Dr. K. Hettigoda is a distinguished Chartered Clinical Psychologist, academic, and prominent leader in the field of mental health in Sri Lanka, boasting over 13 years of extensive experience across university education, clinical practice, and the government sector. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Peradeniya and the President of the Sri Lanka Psychological Association (SLPA), Dr. Hettigoda seamlessly bridges the gap between rigorous academic research and impactful clinical practice.
A Commonwealth Scholar, Dr. Hettigoda earned a PhD in Psychology from the University of Hull (UK), alongside an MPhil in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colombo and an MSc in Organizational Management. Registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), their expertise spans clinical and military health psychology, EMDR therapy, and environmental psychology—driven by a core vision to promote pro-environmental behaviors and reduce individual ecological footprints.
Beyond academia, Dr. Hettigoda serves as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the private medical sector following a dedicated tenure as a Clinical Psychologist for the Sri Lanka Navy. Nationally and internationally, they are a vital voice in policy and advocacy, contributing to the National Mental Health Steering Committee (Ministry of Health), the Global Psychology Alliance's Climate Change Working Group, and the WHO Global Clinical Practice Network. An active researcher and mentor, Dr. Hettigoda has published widely on resilience, trauma, and psychological validation, while continuously supervising PhD, MPhil, and postgraduate trainees.