Dr. Shanali Perera ‘Finding Me Beyond Illness’ Book Signing and Discussion

Dr. Shanali Perera’s book signing and conversation at Sarasavi Bookshop, One Galle Face Mall, brought together readers, clinicians, artists, and the public for an intimate discussion on art, illness, identity, and resilience. Opening with her mantra, “I am not the illness, I am a person first,” Dr. Perera reflected on reclaiming agency beyond diagnosis, drawing on an Aristotle quote featured in her book. In conversation with longtime friends Dr. Devinda Karunaratne and Dr. Sanjaani Chandrasekara, she shared her journey from medicine to contemporary art and how creativity helped express the unseen realities of chronic autoimmune illness. The evening concluded with a reading of her poem ‘Face of Courage’, followed by audience interaction and a sold-out book signing.