By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
As a Clinical Operations Manager at Georgetown Hospital, Navisha Weerasinghe has dedicated her career to healthcare leadership.
With a background as a registered nurse (RN) and currently pursuing a PhD in nursing, she has faced the challenge of proving her worth in a demanding field while striving to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in healthcare.
Inspired by her mother, a nurse from Sri Lanka, Navisha emphasizes the importance of female representation and mentorship in the healthcare sector.
Sri Lankan women, like Navisha’s mother, have made significant contributions to the nursing profession in Canada, becoming integral members of the healthcare workforce.
Many Sri Lankans have brought their expertise and skills to Canada’s nursing sector, working across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community healthcare settings.
Their cultural values of compassion, respect, and dedication to patient care have enriched the Canadian healthcare system, and they continue to play an essential role in delivering quality care to diverse communities.
Nursing in Sri Lanka has a rich history, with the profession playing a crucial role in the country’s healthcare system. Nurses in Sri Lanka are highly respected, with many trained locally through government institutions or overseas programs.
The profession has evolved significantly, and nurses are seen as vital in providing quality patient care across both urban and rural settings. Women, in particular, form the backbone of the nursing workforce, and their contributions to public health are immense.
Despite challenges such as understaffing and limited resources, Sri Lankan nurses continue to demonstrate resilience and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in their communities.
“Strong female representation in healthcare is essential for ensuring diverse perspectives in patient care, research, and policy,” Navisha said.
“Women bring unique insights that help address gender disparities in care and treatment and challenge oppressive structures in healthcare. Strong female representation fosters equity, empowers future generations, and ultimately strengthens healthcare leadership.”
Navisha acknowledged that one of the greatest challenges she has faced as a woman in healthcare is the pressure to constantly prove her worth.
“I’ve often felt the need to take on more responsibilities to demonstrate my capabilities, which has sometimes led me to spread myself too thin,” she said.
“I’ve learned to overcome this by setting boundaries and reminding myself that I don’t have to do everything to prove my worth. I’ve also leaned on my mentors and support networks and recognize now that success isn’t just about doing more—it’s about making a meaningful impact while maintaining balance.”
Navisha credits much of her resilience and ambition to her mother, who worked as a nurse in Sri Lanka.
“My mom showed me what it truly means to care for others, which inspired me to pursue a career in nursing,” she said. “She taught me that there are no limits to what I can achieve.
That’s one of the reasons I am now pursuing a PhD in nursing. My mom has shown me what it means to be a strong and resilient woman, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
Throughout her career, Navisha has learned that mentorship and support are key to breaking barriers in the healthcare industry.
“The most powerful thing women can do is empower one another,” she said.
“Working in healthcare can be demanding, but when we mentor, support, and celebrate each other’s successes, we create a stronger, more inclusive workplace. When women support each other, we can break barriers and pave the way for future generations.”
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Navisha’s response was simple but profound.
“Stop worrying about the future and trust that everything will fall into place,” she said. “Just be present and enjoy the journey.”
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