Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi shines at WCIC Prathibhabhisheka 2025

Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi’s receives the award

Sri Lanka’s rising health-technology innovator Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi has brought pride to the nation by winning two prestigious honours at Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce Sri Lanka (WCIC) Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025, held recently in Colombo. 

She was named Digital Entrepreneur of the Year – National Category and also received the Gold award in the Start-Up Category for Ophtha Innovations (Pvt.) Ltd, marking a memorable milestone in her journey from clinical medicine to entrepreneurship. 

Dr. Dhanushi, a medical doctor by training, is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ophtha Innovations (Pvt.) Ltd, a Sri Lankan health technology start-up focused on improving eye care services through digital innovation. Her work embodies a unique blend of compassion, scientific expertise and entrepreneurial vision, aimed at making healthcare more accessible and efficient. In a country where many struggle to access specialised care, her solutions offer hope. Through technology, she helps reduce diagnosis delays and improve outcomes, making eye care more affordable. Her work reflects the global shift toward AI and digital tools in medicine.

The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards, held annually by the WCIC, celebrate women building successful businesses and creating positive change. The WCIC leads in empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening Sri Lanka’s business landscape. Receiving recognition from the WCIC is widely regarded as one of the highest honours for women entrepreneurs in the country. For Dr. Dhanushi, it is also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with success. Her achievement reflects the growing strength of women-led technology start-ups in Sri Lanka. Beyond national borders, she has represented the country on international start-up platforms, proudly showcasing Sri Lankan innovation to the world. 

Speaking about the award, Dr. Dhanushi described the moment as both humbling and inspiring. She shared that the recognition has strengthened her determination to continue building meaningful healthcare solutions and to encourage young women to believe in their potential in science, technology and entrepreneurship. The awards ceremony brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and industry leaders to celebrate the courage and creativity of Sri Lankan women who continue to shape the nation’s future.