Mr. Jayantha Dharmadasa Receives Honorary Doctorate from Swinburne University, Australia
Nawaloka College of Higher Studies is proud to announce that its Chairman, Mr Jayantha Dharmadasa, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Swinburne University of Technology. The award was made at the University’s Graduation Ceremony in Melbourne on the 20th of December, 2017.
In presenting the citation for the award the Chancellor of the University of Swinburne, Mr. Graham Goldsmith, reiterated the impact that Mr. Dharmadasa has had on various sectors in the Sri Lanka. He explained that Mr. Dharmadasa who is the name behind the private health care industry in Sri Lanka, has diversified the group from boutique hotels to timber, and even to building construction.
Mr. Goldsmith is a highlyrespected figure in the Australian financial services industry. He is an experienced company director and community leader with a deep commitment to education.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Linda Kristjanson, further outlined the significant contribution made by Mr. Dharmadasa in advancing health care in Sri Lanka and his involvement in the wider community. “Mr. Dharmadasa has played a pivotal role in contributing to the development of the Sri Lankan e c o n o my ” P ro f e s s o r Kristjanson stated. It was stated that the recognition was made in honour of his contribution to the healthcare industry as well as numerous other industries in the country.
Jayantha Dharmadasa: Catalyst to the Sri Lankan Economy
Mr. Goldsmith highlighted Mr. Dharmadasa’s role in the growth of the private healthc a re system through Nawaloka Hospital, the first fully fledged private hospital in the country.
The ‘ Nawaloka Hospital’ was the first hospital to introduce a CT scanner, Lung Transplant Unit, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Intensive Care System, MRI Scanner and other such modern facilities to the country. Nawaloka Hospital also performed the first coronary artery by-pass surgery in the c o u n t r y. Under Mr. Dharmadasa’s leadership, the Nawaloka Hospital became the largest private hospital in Sri Lanka, saving several thousands of lives by offering world class medical facilities.
It was explained that Mr. Dharmadasa thereafter expanded his business into construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, air services, trading, FMCG, realestate, finance and education. Under his chairmanship, 27 companies were built, creating more than 15,000 employment opportunities. Mr. Dharmadasa’s contributions also extend beyond business leadership. He is the Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Sri Lanka. He was the former President of the Sri Lanka Cricket and Asian Cricket Councils. As a patron of the arts, Mr. Dharmadasa served as Chairman of the National Film Corporation as well.
“I am honoured by the recognition of the Swinburne University of Technology, an institution that takes pride in excellence and quality education” stated Mr. Dharmadasa. He explained that he was humbled at being the recipient of this prestigious recognition, and hopes to continue working towards uplifting his motherland.
A Great Achievement to all Sri Lankans
“The awarding of the honorary doctorate is a great achievement to all of us in Sri Lanka, as Mr. Dharmadasa has been a true catalyst to our economy” said Mr. Victor Ramanan
Deputy Chairman/ CEO, Nawaloka College of Higher Studies. He stated that NCHS takes great
pleasure in congratulating its Chairman on the honour bestowed by Swinburne University in recognizing Mr. Dharmadasa’s achievements through the award of the Honorary Doctorate.
Mr. Goldsmith highlighted Mr. Dharmadasa’s role in the growth of the private healthcare system through Nawaloka Hospital, the first fully fledged private hospital in the country.