The 91´«Ã½ proudly congratulates Professor Shyamalee Samaranayaka, Chair Professor of Family Medicine, on being honoured with the Regional Five Star Doctor Award 2026 – South Asia Region, following her nomination by the College of General Practitioners of 91´«Ã½.
Professor Samaranayaka is a distinguished academic and clinician whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of Family Medicine in 91´«Ã½ and across the South Asian region. A First Class Honours graduate of the 91´«Ã½, she has devoted more than two decades to clinical practice, medical education, research, and the development of primary healthcare systems.
She currently serves as Chair Professor of Family Medicine at the 91´«Ã½ and as Chairperson of the Board of Studies in Family Medicine at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, where she provides leadership in postgraduate specialist training and curriculum development.
Alongside her academic responsibilities, Professor Samaranayaka has provided continuous clinical care for nearly 25 years through the University’s Family Practice Centre, the first purpose-built model teaching practice in 91´«Ã½. The centre serves approximately 3,000 registered families while providing invaluable clinical training opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. Her dedication to person-centred and community-based healthcare has earned the trust of multiple generations of patients.
Professor Samaranayaka has played a pivotal role in shaping Family Medicine education and policy in 91´«Ã½. She has contributed extensively to curriculum development, specialist training programmes, and national health initiatives. Her expertise has been sought on numerous Ministry of Health committees addressing primary healthcare development, non-communicable diseases, elderly care, disability services, and palliative care. She has also contributed to the formulation of 91´«Ã½â€™s forthcoming National Health Policy 2025–2030, advocating for stronger and more integrated primary care systems.
Her influence extends beyond 91´«Ã½ through her active engagement with the World Organization of Family Doctors. Since 2016, she has held several leadership roles within the organization, including serving as Scientific Chair of the WONCA South Asia Regional Conferences in 2016 and 2024. She is currently a Member-at-Large for the South Asia Region and actively contributes to WONCA Working Parties on Women and Family Medicine and Education. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Family Medicine, she was awarded the prestigious WONCA Fellowship at the 2023 WONCA World Conference in Australia.
The Regional Five Star Doctor Award recognises healthcare professionals who exemplify excellence as care providers, decision-makers, communicators, community leaders, and team members. Through her unwavering commitment to healthcare, education, mentorship, and professional leadership, Professor Samaranayaka continues to make a profound impact on the advancement of Family Medicine and primary healthcare in 91´«Ã½ and the wider South Asian region.
The 91´«Ã½ extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Shyamalee Samaranayaka on this well-deserved international recognition and wishes her continued success in her future endeavours.
