Dr. Malaka Kasun Abeywardana
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2011
What do you love most about being a vet?
Globally, all wildlife is under severe threat. In the last few decades, many animal species have disappeared from the Earth. In our country too, the lives of wild animals are at risk and somehow being able to work to protect these wild animals is the most significant opportunity I have as a veterinarian.
What are your biggest challenges?
As a veterinarian working in a third-world country, no matter how much strength we have, lacking the necessary background is my biggest obstacle. We have always been limited by the country’s bureaucracy, political environment social immaturity and economic problems.
What are the biggest challenges you believe the vet profession is facing in your country?
As I think, due to the economic and political background in the country, many veterinarians do not have a proper environment to provide good service. Due to the lack of new technology and knowledge, their professional development has not been fully achieved.
How has VI helped you in your career?
VI has sponsored our institute in various training programs for veterinarians/staff, sponsored me to attend the World Elephant Foundation annual conference in South Africa 2019, and to participate in advanced pathology training and endoscopic surgery trainings in the United Kingdom in 2022. Through these training programs and conferences, I gained a lot of knowledge and experience in serving our organization and the entire wildlife of Sri Lanka.
Where do you see VI being most helpful in veterinary capacity building for you and for your country? What can VI do to have the greatest impact?
I first got to know VI during an elephant health training program in Myanmar in 2018, when VI sponsored the program there. From that time, they have continuously supported the Elephant Transit Home, providing blood test kits and blood testing equipment, and helping maintain the equipment. In addition, VI has helped to improve the nutrition status and health of the rehabilitating elephant calves by providing food concentrate, essential medicine, etc.
What are you most proud of?
I am really happy and proud to be working so closely with a world-famous organization like VI. The personal and professional experience I have gained through the individuals I have come to know through working with VI is priceless.
What are you most excited about in your work with VI?
The opportunity I received to train in Great Britain through VI is precious because it is a training that cannot be obtained in our country, and the knowledge I gained will be a great help to me in serving my country in the future. In addition to pathology and endoscopic surgery training, there was an opportunity to do PCR laboratory training and study elephant parasitology to improve my practical knowledge.
Where do you see the future with VI being involved?
With the experience gained with VI’s support, I hope to commit myself to the best service to our institution in the future. I hope to work together with VI to help the wildlife veterinary profession and the wildlife in our country.
