A Sri Lankan voice in Medical Science From NCHS classroom to Australia’s research frontiers
View(s):NCHS alumna Tharindie Silva continues to make her alma mater proud as she forges an exceptional path in medical research. Currently a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide, Tharindie was recently recognised as one of four finalists for the prestigious Ross Wishart Memorial Award at the South Australian Annual Scientific Meeting organised by the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR).
Reflecting on the experience, Tharindie described it as a privilege to share her work alongside some of the most inspiring researchers in South Australia. She also expressed her gratitude to the ASMR organising committee for curating a dynamic platform that celebrates scientific innovation and collaboration.
Continuing her active involvement in the research community, Tharindie recently attended the ASMR SA Gala Dinner, where she presented her work and connected with fellow researchers. The evening featured inspiring addresses, including one by Dr. Daniel Timms, inventor of the BiVACOR artificial heart, as well as remarks from Hon Chris Picton, the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, both offering powerful reminders of how innovation and leadership continue to shape the future of medical science. Tharindie’s precision medicine research in gastric cancer has earned multiple nationally recognised awards throughout her PhD, highlighting the significance and impact of her work.
This year, she added to that list with the 2025 PhD Presentation Award at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the 2025 Best Basic Science Poster Award at the Adelaide Medical School Research Colloquium. Her earlier achievements include the 2024 Postgraduate Poster Presentation Award at the ASMR National Scientific Conference, the 2024 Best Poster Prize at the SAHMRI Research Showcase, and the 2023 Best Student Oral Presentation Award at Bowel Health Research Day.
Empowering Sri Lankan students to achieve global excellence
From her early academic journey at Nawaloka College of Higher Studies, through the Unilink diploma pathway, and now as an emerging scientist in Australia, Tharindie’s story reflects the vision of NCHS, empowering Sri Lankan students to achieve global excellence.
Start in Sri Lanka, live in Australia
The NCHS pathway is designed for students who dream big. Beginning their academic journey in Colombo or Kandy, students are taught to the same standards as in Australia. This ensures a smooth academic transition and gives families the reassurance of starting at home.
By the second year, students step into Swinburne’s Australian campuses—joining a truly global community, engaging in world-class research, and immersing themselves in the vibrant lifestyle Australia has to offer.
08 Months to Australia
The “08 Months to Australia” pathway is more than just a fast track. It’s an opportunity to adapt, integrate, and grow into global citizens. Students not only gain exposure to international teaching but also learn independence, resilience, and cultural agility, skills that are increasingly sought after in today’s world.
Unlike competing options that keep students in Sri Lanka for longer, NCHS ensures that dreams are not delayed. We believe students deserve the real Australian experience – studying, networking, and living in an environment that cannot be recreated from afar.
About NCHS
For over a decade, Nawaloka College of Higher Studies has been a trusted provider of international higher education in Sri Lanka. With direct pathways to Swinburne University of Technology and partner universities worldwide, NCHS is committed to offering world-class programmes, industry-aligned learning, and life-changing opportunities for Sri Lankan youth.
To find out more on how you can be a part of NCHS, call 0777 899 998/ 011 2 777 666 or email info@nchs.edu.lk
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