Department of Geography

Dr. Arularasi Balakrishnan

Senior Lecturer

Department of Geography
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About Me

Ms Arularasi Balakrishnan joined the Department of Geography in 2008 as a lecturer. Currently, she is serving as Senior Lecturer. She completed PhD in Urban Geography under the Indian Commonwealth Scholarship (2016/2017) at the Department of Geography, Bangalore University in India. She is primarily a geographer fascinated by human geographies. That includes exploring the transformation of urban regions (cities and broader urban territories), the lives in cities, housing, residential mobilities, and neighbourhood dynamics of people in those territories and constitutive connections between them focusing on urban spaces, people and places. Although her research interests have shifted over time, she has long been concerned with Geographies of Health research activities. She is also willing to contribute her knowledge towards development issues in general and the marginalised communities in Sri Lanka and the globe. She visited Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Singapore, India, Spain, Belgium

Education

PhD in (Urban) Geography

Department of Geography, Bangalore University, India, (under the Indian Commonwealth Scholarship 2016/2017)

2023

Short Term Certificate Course on Japan's Modernization

Sri Lanka-Japan Study Center University of Peradeniya

2021

M.Phil in Development Studies (Specializing in Geography)

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway

2006 – 2008

B.A (Hons) in Geography with first-class

Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2001 - 2004

Current Positions

Senior Lecturer - Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

2013 up to now - To Present

Team member of the University of Peradeniya - University Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN4DRR) in the Indian Ocean Rim, Erusmus+ programme of the European Union

2020 - To Present

Resource person for the new module – based curriculum development of the Secondary Education in Sri Lanka 2023 (Global Studies) - National Institute of Education (NIE)

2021 - To Present

Positions Held

Teaching Panel Member of the Postgraduate Programme in Geography - PGIHS, University of Peradeniya

2009 - To Present

Guest lecturer, Postgraduate Programmes (M.A and M.sc) - Department of Geography, Bangalore University, India

2018 - 2020

Resource Person of the Teachers’ Certificate Course in Geography - Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

2016 - 2017

Resource Person - Centre for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE), University of Peradeniya

2009 - To Present

Lecturer - Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

2008 - 2013

Temporary Lecturer - Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

2005 June - 2006 June - To Present

Memberships

Life member - Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya

2023

Life member - The Union of Geographic Information Technologists (UGIT) Bangalore,India

2022

Member of International Innovation Program (IIP) - Eudoxia Research Centre, India & Eudoxia Research University, New Castle, USA

2021 onwards

Executive Member - Geo-environmental Conservancy Foundation (GeCF), Bangalore, India

2021 onwards

Life Member - Sri Lanka Association of Geographers (SLAG)

2009 onwards

Life Member - Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS)

2018 onwards

Member of Geo Forum - Department of Geography, Bangalore University

2017 onwards

Life Member - Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS)

2011 onwards

Life member - The Population Association of Sri Lanka (PASL)

2015 onwards

Member - Peradeniya Arts Faculty Teachers Association (PAFTA)

2011 onwards

Life membership - Geo – informatics Society of Sri Lanka (GISSL)

2009 onwards

Member - Geography Society, University of Peradeniya,

2001- 2004

Awards

The Best Paper Award under the sub-theme of Sustainable Cities and Communities at the 11th UGIT Conference (Authors: M.M.S.R.Medawala (A/16/403) and Arularasi B) - Bangalore University, India

9th & 10th December 2022

The Best Poster Presenter Award - at the International Conference on Research Methodology for Qualitative and Quantitative Research (COM -2021) by Eudoxia Research Centre, India

2021

Indian Commonwealth Scholarship obtained for PhD - The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) 2016 - 2017

2016

Quota Programme scholarship for M.Phil - Norwegian State Education Loan Fund

2006 - 2008

Prof.B.L Panditharatne Gold Medal for Human Geography (Greatest Competence) - University of Peradeniya

2004

Senkadagala Lions Club Siri Pathirana Memorial Prize for Geography (Greatest Competence) - University of Peradeniya

2004

University Prize for Academic Excellence - University of Peradeniya

2004

Mahapola Higher Education (Merit) Scholarship Awarded - The Mahapola higher education scholarship trust fund,

1998/1999

Publications

BOOKS

Issues related to the backwardness of the students on educational achievements: Reference to the plantation sector children in Sri Lanka

Arularasi, B and Vasanthakumary, S, 2015,Satyodaya Centre for Social Research and Encounter, Kandy

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Flood Risk Mapping for the Akurana DS Division Using GIS Techniques

Rashadha Raufdeen, Sithumini Rathnayake and Arularasi Balakrishnan, 2023,The International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change (DRRCC), PGIHS, University of Peradeniya

Geography and its Recent Trends

Arularasi B, 2021,Journal of Sri Lankan Association of Geographers, Volume - 2, Sri Lankan Association of Geographers (SLAG) in (Tamil)

State Activities Impacts on the Residential Mobility Dynamics in Kandy and Suburbs

Arularasi Balakrishnan, Ashok D.Hanjagi and Priya Narayanan, 2020, European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Science (EpSBS), European Publisher, London, Volume 89, pp 37 -52, e- ISSN: 2357 – 1330 (online), Indexed in Web of Science, Available on https://www.europeanproceedings.com/proceedings/EpSBS/volumes/ich2019

Urban Residential Dynamics: A New Trend of Emerging Gated Communities in and around Kandy City, Sri Lanka,

Arularasi B, Nalani Hennayake and Ashok D.Hanjagi, 2019, Proceedings of the International Conference on ‘cities, people and places’ – ICCPP, 15th – 16th 2019 November 2019, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Impact of State Activities on the Residential Mobility Dynamics in Kandy city and its Suburbs

Balakrishnan Arularasi, Ashok Hanjagi and Priya Narayanan, 2019,The 2nd Postgraduate International Conference on Humanities on “ Innovation and Transformation in Humanities for Sustainable Tomorrow” on 30 & 31st October 2019, Organized by Postgraduate Students Clup (PGSC), School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia

Causes and Consequences of Plantation to Urban Migration: A Case Study of Pitakanda Estate

Arularasi, B, 2018, , Chandrabose A.S. and Ramesh, R (eds), Tea Plantation Community in Sri Lanka 150 Years (1867 - 2017): An Analysis of Socio-Economic, Political and Cultural Mobility, Express Newspapers (Cey) (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo (in Tamil)

Choice of the Residential Decision in the Landslide Risk Areas of Kandy City

Arularasi, B, Vasanthakumary.S and Jayathilaka, D. M. S. C. D. M., 2018, 7th UGIT’s International Conference on “Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development” (CDSGeo-2018), 24th and 25th of November 2018 in Sri Lanka.

Plantation to urban: phenomenon and causes of youth migration in the Pitakanda estate, Matale district in Sri Lanka

Arularasi, B and Alikhan, M.M, 2015,Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE), University of Peradeniya

Mixed crop farming practices in Nalanda Estate, Matale district,

Vasanthakumary, V and Arularasi, A, 2010, Peradeniya University Research Session (PURSE), University of Peradeniya

Collaborative research on food security in the U.S and Sri Lanka

Arularasi, A, 2010, Co-author,Practicing Anthropology, Vol. 32, no – 4, Fall 2010, Society for Applied Anthropology

Assessment of computer usage in the health system: A case study from Trondheim Municipality in Norway

Arularasi, A; Jensen, C; Trani, E. D; Yang, J and Tysnes, J, 2007,Experts in Team (EiT), Department of computer and information science, NTNU Available on: https://www.ntnu.edu/employees/letizia.jaccheri

Health care assessment in Levanger: services and satisfaction

Arularasi, A; Trani, E.D; Nevel, T and Kamruzzaman, M.D, 2007,Series D – No: 26, Acta Geographica, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway, pp 55 -93

TRANSLATION AND PUBLICATION OF BOOKS OF SCHOLARLY WORK

The National Atlas of Sri Lanka: Chapters of Health (Text of 11.2), pp 125 – 130

English to Tamil Translator of the Atlas, 2010, Survey Department of Sri Lanka

PUBLISHED IN ABSTRACT FORM

Is urban agriculture lead to sustainable cities? A case study from Gampola town, Sri Lanka

M.M.S.R.Medawala (A/16/403) and Arularasi B, 2022, UGIT's 11th International Conference, Bangalore

Changing Scenario of Green Spaces, Urban Agriculture and Food Security: A Case study of Bangalore City in India

Divya Rajeswari, S; Arularasi, B; Tamilelakkiya, M and Shiva Kumar, R, 2019, National Conference on Soil and Water Conservation Measures: Geospatial Solutions, September 16 -17, 2019, Organized by the Department of Geography, Bangalore University, India

Building Community Capacity for Landslide Risk Reduction in Hill country of Sri Lanka

Vasanthakumary.S ; Rekha Nianthi K.W.G and Arularasi, B, 2017, Sixth UGIT’s International Conference on “Climate Change and Sustainable Water Resource Management – Innovative Geospatial Solutions” November 9-11, 2017, Bangalore, India

Spatio - temporal changes of informal settlements in the adjacent coastal villages of Jaffna Town

Sukanya,V ; Vidanagama, V and Arularasi, B, 2016, 4th International UGIT Conference (Union Geographic Information Technologists) on “Remote Sensing and GIS Applications on Coastal Management”, Organized by the University College of Mangalore University, India

Socio-cultural transformation of migrant youths: A case study of Pitakanda estate in Matale district, Sri Lanka

Arularasi, B and Alikhan, M.M, 2015, Annual Scientific Sessions 2015: “Population and Development”, Population Association of Sri Lanka

Environmental Degradation in and around the Vavuniya tank

Arularasi, A and Vasanthakumary, V, 2011,National Geographic Conference (NGC), 2010, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Geographical Pattern of Traffic Accidents in Kandy – Peradeniya Road

Suganya,V and Arularasi, A, 2010,Third International Symposium on “ New Horizons in Humanities & Sciences towards Sustainable Development” in Subaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Geographical pattern of dengue risk and underlying factors in Harispattuwa MOH area, Kandy,

Arularasi, A, 2009, Geography for the Millennium: National Geography Conference 2009, University of Peradeniya

CHIEF EDITOR/EDITOR

Consultant Editor of Perathanai Puvichcharal

Arularasi. A, 2013, 2011 - 2012, Vol. 1, Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

MEMBER OF EDITORIAL BOARD

Proceeding of the 7th UGIT’s International Conference on “Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development” (CDSGeo-2018)

Member of Editorial Committee, 24th and 25th of November 2018 in Sri Lanka.

UNPUBLISHED THESIS

PhD Thesis: Residential Mobility and Neighbourhood Dynamics in the city of Kandy and its Suburbs in Sri Lanka Department of Geography, Bangalore University, India, Supervisor: Prof. Ashok.D.Hanjagi, Department of Geography, Bangalore University, India

M.Phil Thesis: Dengue Infection: Risks and Consequences: A Case study of Harispattuwa area, Kandy District, Sri Lanka - Master Thesis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Supervisor - Prof. Stig Jørgensen

Undergraduate dissertation: Contribution of the ‘UREKA’ compost plant in solid waste management: A case study of Vavuniya urban area Arularasi, A, 2004, Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya (in Tamil)

Conferences

12th UGIT's International Conference

Academic speaker of Plenary Session - IV on " Building Tomorrow's Cities:Navigating the path to Sustainable Communities"

Bangalore University, Bangalore, India

16th March 2024

International Peradeniya University Research Sessions (iPURSE) 2021

Academic Coordinator (Control Room) & Academic Coordinator (Venue) for Technical Sessions, Live Virtual Event

University of Peradeniay

11th & 12th November 2021

National Geography Conference (NGC) 2021

Member of registration committee at “[Re]negotiating Space, Environment, and Society” conducted by the Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya in Colloboration with Sri Lankan Association of Geographers

University of Peradeniya

29th October 2021

International Webinar on Urban Farming Practices for Sustainable Development 2021

Organizing committee member from the Geo - environmental Conservancy Foundation, Upkar Residency, Ullalu

Bangalore, India

5th July 2021

Webinar on “Soil Conservation & Land Use Planning – Geospatial Solutions” 2020

Panellist Rapporteur, organized by the Bangalore University in collaboration with Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) in India.

Bangalore, India

24th December 2020

7th UGIT’s International Conference on “Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development” (CDSGeo-2018)

Organizing committee member & reviewer of extended abstracts

University of Peradeniya

24th and 25th of November 2018

International Research Conference “Towards a Safer Future” 2018

Reviewer of research papers

University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

27 & 28 September 2018

Sixth UGIT’s International Conference on “Climate change and sustainable water resource management – innovative geospatial solutions” 2017

Panellist Rapporteur & Member of organizing committee

Bangalore University, India

November 9 -11, 2017

International Research Conference on “Towards a Greener Future” 2016

Reviewer of research papers

University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

12 -13 August 2016

One Health International Conference 2014

Member of the programme and registration committee

Jointly organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya and The University of California, Davis (UCDAVIS),USA

5 – 6 September 2014

The First Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE) 2014

Member of Food and Refreshment committee

University of Peradeniya

4th and 5th of July 2014

International Conference of Humanities and Social Sciences (ICHSS) 2011

Member of Ceremonial and Registration Committee

University of Peradeniya

16 -17 December 2011

Fourth National Geography Conference (NGC) 2011

The representative (University of Peradeniya) and Committee member of the Sri Lanka Association of Geographers (SLAG)

Department of Geography, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

11th - 12th March 2011

National Geography Conference of “Geography for the Millennium” – 2009

Organizing Committee member

Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

23 -24 January 2009

Creative Work

Assessment of computer usage in the health system: A case study from Trondheim Municipality in Norway Arularasi, A; Jensen, C; Trani, E. D; Yang, J and Tysnes, J, 2007,Experts in Team (EiT), Department of computer and information science, NTNU Available on: https://www.ntnu.edu/employees/letizia.jaccheri

Specialization

Urban Studies

Geographic Thoughts

Geographies of Health: Health, people and places:

Development Studies

World Regional Geography

Teaching

GGY 1004 - Fundamentals of Human Geography

Department of Geography

2020/2021, 2021/2022 - To Present

GIS 2005 - Models in Spatial Sciences

Department of Geography

To Present

GGY 3028 (E) - Urban Geography

Department of Geography

2021/ 2022 - To Present

GGY 3032 (E) - Geography of Sri Lanka

Department of Geography

2021/2022 - To Present

GGY 3032 (T) - Geography of Sri Lanka

Department of Geography

2021/ 2022 - To Present

GGY 313 (T) - World Regional Geography

Department of Geography

2021/ 2022 - To Present

GGY 305 - Philosophy of Geography

Department of Geography

2020/2021

GGY 312 / GGY 3028 - Urban Geography

Department of Geography

2020/2021,2021/2022 - To Present

GGY 4047 - Geographies of Health

Department of Geography

2022, 2023 - To Present

GIS 4504 - GIS Applications in Health Sector

Department of Geography

2023 - To Present

GGY 502 - Sri Lanka Geographical Themes

Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS)

2022 - To Present

GGY 608 - Spatial Strategies and Industrial Development

Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS)

2022 - To Present

Research Interests

Urban development and planning

Spatial planning

Development Studies

Health/ Medical Geography

Disaster Risk Reduction

Ongoing Research and Projects

Urban settlement evolution patterns of the world heritage city of Kandy and its suburbs

Principal investigator of the University Research Grant project 2018

Research Grants Received

Recipient and principal investigator of the University Research Grant of Rs.1,873,000/= for the research project of "Urban settlement evolution patterns of the world heritage city of Kandy and its suburbs" - University of Peradeniya 2018

Received Research Grant of Rs 300,000/= for the study of "The unheard voice of plantation children for education: lessons from the plantation sector in the Matale District" - Satyodaya Centre for Social Research and Encounter, Kandy 2014

Received University Research Grant of Rs 241,800/= for the research project of "Plantation to urban: causes and consequences of the mobility of estate youths of Pitakanda Estate in Matale District" - University of Peradeniya 2013 - 2015

Other Academic Contributions

Dimension and Consequences of Globalization Arularasi, A, 2012, , Malaimugadu Quaternary Journal, Volume 1, Jan –March 2012, Eswaran’s Book Depot (in Tamil)

Growth of Geography during the medieval period and the role of Islamic scholars, Arularasi, A, 2011, , Al – Inshirah Magazine, Muslim Majlis, the University of Peradeniya (in Tamil)

Basics of Medical Geography/ Health Geography and its recent status: Experiences of World and Sri Lanka Arularasi, A; Kumuthini, V and Sathurya, P, 2011 -2012, , Journal of Perathanai Puvichcharal, Volume – 1, Department of Geography, the University of Peradeniya (in Tamil)

Causes for Malnutrition Among Plantation Women in Sri Lanka, Sangeetha, N and Arularasi, A, 2010, Upcountry Undergraduate Society, Sigaram Journal 2009/2010, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Acid rain is becoming as a serious issue in the world Arularasi, A,2006, Jubilee publication of principal’s service, Uduppiddy American Mission college, pp: 210 - 218 (in Tamil)

Rapid urbanization and it effects Arularasi, A, 2005, Thinakural newspaper article from 29th July to 26th August 2005 (Every Friday), Thinakural (PVT) LTD (in Tamil)

Cities becoming heat islands Arularasi, A, 2005, , Sunday Thinakural news Paper, Thinakural (PVT) LTD, on 11th September 2005 (in Tamil)

Computer in Geographic Field: Geographic Information System (GIS) Arularasi, A, 2003, , Illangathir, Golden Jubilee publication, Tamil Union, University of Peradeniya,pp:54 -58 (in Tamil)

Religious thoughts of Marxist and its representations in contemporary religions Arularasi, A, 2003/2004, , Inthutharmum Magazine, pp – 83 – 86, Hindu Union, University of Peradeniya, (In Tamil)