Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne is a Clinical Psychologist at ACPN. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psych.) from City University, London (1997), a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology from the British Psychological Society (1988), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Nottingham (1980). Dr. Wanigaratne is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the British Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). He is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), UK and the Department of Health (DoH), Abu Dhabi.
With over three decades of experience in clinical psychology, addiction treatment, research, and policy development, Dr. Wanigaratne has held several prominent roles. He served as the Head of the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) Training Institute in Abu Dhabi, where he developed mental health training programs and acted as a Senior Advisor to the Director General. Prior to this, he was the Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Clinical Psychology for Addictions at the Maudsley Hospital in London and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College London. He worked extensively in addiction services, forensic psychology, and trauma treatment, consulting for international organizations, including the WHO, the UN, and the US State Department’s Global Think Tank on Drug Demand Reduction. He contributed to policy development for governments in the UAE, the UK, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Palestine, and Sudan. He was also Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychology at United Arab Emirates University and was involved in teaching and training psychologists and other health professionals throughout his career. He has over 50 publications on psychological aspects of addiction.
Dr. Wanigaratne specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders, trauma, and personality disorders using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Relapse Prevention Therapy. He is passionate about advancing global mental health initiatives, having founded the UK-Sri Lanka Trauma Group and directed Samutthãna, a King’s College London Center for Trauma and Mental Health in Sri Lanka. His dedication to clinical excellence, research, and education ensures a profound impact on individuals and communities affected by mental health challenges.
Nationality: British-Sri Lankan
Spoken Languages: English
