Dr. Obeyesekere

Dr. Obeyesekere has received several international awards (WSAVA Companion Animal Welfare award, NRC Presidents award, WSAVA One Health award, Australian Alumni Excellence Merit Award, Ashoka Social Entrepreneur Award, NAVC international Scholar award) for her work.

She is the Founder and Director of Pet Vet clinic and has always been passionate about animals and their welfare. Dr Nalinika’s interest and love of animals is wide-ranging; from obedience training and behaviour to feline care and handling; as well as standard medical subjects. She strives to make lives better for pets and their people by looking at the whole picture.

“In Sri Lanka, relative to the region, women have enjoyed areas of equality. Women who work, are not that unusual and something to be proud of. Education is available and encouraged for girls and women. It is a good base from which to grow. However, there is one area I choose to challenge: the role of working women relative to family obligations. Many a friend, even where encouraged to have a career, is nonetheless expected to consider all household and family activities from cooking and ironing to childcare, as their primary responsibility. If this role in managed well then, its ok for them to work. Almost as if work is the reward for being a super woman. No coming home and expecting that well-deserved rest; there are a million things to get done. Some men do share, but mostly it’s seen as women’s work. Any lapse results in a problem and blame for the woman. This attitude must change for the benefit of all. It’s a matter of understanding that regardless of gender, a workday is often challenging and tiring. If household chores and activities are shared in a real and complete sense, then life for all concerned will improve. I challenge the men to spend two weeks taking over all the household responsibilities.”