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Department of Geography

Faculty of Arts - University of Peradeniya

Mr. AK Wickramasooriya

Senior Lecturer (G I)

B. Sc (sp) (Peradeniya), M. Phil (Peradeniya), PG. Dip (App. Stat) (Peradeniya)

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About Me

Ashvin Wickramasooriya received his primary and secondary education from the Dharmaraja College, Kandy. He specialized in Geology at the University of Peradeniya and obtained the B. Sc (special degree) in 1997. After graduation, he has joined the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau as a trainee Geologist from March 1997 to August 1998. Then he had joined the Department of Geography as a Research Assistant from August 1998 to August 2000 at the Coastal Geographical Information Systems Project and registered to read his M. Phil degree at the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya. He joined the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka as a Probationary Lecturer in Earth Science in June 2001. Upon completion of the M. Phil degree, he has promoted as a Senior Lecturer (G II) in Earth Science at the Same University in August, 2008. He became the Subject Coordinator of the Earth Science Division from 2001 to 2004, 2006, and 2011 to 2012. In July 2013 he was recruited to the Department of Geography, the University of Peradeniya as a Senior Lecturer (G II). In October 2014 he was promoted to the Post of Senior Lecturer (G I).

Education

M. Phil

PGIS, University of Peradeniya

2008

B. Sc Special (Hons) in Geology

University of Peradeniya

1997

PG. Diploma in Applied Statistics

PGIA, University of Peradeniya

2010

Postgraduate Course on Aseismic design and construction of engineering structures

Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology, Skopje, Macedonia

2004

Current Positions

Coordinator, Bachelor of Science in Geographical Information Science (B.Sc. in GIS) Degree Programme - Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya

2015 - To Present

Activity - 4 Coordinator , AHEAD Project - Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

2021 - To Present

Internship and Field Practices Coordinator - CIVCO, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

2019 - To Present

Commissioner - International Union of Geological Sciences Commission of Geoscience Education, Training and Technology Transfer (IUGS-COGE)

2008 - To Present

Council Member - International Geosciences Education Organization (IGEO)

2006 - To Present

Chairman, Safety Committee - Faculty of Arts

March, 2022 - To Present

Warden (Part Time), Jayathilake Hall and Arunachalam Hall - University of Peradeniya

2022 - To Present

Managing Editor - Journal of Modern Sri Lankan Studies

April, 2022 - To Present

Positions Held

Chairman - Senior Student Counselors - University of Peradeniya

2018 to 2020 (3 years)

Chairman - Safety Committee, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

2015 to 2020 and 2022 - To Present

Chairman - Senior Student Counselors - Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

2018 to 2021 (4 years)

Founder Chairman - National Geography Olympiad Committee

Founder Chairman - Sri Lanka Earth Science Olympiad Committee

Founder President - Young Earth Scientists Network (Sri Lankan Chapter)

2009 to 2012

Coordinator and the Lecturer in-charge - JICA South East Seismic Monitoring Station, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

2003 to 2005

Warden, Jayathilake Hall - University of Peradeniya

2022 - To Present

Academic Sub Warden - Boys

2003, 2005 & 2011

Subject Coordinator / Earth Science Division - Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

2001 to 2004, 2006, 2011 - 2012

Senior Students Counselor - Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

2014 to 2021

Students' Counselor - Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

2003, 2004, 2012 and 2013 (January to July)

IT Coordinator - IDAS Project, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

2015

Secretary of the Outreach activities team - World Young Earth Scientists Network

2010 to 2012

Coordinator for the Sri Lankan National Committee - International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE)

2009 to 2011

Commissioner - Association of Geoscientists for International Development (AGID)

2008 - 2012

Senior Treasurer - Geographical Society University of Peradeniya

2018 to 2020

Memberships

President - Sri Lankan National Chapter - World Young Earth Scientists (YES) Network

2009 - 2012

Chairman - Young Scientists Forum of National Science & Technology Commission, Sri Lanka

2009

Secretary - Geological Society of Sri Lanka (GSSL)

2010/2011

Treasurer - Geological Society of Sri Lanka (GSSL)

2003/2004 and 2004/2005

Joint Secretary - Young Scientists Forum of National Science & Technology Commission, Sri Lanka

2008

Member of the Editorial Board - Geoinformatics Society of Sri Lanka (GISSL)

2005 - 2006 and 2009 - 2012

Treasurer - Alumina Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)

2011/2012

General Secretary - Alumina Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)

October 2010 to March 2011

Joint Secretary - Geoinformatics Society of Sri Lanka (GISSL)

2007 - 2009

Assistant Secretary - Alumina Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)

March 2010 to Oct 2010

Member - International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)

Member - International Association of Hydrological Science (IAHS)

Council Member - International Geosciences Education Organization (IGEO)

Commissioner - Association of Geoscientists for International Development (AGID)

Commissioner - International Union of Geological Sciences Commission of Geoscience Education, Training and Technology Transfer (IUGS-COGE)

Life Member - Geological Society of Sri Lanka (GSSL)

Life Member - Geoinformatics Society of Sri Lanka (GISSL)

Member - Young Scientists Forum of National Science & Technology Commission, Sri Lanka

2005 - 2011

M. IEP (SL) - Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL)

M. IGSL - Institute of Geology Sri Lanka (IGSL)

M. IASSL - Institute of Applied Statistics Sri Lanka (IASSL)

Life Member - Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka (SSSSL)

Life Member - Sri Lanka Association of Geographers

Life Member - Alumina Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)

Life Member - University of Peradeniya Science Alumina Association (UPSAA)

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

Member - Peradeniya Arts Faculty Teachers Association (PAFTA) - PAFTA - Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya

Awards

Merit award for Scientific Publication - National Research Council, Sri Lanka

2010

Commendation Award for the "Excellence in Popularization and Promotion of Science" - National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka

2010

Young Scientists Award for the “Excellence in Popularization and Promotion of Science" - National Science and Technology Commission, Ministry of Technology and Research, Sri Lanka

2009

Accreditation as a Teacher in Higher Education - Staff & Educational Development Association (SEDA), United Kingdom

2003

Publications

CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

Wickramasooriya A.K., Walpita L.S. (2021) Analysis of Flood Hazard in Kalutara District Using Geospatial Technology. In: Amaratunga D., Haigh R., Dias N. (eds) Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Disaster Risks. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73003-1_33

Prakashnie M.P., Nianthi K.W.G.R., Wickramasooriya A.K. (2021) Flood Risk of Porathivu Pattu in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. In: Amaratunga D., Haigh R., Dias N. (eds) Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Disaster Risks. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73003-1_21

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73003-1_21

Wickramasooriya A., Gunarathne S., Ekanayaka S. (2021) Effect of Subsurface Geological Conditions on Variation of Groundwater Quality in Part of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. In: Abrunhosa M., Chambel A., Peppoloni S., Chaminé H.I. (eds) Advances in Geoethics and Groundwater Management : Theory and Practice for a Sustainable Development. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_48

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_48

Wickramasooriya A., Samarawera V. (2021) Variation of Salinity Levels in Water Bodies in and Around Weligama Bay Due to Effect of Hydrological Processes. In: Abrunhosa M., Chambel A., Peppoloni S., Chaminé H.I. (eds) Advances in Geoethics and Groundwater Management : Theory and Practice for a Sustainable Development. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_39

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_39

Wickramasooriya A., Dilini M.M.G.S. (2021) Spatiality of Ethical Challenges in Use and Management of Groundwater in Coastal Regions, Sri Lanka. In: Abrunhosa M., Chambel A., Peppoloni S., Chaminé H.I. (eds) Advances in Geoethics and Groundwater Management : Theory and Practice for a Sustainable Development. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_29

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_29

Wickramasooriya A., Rajapaksha N. (2021) Variation of Victoria Reservoir Water Level and Its Effect on Fluctuation of Groundwater Level Closer to the Reservoir. In: Abrunhosa M., Chambel A., Peppoloni S., Chaminé H.I. (eds) Advances in Geoethics and Groundwater Management : Theory and Practice for a Sustainable Development. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_40

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_40

PUBLISHED IN ABSTRACT FORM

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Walpita, L. S. (2020), Analysis of flood vulnerability in Kalutara district using geospatial technology, International Symposium on Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction, Colombo, Sri Lanka , 14-16 December, 2020.

Prakashinie, M. P., Nianthi, K. W. G. R. and Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2020), Flood Risk of Porathivu Pattu in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka, International Symposium on Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction, Colombo, Sri Lanka , 14-16 December, 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Walpita, L. S. (2020), Socioeconomic impacts due to flood risk in Kalutara district, 11th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE) 2020, Kandy ,Sri Lanka, 10-12 December, 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Sujeevan, N. (2020), Effect of climatic conditions on variation of salinity and hardness in surface and groundwater in an around Upparu lagoon Jaffna, 7th Annual International Virtual Convention On Building Sustainable Society for Future, Jaipur, India, 05-07 November, 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Amarasooriya, W. G. I. M. (2020), Analysis of Landslide risk using Geoinformatics applications in the North West of Gangawatakorale Divisional Secretariat Division in Kandy District, The 7th International Conference on Arts and Humanities (ICOAH 2020), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 17-18 September 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Samaraweera, V. (2020), Effect of natural hydraulic processes on variation of salinity levels in water bodies in and around Weligama, International congress on Geoethics & Groundwater Management, Porto, Portugal, 18-22 May, 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Rajapaksha, N. (2020), Variation of Victoria reservoir water level and its effect on fluctuation of groundwater level closer to the reservoir, International congress on Geoethics & Groundwater Management, Porto, Portugal, 18-22 May, 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K., Gunarathne, S. and Ekanayaka, S. (2020), Effect of subsurface geological conditions on variation of groundwater quality in part of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, International congress on Geoethics & Groundwater Management, Porto, Portugal, 18-22 May, 2020.

Wickramasooriya, A. K and Dilini, M. M. G. S. (2020), Spatiality of Ethical Challenges in Use and Management of Groundwater in Coastal Regions, Sri Lanka, International congress on Geoethics & Groundwater Management, Porto, Portugal, 18-22 May, 2020.

Dilini1, M. M. G. S. and Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2019), Geospatial Techniques to Determine the Effect of Land Surface Temperature on Forests in Sri Lanka: A Case Study in and around Wilpattu National Park, 5th International Young Earth Scientists Congress, Berlin, Germany, 9-13 September, 2019.

Gunawardhane, U. B. and Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2019), An overview of sedimentology and mineralogy of Pulmoddai mineral sand deposit, 5th International Young Earth Scientists Congress, Berlin, Germany, 9-13 September, 2019.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2013), Effect of agricultural practices on urban river system: A case study using Mahaweli river in Sri Lanka, 16th RiverSymposium, Brisbane, Australia, 23-27 September, 2013.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2012), Demarcation of landslide risk areas in central highlands of Sri Lanka using special technology, NIT4NDM International conference 2012, Galadhari Hotel, Colombo Sri Lanka, 07–08 November, 2012.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2012), Application of Multi Criteria Decision Analysis method to demarcate landslide risk areas in central highlands of Sri Lanka, 34th International Geological Congress, Brisbane, Australia, 05–10. August, 2012.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2012), How can geoscientists best engage with the public and high school pupils, 2nd World YES Congress Early Career Earth Scientists For Society, Brisbane, Australia, 05–10. August, 2012.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2012), Analysis of coastal erosion trends based on existing physical conditions along the Southwest coastal zone of Sri Lanka, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Sammanthurai, 28–29 March, 2012.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2012), Landslide risk mapping in central province using GIS techniques, Young Scientists Forum Symposium 2011, Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo 07, 27 January, 2012.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2011), Characteristics of Quaternary Red and Brown Earth deposits in North Western province of Sri Lanka, The World Conference on Paleontology and Stratigraphy (WCPS2011), Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, 29 November to 03 December, 2011.

Wickranmasooriya, A. K. (2011), Effect of Geomorphology and Climatic Conditions on Coastal Flood Risks in Southern and Western Coastal Zone of Sri Lanka, XXV IUGG General Assembly, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia, 28 June to 7 July 2011.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2011), Tsunami and its effect on coastal and marine ecosystems of Southern and Eastern coastal zones of Sri Lanka (poster), HydroEco2011 conference, Vienna Austria, 01– 05 May, 2011.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2011), Application of spatial technology for planning and implementation of development activities in Eastern and Northern coasts of Sri Lanka, International Symposium On “Post-War Economic Development Through Science, Technology and Management”, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, 19–21 April, 2011.

Wickramasooriya , A. K. (2011), Preliminary flood risk intensity map of Southern province of Sri Lanka, National Symposium on “Disaster : Reduction, Mitigation and Management”, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, 25–26 February, 2011.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2009), Identification of groundwater potential zones in Sri Lanka using aerial photography, GIS and Remote Sensing, 1st World Young Earth Scientists Congress 2009 (YES2009), Beijing, China, 24-28 October, 2009.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2009), Identification of landslide risks in and around central highlands of Sri Lanka, 1st World Young Earth Scientists Congress 2009 (YES2009), Beijing, China, 24-28 October, 2009.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. Wickramagamage, P and Nawaratne, S.W (2008), Geoinformatics applications for the verification of coastal erosion sensitive segments along Southern and Southwest coastal zone of Sri Lanka, 33rd International Geological Congress, Oslo, Norway, 06–14 August, 2008.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2008), Importance of introducing Geoscience for the secondary and post-secondary education level in Sri Lanka, 33rd International Geological Congress, Oslo, Norway, 06–14 August, 2008.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. and Dharmagunawardena, H.A (2008), Effect of surface water infiltration on groundwater Fluoride concentration close to an irrigation tank in Polonnaruwa district in Sri Lanka, 33rd International Geological Congress, Oslo, Norway, 06–14 August, 2008.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2007), Influence of Geological structure of Sri Lanka on micro seismic activities, International conference on “Mitigation of the risk of natural hazards”, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 27–28 March 2007.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2006), Trends of seismic activities in Sri Lanka and their effect on dams and tunnels, ASC2006 conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 07–10 November, 2006.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2006), Teacher training is the most effective method of promoting geosciences at school level in Sri Lanka, GeoSciEd V 2006 conference, University of Bayreuth, Germany, 18–21, September 2006.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2006), Remote Sensing and Geoinformation systems approach as a solution for landslide risk management in Sri Lanka, International Disaster Risk Reduction Conference (IDRC Davos2006), Davos, Switzerland, 27 August to 01 September, 2006.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2005), Environmental problems in Sri Lankan coastal zone, 6th Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Community, Bonn, Germany, 09–13 October, 2005.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2007), Modifying teaching and assessment methods to improve practical performance in students, 3rd Sri Lanka Association for Improving Higher Education Effectiveness (SLAIHEE) conference on “Developing skills in university lecturers and students”, University of Colombo, 27 April , 2007.

Wickramasooriya, A. K., Nawarathne, S.W, and Wickramagamage, P (2007), Application of Geograpical Information Systems techniques to demarcate coastal erosion sensitive segments with respect to available surface materials along Southwest coastal zone of Sri Lanka, 23rd Annual sessions of the Geological Society of Sri Lanka, University of Peradeniya, 23 February, 2007.

Wickramasooriya, A. K. (2006), The needs for early warning systems to monitor common natural hazards and disasters in Sri Lanka, 22nd Annual sessions of the Geological Society of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, 24 February, 2006.

Wickramasooriya, A. K., Wickramagamage, P, Nawaratne, S.W, and Wickramarathne, S.N (2006), Spatial variation of surface materials and wave energy and their effect on the coastal erosion along Southwest coastal zone of Sri Lanka (poster), 10th anniversary celebrations of the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, March 28, 2006.

Teaching

GGY431 - Advanced Hydrology

Department of Geography

GGY3020 - Introduction to Hydrology

Department of Geography

GIS2030 - Aerial Photo Interpretation

Department of Geography

GGY433 - Coastal Geomorphology

Department of Geography

GGY480 - Coastal Zone Management

Department of Geography

GGY2032 - Advanced Physical Geography

Department of Geography

GGY2023 - Basic Geology

Department of Geography

GIS1002 - Basic Statistics

Department of Geography

GGY1003 - Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Department of Geography

Research Interests

Statistical analysis of geographical studies

Surface and Groundwater hydrological studies

Applications of Geoinformatics techniques for the analysis of natural hazards and disasters

Coastal geomorphology and coastal zone management studies


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