Melanie Amarasooriya
Professional degree
Preferred job title
Current place of practice/training
MBBS, MD in Orthopaedic Surgery, MRCS, PhD
Dr
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Description of practice
Teaching and Private
About
I am a board-certified Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with comprehensive experience across the
full range of orthopaedic conditions. In addition to my trauma and general orthopaedic practice, I
am a fellowship-trained Hand and Upper Limb Surgeon with microsurgical expertise, managing
complex upper-limb injuries, reconstructive challenges, and complex wrist disorders.
My clinical work is underpinned by a strong academic foundation. I completed a PhD in
Biomechanics at Flinders University, where my research on upper-limb kinematics produced
internationally cited, concept-defining studies. I continue to contribute to the field as an invited
speaker, surgical trainer, active researcher, and author of textbook chapters.
Teaching and mentorship are integral to my career. I have supervised MSc and postgraduate
trainees and contributed to undergraduate and postgraduate education across several universities.
As the founding Secretary of the Board of Study (Medicine) at the University of Moratuwa, I helped
establish postgraduate research pathways for medical graduates. In my role as Secretary of the
Ethics Review Committee, I support the development of high-quality, ethically sound research.
Driven by excellence, equity, and evidence-based practice, I aim to strengthen trauma and
orthopaedic care in Sri Lanka while building a world-class centre of excellence in hand and upperlimb
surgery for patients and trainees across the region.
What made you join IODA?
Initially I was looking for support as a junior trainee. Now I m happy to contribute.
How have you approached DEI in your workplace?
NA
How do you define inclusion?
The practice of ensuring that all individuals are welcomed, valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to participate fully, regardless of their differences.
In an educational or professional context, inclusion means:
• Recognizing and respecting diversity (e.g. gender, ability, socioeconomic background, culture)
• Removing physical, social, and systemic barriers to participation
• Providing appropriate support so everyone can engage, learn, and contribute meaningfully
What is your proudest achievement?
Being the first woman to be qualified as an orthopaedic surgeon in Sri Lanka with 21 million people
Social Accounts
Instagram:
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Twitter:
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