A major achievement for the Sri Lankan community, Professor Tissa Wijeratne has been elected to the Board of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), the leading professional body representing specialist doctors across Australia and New Zealand.

Professor Wijeratne, a renowned neurologist and Head of Neurology and Stroke at Western Health in Melbourne, secured the prestigious position with strong support from specialist physicians across both countries during the May 29 election.

The RACP plays a key leadership role in shaping medical standards, healthcare policy, medical education and public health, making a board appointment one of the highest honours in the medical profession.

Originally from Bandarawewa, Sri Lanka, Professor Wijeratne has spent more than two decades advancing research and treatment in neurology, stroke, headaches, Parkinson’s disease and post-COVID conditions. He has published over 350 scientific papers and has been recognised among Australia’s leading neurology researchers in 2025 and 2026.

Welcoming his appointment, Professor Wijeratne described the achievement as a collective success shared with patients, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and community leaders who have supported his journey. He also expressed hope that his new role will further strengthen collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka in healthcare, medical education, training and research.