Ashanka Ruchiranayani Saranasekara has won Lifetime Achievement In Healthcare Award

Ashanka Ruchiranayani Saranasekara has won Lifetime Achievement In Healthcare Award

• April 16, 2026

ASHANKA RUCHIRANAYANI SARANASEKARA.

I am Ashanka Ruchiranayani Saranasekara. For over two decades, I have had the profound honor of representing Sri Lanka as a nurse, a calling that has shaped every aspect of who I am today. My journey began as a recipient of Sri Lanka’s free education system, a gift for which I am eternally grateful.

I was born in Ratnapura, which is situated in a unique and spectacular geographical landscape among the coastal lowlands, central highlands, and the southeastern dry zone of Sri Lanka. It is located between the country’s Capital City and the Central Province, and is bordered by the Western, Southern, North Western, and Central Provinces. The city is one of the most naturally beautiful, culturally exciting and historically significant regions in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which is one of the World Heritage Sites, and the most famous Adam’s Peak, are situated there.

After I completed high school education at Sumana Balika National School, I moved to Colombo, and enrolled at the College of Nursing in Colombo on 01^st of   September 1999. Nobody expected that this student nurse would eventually 'fly over the sky,' so to speak, breaking barriers and reaching international milestones. However, looking back after several decades, I believe that with evidence, passion and a vision, you can reach heights you never previously imagined.

I am a member of the “Sri Lankan Nursing Council”, and the “Sri Lankan Medical Council”. Furtermore, registered member of the “International Council of nurses” and the “Nursing and Midwifery Council of the United Kingdom”.

Education has been the heartbeat of my career. I did not stop at my initial Nursing diploma. Then, I earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka. A couple of years later, I obtained a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Kaatsu International University. Rather than them, I enrolled in advanced courses, obtained diplomas and certifications from relevant institutions.Among them few are mentioned as Research Methodology Training Certificate (2019), Diploma in quantitative research (2022), and Diploma in qualitative research (2022).

?But for me, education is not just about the titles on a wall. It is about the pursuit of knowledge for the service of our patients. During my academic journey, I conducted research on perceptions of nursing students in Sri Lanka (2021-2022). I need to explore the challenges the next generation faces, because we should improve healthcare, but we must first empower the people providing it. I have always maintained that staying educationally current and professionally relevant is not optional it is a concrete responsibility we owe to the lives in our hands.

?My professional life took root in the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka (1999). My first appointment was at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo, in the Accident, Emergency and Orthopedic department (2003). Working in trauma and orthopedics there taught me how to remain calm in the eye of the storm.

The National Hospital of Sri Lanka

The National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) has been recounted by Dr Uragoda in his book and according to that, the NHSL was established during Sir Henry Ward governorship (1855-1860). In 1900, Longden Place was renamed as Kynsey Place, in commemoration of Sir W.R. Kynseys services. During this period, Mutwal was the residential area of Colombo. But, the hospital was chosen to be located in Cinnamon Gardens, as its suburban setting was deemed more appropriate for its functions. Doctor Andreas Nell, who was born the same year the hospital was founded, so which provided this account of the hospital's geographical setting. The hospital was founded by Sir Hercule Robinson.

The Colombo Medical School, inaugurated in 1870, was a remarkable asset of the hospital that brought the wealth of the Sri Lankan nation. The NHSL in Colombo was the first hospital to employ women in the nursing field. To initiate the nursing college, a nurse from England arrived in Sri Lanka. She was a decent and well-educated young woman. The nursing college was opened in the General Hospital in October 1878. The college was based on the methods propagated by Florence Nightingale in England. By 1879, the nursing service had been institutionalized under the view of the Chief Nurse's supervision.

The NHSL is the largest and leading teaching hospital in Sri Lanka. As a final referral center, the hospital consists of 3000 beds. This is where the most critical cases arrive daily. It has several departments including accident, emergency and orthopedic, where I worked. This is a training center for under graduates and post graduate trainees of the Faculty of Medicine. The nursing training school Colombo, Post Basic School, and Schools of Radiography, Pharmacy,Cardiograph, physiotherapy and occupational therapy are also affiliated to the NHSL.

The accident, emergency and orthopedic service is the best-equipped trauma care center in Sri Lanka. It has experienced many mass casualty incidents as north east conflict erupted, and natural disasters. This eight-storied building consists of operating theatres, intensive care units, casualty wards, surgical wards, a blood bank, 24-hour Radiological facilities, OPD, triage facility and casualty team, including casualty surgeons physically present.

Vision of the NHSL is to be the center of excellence in health care. 

Mission of the NHSL is to elevate the status of the hospital to a modern, leading health care facility and training center.

?Then, I have been started to work at the National Oral Health Institute in Maharagama (2008). Here, the mission was different but equally vital. It has both dental therapist training school and dental institution. Oral healthcare services at the National Oral Health Institute of Maharagama consist of curative oral healthcare services and preventive and control oral healthcare services. These services are provided by a team of oral health professionals, including consultants, dental surgeons, nursing officers in dental clinics, school dental therapists, dental surgery assistants and dental technicians.

Vision of this institute is a healthier Sri Lankan nation with healthy mouths contributing to its economic, social, mental and spiritual development

Mission of this institute stated as Contribute to social and economic development of Sri Lanka by performing all possible activities for achieving the highest attainable oral health status through promotive, preventive, curative dental services of high quality made available and accessible to people of Sri Lanka.

?However, my most defining chapter was the eleven years I spent with the Provincial Director of Health Services (PDHS) in Ratnapura, situated in Sabaragamuwa province. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself on the frontlines as a health leader and coordinator. In those uncertain times, without any special privileges, I served my people day and night with other professionals. I was not just a nurse; I worked as a facilitator, collaborator, educator, and source of hope for a frightened community. That period tested my resilience, but it also solidified my belief in the power of a unified healthcare team. I worked as both clinical and community nurse. However, I provided more services towards the community and as an educator to young nurses.

?Vision of the PDHS is to become a besotted province for economically, socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable living.

Mission of the PDHS is to enrich the Sabaragamuwa Province socially, economically, culturally, politically and environmentally utilize its resources and capitalize the opportunities through good governance and effective partnerships with stake holders ensuring the wellbeing of its people and thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the country.

?Currently, I live and work in England, I reflect on what 'success' truly means. To me, it is a multi-dimensional concept. Which is the attainment of recognition that brings both personal fulfillment and a sense of lasting impact.

?Success is built on two pillars, continuous improvement and interpersonal excellence. It is teamwork, empathy, and the ability to build relationships that allow you to lead. Nursing environments are often fraught with obstacles and setbacks. Those who succeed are the ones who approach every challenge with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and the humility to seek mentorship from their peers.?

Therefore, I am quite delighted to be recognized as the “Lifetime Achievement in Healthcare Award” for the year, and I am overcome with pride. This award is not just for me, it is for the years of experience and the many challenges I have overcome.

Thank you to the Women Icon awards powered by the Times women for this incredible honor. This is so inspired me to leading my carrer for providing health service to multicultural people in the world. I must give credit where it is due. I am here because, I was lifted up by my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Saranasekara, my husband, Amila, and my wonderful daughter, Dilshara. They have been my strength through every ups and downs.Achieving professional success is not a one-time event it is a lifelong journey marked by dedication and the constant pursuit of excellence.