ECT Vineetha Wijesuriya nominated as Citizen of the Year

Early childhood teacher, mother, chess champion and Clyde North resident Vineetha Wijesuriya has been nominated as Citizen of the Year in the Casey Community Awards 2024 for her dedicated and excellent community service.

Ms Wijesuriya has made a number of amazing contributions to her community including running weekend chess classes and free school chess sessions, writing books to encourage children to connect with other children and distributing these books for free through councils and family day care educators online, and has previously been recognised in the La Trobe Community Awards and with a nomination for the City of Casey Citizen of the Year in 2022. 

Having arrived in Australia in 2009 with her husband and 10 year old son, the family soon made their home in Victoria. Although she was a doctor in Sri Lanka, Ms Wijesuriya was unable to practice in Australia because of the language requirements for a medical degree. At least two years of onshore study were required, but the family could not afford the hefty tuition fee at that time.

To stay connected with her Sri Lankan roots, she created a women’s magazine, Aalokaa which she distributes free through physical and online channels, and volunteers at different festivals and shows.

“I am always doing a lot of community service. It’s in my blood,” she shared with Cranbourne News.

After securing residency in Australia, Ms Wijesuriya was keen to transition back to full time employment, and decided to undertake a degree in early childhood. 

“Children are the power in society. When they grow up with a good education level, they will become good citizens,” she said.

After completing her Certificate III and a Diploma of Children’s Services, she then worked for five years at Monash Children’s Centre as an educator. Another five years were spent at YMCA Clyde North. 

Finalising her study during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Wijesuriya was able to complete her Bachelor of Education degree within three years at Swinburne University, becoming an early childhood teacher, welcoming the chance to support children to learn and grow. 

Ms Wijesuriya and other award nominees will attend a ceremony on Friday 22 March 2024 when winners will be announced. 

To access the original coverage of this story please see here.