Business

Founder IIHS Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe receives global acclaim for visionary leadership in education

Published

4 years ago

2022/10/29

Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, the Co-Founder and CEO of the International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), Sri Lanka’s pioneering healthcare training provider and role model for the education industry, received international acclaim recently for driving excellence and visionary leadership in education.The award, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Health Sciences presented by the Open University of Malaysia (OUM) pays tribute to Dr. Edirisinghe for his foresight in adding value to the healthcare and education profession. The prestigious award is also recognised by the Malaysian government.

IIHS was launched as a novel concept of moving Sri Lanka to export skilled labour, reducing dollar outflows and improving currency inflows. He stated when he began the institute, it had 0% recognition within the sector. Today, the prestigious company is regionally accepted, with growing global acclaim.

“I truly appreciate OUM for recognizing me,” Dr. Edirisinghe said. “Everyone milestone is important, each recognition and landmark is unique in nature. I continuously strive to make sure all achievements are done with quality.”

Throughout his career Dr. Edirisinghe’s milestones are countless. After completing his education at S. Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia, he became a medical doctor by profession. Dr. Edirisinghe possesses a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from North Colombo Medical College, followed by a Master of Science and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Medical Administration from the University of Colombo. He has over 26 years of experience in the health industry and over 15 years of experience in the education industry. Dr. Edirisinghe possesses a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and he is also a Certified Master Trainer, Australia.His journey in practicing medicine began as a doctor serving rural areas. With little access to scare resources, Dr. Edirisinghe made a difference. “I trained as a medical doctor, a surgeon, I enjoyed working with people. During my first appointment as a MBBS doctor at the Hospital in Mahawalathenna, Balangoda, I worked many shifts alone conducting minor surgeries – there were no nurses, no ambulance or even a telephone.” As a result of his clinical acumen, he was able to transform the infirmary from bare minimum to a thriving rural healthcare hospital.

Unwilling to rest on his laurels, Dr. Edirisinghe, he joined the Ragama Hospital as the Deputy Director, Administration. He progressed as a hospital planner and consultant and realized that he had more value to add to society. He ventured into the private sector and served at a leading hospital as Project Director, contributing through administrative and managerial roles.

He has rendered his services as a project consultant towards many hospitals and healthcare centers in Sri Lanka, including the Northern Central Hospital, Jaffna; Hemas Hospitals, Wattala and Galle, the Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, Special Baby Care Centre for De Zoysa Maternity Hospital, etc. He says, “I am very fortunate that everywhere I went I got a chance to practice what I learned.”

Using his wealth of experience, Dr. Edirisinghe also currently teaches at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine imparting knowledge to undergraduate doctors and graduates in healthcare and management.Dr. Edirisinghe firmly believes that his greatest achievement is “Being able to create a model to include everyone in education.” In recognition as an international educator and entrepreneur, Dr. Edirisinghe was awarded the Asian Grid Entrepreneur 2009 award.

Of IIHS’s success, Dr. Edirisinghe said, “when I began IIHS, only the Open University and IIHS were offering healthcare degrees. Now there are 17 players’ and we are very happy with the growth of the industry. Previously, in the private sector, no one wanted to be a nurse. We commenced IIHS with over 20 students. Today we have grown to 3000 students. Society recognises that IIHS is affordable for students and some courses are even offered at 1/15 of the total cost when compared to overseas fees. Our vision remains of transforming people to benefit the community and the landscape, mainly through innovation.” Importantly, Dr. Edirisinghe is now living his dream by establishing a global education hub in South Asia named ‘IIHS Multiversity’ for South East Asian students and healthcare professionals.

All News Advertisement

Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

21 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

21 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

21 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.