In a significant stride towards academic excellence and healthcare leadership, the International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Renuka Jayatissa as its new Vice-Chancellor.

Dr. Renuka Jayatissa brings with her an illustrious career spanning 38 years in the Ministry of Health, where she has excelled in various medical disciplines, including Clinical Medicine, Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Intensive Care, Public Health, and Nutrition. Her extensive expertise and dedication have earned her recognition as a leader and trailblazer in the field.

With a remarkable academic background encompassing MBBS, M.Sc, MD, FPGIM, and FCCP, Dr. Jayatissa’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and research is evident in her numerous accomplishments. She holds a fellowship in Public Health Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition from the prestigious London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the Royal London Hospital in the UK.

Dr. Jayatissa’s career highlights include 25 years as a Specialist in Community Medicine and Nutrition, 20 years as a Consultant Medical Nutritionist and Head of the Department of Nutrition at the Medical Research Institute in the Ministry of Health, and 5 years as a Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF. Currently serving as the South Asia Regional Coordinator of the Iodine Global Network and the President of the Association of SAARC FOODS in Sri Lanka, her leadership extends beyond national boundaries.

As a distinguished academician, Dr. Jayatissa was the founder President of the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association and the Past President of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka. She played a pivotal role in establishing the MSc Human Nutrition and MD Clinical Nutrition degrees for medical doctors in Sri Lanka, showcasing her commitment to advancing education in the medical and nutritional fields.

Her research interests, ranging from child and adult malnutrition to micronutrients, food security, and nutrition in illnesses, have resulted in widespread publications. Dr. Jayatissa is not only a prolific author but also serves as an editor and reviewer for numerous reputable journals.

Expressing her enthusiasm about the appointment, Dr. Jayatissa stated, “I am honored to take on the role of Vice-Chancellor at IIHS. It is a privilege to contribute to the institution’s legacy of excellence in health sciences education and research. I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty and students to further elevate IIHS’s reputation as a center of academic and healthcare innovation.”

Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, the CEO and Co-founder of IIHS, expressed his enthusiasm and support for the appointment of Dr. Renuka Jayatissa as the Vice Chancellor. Dr. Edirisinghe stated confidence that Dr. Jayatissa’s contributions would play a pivotal role in supporting IIHS’s future journey. The vision of establishing IIHS as a global center for education in South Asia is clearly at the forefront, and the partnership with Dr. Jayatissa is poised to contribute significantly to the realization of this ambitious goal.

The International Institute of Health Sciences is confident that Dr. Renuka Jayatissa’s leadership will propel the institution to new heights, fostering a dynamic and enriching academic environment. The appointment marks a pivotal moment for IIHS, affirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals under the guidance of an exceptional leader.