Dr. Senaka Pilapitiya has been appointed the new Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Moratuwa, starting December 31, 2024. He succeeds the founding Dean, Prof. F.R. Fernando, whose visionary leadership set the stage for excellence in medical education; paving the way for a new era of progress and distinction for the faculty.
Dr. Pilapitiya, who previously served as the Head of the Department of Medicine and Mental Health, brings an exceptional combination of clinical expertise and administrative experience. He holds an MBBS and an MD in Medicine from the University of Colombo and is a fellow of both the Ceylon College of Physicians and the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh. His qualifications as a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and an Ayurveda and Traditional medical practitioner sets him apart in the medical field.
Since 2001, he has served as a clinical care provider in all categories of healthcare institutions, from district hospitals to tertiary healthcare institutions across the country, enriched further by international experience at King's Mill Hospital, UK, and Western Health Hospital, Australia. His administrative prowess is demonstrated through leadership roles as Director of Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University and the Director of Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute, Department of Ayurveda.
Dr. Pilapitiya's research contributions include over 40 local and international publications, earning him Presidential Research Publication Awards in 2016 and 2023. He had served as the country focal point for WHO's ICD-11 Traditional Medicine Module and as a member of several ethics committees and the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry.
As the faculty expresses gratitude to Professor Fernando for his visionary leadership as the founding Dean, it looks forward to a new era under Dr. Pilapitiya's guidance. His unique blend of modern and traditional medical knowledge, combined with extensive administrative experience and research expertise, positions the faculty well for continued excellence in medical education and healthcare advancement.
