Mr. Upul Pathmasena
Senior Lecturer, AP Health Care Academy
With extensive experience as a Wound and Stoma Care Nurse and an Operating Theatre Nurse, I have dedicated my career to providing compassionate care and empowering patients to adapt to life-changing medical conditions. I specialize in managing stoma and bariatric patients, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve holistic health outcomes.
As the only stoma care nurse at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka and a leading professional, I frequently share my expertise through training sessions for nurses, student nurses, medical students, and doctors nationwide. My role extends beyond patient care, as I function as a health educator, providing pre-and post-operative counseling for surgical patients. I am particularly passionate about equipping stoma patients and their families with the knowledge and skills to navigate their new realities confidently.
Earlier in my career, I gained valuable experience as a Nursing Officer at the National Institute for Mental Health, working in rehabilitation wards, acute care units, and the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) unit. I also served in a Radiology Unit, assisting with diverse imaging procedures, further broadening my clinical expertise.
My dedication to advancing knowledge in wound and ostomy care has led me to participate in several international conferences, where I have presented both oral and poster presentations. Highlights of my professional contributions include:
- Oral Presentation – 11th Asian Society of Stoma Rehabilitation, Osaka, Japan (February 2019).
- Poster Presentation – National Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses Conference, Sydney, Australia (May 2019).
- Poster Presentation – World Union of Wound Healing Societies, Abu Dhabi (March 2022).
- Poster Presentation – Wound Ostomy and Continence Care Nurse Global Education Event, Texas, USA (June 2022).
- Oral Presentation – National Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses Conference, Perth, Australia (2023).
Through these engagements, I aim to contribute to the global discourse on wound and stoma care, sharing insights from my practice while learning from international peers. My passion for lifelong learning and patient advocacy drives my commitment to excellence in nursing.
Nilantha Peramuna Arachchige
Senior Cardiac Technician and Experienced Medical Educator
Nilantha Peramuna Arachchige is a highly skilled and dedicated Senior Cardiac Technician with nearly two decades of expertise in cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic investigations. Currently serving at the Cardiac Investigation Unit (CIU) of the National Hospital in Colombo, Nilantha has been a pivotal part of the institution since 2006.
He specializes in advanced cardiac procedures, including ECG, treadmill stress tests, 24-hour Holter monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, implantable device programming (Pacemaker, ICD, CRT), electrophysiology studies, and radiofrequency ablations. His extensive hands-on experience in clinical settings is complemented by his active role as a visiting cardiac technician in Colombo’s leading private hospitals.
Nilantha is also a passionate educator, serving as a part-time lecturer at the School of Cardiac Technology in Colombo, where he trains future cardiac technologists with clarity and precision. His teaching is informed by his participation in prestigious international training programs, including the Asia PCR Allied Health Program in Singapore, the Gulf PCR Program in Dubai, and hands-on workshops on advanced cardiac interventions in India and Sri Lanka.
A graduate of the School of Cardiography under the Ministry of Health, Nilantha has furthered his education with diplomas and certifications in computer studies and hardware networking. This technical expertise enhances his ability to manage and utilize advanced medical equipment effectively.
Nilantha’s dedication to excellence extends to his active participation in professional workshops and conferences on complex coronary interventions, CTO/COA procedures, and life-saving techniques like Basic Life Support and CPR.
Fluent in English and equipped with robust communication and technical skills, Nilantha is a respected professional committed to improving cardiac care in Sri Lanka and beyond. His contributions as a skilled technician, educator, and mentor have made him an invaluable asset to the healthcare community.
Maheshi Ediriweera
Experienced Registered Nurse, BLS Instructor, and Advocate for Professional Development
Maheshi Ediriweera is a dedicated and skilled Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience in critical care, specializing in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (PICU & NICU). A compassionate caregiver and a Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor since 2018, Maheshi is deeply committed to patient welfare, education, and fostering excellence in nursing practices.
In 2024, Maheshi took on the prestigious Secretary (Foreign Affairs) role at the Sri Lanka CPD Providers Nurses Association. In this capacity, she actively works to strengthen international collaboration and support continuing professional development initiatives for nurses in Sri Lanka, ensuring the community remains aligned with global healthcare standards.
Her career began in 2010 after obtaining a Diploma in General Nursing from the Government National School of Nursing in Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. She further advanced her expertise by completing a Bachelor of Nursing with Honours from the Open University of Malaysia in 2020. At Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, Maheshi has spent years providing high-quality care, specializing in vital sign monitoring, individualized care planning, emergency resuscitation, and infection prevention.
Maheshi is also a passionate educator, having served as a Nursing Instructor at the Government Ambulance Service (Suwa Seriya Foundation). She has facilitated the training of nursing professionals by combining her real-world expertise with interactive teaching methodologies, empowering future nurses to excel in emergency medical care.
Equipped with comprehensive certifications, including Neonatal Life Support and Critical Care Training, Maheshi is proficient in handling advanced medical equipment like ventilators, defibrillators, and infusion pumps. Her multilingual abilities in English and Sinhala and strong interpersonal skills enable her to communicate effectively with patients, families, and medical teams.
Driven by a mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality healthcare and advance the nursing profession, Maheshi Ediriweera continues to contribute meaningfully through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning.
Darshani Vidyarathna
Compassionate Registered Nurse, Experienced Nursing Leader, and Advocate for Professional Development
Darshani Vidyarathna is a compassionate and accomplished Registered Nurse with over 18 years of experience in critical care, surgical, and emergency nursing environments. Currently serving as a Nursing Sister in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lady Ridgeway Teaching Hospital, Colombo, she excels in managing patient care, supervising staff, and ensuring the seamless operation of ICU facilities.
Darshani’s leadership extends to her roles as General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Intensive Care Nurses Association since 2022 and the Sri Lanka CPD Providers Nurses Association starting in 2024. In these capacities, she is dedicated to enhancing professional development opportunities, advancing nursing education, and fostering international collaborations to elevate nursing standards in Sri Lanka.
Darshani holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Open University of Malaysia and has completed multiple diplomas, including Intensive Care Nursing and Ward Management. Her extensive education is complemented by professional development workshops in leadership, infection control, pediatric care, and healthcare quality and safety. She actively participates in academic sessions and international conferences, sharing her expertise and staying at the forefront of nursing innovation.
In addition to her clinical excellence, Darshani has held other significant leadership roles, including Vice Secretary of the Pediatric Nursing Association. Her dedication to advancing nursing education and professional growth is evident in her role as a facilitator and resource person for various workshops and training programs.
Darshani is proficient in handling advanced medical equipment, including ventilators, dialysis machines, and cardiac monitors. Her expertise spans critical patient care management, infection control practices, postoperative care, and nursing training facilitation. A skilled communicator and problem-solver, she effectively leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional care while fostering a collaborative healthcare environment.
Fluent in English and Sinhala, with advanced IT and software skills, Darshani is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern healthcare systems. Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to patient safety and professional development make her a respected figure in the nursing community.