

The department, founded in 1949 has grown and flourished as a centre of excellence for several sub-specialties in paediatrics encompassing the broader dimensions of the 21st century and has become a highly-rated and vibrant training centre in paediatrics for both undergraduates and postgraduates.