Dr Pamathy Gnanaselvam has won Outstanding Women Performer Award

A Journey of Grit, Grace, and Greatness

Dr. Pamathy Gnanaselvam was born and raised in the scenic farming village of Ampilanthurai, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. As one of six children in a humble farming family, her early years were shaped by poverty, hardship, and unyielding resilience. Despite often surviving on just one meal a day and being overlooked by society, she remained determined to forge a different future—for herself and for those she loved.

Her educational journey began at Ampilanthurai Kalaimahal Maha Vidyalaya before she transferred to Paddiruppu National School in Kaluwanchikudy. Each school day was an odyssey: she ran through paddy fields, crossed the Batticaloa lagoon by boat or canoe, and trekked through isolated and at times dangerous terrain— often passing armed men hidden under trees—before boarding a bus to school. During these long and arduous commutes, she studied subjects of Tamil and Religion, making every moment count. Without access to private tuition, she self-studied under a kerosene lamp, frequently sleeping less than three hours a night.

Her studies were disrupted during Grade 11 due to the civil war, cutting off her access to formal education. Undeterred, she continued studying from home amid uncertainty. Alongside her sisters, she worked in the paddy fields with their father and took on additional jobs—sewing and crafting handmade flowers to sell—to support the family.

Her talents emerged early. In Grade 7, her article on Abraham Lincoln was broadcast by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation—a proud and prophetic moment that hinted at her future potential.

Choosing the Bioscience stream for her A/Ls, she initially faced rejection from Vincent Girls’ High School. Undaunted, she persisted and eventually gained admission. She cycled to school on an old, non-ladies bicycle borrowed from her uncle—without a stand—symbolizing her relentless determination and resourcefulness.

Her talents extended beyond academics. Alongside her sisters, she was a key member of the Kathiravan Sports Club, participating in long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, javelin, running, Kili Thadthu, Elle, and volleyball— together comprising half the team in volleyball. She continued her athletic pursuits throughout her university years.

With unwavering perseverance, she became the first person from the Paddipalai Divisional Secretariat to be selected for medical studies, earning a place at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, thanks in part to the kindness of benefactors who supported her financially.She began her medical career as an Intern Medical Officer at General Hospital Badulla, followed by a role in the Anaesthetic Department at General Hospital Trincomalee. It was there that she passed the competitive MD Surgery entrance exam and redirected her focus toward surgery.

Her surgical training took her across premier institutions—Teaching Hospital Kandy, the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, and Teaching Hospital Batticaloa—before she completed two years of advanced training in the United Kingdom, at the University Hospital of Wales and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. During this time, she also journeyed solo across eight European countries—France, Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Greece, and Spain—reflecting her adventurous spirit, independence, and global mindset.

Dr. Pamathy achieved two historic milestones in Sri Lankan medical history:

She became the first female general surgeon in the Eastern Province.

She is also the first female surgeon in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery field in Sri Lanka.

She has served as a Consultant General and HPB Surgeon at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura and currently continues her service at Base Hospital Kaluwanchikudy, Batticaloa.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Pamathy is deeply committed to social upliftment. She financially supports underprivileged students, fosters reading habits in her community, and champions education at every level. She remains an avid cyclist, jogger, and reader, and has published several academic articles in the field of surgery.