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Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa

CURRICULUM VITAE

Professor | Department of Sinhala Director | Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS)

University of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka Telephone: 011-2500431 (office) 0718381142 (mobile)

Email: directorccis@gmail.com | sandagomic@yahoo.com

PROFILE

With a First Class Honours degree in Sinhala language and literature, I started my academic career as a lecturer in Sinhala. With a postgraduate study in UK and in Sri Lanka I continued my interest in the field of Sinhala language studies. As a sociolinguist interested in sociology of language, my main research areas have been language policy planning, modern Sinhala usage and language and communication. I have taught Sinhala language, sociolinguistics and academic writing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I have authored ten books and a number of scholarly articles related to Sinhala language and communication. Apart from my main research areas, as the Director of the newly establsished Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) I have actively engaged in various research and other collaborative projects related to contemporary Indian studies.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth: 11th August 1969

Gender: Male

Nationality: Sri Lankan (Sinhalese)

Marital Status: Married (two children)

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS PhD Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Cambridge, UK Title of the Dissertation: The Politics of Language in Colonial Sri Lanka, c.1900-1948 MPhil Department of Sinhalese, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Titleof the Dissertation: úisjk ishjfia isxy, NdId jHjydrh( iudcjd.aúoHd;aul wOHhkhla (Sinhala Usage of the Twentieth

Century: A Sociolinguistic Study)

MA Department of Linguistics, Lancaster University, UK Title of the dissertation: “Language Policy and Planning in Sri Lanka: The Planning of Sinhala as an Official Language”.

BA Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

AWARDS, RESEARCH GRANTS AND ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS

Developing World Education Fund and Smuts Scholarship in Commonwealth

Studies: for doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, UK 2006 – 2009. (CambridgeCommonwealth Trust, University of Cambridge, UK)

Overseas Research Students Award: for doctoral studies,2006-2009 (Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme, Universities UK) Smuts Memorial Fund Award: Research Travel grants, 2007. (Smuts Memorial Fund, University of Cambridge, UK) NCAS Grant: Research grant for doctoral studies, 2007 – 2009 (National Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities & Social Sciences, Sri Lanka)

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Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholarship: Awarded to undertake MA in Language Studies at Lancaster University, UK, 2003-2004. (Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK) India- Sri Lanka Foundation Research Grant to compile an Etymological Dictionary of Dravidian Words in Sinhala (High Commission of India, Colombo) 2011-2013 University Research Grant: Awarded for the compilation of a Sinhala Thesarus (2015-University of Colombo) University Research Grant: Awarded for the compilation of a Biographical Dictionary of Modern Sinhala Writers (2010-University of Colombo) University Research Grant: Awarded for the compilation of a book entitled ‘Tamil Words in Sinhala’ (2001-University of Colombo) Prof. M.B. Ariyapala Award for Sinhala: Awarded for the best performance in Sinhala Special Degree in 1996 (University of Colombo)

Neil Bandaranaike Award for the Best Performance at the Final Year Examination in Arts Degree in 1996 (University of Colombo)

Neil Bandaranaike Award for the Best Performance at the Second Year

Examination in Arts 1993 (University of Colombo)

Mahapola Higher Education (Merit) Scholarship for the Best Performance at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination -1989: Awarded for undergraduate studies, at the University of Colombo (1992-1996)

Victoria Gold Medal for the Best All-Round Student of the College - 1990

(S. Thomas’ College, MountLavinia)

Annual school prizes for outstanding academic achievement

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Accreditation as a Teacher in Higher Education – Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) UK (2002)

Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE) –Staff Development Centre: University of Colombo (2002).

Graduate Development Program, University of Cambridge, UK

Courses attended:

How to develop Effective Communication Materials – Staff Development Course, University of Cambridge.

Writing for a Wider Audience – 25th

February 2009, Graduate Development Course, University of Cambridge.

Writing Skills Summer School - 12- 15th

August 2008, University of Cambridge.

TEACHING & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING

Professor - Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo ( Nov. 2013 – todate )

Senior Lecturer in Modern Sinhala and Sociolinguistics Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo (Feb. 2005 – Oct. 2013)

Teaching areas & course units:

SLG 1101 – Introduction to Language

FND 1212 – Sinhala Literary Tradition and Communication

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SLG 2134 – Introduction to Sociolinguistics

SLG 2216 – Modern Sinhala Usage

SLG 3159 – Language & Communication

SLG 3242 – Language, Society and Power

SLG 4197 – Principles of Academic Writing

Study Skills Lecture Series for First Year Arts Undergraduates – Orientation Programme (From 2009 – 2011)

Lecturer in Sinhala – Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo (From Nov.1999 – Jan. 2005)

Assistant Lecturer – Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo (1997-1999)

Assistant Lecturer – Journalism Unit, University of Colombo (1996-1997)

Visiting Lecturer – (Writership and Communication) Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA) (2009 to present)

Visiting Lecturer - Institute of Workers’ Education (IWE) University of Colombo (From 1997 to 2005)

Visiting Lecturer - Sri Palee Campus – Horana, University of Colombo (from 2002 2005)

Visiting Academic – The Open University of Sri Lanka (From 1997-1999)

Teaching Sinhala as a Foreign Language

Undergraduates, Wako University, Japan.

Two Chinese Visiting Scholars – China Radio International, Beijing

Visiting Chinese Students – Beijing Foreign Studies University, China

POSTGRADUATE TEACHING

Visiting Lecturer – MPhil/PhD Programme – Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) , University of Colombo (2009- 2014)

Visiting Lecturer – MA in Sinhala Programme – Department of Sinhala University of Colombo (2011 – to date)

Visiting Lecturer – Academic Writing Skills / MA in International Relations Program, University of Colombo (2009- 2013)

Visiting Lecturer – MA in Mass Media Program, Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo

MA/MPhil/PhD SUPERVISION/EVALUATION

Supervisor for Ms. I.J Mawella – MPhil/PhD Topic: ‘A Sociolinguistic & Social Psychological Study of Language Crossing between

Sinhala and English in the Urban population in Sri Lanka’ (2011-)

Supervisor for Ms. S. D.A. I Diwakara – PhD topic: ‘iso;aiÕrd l¾;Df.a NdIdie,iqïlrKh ms<sn`o wOHhkhla' ^2011-2015&

Co-supervisor for Mr. R.M.C. Ranasinghe – MPhil topic: ‘A study of ideological Identities on Movements in the Linguistic

Debates in Sri Lanka after 1956 (2011 -)

Examiner – MPhil/PhD Proposal Evaluation and Presentation, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo (2009 -)

Supervisor for MA in Sinhala (Taught) Dissertations – University of Colombo (2012 -2014)

DIPLOMA - LEVEL TEACHING

Visiting Lecturer – Diploma in Sinhala Program, University of Colombo (2012 – to present )

Visiting Lecturer – Diploma in Translation Program, Official Languages Department, Sri Lanka (From 2002 –2003)

Visiting Lecturer – Diploma in Journalism Program, University of Colombo (from 1998 to 2002)

Visiting Lecturer – Sri Lanka Press Council (2010-2013)

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Visiting Lecturer –Higher National Diploma in Journalism, Sri Lanka Foundation (SLFI)

Visiting Lecturer – Sinhala for Foreigners’ Course, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) (2011)

ORGANISATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE & OTHER DUTIES AS AN ACADEMIC

Director - Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) University of Colombo (Nov. 2011- Oct. 2013 & Jan. 2015 - )

Actg. Director - Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies ( Nov. 2013 – Dec. 2014)

Founder Co-ordinator – MA in Sinhala Program, University of Colombo (2011-todate)

Co-ordinator – Programme on Sinhala language and Culture for Two Chinese Scholars – conducted by the Department of

Sinhala (November 2009 – 2010)

Academic Warden – Kithyakara Men’s Hostel, University of Colombo (2011)

Student Counsellor (Permanent) – Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo (2010-2011).

Activity Co-ordinator - Social and Intercultural Harmony Program, IRQUE Project University of Colombo (2005 -2006)

Associate Course Coordinator – Diploma in Journalism Program (English Medium) University of Colombo (From 1999- 2004)

Member – Abstract Review Committee of Faculty of Arts International Conference 2014, Faculty of Arts, University of

Colombo.

Member – Organizing Committee ‘The Commonwealth of the Future: A Visionary and Bold Leadership from Sri Lanka’ organized

by the UGC, 26th

Nov. 2013

Member – Academic Committee, Staff Development Centre, University of Colombo (2011-)

Member – Board of Study in Labour Education, Institute of Workers’ Education, University of Colombo (2005 - 2006)

Member Steering Committee - Diploma in Journalism Program, University of Colombo (1998 to 2006)

Member - Internal Quality Assurance Committee of the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo (2011)

Faculty Representative – Academic Committee, Staff Development Centre, University of Colombo (2012)

Student Counsellor (Temporary) – Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo (From 1999-2002 & 2005).

Senior Treasurer – Sinhala Society, University of Colombo (From 1999 to 2005)

Senior Treasurer – Faculty of Arts Students’ Union, University of Colombo (2005).

Assistant Secretary – Arts Faculty Teachers’ Association (AFTA) (2010-2011)

Assistant Secretary – Faculty Centre, University of Colombo (2010-2011)

Member – Faculty of Arts, Web Team-University of Colombo (Created the Department of Sinhala web-site)

Member – Library Committee, Institute of Workers’ Education, University of Colombo (2001-2003)

Member – Rabindranath Tagore 150th

Birth Anniversary Celebration Committee, University of Colombo, High Commission of

India & Indian Cultural Centre (2011)

Member – Organizing Committee of the Faculty of Arts Research Symposium (2010)

CONSULTANCIES (National/Internatioanl Level)

Examiner Responsible for Sinhalese – International Baccalaureate Organization (UK) Limited (2015-) Member - Scientific Committee of HETC Symposium 2014 – HETC Project, Ministry of Higher Education. Member – Editorial Board for the Compilation of Official Language Proficiency Textbooks for Public Servants – Department of Official Languages (2014) Member – Glossary Committe on Social Work - National Institute of Social Development (2014)

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Member – Advisory Board - Compilation of a Sinhala Usage Manual for Educational Publications Department (2013) Member – Glossary Committee on Linguistics – Official Languages Department (2010 - ) Editorial Consultant – IRQUE Newsletter (IRQUE NEWS) Improving Relevance and Quality of Undergraduate Education (IRQUE) Project, Ministry of Education (2005-2006 Mar.) Chief Examiner (Sinhala) – G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination – 2011 -2014 (Department of Examinations) Consultant – Tri lingual Dictionary Project - Official Languages Department (2005-2006 March)

Member – Review Expert Group for Language Interface Pack (LIP) for Windows 7 and Office 2010 – ICT Agency of Sri Lanka

(2010)

Member –Local Language Requirements Working Group – ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (2005 - to present)

Member - Advisory Boardon Children’s Programme of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) (2011 -)

Member – Editorial Board New Edition of Malalasekara English-Sinhala Dictionary, Project conducted by the M.D. Gunasena

Ltd. Colombo (2011 -2012)

Member - Editorial Board of ‘Samskruti’ journal – Samskruti Prakasana (2010-2011).

Manuscript Reviewer – Sri Lanka National Library Services and Documentation Centre, Colombo (2005- )

Member- Language Planning & Development Committee – Official Languages Department (2003)

Member- Advisory Council for Diploma in Translation- Official Languages Department, Sri Lanka (2003)

Member – Glossary Committee for Media Terms, Journalism Unit, University of Colombo (2003)

Member – Amavatura Edition Project (in collaboration with Pracina Bhashopakara Samitiya & Department of Sinhala,

University of Colombo) (2003-2004).

Member – Sinhala Literary Panel - Department of Cultural Affairs (2001)

External Reviewer – National Science Foundation (NSF), Research Projects on Social Sciences (2002).

Member – Curriculum Committee, Western Campus of University of Colombo (presently Sri Pali Campus) (1997)

Resource Person for Department of Official Languages – Workshop on Corporate Plan for 2012 (2011-12-17)

Resource Person for Sri Lanka Press Council for the compilation of a brochure on Sinhala Journalists for the Deyata Kirula

National Exhibition – 2011.

Resource Person for Sri Lanka Foundation (SLFI) – Strengthening the Research Arm of the SLFI, 2011

Resource Person for Educational Publications Department – Session on Improving the Quality of Sinhala Text books, 22-25th

February 2011

Resource Person – Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) (2012 -2013)

PUBLICATIONS Books authored

1. isxy, ikaê wldrdosh - (A Dictionary of Sinhala Sandhi ) Colombo: Godage , 2014.

2. isxy, mqj;am;a l,dfõ mqfrda.dñfhda( ( Pioneers of Sinhala Journalism) Colombo: Godage 2012, 256p.

3. ud¾áka úl%uisxy mqj;a l,d fufyjr ( Martin Wickremasinghe’s Role in Journalism) Rajagiriya: Sarasa, 2012, 92p.

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4. úis jk ishjfia isxy, NdId jHjydrh( iudcjd.aúoHd;aul wOHhkhla (Sinhala Usage of the Twentieth

Century: a sociolinguistic study) Colombo: S. Godage, 2010, 430pp.

5. NdId u;jdod;aul ,sms ( Language Ideological Essays ) Colombo: Godage, 2008, 136 pp.

6. Ydia;S%h f,aLkhl uQ,dY%h oelajSfus úêl%u (Methods of Citing sources in Academic Writing- Principles of Academic

Writing -1)Colombo: Godage, 2006, 55pp.

7. isxy, NdIdfj fou< jpk wldrdosh (A Dictionary of Tamil Words in Sinhala) with S. Arunachalam, 2002, Colombo:

Godage, 2002, 96pp.

8. isxy, wCIr jskHdi wldrdosh (A Dictionary of Sinhala Spelling) First edition, Colombo: Godage, 2000, 96pp.

Second edition – 2006; Third edition -2010.

9. NdIdkqrd.fha foaYmd,kh (The Politics of Language Loyalty) Colombo: Godage. 1999, 266pp.

10. isxy, mqj;am;a l,dfjs uE; b;sydih (A Recent History of Sinhala Press) Colombo: Godage, 1997, 52pp. Second

Edition 2012.

Edited Volumes

1. Anagarika Dharmapala and India – Sri Lanka Relations Colombo: Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies. 2015

2. One Hundred Years of Gitanjali, 1913-2013 Colombo: Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies. 2015, p. 113.

3. Remembering Rabindranath Tagore – 150th Birth Anniversary Commemorative Volume Colombo: University of

Colombo & Indian High Commission, 2011. 133pp.

4. ixialD;s (Samskruti ) 22 (2) 2011 November, pp. 112

Co-edited Journals

1. Co-editor idri ( Sārasa ) Journal of the Sinhala Society – University of Colombo) Colombo: Godage, 2001, 184pp.

2. Co-editor idys;Hh ( Sāhitya ) Journal of the State Literary Festival – 2001) Colombo: Department of Cultural Affairs,

2001, 290pp.

Monographs

NdIdj yd ikaksfõokh: iudcjd.aúoHd;aul úu¾Ykhla (Language and Communication: a sociolinguistic survey)

Colombo: Sri Lanka Press Council, 2011. 86p.

The Media and the Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka (co-authored with Prof. T. Kandiah and others) Colombo: Mārga Institute, 2001.

Chapters in Books

1. ‘‘Tagore’s Reception in Sri Lanka’ in Uma Das Gupta, Imre Bangha, & Martin Kampchen (eds) Rabindranath Tagore:

One Hundred Years of Global Reception 1913-2013 New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2014, pp.

2. ‘The Language Planning Situation in Sri Lanka’ in Robert B. Kaplan and Richard B. Baldauf Jr. (eds.) Language Planning

in the Asia Pacific : Hong Kong, Timor-Leste and Sri Lanka Oxon: Routledge, 2011, pp. 160-241.

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3. ‘Changing Trends in the Sinhala Media Scene’ (co-authored with Prof. J.B. Disanayaka) in G.H. Pieris (ed.) Studies on the

Press in Sri Lanka Kandy: International Centre for Ethnic Studies, 1998. pp. 167-179.

Refereed Articles/ Book Reviews in International Journals

1. Purifying the Sinhala Language: The Hela Movement of Munidasa Cumaratunga (1930s-1940s) Modern Asian Studies

July 2012, vol. 46 (4) pp.857-891.

2. ‘The Language Planning Situation in Sri Lanka’ Current Issues in Language Planning (Routledge Journal) Vol. 10, No. 1,

2009, pp. 69-150.

3. Book Review of Nira Wickremasinghe’s Sri Lanka in the Modern Age: Contested Identities, in Millennium December 2008.

pp. 514-515.

Refereed Articles in Sri Lankan Journals

1. ‘Sinhala Only Policy Revisited: Pre-independence Discourses on Official Language University of Colombo Review New

Series Vol.2 (2) pp.1-25.

2. ‘Colonialism and Problems of Language Policy: Formulation of a Colonial Language Policy in Sri Lanka’ Journal of

Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences Vol. I (1) 2011 pp. 1-52

3. ‘Linguistic Identity and Growth of Sinhala Language Consciousness: Indo-Aryan vs Dravidian Debate’ Journal of the

Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka New Series Vol. LV, 2009, pp. 53-76.

4. ‘Language Contact and Linguistic Area: Sinhala- Tamil Contact Situation’ The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri

Lanka Vol. 53, 2007, pp.133-152.

5. isxy, wldrdos ms<sfj< ms<sn| jsuiqula (A Review of the Sinhala Alphabetical Order) IWE Journal 2001, Institute of

Workers’ Education, University of Colombo pp. 28 – 39.

6. isxy, h;=re,shkfha b;sydih ( History of the Sinhala Typewriter) IWE Journal Vol.1 (1) 1999, Institute of Workers’

Education University of Colombo, pp. 63-68.

Non-refereed Articles/Chapters

1. ‘Tagore’s Visits to Sri Lanka’ in Radha Chakravarty (ed.) Tagore and Sri Lanka Colombo: Indian Cultural Centre, 2013,

pp. 29-38.

2. isxy, mqj;am;a l,dfõ ud¾áka úl%uisxy N+ñldj' ixialD;s 22 (2) 2011, pp. 112

3. ‘A Bibliography of Rabindranath Tagore’s Works in Sinhala’ (co-authored with Buddhini Ramanayaka) in: Sandagomi

Coperahewa (ed.) Remembering Rabindranath Tagore Colombo: University of Colombo & Indian High Commission,

2011.pp. 128-131.

4. isxy, NdId úIhl iudcjd.aúoHd;aul wOHhk iy uydpd¾h fla' tka' ´' O¾uodi (Sociolinguistic Studies

of Sinhala and Professor K.N.O. Dharmadasa) in: P.L. Nugapitiya and M. Ratnayaka (eds) Paenasara: Professor K.N.O

Dharmadasa Felicitation Volume Colombo: Godage, 2010. pp.582-600

5. isxy, NdId úIhl ckiïu;jdoh yd isß .=kisxy' ixialD;s 21^1& 2010 wf.daia;=" 44-56

6. uqksodi l=udr;=x. ( mdi,a lshùï fmd;a rpkh" ixialD;s 19 ^1&" 36-45( ixialD;s 19 ^2&" 22- 30'

7. ksrjoH;dj yd NdId Í;s ks¾foaYlrKh: isxy, NdIdj wdY%s; wOHhkhla (Concept of Correctness and

Linguistic Prescriptivism: a study of the Sinhala Language) in: Nugapitiya, Lakshman. Disanayaka, Mangala and Mahinda

Ratnayaka (eds.) Paehesara: Prof. P.B. Meegaskumbura Felicitation Volume pp. 521- 538. Colombo: S. Godage. 2008.

8. NdId iusu;lrKh : isxy, NdIdj wdYs; jsuiqula (Language Standardization) in: Prof. Kusuma Karunaratne

Felicitation Volume pp. 2007.

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9. isxy, f,aLk rS;sh ffY,sh yd mqj;am;a l,dj (Sinhala Written Usage, Style and Newspapers) in: Amerasinghe,

J. (ed.) Ariya Rajakaruna Felicitation Volume, 237- 265 , Godage: Colombo , 2004.

10. NdIdOHhk b;sydih yd kQ;k jd.a jsoHdj ( History of the Language Study and Modern Linguistics) Sarasa -

Journal of the Sinhala Society of University of Colombo , 25-41 , Godage: Colombo 2001.

11. ‘Language Planning and Munidasa Cumaratunga’ In: Wijemanna, P. (ed.) Uvasara: A Collection of Papers in Honour of

Prof. Aānada Kulasūriya. pp. 483-489, Colombo: Godage, 1999.

12. NdId ie,iqïlrKh (Language Planning) Ven. Kalukondayave Sri Pragnnasekera Birth Centenary Commemorative

Volume , Kotte , 112-119 , 1996.

13. isxy, kdgH l,dfõ foaYSh Í;sh fiùu yd ukfï' ixia l=,;s,l l=udrisxy iy rxckS wurisxy ukfï

kdgH úu¾Yk" le,Ksh YS,d m%skaáka j¾laia" 31-37 "1997

14. Contribution of Articles on Sinhala language matters to the literary and classical supplement of the ‘Silumina’ - a Sunday

Sinhala Newspaper.

Research in Progress/Publications in preparation

Compilation of a Sinhala Thesarus ( A Dictionary of Sinhala Synonyms) (funded by a University of Colombo Research Grant

2015).

Research Project on compilation of an Etymological Dictionary of Dravidian Words in Sinhala (funded by the India-Sri Lanka

Foundation 2012-13).

isxy, f,aLl jxYh - A Biographical Dictionary of Modern Sinhala Writers (funded by University of Colombo Research

Grant 2010-2011)

Ydia;%Sh f,aLk l%shdj,sh ( A Text book on Academic Writing Process )

Debates on the Official Languages of Sri Lanka – a collection of speeches at the National Legislature, 1944-1966.

Seminars, Workshops, Conferences and Guest Lectures

Presented a paper on ‘ Origin of Sinhala and Kalinga – Lanka Linguistic Affinities’ International Seminar on Kalinga-

Lanka: Reviving Old Linkages and Exploring New Opoortunities 6-7th

November 2015, Utkal University,

Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Presented a paper on ‘Martin Wickremasinghe’s Contribution to Sinhala Jouranlsim’ 125th

Birth Anniversary Seminar

on Martin Wickremasinghe, organized by the Martin Wickremasinghe Trust. Department of Natioanl Archives,

Colombo, 29th

May 2015.

Presented a Paper on ‘W. A. Silva: Newspapers and Periodicles’ 125th

Birth Anniversary Seminar on W.A.Silva

organized by the Department of Sinhala & W.A.Silva Foundation, University of Colombo, 10th

February 2015.

Presented a Paper on ‘Beyond Silk: Languages along the Silk Road’ Seminar on 21st

Century Maritime Silk Road

organized by Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies, 7th

November 2014.

Moderator – Symposium on ‘Anagarika Dharmapala and India – Sri Lanka Relations’ organized by the Centre for

Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS), University of Colombo, 24th

Sep. 2014.

Resource Person – Soft Skills Workshop for Undergraduates, HETC Project, 13th

Sept. 2014.

Panelist – ‘ Reflection, Research and Innovation: New Horizons in English Language Studies Research’ Symposium

on English Language Studies, organized by ELTU, University of Colombo, 11th

July 2014.

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Presented a paper on ‘ Rabindranath Tagore and Sri Lankan Personalities’ International Conference on “

Interactions: Tagore and Global/Local Personalities” organized by Rabindra Bhavana , Visva Bharati, Santiniketan,

India, 21 -24th

March 2014

Presented a paper on ‘G. B. Senanayake’s Vision on Sinhala Language’ G.B. Senanayake Birth Centenary Symposium

organized by the Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo, 15th

July 2013.

Presented a paper on ‘Role of Linguistic Culture in Reconciliation’ National Conference on the Role of Arts and

Culture in Reconciliation organized by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic

Studies, Colombo 16th

May 2013.

Presented a Paper on ‘Language Question in Colonial Sri Lanka: Revisiting Coomaraswamy’s ideas’ Ananda

Coomaraswamy: Memorial Conference on Asian Art & Culture organized by Centre for Asian Studies, University of

Kelaniya. 8-9th

September 2012.

Presented a Paper titled ‘ Tagore’s Visits to Sri Lanka: Revisited’ One Day Seminar on Tagore and Sri Lanka organized

by the Indian Cultural Centre, Colombo, 12th

June 2012.

Panelist – Panel on Martin Wickremasinghe: His Life and Legacy - Galle Literary Festival 2012-01-19

Presented a paper titled ‘ Tagore in Sri Lanka: Travels, Translations & Impact’ International Conference on Life and

Legacy of Rabindranath Tagore – organized by the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, 9-10 November 2011 Melia Hotel,

Hanoi, Vietnam.

Presentation on ‘How to Complete your PhD’ Workshop on Doing Research for Advancement of Knowledge

organized by the NCAS, Colombo 28th

October 2011

Presented a paper titled ‘Linguistic tolerance and diversity: A Study of Tamil Words in Sinhala’ 9th

International

Language and Development Conference 17-19th

October, Hotel Galadari Colombo

Presented a Research Paper titled ‘Gandhi and Lanka: Some Thoughts on the Language Issue’ - Sri Lanka at the Cross

Roads of History conference organized by the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

(CRASSH) University of Cambridge, UK 3-4th

June 2011.

Presented paper titled ‘Role of Martin Wickremasinghe in Sinhala Journalism’ Martin Wickremasinghe - 121st

Birth

Anniversary Symposium jointly organized by the Martin Wickremasinghe Trust and the Department of Sinhala,

University of Colombo. 26th

May 2011.

Chairperson – 4th

Annual Research Conference of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka (RASL), 25-26th

March 2011.

Presentation on ‘Sinhala- Tamil Language Contact Situation’ at the Launching of A Dictionary of Tamil Words in

Sinhala co-authored by Sandagomi Coperahewa & Sarojini Arunachalam ) University of Jaffna, 16th

March 2011.

Presentation on ‘ Selection of a Possible Research Topic’ - Research Essay Workshop, MA in International Relations,

University of Colombo, Senate Hall, 6th

Feb. 2011.

Presentation on ‘How to Effectively complete your PhD’ , workshop organized by the NCAS , Colombo, 2010-10-8

Chairperson, Workshop on ‘Historical Methods’ organized by the American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies’, 19-20th

Aug. 20101. Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.

Paper Presented for Symposium on ‘Languaging in Sri Lanka: Varieties, Policies and Practices’ organized by the

Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, 8th

January 2010, Renuka Hotel, Colombo. Title: Medium of Instruction Policies

and the Question of Bilingualism, 1900-1948

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Presented a Paper titled ‘Sinhala-only Policy Revisited’ to Workshop on Perspectives on Sri Lanka's Historiography’

organized by American Institute of Lankan Studies (AILS) September 10-11, 2009. Galle Face Hotel. Colombo.

Paper presented for Annual Research Sessions, Faculty of Arts, 2009, University of Colombo. Title: Colonialism and

problems of Language Policy: the Formulation of a Colonial Language Policy in Sri Lanka.

Paper presented for Workshop on Colonial Cultures, University of Warwick, UK, 1st

July 2008. Colonialism and

Language in Sri Lanka.

Cumaratunga Munidasa Memorial Lecture – 2nd

March 2008, organized by the Hela Havula, Colombo.

Paper presented for World History Workshop Faculty of History, University of Cambridge, 12th May 2007. Title:

“History of Language and Politics of Linguistic Identity: The Indo-Aryan and Dravidian Debate in Sri Lanka”.

Participated - Workshop for Senior Treasures of University Societies conducted by the Staff Development Centre

(SDC), University of Colombo, 8th

December 2005. Colombo: SDC.

Paper presented for The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka, Monthly Lecture, 31st

October 2005. Title: “Language

Contact and Linguistic Area: Sinhala – Tamil Contact Situation”

Participant – Workshop on “Reconceptualizing Humanities and Social Science Education for National Productivity”,

28 – 29th

October 2005, Le Kandyan Hotel, Kandy – organized by the IRQUE Project.

Presentation on IRQUE work - Workshop on Greater Employability of Arts Graduates, 26th

October 2005, BMICH –

organized by the IRQUE Project, Ministry of Education.

Presenter – Seminar on “Understanding Culture: Towards Peace in Sri Lanka” 24th February 2005, Sri Lanka

Foundation Institute: Colombo.

Participant – Second Postgraduate Conference in Language Research, 19th March 2004, University of Cambridge, UK.

Presented a paper for the Annual Research Sessions, Faculty of Arts, 2003, University of Colombo. Title: “Language

Contact and Areal Correlations: A Study of Tamil Words in Sinhala”.

Professional Memberships & Societies

Member - The Consortium for Language Policy and Planning (University of Pennsylvania, USA - an unincorporated

association of a number of research universities, advocacy bodies, and other scholars interested in issues of language

policy and planning).

Life Member – The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka

Skills & Interests

Languages – Sinhala (native), fluent English (second language), learning Tamil

IT - Regular use of Word, PowerPoint, email and web familiarity

Travelling to archaeological sites and photography.

Refrees

1. Dr. Sujit Sivasundaram – Reader in World History, Facuty of History, University of Cambridge, sps20@cam.ac.uk

2. Emiritus Professor K.N.O. Dharmadasa – University of Peradeniaya, Sri Lnaka, dharmadasakno@gmail.com

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Publications by Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa

Department of Sinhala | University of Colombo

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