Oath-Taking Ceremony 2024

The “Oath-Taking Ceremony 2024” for the BSc (Hons) Nursing students of the Faculty of Health-Care Sciences (FHCS), Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL), was held on the 22nd of January 2025, in the presence of dignitaries from the university and the Teaching Hospital Batticaloa (THB). This year, a total of 100 students from both the 14th and 15th batches solemnly pledged the Florence Nightingale Pledge in front of the audience.

The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp in honor of Florence Nightingale. A traditional welcome dance was performed by the 16th batch of BSc (Hons) Nursing students, which was truly stunning. Ms. A.M.S.S. Alahakoon, Head of the Department of Supplementary Health Sciences, welcomed all the dignitaries, including the Acting Vice-Chancellor of EUSL, the Dean of FHCS, professors, heads of departments, academic members from FHCS/EUSL, the Chief Nursing Officer, matrons, in-charge nursing officers from Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, and non-academic members of FHCS.

Following the welcome address, the oath-taking ceremony began. The students received lamps from the dignitaries and assembled in front of the audience to take the oath. With their lamps lit, they recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.

Immediately after the oath-taking, Mrs. M.H.C. Pieris, Principal of the School of Nursing, Batticaloa, delivered a blessing address to the students. This was followed by an address from Professor T. Sathaananthan, Dean of FHCS. The Chief Guest, Professor T. Prabaharan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of EUSL, also addressed the gathering, extending his best wishes to the students who have dedicated their lives to healthcare services.

Finally, Dr. V. Lokeesan delivered the vote of thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to all academic and non-academic members, as well as the junior students, for their contributions to the success of the event.