From Peradeniya to Leadership in Cardiac Imaging

The Department of Radiography/Radiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, is proud to feature Mr. Chathura Jayaruk Horadigala, one of our distinguished alumni whose professional journey reflects dedication, continuous growth, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing the radiography profession in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Chathura Jayaruk Horadigala at work in the cardiac catheterization laboratory A graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Radiography programme at the University of Peradeniya, Mr. Horadigala began his professional career in cardiac catheterization laboratory radiography and steadily progressed through increasingly responsible clinical and leadership positions. Today, he serves as the Manager of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Asiri Central Hospital, Colombo, where he is involved in the management of advanced interventional cardiology services within a modern dual catheterization laboratory facility.

His career is a notable example of how a strong foundation in radiography can evolve into specialized clinical expertise and healthcare leadership. Before assuming his present position, he gained extensive experience in cardiac catheterization laboratory practice as a Cath Lab Radiographer at Lanka Hospitals, Colombo. He subsequently served as one of the founding lecturers of the Department of Radiography and Radiotherapy at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka, and later as the Chief Radiographer of the Asiri Heart Centre. Alongside his clinical career, he further strengthened his managerial and leadership capabilities by completing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.

Giving Knowledge Back to the Classroom

What makes his journey particularly meaningful to our academic community is that his connection with education has continued well beyond graduation. Since 2014, he has contributed to the education of future radiography professionals as a Visiting Lecturer, including at the University of Peradeniya, while also sharing his expertise with students at other universities in Sri Lanka, including the University of Colombo and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. In this way, his professional experience has returned to the classroom, helping bridge academic learning with contemporary clinical practice.

Service to the Profession

Mr. Chathura Jayaruk Horadigala receiving the Best Alumni Award 2026 Mr. Horadigala has also maintained a strong commitment to the wider development of the radiography profession. Through his long-standing involvement with the Society of Radiological Technologists Sri Lanka (SRTSL), he has served in several leadership capacities and currently serves as Assistant Secretary. For more than a decade, he has also served as Chief Editor of The Radiographer, the Society's annual publication, contributing to professional education, knowledge sharing, and communication within the radiological technology community.

Research Interests and Radiation Protection

His professional and research interests extend particularly to radiation safety, occupational exposure, interventional radiology, and cardiac imaging, with a specific focus on radiation doses received by patients and staff during coronary angiography and on strategies for reducing occupational radiation exposure during interventional cardiac procedures. His work has also addressed areas such as the establishment of diagnostic reference levels for coronary angiography. These contributions have been presented at national and international scientific forums, reflecting his continued engagement with evidence-based professional practice and radiation protection.

His professional development has also taken him beyond Sri Lanka, with participation in scientific meetings, conferences, and professional workshops in countries including South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, and Macau. Such international exposure has complemented his clinical experience and reflects a continuing commitment to learning and professional advancement.

Recognition and Inspiration

Further recognition of his contribution came in 2026, when he received a Best Alumni Award from the University of Peradeniya, acknowledging his professional achievements and continued contribution to the field. Yet perhaps the most inspiring aspect of his journey is not any single position or achievement, but the progression itself – from a radiography undergraduate at the University of Peradeniya to a specialist practitioner, educator, professional contributor, and healthcare leader. His career demonstrates how clinical competence, lifelong learning, leadership, and service to the profession can grow together.

Mr. Chathura Jayaruk Horadigala stands as an inspiring example to our present and future students, reminding us that the education gained at the University is not simply the beginning of a career, but the foundation upon which meaningful contributions to healthcare, education, and the profession can be built.

The Department of Radiography/Radiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, takes great pride in celebrating his achievements and his continuing contribution to the advancement of radiography in Sri Lanka.