Pdn_Logo

Department of Sociology

Faculty of Arts - University of Peradeniya

  1. Home
  2. Staff
  3. Academic
academic

Senior Prof. Daya Amarasekara

BA (Peradeniya), MA (Peradeniya), Ph.D (Calcutta)
Sociology of Religion, Cultural Anthropological Issues in South Asia, Sociology of Education

dayaamarasekara@gmail.com
http://dayaamarasekara.lk
+94 71 8155661

    Education

  • Dr. Daya Amarasekara is currently a Senior Professor in Sociology, Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He earned his B.A and M.A. (by research) in Sociology ,University of Peradeniya. Subsequently, he received commonwealth scholarship to do his Ph.D from Calcutta University India in 1994.

    • Appointments

  • Lecturer - Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya 1984-1988.
  • Senior Lecturer - Grade II Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya 1988-1992.
  • Senior Lecturer - Grade I Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya 1992- 1998.
  • Professor in Sociology .2009-2017
  • Senior Professor in Sociology 2017 .to date

    • Selected Invited/ Guest Lectures

  • The Socio - Anthropological Aspects of Martin Wickramasinghe's writings.
    Martin Wickramasinghe Memorial Trust Found, Colombo, 2013.
  • The Social Role of the Literature in Modernizing Society.
    State National Literary Awards Ceremony
    The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Colombo-2015.
  • The Literature and social Mobility.
    Godage National Literary Awards Ceremony, Colombo - 2016.
  • The universal Aspects of teacher and teaching.
    Senior Professor K.H. Jayasingha felicitation Ceremony.University of Ruhuna, Mathara. 2015
  • The Impact of Social Medias on Society
    The official languages department, Colombo 2017.
  • Olcott and Buddhist ideology
    H.S.Olcott Memorial Lecture Daramaraja college kandy, 1998
  • The Role of Religion in Modernizing Society.
    Professor, Vice Chancellor, Ariyaratna Kaluarachchi Felicitation Ceremony - University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo 2017
  • Youth and National Development
    Seva Vanitha Branch - Sri Lanka Army Service Corps 2015
  • Changing status of family in contemporary Sri Lankan Society
    Vishaka Girls’ College Badulla 2018
  • Sociology of Literature
    P.B. Alwis Perera Memorial Lecture - Sri Lanka Foundation Colombo 2016

    • Visiting Lecturer

  • Master of Arts programme
    Department of sociology, University of Kelaniya From 2014-15
  • Master of Arts programme
    Department of Sinhala, University of Peradeniya From May 2007 to July 2007.
  • Post Graduate Diploma Programme
    Centre for indigenous knowledge and Community Studies, University of Sabaragamuwa, Belihuloya From 2005 – 2006
  • Bachelor of Arts Programme
    University of Rajarata From 2013 to 2014

    • Dissertations and theses

  • The changing Status of Depressed Castes in India and Sri Lanka.
    Theses for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in sociology 1994, University of Calcutta India.
  • A Sociological Study of the impact of the Family and the School on Juvenile Delinquency in Sri Lanka.
    Theses for the master of arts in Sociology in 1988. University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

    • ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT / CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT

  • Principal Reviewer, Appointed by the university senate.
    Special degree programme in Sociology.
    University of Rajarata, Mihinthale.
    From 2011 to 2012

  • Principal Reviewer, Appointed by the university senate.
    Introduction programme Sociology.
    University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo.
    From 2013 to 2014

  • Resource Person, General degree Programme in Arts (External)
    Centre for Distance and Continuing Education.
    University of Peradeniya.
    From 2016 to date.

  • Member,
    Committee appointed to develop curriculum and teaching programme of Sociology
    for G.C.E. (Advance level)Examination
    National Institute of Education, Colombo, 2001

    • EXAMINER - THESES

  • Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy and Ph.D programmes, Sociology Anthropology and Criminology - University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Nunegoda.

  • Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy and Ph.D programmes, Sociology - University of Kelaniya.

  • Doctor of Philosophy, degree in Art history - Post graduate institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya.

  • Doctor of Philosophy, degree in Sociology - Andra University, Visakahaptnam , Andhra Pradesh, India

    • THE FOLLOWING OUTLINES THE EXAMINING INVOLVEMENT IN THREE UNIVERSITIES.

    UNIVERSITY OF SRI JAYAWARDENAPURA - Faculty of Graduate Studies

    No Degree Research Topic - Sinhala/ English Year
    1 Ph.D   The Changable Deviation in the Contemporary Sri Lanka Rural Family - Sociological Study 2009
    2 Ph.D   A Soico-Anthropological Study on the Domiciled Chinese Community in Sri Lanka - Sociological Study 2010
    3 Ph.D   War Widows in Sri Lanka : Problems of Adaptation - Sociological Study 2011
    4 Ph.D   The dynamic process of bureaucracy (special reference to two selected cooperative societies)Sociological Study 2014
    5 Ph.D   Kinship terminology and Recent trends – A Sociological Study. 2014
    6 Ph.D   Socio-Psychological Analysis of Green Consumer Behaviors : With Special Reference to Marketing Information on Behavior – Sociological Analyses 2014
    7 Ph.D   The Impact of Urban Youth Ganging on Anti – Social Behavior : A Criminological Study in Colombo City of Sri Lanka. 2015
    8 Ph.D   In Irregular Distribution of Resources Among Rural Schools - Special Reference to Selected Rural School in Badulla District – Sociological Study. 2017
    9 M.Phil   Deviational Behavior of use in the mobile phones – Sociological Investigation. 2011
    10 M.Phil   A criminological study of the problems faced by family when suspects are kept in Remand for a Long time. 2013
    11 M.Phil   The Immediate Impact Delays in the Judicial System in Sri Lanka. Criminological Study 2013
    12 M.Phil   The usage of Intoxicated Drugs, Broken family and changing society – Criminological Study. 2014
    13 M.Phil   The Impact of Social Stratification on Primary Educational Achievement in Sri Lanka – A Sociological Study. 2014
    14 M.Phil   Ethnographic films in Sri Lanka Visual Anthropological study with special reference to films produced by state film cooperation. 2014
    15 M.Phil   A study of Religion in the Business Culture. 2015
    16 M.Phil   A Sociological study of new trends in the political authority and political leadership in Sri Lanka. 2016
    17 M.Phil   The new trends of food consumption of the people in the South – ASociological Study. 2017
    18 M.A   A Sociological Study of Traditional Kandyan Dance 2008
    19 M.A   The impact made by recent F.M. radio channels on listeners - Sociological Study 2009
    20 M.A   The Sociological Study of women engaged in alcohol related offences in Slum and Shanties of Colombo city. 2010
    21 M.A   A Social background of women prisoners in alcohol related offences. 2010
    22 M.A   A Criminological Study of suicide bombers in Sri Lanka. 2011
    23 M.A   A Sociological study of resettlement of Tsunami Affected people. 2011
    24 M.A   A Sociological study of sexual abuse of children. 2012
    25 M.A   A Sociological study of violence against women. 2013
    26 M.A   The effectiveness of community based rehabilitation – A Sociological study. 2013
    27 M.A   Crime control, prevention and rehabilitation of young offenders - A Criminological study. 2013
    28 M.A   Crime control and prevention : Through the rehabilitation of young offenders - A Criminological study. 2013
    29 M.A   The Relation between Child Abuse and Migration of Parents - A Sociological study. 2013
    30 M.A   The impact of Professional Problems faced by the community rehabilitator or rehabilitation processes – A Criminological Study. 2013
    31 M.A   The effectiveness of impressments in pressmen in Sri Lanka – A Sociological study. 2013
    32 M.A   A Sociological study of Divinaguma project. 2014
    33 M.A   A Criminological study of the service effectiveness of public emergency service - Sociological study. 2014
    34 M.A   The impact made by corruption on the processes of judicial system. 2014
    35 M.A   A study of Rituals and Bodhi Puja in paddy culture in South Korale. 2014
    36 M.A   A Sociological study of the impact made by the early marriages. 2016

    UNIVERSITY OF KELANYA - Faculty of Graduate Studies

    No Degree Research Topic Year
    1 Ph.D   A Sociological Anthropological study of social change in fishing communities in Sri Lanka. (with reference to Gampaha District) 2010
    2 Ph.D   The Impact of parents employment opportunities on the family - Sociological Study. 2011
    3 Ph.D   The Sociological Study of land and caste. 2009
    4 MSSC   The Sociological Study of rural farmers and new economic centers. 2009
    5 MSSC   The living condition of project effected and resettle families due to southern transport development project : A Sociological Study. 2009
    6 MSSC   The Impact of the family condition on children in primary grades - Sociological Study. 2009
    7 MSSC   The Impact of the ethnic conflict on women - Sociological Study. 2010
    8 MSSC   The Socio Anthropological study of Kinnara Group. 2011

    UNIVERSITY OF KELANYA - Faculty of Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology

    No Degree Research Topic Year
    1 Ph.D   An Analysis of the Processes of conflict and reconciliation in the works of George Keyt. 2015

    ANDHARA UNIVERSITY INDIA - Faculty of Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology

    No Degree Research Topic Year
    1 Ph.D   Organizational change : The need for managing it. A case study of Ember price resource planning in Barat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. 2017

PUBLICATIONS – BOOKS

  • Basic Concepts in Sociology
    First Edition – 1984
    Tenth Edition - 2018

  • Sociology : Concepts and Method
    First Edition – 1986
    Fourth Edition - 2017

  • Introduction to Sociology
    First Edition – 1995
    Fourth Edition – 2014

  • Sociology : Collection of Articles
    First Edition – 1984
    Fourth Edition – 2016

  • Folk Songs and Peasant Society
    First Edition – 1996
    Second Edition – 2013

  • Sociology Anthropology
    First Edition – 1984
    Second Edition – 2016

  • Critical Essays in Sociology
    First Edition - 2006
    Second Edition - 2014

  • Social Problems in Sri Lanka
    First Edition - 2005
    Fourth Edition - 2015

  • Religion and Modernization
    First Edition - 2000
    Second Edition – 2015

  • Religion and Society Critical Essays on Sociology of Religion
    First Edition – 2008
    Second Edition - 2015

  • The Pattini Cult, Ritual and Belief
    First Edition – 2010
    Second Edition - 2015

  • Martin Wickramasinghe and Social Anthropology
    First Edition – 2009
    Second Edition - 2015

  • Criminology
    First Edition – 2013
    Second Edition – 2015

  • Popular Buddhism
    First Edition – 2000
    Third Edition – 2015

  • Kiri Ammawaru : A Socio Anthropological Study
    First Edition – 2014

  • Sociology of Ageing
    First Edition – 2016
    Second Edition – 2017

  • Contemporary Sri Lanka Society
    First Edition – 2015
    Second Edition – 2017

  • Cast and Social Change [English]
    First Edition – 2008
    Second Edition – 2015

  • Sociology Discourses
    First Edition – 2016

  • Child, Family and Society - 2016
    First Edition – 2016

  • August Comte : Father of Sociology
    First Edition – 2016

  • Emil Durkhcim : Religion and Education
    First Edition – 2016

  • Sociology of Literature
    First Edition – 2016

  • Sri Lanka and Free Trade Zone
    First Edition – 1980

  • Religion : Socio Anthropological Study
    First Edition – 2018

    • EDITING OF JOURNALS

  • Anubhuthi
    A Journal for Research in Humanities and Social Science. This is a pear reviewed Journal, University of Peradeniya.
    Vol. 01, 1987
    Vol. 02, 1988
    Vol. 03, 1989

  • Enduwara
    A Journal for Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 2003 – 2004
    Vol. 01 - History – February 2003
    Vol. 02 - I Sociology February 2004
                   II Sociology February 2004
    Vol. 03 - III Geography - March 2005
    Vol. 04 - IV Political Science November 2006

  • Sambawana
    A Journal of the Faculty Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.
    Vol. 01   – February 2003
    Vol. 02   I   01 - January – June 2001 pp. 163
    II   02 - July – December pp. 180
    Vol. 03   II   01 - January – June 2002 pp. 163

  • Samaja Vimasuma
    A Journal of the Department of Sociology. University of Peradeniya.
    Vol. I    01. March 201
    Vol. II    02. March 2010
    Vol. III    01. June 2014
    Vol. IV    02. June 2014

  • Induwara
    Prof. A.D.P. Kalansuriya Felicitation Volume, University of Peradeniya, March 2005.

  • Essays in History and Sociology
    Prof. W.I. Sirisena. Felicitation Volume, University of Peradeniya, March 2005.

  • Ariyapala Ebuldeniya Falicitation Volume,
    Ariyapala Publishers, Colombo, 2005.

  • ‘Patipada’
    Journal of the Buddhist Botherhood, University of Peradeniya, 1981.

    • RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN REFEREED JOURNALS.

    • Caste: A Socio Cultural Study. 'Nawa Sanskruthi. Cultural Quarterly. Ministry of Plan Implementation, Colombo (ed.) S.G. Samarasinghe, Vol. 1, pp. 1 - 19. 2004
    • Indian Sociology: origins, Developments and New Tendencies, 'Samaja Vimasuma. The Journal of the Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Vol. 6, pp. 69 - 84. 1998
    • A Sociological Investigation of Suicide: 'sambasha, Ministry of Higher Education, Colombo, (ed.) V. Welagedhara, Vol. 6, pp. 203 - 206. 2005
    • Review of the book titied "Folklore" by prof. Nandasena Rathnapala in 'Samaja Vimasuma. The Journal of the Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Vol. 9, pp. 169 - 175. 2004
    • Novel Changes of the Caste System' 'Samaja Vimansa. The Journal of the Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Vol. 6, pp. 143 - 154. 2006
    • 'Religion, Magic and Rituals: A Socio Anthropological Introducation, ' sambhasa. Commemoration, Volume of the Vidyalankara Pirivena on the Occasion of the 125th Anniversay, (ed.) Ven. W. Dhammarakkhitha and others, Ministry of Highre Education, Colombo. Vol. 11th, pp. 780 - 90. 2000
    • 'The Generation Gap : A Sociological Analysis : 'Samaja Sameeksha. The Journal of the Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Vol. 3, pp. 39 - 46. 2002
    • Review of the book titied "Anthropology" by prof. Nandasena Rathnapala in 'Sambawana, The Journal of the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya. Vol. 02, pp. 154 - 158. 2004
    • 'Religion and Society: An Analytical Introducation to the Idea of Ten Socio - Anthropological on Religion, 'Induwara the Journal for Research in Humanities and Social Science. University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya. Vol. 01, pp. 107 - 132. 2005
    • The Individual Aspirations and Social Values: 'the Manifestation of paththini Cult and Laxmi Worship. 'Induwara, A Journal for Research in Humanities and Social Science. University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya. Vol. 02, pp. 77 - 99. 2005
    • Religion an Magic Socio Anthropological study, Samaja Vimasuma Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya. 2013
    • The concept of crime, Aparadha sameeksha : A critical review in criminology, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Nugegoda. 2014
    • Religion: Socio Anthropological perspectives: Sambahahsa Ministry of education. Culture: Viduruwana Vidyaratna piriwena, Horana. 2014
    • The Socio Anthropological background of folklore Pahasara : Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa felicitation volume, University of Peradeniya. 2006
    • Franz fanon's Sociological View' Samaja Vimansa, The Journal of the Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya. Vol. 1, pp. 18 - 21. 1981

    RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN NON-REFEREED JOURNALS.

    • The Culture Born out of the Tank : 'Isura Monthly Journal of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority (ed.) Sugath watagedara Volume 811, 10111 Magazine. Pp. 10-11. 1997
    • 'Folk Song : A Sociological interpretation : 'Jana Gee Mihira, Cultural Quart (ed.) Pathma Perera, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Colombo, Pp. 20-23. 1995
    • 'Society: A Conceptual Analysis, Ven. M. Wijithasena Anunayaka Felicitation Volume (ed.) Bandula Liyanage and others. "Sarwodaya", Vishwaleka Publication. Pp. 103-107. 1998
    • 'Culture A Sociological Approach' "Kala" Cultural Quarterly, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Colombo Pp. 09-14. 2000
    • 'Socio Cultural and Symbolic Importance of Rice in Sri Lankan Society', Hisselle Dhammarathana Commemorative. Critical Essays Language and Literature (ed.) P. Soratha, Department of Sinhalese, University of Peradeniya. Pp. 114-121. 1997
    • 'An Introduction to Sociology', Prathibaha, Special Volume A. Withanawasam and others. Department of political science, University of Peradeniya. Vol. 2 Pp. 60-84. 1997
    • 'The Magical Practices Relating to Water: A Socio Anthropological Analysis of Buddhism and Rituals.' Labugama Lankananda Thero Felicitation Volume (ed.) Ven. K. Rahula, Ministry of Buddhist Affairs. Colombo, Pp. 162-176. 1999
    • 'Martin Wicramasinghe and his social Anthropological "Sathravidhu Lipi Saraniya" Publication of the Pali and Buddhist University, Polgolla, Kurunagala. Pp. 80-84, (This was revised and reprinted n Anubhuthi a Journal for Research in Humanities and Social Science. (ed.) D. Amarasekara and others. Vol. 01, pp. 15-181. 1998
    • 'Challenges Facing our Children, 'Sivdesa, A Monthly Magazine Kamlilas publication, Colombo (ed.) S. Gunasingha, Volume 7. No. 5.-7 1998
    • The Role of Religion in Sri Lankan Society' Dinamina Vesak kalapaya. The Lake House, Colombo (ed.) T. Kuruvita Bandara. Pp. 12-17 2000
    • Commercialization, Modernization and Religion', Prabhuddha, Sri Buddha Rakkiyha Commemorative, Volume. Asgiri Maha Vihara, Kandy (ed.) Rev. Dhammdassi. Pp. 204-221. 2000
    • Ideoloical Conflict and Crisis in Buddhist Bhikku Society'. Prabhudda, Sri Buddha Rakkitha Commemorative Volume, Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Pp. 219-245. 2000
    • 'Is Juvenile Delinquency the Tragic Consequence of the Broken Family' Yowun Mithuro. A Counseling Journal, National Youth Concil, Colombo (ed.) Sunil Nawarathne, Vol.' No 5 Magazine. Pp. 20-23. 1998
    • 'The Sociological Elements of Pirith Changing and Boddhi Puja,' Sri Rathnasara Felicitation Volume (ed.) Dr. K.B.A. Edmen and Others. Ariya Printers. Kandy. Pp. 29-41. 1999
    • 'Can Bodhi Vandana (Worship of the Bo Tree) be considered as worship of forest deity "(Sri Lanka) socio-Anthropological Analysis' Prof. A.D.P. Kalansuriya Felicitation Volume University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, (ed.) D. Amarasekara and others." 2007
    • Caste Social Mobility' : Prof. A.D.P. Kalansuriya, felicitation Volume University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, (ed.) D. Amarasekara and others." 2007
    • 'Caste: An Indian Manifestation of Social inequality,' Prof. Nandasena Rathnapala Felicitation Volume, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Negegoda. Sri Lanka. 2000
     
    • Commonwealth Scholarship – 1988
    • Best Research Publication on Culture – “KiriAmmavaru”
      All Ceylon Buddhist Congress 2007

    OTHER ADVISORY POSITIONS

  • Member of the board of Governors, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo - From May 2013 to 2014.

  • Member of the board of Governors The Institute of Social Development, Colombo - From 2015 to date.

  • Coordinator of the Youth leadership programme. National Youth Council, Colombo, 2005

  • Founder and Trustee of the Ira Amarasekara Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund.

    • This trust was established to provide assistance to needy rural school children. Up to date the trust has donated scholarship to nearly 1500 students selected from poor families in Kurungala district. It also has provided assistance in the form of computers and other teaching aids to improve the conditions of some selected rural schools.