Former President of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA), Dr. Keerthi Gunasekara was awarded the National Apex Award for invaluable service to agriculture and veterinary science for his three decades of contribution to the profession’s growth and service to the nation.
Ensuring self-sufficiency in dairy production in Sri Lanka constitutes a part of his strategic vision. “There is a considerable lapse in the dairy sector in Sri Lanka. Introducing new nutrition concepts to livestock will increase their productivity and improve the production of milk and eggs enhancing the supplement of protein, alleviating related nutritional deficiencies experienced by children in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Dr. Gunasekara is an accomplished veterinary surgeon and was the first veterinarian to receive an MBA from the University of Peradeniya. He completed his higher studies at Cornell University New York, USA.
He is a founder member of the College of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya, a Fellow of the Sri Lanka College of Veterinary Surgeons, and currently serves as the Regional Country Director for Asia and Pacific regions for Quadragen VetHealth, a multinational research-based animal nutrition pharmaceutical company. “I am happy that we have been successful in gaining the confidence and goodwill of several regional and global associations who extended their support and welcomed the SLVA as a member organisation. The SLVA was also reinstated as a member of the Federation of Asian Veterinary Association,” he said.
His proactive leadership also has resulted in the realisation of the first national veterinary exhibition and trade show, VETEXPO in 2019.
The National Apex Awards ceremony held every three years, recognises and appreciates professionals who have significantly contributed in their chosen field, the nation and achieved a pinnacle in their professional career. This ceremony was held alongside the 35th Annual Conference of the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA).