Dr. Chamathka Devangi Ediriwickramasooriya on Healing, Resilience, and Breaking Limits
In the intersections of tradition and modernity, some journeys stand out not because they follow a familiar path, but because they challenge expectations at every turn. Dr. Chamathka Devangi Ediriwickramasooriya’s story is one such journey. Raised in a family that valued both education and entrepreneurship, she navigated the uncertainties of an unconventional career in Siddhayurveda medicine while carrying the weight of responsibility as the eldest sibling. From hospitals in Jaffna to mentorship programs shaping Sri Lanka’s youth, she has consistently blended resilience, empathy, and vision into her work. In this conversation, she shares the lessons, doubts, and triumphs that have defined her path, offering insight into a life committed to growth, care, and breaking the status quo.
Q: Growing up in a family that valued both education and entrepreneurship, how did that environment shape the person you are today?
Growing up in a family that valued both education and entrepreneurship shaped me in a very real and personal way. I was always encouraged to focus on my studies, but I also witnessed the highs and lows of running a business through my father’s journey. There was a time when his construction business faced a major setback due to circumstances beyond his control, such as government changes and delayed project funds. It was a very difficult period for our family. I watched him make tough decisions, even selling his assets just to take care of his responsibilities and the employees who depended on him. That experience stayed with me. It taught me that success is not always permanent, and that integrity, responsibility, and resilience matter even more during failure than during success.
At the same time, my mother’s steady presence in education showed me the value of stability, patience, and consistency. From her, I learned patience, discipline, and the value of knowledge. Watching both of them navigate their own journeys, I have grown into someone who values knowledge but also understands risk, uncertainty, and the strength it takes to rebuild. That environment made me more grounded and empathetic, and it taught me to face challenges with courage while staying true to my values.
Q: As the eldest sibling, did you feel a sense of responsibility early on? How did that influence your decisions and mindset?
Yes, I felt that sense of responsibility quite early, even without anyone saying it directly. Being the eldest, I naturally became more aware of what was happening around me, especially during difficult times for my parents. I always felt a strong need to look out for my two younger brothers, to support them, guide them, and be someone they could rely on.
That responsibility made me grow up a little faster. I became more thoughtful in my decisions, not just thinking about myself but also about how they might affect my family. It made me more protective and emotionally aware, especially when it came to my brothers.
At the same time, it didn’t make me someone who avoids risks, but it did teach me to be strong, handle pressure quietly, and keep going even when things are uncertain. It shaped me into someone who is caring, resilient, and willing to stand up for the people I love.
Q: Your journey started even before your internship as a Medical Scribe. What kept you motivated during that waiting period?
That waiting period was not easy. After completing my studies, there is a phase where we are no longer students but not yet fully settled into our careers. It felt uncertain and even a little frustrating, especially after the long journey of six years to complete my degree, navigating natural disasters, the Easter attacks, the COVID pandemic, and many other challenges along the way.
What kept me motivated was a mix of purpose and practicality. I wanted to start earning for myself, contribute in my own way, and stay engaged in something medical-related so I wouldn’t lose touch with the knowledge and skills I had spent years building. By then, my eldest younger sibling was already working and helping my parents with household expenses, so I felt I could support the family in my own way.
Taking the role as a Medical Scribe gave me that opportunity. It provided exposure, discipline, and a way to stay connected to the medical field while I waited to officially begin my clinical path. I kept reminding myself why I chose this field in the first place. That sense of purpose, along with responsibility toward my family and my own growth, kept me going. Looking back, that period taught me patience, resilience, and the value of making the most of every phase.
Q: How did your experiences in hospitals across Jaffna and Colombo shape your understanding of healing beyond textbooks?
Working in hospitals across Jaffna and Colombo gave me a perspective on healing that went far beyond textbooks. In theory, we learn about treatments, procedures, and diagnoses, but being on the ground showed me that healing is more than that. Speaking my second language, Tamil, with a different local slang in Jaffna, where the majority of patients were Tamil-speaking, was challenging. I had to truly understand them to diagnose their condition. Healing is about understanding the patient as a whole—their physical condition, emotional state, environment, beliefs, and lifestyle.
I also had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Embracing this multicultural environment taught me to adapt, communicate effectively, and appreciate different approaches to care. Each hospital, community, and social setting brought unique challenges, social statuses, and traditions, and I learned to respond thoughtfully rather than just follow protocols.
Every patient, colleague, and mentor I met during this time helped me grow in countless ways. Their warmth, guidance, and support made the experience even more meaningful. I am especially thankful for my colleagues Dr. Srimal and Dr. Shehan, who not only inspired me through their professionalism but also introduced me to New Generation Sri Lanka and the powerhouse Dr. Sulochana Segera and Kasun Sigera. That connection opened new doors and shaped my perspective on leadership, community impact, and personal growth. These experiences reinforced my belief that true healing is not just about treating a disease; it is about caring for the person as a whole, embracing differences, and learning from everyone around you.
Q: You are deeply involved in youth mentorship. What gaps do you see in today’s youth that you try to address?
In my work with youth mentorship, I’ve noticed that today’s young people often have tremendous potential but sometimes lack guidance on how to channel it effectively. Many are academically capable or talented in certain areas, yet they struggle with clarity around their career path, professional skills, or personal growth. Some also face challenges in building confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence, the kind of skills that aren’t always taught in schools.
Through mentorship, I try to help bridge those gaps. I focus on helping youth understand themselves better, develop a growth mindset, and gain practical skills to navigate both their careers and personal lives. I encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and take ownership of their journey. The mindset of thinking outside the box, understanding the bigger picture, and recognizing the importance of mentorship is something I personally learned from Dr. Sulochana Segera and New Generation Sri Lanka. Their guidance inspired me to empower young people, helping them discover their potential, make informed choices, and develop the confidence and self-awareness that will carry them far in life.
Q: How do you balance multiple roles doctor, lecturer, entrepreneur, and mentor—without burning out?
Balancing multiple roles is challenging, but at the heart of it, there is one common factor: people. Whether I am working as a doctor, lecturer, entrepreneur, or mentor, my focus is always on the people I serve—patients, students, mentees, or the community. It is connected by the same motivation: helping people grow, whether through healing, education, or guidance. Being married while balancing work-life adds another layer of challenge.
I try to plan my time intentionally, but I also allow flexibility because not everything can be perfectly scheduled. I have learned to set boundaries, which was very hard in the beginning, and delegate tasks when possible, which helps prevent overwhelm. Self-care, even in small ways, is essential to maintain my energy and stay connected to what drives me. Mentoring and teaching others give me energy and perspective because I see the impact of my work in real time. Ultimately, I see these roles not as separate pressures but as complementary parts of my journey.
Q: What inspired you to start your own clinic and build your own brand in a traditional field?
What inspired me to start my own clinic and build my own brand came from a combination of passion and purpose. I wanted to create a space where healing goes beyond treatments, where people feel cared for, understood, and supported in their journey to wellness.
I was also motivated by the idea of preserving and modernizing Siddha Medicine, a traditional medical system with immense value. I wanted to show that it is not just an ancient practice but a living, evolving field that can integrate with contemporary needs while maintaining its authenticity.
Q: You speak about breaking limits. What does ‘going beyond the status quo’ look like in your daily life?
For me, going beyond the status quo is not always about doing something big. It shows up in the small, consistent choices I make every day. It is about not settling for what is expected and instead asking myself, “Can I do this better? Can I do this differently?”
In my daily life, it means stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether it is taking on multiple roles, exploring new opportunities, or choosing a path that not everyone understands, it also means not limiting myself to one identity.
It also reflects in how I see my profession. I do not want to be the conventional Ayurveda doctor society expects me to be. I want to fit into the modern world while respecting and practicing traditional knowledge, continuously upgrading with modern trends, and preserving authenticity.
It also reflects in how I work with people. I try to go beyond what is required. I focus on creating impact, building meaningful connections, and learning from every experience and person I meet. To me, breaking limits is a mindset. It is about being open to growth, embracing challenges, and having the courage to trust my own path even when it looks different from others.
