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Department of Sociology

Faculty of Arts - University of Peradeniya

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Prof. WASN Wijesinghe

Professor in Sociology

Ph D(Reading - Sweden), MA (Thailand), BA (Peradeniya)

  •    Department of Sociology
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Education

PhD (Reading)

University of Gothenburg

MA

Mahidol University

1996

BA

University of Peradeniya

1985

Current Positions

Professor in Sociology - University of Peradeniya

Visiting Lecturer - Post–Graduate Institute of Humanities and Social Science (PGIHS), University of Peradeniya

2015 - To Present

Positions Held

Visiting Lecturer - Department Higher Degree Programme, Faculty of Arts University of Peradeniya

2008 - 2015

Visiting Lecturer - Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya

2014 - 2015

Director - Social Development Affairs

2006 - 2015

Senior Lecturer - University of Peradeniya

1996

Lecturer in Sociology - University of Peradeniya

1989 - 1996

Assistant Lecturer - University of Peradeniya,

1985 - 1989

Memberships

Life Member - Association for Sri Lankan Sociologist, Dept. of Sociology, University of Colombo 3, Sri Lanka, 2015 onwards.

Life Member (LMF 161) - Indian Sociological Society, Institute of Social Sciences, 8 Nelson Mandela Road,Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India, Since 2000.

Life Member - Sociological Association of Sri Lanka, Dept. of Sociology, University of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.

Member - the Asia Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences in Health (APNET) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia, Since 1994.

Life Member - Alumni Association of University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka

Awards

SIDA/ SAREC Scholarship - Department of Peace and Development Research, School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Box 700, SE 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden

2003 - 2010

Contact Scholar - Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS), Leifsgade 33, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmak.

2004

Ford Foundation Scholarship - Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand.

1994 - 1996

The Pioneer Intercollegiate Sri Lanka Education (ISLE) Fellowship - Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 1992/93. Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine 04011, U.S.A.

University Scholarship - University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya

1980 - 1984

Publications

BOOKS

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2015) Young Volunteers and Peace in Sri Lanka , Colombo: Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Courage National Program, P75 (Unpublished).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2015) Youth Volunteerism and Social Reconciliation for Social Development, P XII+145, (Unpublished).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Reconciliation in Post-conflict Sri Lanka, Colombo: Department of Government printing, P iv + 55, ISBN 978-955-4889-03-3.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Investing today for tomorrow´s smiles, Colombo: Department of Government printing, P VI+42, ISBN 978-955-4889-04-0.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Sisudiriya (Sinhala & English booklet) Colombo: Department of Government printing, P 34, ISSN 2345-9891.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Sisudiriya (Sinhala & Tamil booklet) Colombo: Department of Government printing, P 34, ISSN 2345-9891

(2012) Empowerment, Leadership and Social Development Colombo: Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Empowerment National Program, P 100, (Unpublished), ISBN 978-955-4889-01-9

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2011) Author, the Attitudes of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk to Peace Proposals in Sri Lanka, Colombo: P34, (Forthcoming).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2010) Decentralization: Theory and Practice, Colombo:, P85, (Unpublished), ISBN 978-955-4889-02-6

CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (Co-author) the chapter on the legal system of Sri Lanka, the book entitled Trends in Legal Advocacy: Interviews with Leading Criminal Defense Lawyers and Prosecutors around the Globe, edited by Professors Jane Delahunty (Charles Sturt University, Australia) and Dilip Das (Coppin State University, United States). CRC Press & Taylor and Francis Group, and will be part of a series on Global Leaders in Criminal Justice.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (n.d.) (Co-author) the chapter on Mr. Yasantha Kodagoda, (Presidents Counsel), Additional Solicitor General, Attorney General's Department, Colombo the book entitled Trends in Legal Advocacy: Interviews with Leading Criminal Defense Lawyers and Prosecutors around the Globe, edited by Professors Jane Delahunty (Charles Sturt University, Australia) and Dilip Das (Coppin State University, United States). CRC Press & Taylor and Francis Group, and will be part of a series on Global Leaders in Criminal Justice.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2015) Buddhist Education in Sri Lanka, Eurasia Review.

http://www.eurasiareview.com/26052015-buddhist-education-in-sri-lanka-analysis/

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2014) Empowering Youth–Road to Reconciliation in Sri Lanka, Eurasia Review

http://www.eurasiareview.com/06012014-empowering-youth-road-reconciliation-sri-lanka-oped/

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Spurring reconciliation Sri Lanka facilitating social capital among youth networks peace, Eurasia Review

http://www.eurasiareview.com/30122013-spurring-reconciliation-sri-lanka-facilitating-social-capital-among-youth-networks-peace-analysis/

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) The Spring of Reconciliation in the Higher Education, Eurasia Review,

http://www.eurasiareview.com/13052013-sri-lanka-the-spring-of-reconciliation-in-higher-education-analysis/.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Reconciliation through Art and Dancing, Eurasia Review

http://www.eurasiareview.com/03052013-sri-lanka-reconciliation-through-art-and-dancing-analysis/.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Countering Extremism through Soft Power, Eurasia Review.

http://www.eurasiareview.com/30042013-countering-extremism-through-soft-power-analysis/.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (Co-author) (2010) Harmony within Diversity–Emergence of Peace and Development through Student Empowerment Society activities in Northern Sri Lanka, Colombo: Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Empowerment National Program, P17.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2010) Co-author, Leadership, Empowerment and Harmony for Social Development, Colombo: Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Empowerment National Program, P14

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2000/2001)‘Samaja Vimasuma’ 20th annual celebration and Indian lesions. Samaja Vimasuma, Publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Vol. 10, pp 1-8.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2000) Drug Addiction: Is it a Physical or Social Problem. Sri Premarathana Felicitation Volume, Dikkapitiya, Sri Lanka, 31-37.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1999) Bodhi Puja in Sri Lanka, Prabuddha: Rev. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Felicitation Volume, Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 221-226.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1999) The Sociological Significance of Proverbs in Sinhalese Society. Uvasara: Prof. Ananda Kulasooriya Felicitation Volume, Dept. of Sinhalese, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 168-173.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1992/93) Primary Health Care and Related Social Behavior: A Conceptual Analysis. Samaja Vimasuma, Publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, Vol. 8, pp 88-100.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. Customs of Sinhalese Society. Published in Hidden Information in Kandy Publication of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy. Sri Lanka, pp 98 - 103

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1991) The Socio-Economic factors relating to protection of Cattle. Published in Sambhasha, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Isurupaya, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, pp 148-151.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1990/91) An Introduction to Sociology & Social Anthropology. Published in Samaja Vimasuma, Publication of Dept. of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka. Vol. 7, pp 17-27.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (n.d.) The first Sri Lankan Professor of Sociology. Published in Ralph Pieris Felicitation Volume, publication of Dept. of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka. Vol. VI 1988/89, pp 60 - 68.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1987) Folk life in rural Sri Lanka, published in Pethikada. Editor - O.Chandana, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, pp 74 - 83

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1987) Buddhism & Ayurveda Medicine. Published in Samaja Vimasuma, publication of Dept. of Sociology, University of peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, Vol. v, pp 17 - 28

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (1986) Open Economic Policy and Peasant production, published in Samaja Vimasuma publication of Dept. of Sociology, University of peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Vol. iv , pp 114 - 133.Translated the above English article into Sinhala.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. The Role of Indigenous Medicine in Primary Health Care in Sri Lanka.Published in Ayurveda Sameeksha vol. v. Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. Traditional Practitioners in Primary Health Care in Sri Lanka, Term paper-SHSS 500 Health Sociology, Master´s Degree Program in Health Social Sciences, Dept. of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand pp 19,(Unpublished).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. Fertility decline and related socio-economic and cultural factors in Sri Lanka, Term paper-SHSS 679 Population and Health, Master´s Degree program in Health Social Sciences, Dept. of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand, pp 12, (Unpublished).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. The impact of indigenous medical beliefs on individual health behavior in Sri Lanka, Term paper- SHSS 595 Medical Anthropology, Master´s degree program in Health Social Sciences, Dept. of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand, pp 7(Unpublished).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. Primary Health Care and related social behavior : A sociological study of indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka, Term paper-SHSS 684 Social Research Methodology, Master´s degree program in Health Social Sciences, Dept. of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand pp 12,(Unpublished).

CONFERENCE PAPERS

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2015) Reconciliation through Arts and Dancing, SAARC Regional Seminar on Cultural Dynamics in National Harmony in South Asia, at Senate Room, Senate building, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, organized by SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka in collaboration with University of Peradeniya.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2015) Social Development through Social Capital Formation and Social relations, Sociology Day 2015 on ''Sociology for social Development and Reconstruction'' at New Arts Theater (NAT), University of Peradeniya, organized by Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya. Funded by University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Inter-religious and ethnic harmony in post-conflict Sri Lanka, Sri Lankaramaya, 30C, St Michael Road, Singapore 579786.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) The role of change agent in reconciliation in Sri Lanka, at the Kishore Mahbubani Library, WUC South East Asia, Singapore.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) Sri Lankan University Undergraduates as Change Agents in Post-conflict reconciliation, Rajarathnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2013) The role of inter-religious leaders and devotees in reconciliation in Sri Lanka, Harmony Centre at an Nahdhan, 9A Bishan Street, 14, Singapore 579786.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2011) The Vision and Mission of Sisu Diriya National Program. National Seminar on Peace, Harmony and Diversity 2011, NAT, University of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2008) The Attitudes of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks to Peace Proposals in Sri Lanka. PADRIGU DAY,SGS, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2008) Buddhist Monks as Community Leaders for Integral Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka, Assignment submitted for PhD Summer Course organized by the Swedish IIASA Committee at FORMAS, Stockholm, Sweden, 27-30.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2008) The role of Buddhist monks in Peace, Hettne´s Seminar and PADRIGU Week, School of Global Studies, Peace and Development Research, University of Gothenburg, SE 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2004) Buddhist Theory on Causality and Views on Peace and War, OGSAA work-shop on Religion, Power and Politics in Asia and Africa, The Centre for Asian Studies in Gothenburg, 27-28.

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2004) Social Aspect of Poverty in Northern-eastern Sri Lanka, International Seminar on “Global Challenges and Local Responses: Trends and Developments in Society and Sociology in Asia and Beyond”, 14-16 Organized by the Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore; the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore, the International Sociological Association (ISA), and the Department of Sociology, International Islamic University, Block AS7 (Shaw Foundation Building), Level 1, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore,5 Arts Link, Singapore 119241 ( The paper was accepted).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2004) Reconciliation: Building on Local Tradition and intercultural Dialogue, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS), Leifsgade 33, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark, (Funded by NIAS).

Wijesinghe, W. A. S. N. (2004) Buddhist Theory on Causality and Views on Peace and War, OGSAA work-shop on Religion, Power and Politics in Asia and Africa, The Centre for Asian Studies in Gothenburg, 27-28.

CHIEF EDITOR/EDITOR

Chief Editor, Social Affairs, Vol 1, No. 3, 2015, P 94 ISSN 2362-2889, http://socialaffairsjournal.com, Printed version, P V+75, (Forthcoming).

Chief Editor, Social Affairs (trilingual) affiliated Sinhala Language Journal; 'Samaja Sameeksha', Vol 1 No. 1 (P IV+95), 2015 and Tamil Language Journal; Samooga Chalaram Vol 1 No. 1, 2016, (Forthcoming).

Chief Editor, Social Affairs, Vol 1, No. 2, 2015, P 94 ISSN 2362-2889, http://socialaffairsjournal.com, Published Printed version, P V+85.

Chief Editor, Social Affairs, Vol 1, No. 1, 2014, P IV+93 ISSN 2362-2889, http://socialaffairsjournal.com, Published Printed version, P V+94.

Chief Editor of Sahajeevana Vol 1 No 1(P20), 2015. ISSN 2345-9859 Publication of World University Friends (WUF) and Harmony Centre Sri Lanka, No. 440/01/M, Bulugahawatta, Ihala Biyanvila, Kadawatha.

Chief Adviser of Nana Guna (Knowledge and Virtues) Vol 1 No 1(P20), 2009, Vol 1 No 2(P24), 2010, Vol 1 No 3(P24), 2011, Vol 1 No 4(P24), 2012. Publication of Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Empowerment (Nana Guna Weduma: Sisu Diriya Jathika Weda Satahana) Funded by Presidential Secretariat, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka with the collaboration of World University Friends (WUF), Rajarata Development Forum (RDF)Since 2009 Onwards.

MEMBER OF EDITORIAL BOARD

Editorial Committee, Conference Programme and Abstracts of Papers Presented on Socilogy Day 2015, annual theme on " Sociology for Social Development and Reconstruction", at New Arts Theater, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka. Funded by University of Peradeniya. VIII+24, 2015.

Editor, Panhidaka Arumaya, Colombo: Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Empowerment National Program, P224, 2011 (Unpublished).

Editor, Sarasavi Vimasuma, The annual publication of World University Friends (WUF), Colombo: P88, 2011 (Unpublished).

Editor, Who is this Mahinda ( Kauda Me Mahinda), Peradeniya: World University Friends (WUF), P50, 2005.

Editor, An Aspect of Mahinda Chinchanaya, Peradeniya: World University Friends (WUF), P150, 2005

Editor of Samaja Vimasuma, Publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, 2000/2001, viii + 187 pages.

Editor of Samaja Vimasuma, Publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, 1992/93, viii + 216 pages.

Editor of Samaja Vimasuma, publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka 1990/91, vii + 200 pages.

Editor of Ralph Pieris Felicitation Volume (Samaja Vimasuma), Publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka 1988/89 vi + 192 pages.

Editor of Samaja Vimasuma, publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400,1987, v + 142 pages.

Editor of Samaja Vimasuma, publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, 1986, 1v + 162 pages.

Editor of Samaja Vimasuma, Publication of Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka 1985, iii + 216 pages.

Conferences

The first national conference on reconciliation: the way forward for post-conflict Sri Lanka

The Lessons Learned from Enhancing Knowledge and Virtues: Student Empowerment National Program, Organized and funded by Laskhman Kadirgamr Institute of International Relation and Strategic Studies(LKIIRSS), 24th November 2011.

Lanka Conference on `Peace and Development

Social Activism, Political Socialization, Peace & Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka. Sri , 23-25 August 2009, Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

7th APSSAM Conference

The socio-cultural and personality explanation of the contribution of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks in war and peace, The Asia Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences in Health, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Philippines, Manila, Philippines , 21- 23 October 2008, (The paper was accepted).

18th European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies

Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Mental Health: A conceptual Analysis, Lund University, Sweden July 6- 9, 2004(The paper was accepted)

18th European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies

Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Mental Health: A conceptual Analysis, Lund University, Sweden July 6- 9, 2004(The paper was accepted).

Conference Internationella Kursgården

The Conflict, Related Parties and the Root Causes of Conflict in Afghanistan, PADRIGU-UPPSALA Joint, Uppsala University, Uppsala January 30, 2004.

The Potential Role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Regional Conflicts, SEACSN conference

Research and Education for Peace, School of Social Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia, 12-15 January, 2003.

Annual Research Conference

Buddhist views on conflicts, violence and conflict resolution, Annual Research Conference-2003, PADRIGU, Dept. of Peace and Development Research, University of Gothenburg, SE 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden, 27-28 November, 2003.

Annual conference 2003, Norwegian Association for Development Research (NFU)

Conflict related poverty in Northeastern Sri Lanka, FAFO Institute Applied Social Science, Funded by The Research Council of Norway (NFR)/The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Oslo, 23-24 October, 2003.

6th APSSAM Conference

Aspects of economy power, Status And their relationships to Breast Feeding Behavior in Sri Lanka. The Asia Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences in Health, Kunming Medical College, Kunming, China, 14- 18 October, 2002.

6th APSSAM Conference

Aspects of economy power, Status And their relationships to Breast Feeding Behavior in Sri Lanka. The Asia Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences in Health, Kunming Medical College, Kunming, China, 14- 18 October, 2002.

25th All Indian Sociological Conference,

High Risk Sexual Behavioural Patterns among Sex workers in Sri Lanka. Kerela University, Thiruvanathapuram, 29-31 December, 2000.

Annual Research Sessions-1993

A Sociological Study of Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka. Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.

Research Interests

Research interests include Medical Sociology, Reproductive Health, Peace and Conflict, Conflict and Post-Conflict Reconciliation, Religion and Conflict, Peace Building.