After graduating in Medicine from the University of Ceylon, Sri Lanka in 1976, Dr Perera went on to complete her PhD in Microbiology at the University of Sheffield, and a Diploma in Bacteriology in Manchester, UK. She then returned to Sri Lanka in 1984, where she obtained her MD in Microbiology. After migrating to Australia, Dr Perera became a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in 2002.
Dr Perera has had broad experience in many positions in Microbiology across many countries. Appointments have included Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Tutor in Microbiology at the University of Sheffield and Senior Lecturer/Head of Microbiology - Faculty of Medicine, and Honorary Clinical Microbiologist at the Teaching Hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka.
In 2000, Dr Perera was the Registrar in Microbiology at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, and in 2002 joined Dorevitch Pathology and worked as a Consultant Microbiologist for nine years. During this time she gained extensive experience in all aspects of Microbiology, Infection Control and Molecular and Serological Diagnostics. Her work included Public and Private Hospital and Outpatient consultations. Dr Perera has special interest in Infection Control, Antibiotic Resistance/Stewardship and new Diagnostics.
She has undergone many years of specialised training in Microbiology in the UK and USA and has written and contributed to a number of publications.
Dr Perera joined Melbourne Pathology in early 2011 as a Consultant Microbiologist.