Dr. Rajitha De Silva Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital

The heart is the most intricate machine in the human anatomy, the precious life giver, whose constant ticking is a sign of healthy life. It is so vital to survival that it cannot stop or be diseased. But when it does, it takes the hands of a genius, armed with skill and precision to perform surgery on this vital and complicated organ. Championing this area in healthcare is Dr. Rajitha De Silva, a veteran heart surgeon who has performed around 6000 cardiac surgeries in the country and over 600 Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgeries (Key Hole Surgeries).

Words - Indika Madapatha Sellahewa & Harshana Sellahewa 
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi

Dr. De Silva received his initial training in the UK, and further exposure into Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery in Austria, USA, Germany, India, and France. Dr. Rajitha holds a wealth of knowledge and expertise in his area of surgery. Introducing Key Hole Surgery to Sri Lanka, he also initiated the Heart To Heart Trust Fund, which saves the lives of numerous individuals diagnosed with heart diseases and are unable to obtain treatment owing to financial constraints. At work, he witnessed the difficulties confronted by heart patients who did not have the means of funding their surgery, which could cost up to one million rupees or more, and were left helpless. Witnessing their anguish, Dr. Rajitha, with the advice of his guru, Dr. Ruvan Ekanayaka, who was a renowned heart specialist in the country, initiated the Heart to Heart Trust Fund, following discussions and planning with volunteers as well as those who came forward to help his cause. At work, he witnessed the difficulties confronted by heart patients who did not have the means of funding their surgery, which could cost up to one million rupees or more, and were left helpless. Witnessing their anguish, Dr. Rajitha, with the advice of his guru, Dr. Ruvan Ekanayaka, who was a renowned heart specialist in the country, initiated the Heart to Heart Trust Fund, following discussions and planning with volunteers as well as those who came forward to help his cause. Echoing his modesty as a person and unaffected by his accomplishments in the field of medicine as a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Rajitha De Silva agreed to meet the Lanka Woman team at his home in Colombo on his only day off, where he spoke of his journey to becoming a surgeon performing the noble task of saving the lives of heart patients daily. 

Excited to read more? Get Lanka Woman in Magzter for our latest Digital Issue!
www.magzter.com/.../Lanka.../Women's-Interest/530905
www.lw.lk