By Natasha Fujimoto
UNWAVERING in her support and multifaceted contribution to the health, wellbeing and education of others, Sujeevika Kumuduni wears many hats.
A qualified Ayurvedic doctor, Sujeevika migrated to Australia with her husband, Dr Prasanna De Abrew in 2012, with the aim of maximising the educational opportunities of their young children.
“Our priority has always been our children’s education, that’s why we migrated to Australia.
“We had a good life, parents and family in Sri Lanka, but we wanted more options for our children,” Sujeevika said.
With Sujveeka’s husband offered a position at GV Health, the family moved to Shepparton in 2013, eventually enrolling their two children at the Goulburn Valley Grammar School.
Hanging up her doctor’s coat, Sujeevika has supported her ‘all-rounder’ daughter, Senithi (Year 8) and highly gifted son, Sasith, to flourish academically.
Achieving an ATAR of 99.6 last year, and with a desk festooned with academic awards, Sasith is now studying a double degree in engineering and science at Monash University, allowing more time for Sujeevika to focus on her substantial community work.
With a class of children ranging in age, Sujeevika teaches Singhalese every Saturday morning at the Victorian School of Language. With a record eight VCE students this year, Sujeevika is driven to help them achieve the highest possible ATAR.
While considering a return to medicine, Sujeevika currently works as a community health educator for Wise Well Women, a local organisation focused on improving the health literacy environment in the region to support the ethnic community access services and support.
Passionate in her giving role, yet again, Sujeevika said, “Wise Well Women assists and represents a rich, multicultural group. We provide and translate information and organise programs for everyone in the community, building relationships between services and people.”
