Sri Lankan Medical Doctor and Engineer Selected for Prestigious Chevening CRISP Fellowship at Oxford

A proud moment with the selection of two of its emerging innovation leaders, Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi and Keerthi Kodithuwakku, for the highly regarded Chevening Research Science and Innovation Leadership Fellowship (CRISP), hosted by St.Cross College, University of Oxford. The fellowship, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is designed for mid-career professionals who have demonstrated exceptional promise in science, innovation and entrepreneurship. Their selection is notable not only as an individual achievement, but also as a powerful reflection of Sri Lanka’s growing presence in global science, technology and entrepreneurship. Bringing together a rare combination of medicine and engineering, Dr. Dhanushi and Keerthi represent two complementary forces in innovation: clinical insight and biomedical technology. Their achievement signals the rising strength of Sri Lankan talent in building solutions with both local relevance and international impact.

Keerthi Kodithuwakku, a biomedical technopreneur and innovation strategist, is widely recognised for advancing AI-enabled medical technologies through engineering-led innovation. He is the Chairman and CEO of Jendo Innovations and is the inventor of a US- and Japan-granted patent for a non-invasive vascular health monitoring system. Over the years, he has received several national honours, including Presidential Gold Award Winner, ICT Leader of the Year, CEO of the Year in AI, and Emerging ICT Leader of the Year, while also contributing to Sri Lanka’s wider entrepreneurial ecosystem as a mentor, founder and active contributor to academia. Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi is a medical doctor, med-tech entrepreneur and AI-in-healthcare innovator whose work focuses on improving preventive healthcare through accessible digital tools. With an MBBS from the University of Peradeniya, an MBA from the University of Colombo, and specialized training in Medical AI Software from Yale University, she has built a profile that bridges clinical practice and technology. Her work in AI-assisted diabetic retinopathy screening has already reached thousands of patients in Sri Lanka, reflecting her commitment to using technology to reduce preventable disease and expand access to early diagnosis.

The Chevening CRISP Fellowship is regarded as a highly competitive opportunity. According to the official programme, the fellows had the privilege of meeting the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Andrew Patrick, prior to their departure. During the discussion, the programme objectives and potential opportunities were highlighted. The fellows are expected to strengthen their understanding of innovation systems, public policy, research translation, and global challenges. The programme also provides access to leading experts, institutions, and networks in the United Kingdom, enabling participants to gain valuable exposure and insights that can be applied within their respective fields. For Sri Lanka, this achievement highlights the increasing importance of interdisciplinary leadership at a time when countries require innovators who can connect medicine, data, engineering, policy and entrepreneurship. It reflects a broader shift towards integrated thinking in addressing complex health and development challenges, positioning Sri Lankan talent within this global movement. As they prepare to join this Oxford-based fellowship, they carry with them not only their own accomplishments, but also the aspirations of a nation seeking to build a stronger future through science, research and innovation. Their journey serves as an inspiring reminder that world-class talent can emerge from Sri Lanka, paving the way for the next generation of technopreneurs and scientific leaders.