Lecturer at the Human Genetics Unit and Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo

Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi’s qualifications include MBBS (First Class), MSc in Regenerative Medicine, Diploma in Advances in Stem Cell Biology Institut Pasteur, France, MCGP (Member of College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka) and Certification for Teaching Higher Education, CTHE / SEDA UK. She is currently reading for her Ph.D. on Rare Undiagnosed Diseases. Dineshani is the Deputy Coordinator of the Technology Transfer office (TTO) – RPFC, Secretary Animal Ethics Review Committee, Deputy Treasurer Human Genetics Society.

Scientific papers presented include Genotype-phenotype correlation in Sri Lankan Rett syndrome patients, the Variant profile of ARSA gene mutations in Sri Lankan patients with MLD, and Optimizing amniotic membrane tissue banking protocols for ophthalmic use to name a few. She also writes a weekly health column for a leading local newspaper (www.morning.lk). Additionally, she is the co-editor for the Colombo Medical School Alumni Association newsletter, an alumni member of the Global Shapers Colombo Hub an initiative of the World Economic Forum, a member of Zonta international. Dineshani was felicitated at the alumni recognition segment at the District 25 Zonta centennial conference for being the charter president of the Z club and winning the international award for young women in public affairs in 2004. She is also head of the HR and admin team at the Enable Lanka Foundation.