President- Academic Board, AP Health Care Academy
Ms. H M Wimala Herath’s path into the nursing field was a natural choice, yet she was not content with merely practicing; she wanted to lead, to teach, and to inspire. After her initial training, she pursued her Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching & Supervision at the Post Basic College of Nursing in 1991, where she ranked first in her class, setting the tone for a career built on both excellence and dedication. She soon became a registered midwife and nurse, and her roles quickly expanded as she grew into positions of leadership, skillfully managing both patients and young nurses under her guidance.
As her reputation for compassion and expertise grew, Ms. Wimala recognized the importance of continual learning. In 2001, she achieved her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Open University of Sri Lanka, graduating with distinction and earning the prestigious Robeta L. Cary Prize for Excellence in Nursing. This achievement strengthened her resolve to not only excel in clinical practice but to empower others through education.
In pursuit of this goal, Wimala traveled to Sweden, where she earned a Master’s in Integrated Health Sciences from Kristianstad University in 2012. Her studies abroad broadened her perspective, equipping her with advanced knowledge in healthcare integration, which she would later bring back to Sri Lanka.
Over her 28-year career, Ms. Wimala served as an Intensive Care Nurse, Senior Nursing Lecturer, Senior Nursing Supervisor, and Senior Nurse Manager. Her roles were diverse, but her mission was singular: to improve healthcare standards, particularly in the realm of critical care. She became renowned for her calm under pressure, guiding teams through complex cases in intensive care units, and helping them cultivate both clinical skills and emotional resilience. Her leadership was marked by empathy, integrity, and a commitment to the professional growth of those around her.
Today, as the President of the Academic Board at AP Health Care Academy, Ms. Wimala Herath oversees the next generation of healthcare providers. Her work now centers around curriculum development, mentorship, and instilling in young nurses the values she’s carried throughout her career. Through her roles as a lecturer and supervisor, she not only imparts knowledge but inspires a passion for lifelong learning, resilience, and patient-centered care.
Ms. H M Wimala Herath’s legacy is one of unyielding dedication to both her patients and her profession. Her journey from a compassionate young girl in Sri Lanka to an esteemed nurse leader is a testament to the impact that commitment, continuous education, and a heart for service can have on the world. She is not just a nurse; she is a beacon of strength and a role model for generations to come.
Vice President- Academic Board, AP Health Care Academy
Mr. Wanasekara Arachchilage Keerthirathne Podimahathmaya, a seasoned and highly respected figure in Sri Lankan nursing education, currently serves as the Principal of the Post Basic College of Nursing and the Acting Director of Nursing Education at the Ministry of Health. With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Keerthirathne has made a significant impact in the fields of nursing education, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership.
Born in Sri Lanka, Mr. Keerthirathne began his journey in nursing with a Diploma in Basic Nursing in 1989. Driven by a commitment to healthcare excellence, he went on to earn a B.Sc. in Nursing and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Public Management and a Master of Science in Nursing. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing, further demonstrating his dedication to advancing the field through research and education.
Mr. Keerthirathne’s career has been marked by a diverse range of roles in both clinical and educational settings. He has served as a Nursing Officer at prominent institutions such as the General Hospital in Ratnapura and the National Hospital in Colombo, and as a Nursing Tutor and Lecturer at various nursing schools in Sri Lanka and the Seychelles. His international experience includes his work as a Master Trainer with the Singapore International Foundation in collaboration with the University of Colombo, where he helped foster advanced training methodologies for healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka.
A champion of nursing education reform, Mr. Keerthirathne has contributed to multiple curriculum development initiatives, collaborating with institutions like Inje University in South Korea and the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka. He has authored key course books for the Diploma in Nursing program at the Open University of Sri Lanka and is an active member of the B.Sc. Nursing Curriculum Development Committee.
In addition to his academic roles, Mr. Keerthirathne holds numerous leadership positions within professional nursing organizations. He is the President of the Sri Lanka Nursing Council, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Nurses Association, and Assistant Secretary of the Graduate Nurses Foundation in Sri Lanka. His commitment to professional development is reflected in his extensive involvement in national and international conferences and symposiums, including the Commonwealth South Asia Symposium and the International Council of Nurses Congress.
Mr. Keerthirathne’s dedication to advancing nursing standards and education, both nationally and globally, has made him a prominent figure in the nursing community. His work continues to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals, setting a standard of excellence in patient care, professional ethics, and nursing education in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Shalith Athurupana, RN, BScN (Hons), MN, Dip. In Intensive Care Nursing
Mr. Shalith Athurupana is a dedicated healthcare professional and educator with extensive experience in nursing and labor rights advocacy. He currently works as a registered Intensive Care Nurse at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, under the Ministry of Health, a role he has held since 2014. Shalith also contributes to nursing education as a lecturer at both the Nursing Training School at Durdans Hospital and the IVA Paramedical Campus, where he has been instrumental in training and guiding the next generation of healthcare providers. Since 2023, he has served as an Online Academic Trainer at the Global Labor University (GLU), bringing his expertise to a global platform.
Shalith’s commitment to advancing nursing practices extends to his leadership roles. He serves as the President of the Sri Lanka Intensive Care Nurses Association (SLICNA) and as Vice Secretary of the Sri Lanka Nurses Association (SLNA), a member organization of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Additionally, he is the Country Youth Coordinator for Public Services International (PSI) in Sri Lanka, where he advocates for the rights and welfare of young workers.
His academic achievements include a Master’s in Nursing from Open University Malaysia, a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Kaatsu International University, and multiple certifications in intensive care nursing and labor relations. Recognized for his contributions to healthcare, Shalith was awarded the prestigious “Asia’s Outstanding Nursing Officer Award” by Asia Awards for his exemplary service.
Shalith Athurupana’s career exemplifies a commitment to healthcare, education, and labor advocacy, making him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s nursing community and an inspiration for young professionals in the field.
ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERS
R M P B Senavirathna, RN, BScN (Hons), MN, Dip. In Intensive Care Nursing, Dip.in Psychology & counselling
Pubudu Buddini Senavirathna is a distinguished Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience in maternal and neonatal care. She currently works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at De Soysa Maternity Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she has been a dedicated healthcare provider since 2014. Throughout her career, Pubudu has worked in various capacities, including in the Obstetric Unit and NICU, specializing in the care of newborns in critical conditions.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Pubudu is a recognized leader in the healthcare sector. She has been awarded the prestigious 2020/2021 Women Icon Award under the category of Women’s Healthcare Leadership Awards and received the Lifetime Achievement in Healthcare Award on a global level. Pubudu is also an oral presenter at international forums, participating in the 06th Global Health Research Forum in February 2023.
Pubudu’s academic credentials include a Master’s in Nursing from Open University Malaysia, a Bachelor of Science Honors in Nursing from Kaatsu International University, Sri Lanka, and a Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing. Her commitment to continuous professional development is evident from her various qualifications and training in intensive care and neonatal life support.
Beyond her clinical and educational roles, Pubudu is an active member of the Sri Lanka Nurses Association (SLNA) and the Sri Lanka Intensive Care Nurses Association (SLICNA), where she contributes to research, education, and health advocacy. As a Health Education Liaison Nurse at De Soysa Maternity Hospital, she is instrumental in promoting health education within the institution.
Pubudu Buddini Senavirathna’s career exemplifies a profound commitment to healthcare, education, and leadership, and she continues to inspire and influence the future of nursing and neonatal care in Sri Lanka.
Lecturer and Healthcare Leader
Fathimath Zimna is a dedicated healthcare professional and lecturer at the Maldives National University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Since 2009, she has been a committed educator, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals in the Maldives. With a focus on curriculum development, course design, and strategic planning, Ms. Zimna has played a key role in aligning educational programs with the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.
Beyond her role as an educator, Ms. Zimna has actively contributed to national healthcare initiatives. Notably, she served as the Head of COVID-19 Laboratories at the Ministry of Health from July 2020 to October 2021. In this role, she streamlined critical processes for COVID-19 testing, provided technical guidance, and ensured the optimal use of resources to support the nation’s pandemic response. Her efforts were instrumental in securing a World Bank grant to enhance testing capacities in multiple regions across the Maldives.
Ms. Zimna’s expertise extends to both research and advisory capacities. She has conducted research on public health issues, including G6PD deficiency in the Maldives, and has contributed her insights to various labor and wage policy initiatives. She is a board member on the Minimum Wage Advisory Board and serves on the National Tripartite Labor Advisory Board, advocating for fair labor practices and decent work.
A strong advocate for public service, Ms. Zimna holds key positions within several unions, including the Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) and the Maldives Trade Union Congress (MTUC), where she has served as General Secretary since 2019. Through her role in these organizations, she represents South Asia on the Executive Board of Public Services International (PSI), contributing to global discussions on labor and social justice.
Ms. Zimna’s educational background includes a Master of Public Administration with Distinction from Cyryx College, a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from Maldives National University, and a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology. She is also a certified ISO 15189:2012 Internal Auditor and a trained Basic First Aid Trainer.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Zimna is actively involved in social work and consulting. She is a founding member of both the Professional Association for Laboratory Sciences Maldives (PALS-Maldives) and the Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU). Her leadership and dedication to healthcare and public service continue to make a lasting impact on the Maldives’ health sector.
Dr. Raphael L. Abacan, MD, MBA, MPH – Medical Specialist, Public Health Advocate, and Labor Organizer
Dr. Raphael L. Abacan is a compassionate physician and dedicated advocate for health equity and workers’ rights. His commitment to community well-being and social justice has shaped an impressive career spanning medicine, public health, and labor rights.
Dr. Abacan began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, with a Minor in Health and Development, from Ateneo de Manila University in 2014. Driven by a commitment to holistic healthcare, he pursued both Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration degrees from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, graduating in 2019. His passion for public health led him to earn a Master of Public Health from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2022, further strengthening his understanding of community health dynamics.
In his professional career, Dr. Abacan serves as a Medical Specialist at the University of the Philippines Diliman University Health Service, where he provides comprehensive medical care, focusing on the health and well-being of the university community. His approach to healthcare emphasizes preventive care, public health, and patient advocacy, ensuring that quality medical services are accessible to those he serves.
Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Abacan is a vocal proponent of labor rights and equitable labor practices. Since 2023, he has been a Labor Organizer and Head of the National Pool of Organizers for the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (Solidarity of Filipino Workers), a role through which he advocates for fair treatment, social protection, and improved working conditions for Filipino workers. His leadership in this movement reflects his deep commitment to social justice and the well-being of marginalized communities.
In recognition of his expertise in both healthcare and advocacy, Dr. Abacan was appointed as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Team Luke Espiritu in the 2025 Senatorial elections. This role allows him to integrate his medical knowledge and business skills to support policy changes that prioritize the welfare of Filipino citizens, focusing on accessible healthcare, labor rights, and social equity.
With a multidisciplinary background in medicine, public health, and labor advocacy, Dr. Raphael L. Abacan embodies a holistic approach to service. His unwavering dedication to building a healthier, fairer society continues to inspire others and contribute to meaningful change in the Philippines.
Dr. S D Sachini Vindya Jayawardena is an experienced Critical Care Medical Officer currently working at the Neuro Trauma Center, National Hospital of Sri Lanka. With a strong foundation in intensive care and emergency medical interventions, she specializes in managing patients in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, where she has honed skills in critical procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, endotracheal intubation, and minor surgeries.
Dr. Sachini began her medical journey by earning her MBBS from the University of Science and Technology in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and subsequently completed her internship at District General Hospital, Gampaha, focusing on Pediatrics and Gynecology/Obstetrics. Over her five-year career, she has held positions across various medical specialties, including onco-surgery, pediatrics, and rheumatology. She also gained specialized training in anesthesia and ICU care under expert guidance and has supported critical care procedures such as central venous line and arterial line insertion.
Her academic accomplishments include a Postgraduate Diploma from the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) in Colombo and several certifications, including Immediate Life Support (ILS), Advanced Life Support (as an ERC Instructor), and Pediatric Life Support. Committed to professional growth, she has participated in trauma and neonatal transport workshops and attended the Colombo International Trauma Conference.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sachini has demonstrated adaptability in high-pressure environments, contributing to her capability to manage diverse medical emergencies effectively and compassionately. Her dedication to critical care medicine continues to shape her professional endeavors, making her an asset to the healthcare community in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Hasitha Wegiriya is the CTO and founding director of a groundbreaking tech start-up specialising in advanced sensing technologies. With a PhD in Robotics Sensing from King’s College London and research experience at Imperial College London, he holds patents and has published research on cutting-edge innovations in the field.