A/Prof Viraj Kariyawasam
Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
About A/Prof Viraj Kariyawasam
Associate Professor Viraj Kariyawasam is a highly respected Senior Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist with academic appointments at Macquarie University and Western Sydney University. He is known for his commitment to delivering compassionate, personalised care supported by strong clinical expertise and evidence-based practice. He also serves as a Consultant Gastroenterologist with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Service at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.
Dr Kariyawasam completed his gastroenterology training across leading teaching hospitals in Sydney and obtained Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in 2011. He subsequently undertook specialised training in advanced therapeutic endoscopy and completed a clinical research fellowship in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Concord Repatriation Hospital in Sydney and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in the United Kingdom.
He completed his PhD at the University of Sydney, focusing on thiopurines in IBD, and is widely published in the field. He remains actively involved in teaching, training and clinical research, contributing to national and international advances in gastrointestinal care.
His practice covers all aspects of gastroenterology and liver disease, with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease, advanced endoscopic techniques and cancer prevention. He has extensive experience in the early detection and surveillance of colorectal, oesophageal and stomach cancers, as well as in the endoscopic removal of precancerous lesions and large colorectal polyps.
Dr Kariyawasam is an advocate for Open Access endoscopy and performs procedures at Pennant Hills Day Surgery, Norwest Private Hospital, Macquarie University Hospital and Somerset Private Hospital.
He co-founded the IBD Sydney Organisation and has contributed to national and state guidelines. He is known for his approachable manner, clear communication and strong focus on long-term patient outcomes. Outside of medicine, Viraj enjoys spending time with his family. He’s also bilingual in English and Sinhalese.
Clinical Interests
Reflux and swallowing disorders
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Oesophageal strictures, rings and webs
- Eosinophilic oesophagitis
- Hiatus hernia
Stomach and upper bowel conditions
- Gastritis
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Functional dyspepsia
- Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Bowel and functional disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Disorders of gut–brain interaction
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Diverticular disease
- Rectal bleeding
Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Microscopic colitis
Malabsorption and nutritional disorders
- Coeliac disease
- Iron deficiency related to gastrointestinal disease
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Colorectal and anal conditions
- Haemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Colon and rectal polyps
Liver, gallbladder and pancreas conditions
- Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Gallstone disease
- Pancreatitis
- Bile duct disorders
Cancer prevention and surveillance
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- Polyp surveillance and removal
- Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance
- Early gastrointestinal cancer assessment
Diagnostic endoscopy
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy)
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
Therapeutic endoscopy
- Polyp removal (polypectomy)
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Control of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Injection and clipping of bleeding lesions
- Balloon dilatation of oesophageal, ileal and colonic strictures
- Management of food bolus obstruction
- Treatment of bleeding haemorrhoids (banding)
- Surveillance colonoscopy for inflammatory bowel disease
- Upper gastrointestinal cancer surveillance
My goal is to combine advanced medical care with genuine compassion, so every patient feels supported throughout their journey.
A/Prof Kariyawasam focuses on delivering care that is:
Professional Qualifications
PhD
MBBS
FRACP
MRCP-UK
Research interest and publications
- Improving diagnosis, treatment and outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through clinical trials and real-world studies.
- Enhancing colonoscopy quality and effectiveness in bowel cancer screening and surveillance, including optimisation of preparation and detection rates.
- Investigating strategies to detect early bowel cancer and pre-cancerous lesions to reduce cancer incidence and improve long-term survival.
- Evaluating patient-centred approaches to endoscopic care and procedural experience to improve participation and outcomes in screening programmes.
Google Scholar profilePubmed
Associated organisations
- Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA)
- Conjoint Committee for the Recognition of Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (CCRTGE)
- European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO)
- American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
- IBD Sydney organisation
- Western Sydney University
- Macquarie University
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital
- Norwest Private Hospital
- Macquarie University Hospital
- Pennant Hills Day Surgery
- Somerset Private Hospital
Professional profiles
Locations & Availability
Complete Health Australia Norwest
Complete Health Australia Rouse Hill
Why Choose CHA?
Every patient receives a thorough assessment and an individualised care plan.
