Chandanamali Punchihewa

• Published date: 07 February 2023
• Publication title: Daily Mirror

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide according to the World Health Organisation statistics. While a few cases could be due to hereditary reasons, a majority of cancers is said to develop after birth due to various genetic changes and behavioural patterns. Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Chief Executive Officer at Genelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd aspires to provide updated and affordable testing facilities for cancer patients which would in turn help them diagnose their illnesses for early treatments. Amidst challenges and various obstacles, Dr. Punchihewa has been able to serve society with a team of individuals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. Recently, Dr. Punchihewa was adjudged the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at the recently conclude Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce Awards ceremony in recognition of her service to the nation. Dr. Punchihewa shared her story with us :

Excerpts

Q Tell us about yourself?

I am from a family of six. I grew up in Bandarawela, and studied at Little Flower Girl's School. I usually got good grades in class but didn't have the practice of studying after-school or attending private tuition classes until I started A/Ls. I got selected to Visaka Vidyalaya in Colombo based on the Grade 5 scholarship marks, attended the school for a few months, but went back to Bandarawela since I missed the carefree life at Bandarawela. I got through O/Ls with a record as one of the first students in the history of the school to get Distinctions for all 8 subjects.

Then I moved to Colombo and studied A/Ls at Royal Institute. Although the intention was to go to Medical College afterwards, I didn't qualify based on my A/L marks. So, I entered the University of Colombo and got a BSc degree specializing in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. While waiting for University entrance, I also took the entrance exam for the Sri Lanka Law College, and having passed that, I also studied at the Law College. In 2000, I completed my degree and also took oaths as an Attorney-at-Law. I worked for about a year in a Law Firm, but having identified my passion for science, I gave up the practice of law and went to USA on a scholarship to read for my PhD in science. Once completed, I joined the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in USA as a postdoctoral fellow and continued to work there as a researcher until I returned to Sri Lanka in 2014.

While waiting for University entrance, I also took the entrance exam for the Sri Lanka Law...