Ahmedh Aaqil Rifky, a fourth-year medical student from the 32nd batch of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has achieved global recognition by being named a Global Finalist in the 5th Annual Medical Students Essay Competition conducted by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA).
The prestigious competition invited medical students from across the globe to submit innovative essays centered around the 2026 theme, “Partnerships for SDGs in the Implementation of Science-Based Preventive Methods to Improve Global Mental Health.”
The selection process followed an adapted version of the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) criteria, which rigorously evaluated entries for focus, academic rigor, structure, clarity, originality, and the capacity to synthesize complex information, alongside a comprehensive screening for artificial intelligence use. The competition drew submissions from 111 medical schools across 48 countries spanning six continents.
Mr. Rifky has emerged as one of only 11 finalists selected globally from this extensive pool of heavy competition, for his essay, which explored how multi-sectoral partnerships aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 can operationalize evidence-based suicide prevention frameworks across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare. The global finalists’ achievements and concepts are slated to be showcased at the upcoming World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP) 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, this September.
https://www.wpanet.org/post/wpa-medical-students-essay-competition-2026-winners-announced/
This milestone marks Mr. Rifky’s second global recognition representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, following his selection as a global finalist in the 2024 cycle for an essay exploring resilience in sustainable mental health. That 2024 framework inspired his undergraduate research project titled “Resilience and Associated Factors among Patients with Depressive Disorders at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka”, which earned an oral presentation slot at the 23rd Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists.
Through his continued academic and research excellence, Mr. Rifky has successfully represented the university on a global stage, bringing immense pride and international distinction to the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the wider University of Sri Jayewardenepura community.
