Meet Dr Sarath Jayawardana, a proud Curtin graduate, who has built a remarkable career spanning continents and decades of transformation.
Working as a doctor in Sri Lanka for over a decade, Sarath made the life-changing decision to migrate to Australia, where his professional path took a significant turn.
Within two years of arriving in Australia, Sarath co-founded the Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine, which has provided health and wellness programs to thousands of students.
From founding an institute to earning a law degree at the age of 62, Sarath’s journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting his community.
From Sri Lanka to Western Australia: A New Beginning
Sarath began his professional life as a medical practitioner in Sri Lanka, dedicating more than a decade to healthcare before escalating civil unrest forced him to seek a safer future.
Arriving in Australia in the 1990s, Sarath was determined to rebuild his life and meaningfully contribute to his new community.
A Passion for Education and Leadership
Upon arriving in Perth, Sarath began working at a private education institution, training future healthcare professionals in complementary medicine.
Within three years of arriving in Australia, he co-founded a new Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine, which has provided health and wellness programs to thousands of students.
Sarath’s drive to enhance educational standards led him to Curtin, where he completed a Graduate Diploma in Education (Higher and Further Education) in 1995.
“What I learned at Curtin had an immediate impact – I was able to apply the knowledge directly to improve outcomes for my students and strengthen the educational practices of the institution I led,” Sarath said.
While managing and teaching, Sarath completed his Doctor of Medicine, not to return to clinical practice but to remain current and better support his students academically.
In 2018, Sarath fulfilled a lifelong aspiration and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia as a lawyer at age 62.
For Sarath, age has never been a barrier to learning.
“It’s never too late to learn something new.
“Whether it’s a new qualification, a skill, or a mindset, learning is a lifelong pursuit. Don’t let age or circumstance limit your sense of possibility,” he said.
Memorable Moments and Enduring Lessons
Reflecting on his time at Curtin, Sarath recalls the supportive academic environment and the program’s real-world relevance.
“The program’s practical application allowed me to integrate theory into my work in real time, which greatly enhanced both my teaching and institutional leadership,” he said.
Sarath’s proudest achievement was co-founding and growing two educational institutions from the ground up, without initial funding, but with vision, commitment, and a strong sense of purpose.
Through these institutions, Sarath has empowered hundreds of individuals and organisations to launch or redefine their careers.
“Contributing to the personal and professional development of others has been the most rewarding part of my journey.
“I’ve seen lives transformed through education, and that impact is what I carry with me,” Sarath said.
A Legacy in Words: Uncharted Horizons
Sarath’s journey of overcoming adversity and embracing change inspired him to write Uncharted Horizons.
The book chronicles Sarath’s life lessons, resilience, ethical leadership, and gratitude. With a legacy that spans continents, careers, and generations, Sarath’s journey is a powerful reminder of the power of the human spirit and that it’s never too late to begin again.
His advice to current students?
“Every challenge is an invitation to grow. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is also the birthplace of resilience, creativity, and strength. Embrace uncertainty, it is often the space where your greatest growth occurs.”
