Ms. Chandima Jayasena

Sri Lanka School of Social Work – Lecturer (Grade II)

Mobile: +94 7845850355

Email: chandimaij@yahoo.com

As a passionate feminist sociologist and dedicated professional social worker, I am deeply committed to engaging with and advocating for women’s issues across multiple domains including politics, cultural contexts, disability, sexuality, and environmental issues. In my practice, I uphold the principles of individual worth and dignity, freedom, and rights, value religious pluralism, celebrate cultural diversity, and work sincerely to build a society that is inclusive of all marginalized communities.

My interests extend beyond the confines of the classroom as my interest in systematic knowledge exploration, teaching, and writing. I embrace a student-centered approach to teaching, fostering dialogue and discussion to empower my students’ learning experiences. In my pursuit of knowledge and understanding, I am driven to travel to different parts of the world, where I conduct research in the aforementioned fields and try to integrate them with my academic endeavors.

 

Central to my mission is a commitment to finding solutions to differences and sharing knowledge among people at different levels. Through my research and writing, I seek to amplify marginalized voices and spark meaningful conversations about social issues. I use my active presence on social media platforms as a powerful social work tool to raise awareness and foster community engagement.

Moreover, I am keen to contribute to the advancement of social work education in Sri Lanka through my international social work experience. Using my insights and expertise, I aim to improve the curriculum and empower future generations of social workers to make a positive difference in their communities.

Educational Qualifications

  • MA Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of Delhi, India. (2012-2014) with 1st division.
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Sociology, Honour upper division, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2001-2006

Positions Held

  • Coordinator, Women Empowerment Diploma 2021/2022. National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka
  • Coordinator, BSW Degree Programme in Social Work 2019/2020, National Institute of Social  Development, Sri Lanka, for a period of four year with effect from 1st October 2019.
  • Psychological Counselor, Student’s counselling unit attached to Faculty of Social Sciences and  Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka with effect from 23.01.2012 up to one year period.
  • Psychological Counselor, Student’s counselling unit attached to Faculty of Social Sciences and  Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka with effect from 01.01.2010 up to 01.01.2011. 21
  • Student Counselor, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, for the academic Year  2008/2009, for a period of one year with effect from 15th October, 2009 up to 14th October, 2010.
  • Student Counselor, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, for the academic Year  2008/2009, for a period of one year with effect from 06th December, 2010
  • A Member of the Curriculum Revision Committee, 2009 course units of SOC 314-Social Work,  SOC 323-Sociology of Work and Work organization, Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages,  Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
  • Coordinator, Diploma in Social Development and Welfare, External Degree Programmes and  Extended Services Unit (EDPESU), Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, for a period of  one year with effect from 15th January, 2010 up to 14th June, 2012.
  • Working as an Academic Sub Warden, Bullers Lane Ladies Hostel, University of Colombo, Sri  Lanka, from 1st January to 2nd May, 2007

Book Chapters

  • Jayasena, C. (2014). Gender and Politics. (In Sinhala). In S. Hadaragama (Ed.), Political Sociology – 2. Batharamulla: Sameera Publisher.
  • Thakur, A., & Jayasena, C. (2017). The Exclusion Experiences of Visually Impaired Female Students in the Indian Higher Education System. In M. Adusumalli & M. Anand (Eds.), Gender and Social Work: Positions and Practices. New Delhi, India: Regal Publications.

Journal Articles

  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Theri Gatha and Women’s Emancipation. (In Sinhala). In R. Dhammika, M. Panyaloka, & K. Dhammatilake (Eds.), Abhichara Ven.Daulena Ganissara Felicitation Volume. Meeghoda Viharastana Dayaka Sabhawa.
  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Relationship between Traditional Women and Human Environment. (In Sinhala). In D. Somasundara, D. Dayanandha, & S. Shantha (Eds.), Indigenous and Sri Lankan Heritages. Studies of Indigenous Centre, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Is Ignoring the Gender Issues Beneficial for Sustainable Development? A Sociological Study. (In Sinhala). In S. Shantha M. & H. Madhana Bandara (Eds.), Problems and Prospects of Economic Development in the 21st Century: Dayanandha Somasundara Felicitation Volume. S. Godage and Brothers.
  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Human Development in Post-War Situation. (In Sinhala). In I. Abeysekara (Ed.), Praja Shakthi. Rural Development Research Centre, Colombo.
  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Should Working Women Have All Responsibilities in the Family? (In Sinhala). Kantha Saviya. Ministry of Women and Child Development, Colombo.
  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Women Development: A Theoretical Analysis. (In Sinhala). Nivedani. Women Education Research Centre, Colombo.
  • Jayasena, C. (2013). Feminism. Sabaragamuwa Sinhala Journal. Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
  • Hadaragama, S., Jayasena, C., & Wijerathne, C. (2016). Changing Rituals and Beliefs in Urban Community: Sociological Analysis. (In Sinhala). In K. Kumarasingha & A. Wijerathena (Eds.), Godage Publishers.
  • Jayasena, C. (2016). The Concept of Goffman’s Total Institution and Institutional Care of Homes for Older People in Sri Lanka. (In Sinhala). Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work. Social Development Policy, Research and Publications Division, NISD, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C. (2017). Challenges Faced by Visually Impaired Female Students Making Social Relationships. Samaja Sanhitha Journal. National Institute of Social Development, Nawala.
  • Jayasena, C. (2018). Discrimination: Based on the Experience of Visually Impaired Female Students at the University of Delhi. Nivedani: Reviewed Journal of Gender, Women Education and Research Center, Colombo-06.
  • Jayasena, C., Gunarathne, I., & Silva, H. (2021). Youth Development in Sri Lanka. (In Sinhala). Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work. Social Development Policy, Research and Publications Division, NISD, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C. (2022). Social Work Tools Emerging from Stories: An Investigation of the Story of Isabella the Stuttering Princess. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work. Social Development Policy, Research and Publications Division, NISD, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., & Thakur, A. (2023). Navigating Diversity: Enhancing Social Work Practice through an In-Depth Understanding of Disability (pp. 1-10). E-Journal of Social Work. Social Development Policy, Research and Publications Division, NISD, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., & Gunarathne, I. (2023). Interventions to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge among University Students with Disabilities in Sri Lanka: A Social Work Approach (pp. 25-46). Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work. Social Development Policy, Research and Publications Division, NISD, Sri Lanka

Abstract

  • Jayasena, C. (2007). HIV/AIDS based on industrial zones by assessing their Knowledge Attitudes, Practices, and Behaviors in Industrial Promotion Zones (with special reference to Biyagama and Koggala). Sexual health workshop. Family Planning Association, Colombo-07. Jayasena, C. (2009). Female Labour Migration to Middle East Countries and its Impact on Children. Academic Workshop: Migration, Vulnerability, and Security. SPARC, University of Colombo.
  • Jayasena, C. (2010). Caring of the aged in Sri Lanka- a gender perspective. 12th International Conference on Sri Lanka Studies. The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka and The Open University of Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., & Wickramaseka, D. (2010). Hidden Factors of Drug Use and Addiction in Sri Lanka: A Sociological Study. Annual Symposium 2010. General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.
  • Samarakoon, S., & Jayasena, C. (2011). Women rights protection in Sri Lanka: case studies analysis. The First International Conference on Psychology & Allied Professions Sri Lanka (ICPAPSL). Hotel Galadari, Colombo.
  • Samarakoon, S., & Jayasena, C. (2011). Imbalance link between development and protection of Human rights in the global South. 9th Annual Research Session in Eastern University. Faculty of Arts and Culture, Eastern University.
  • Hadaragama, S., & Jayasena, C. (2012). Changes in the Religious Beliefs among the Urban Populace: A Socio-Anthropological Study. 5th Research Conference. The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka, Colombo 07.
  • Jayasena, C., Samarakoon, W., & Pradeep, H. (2012). Women’s rights violation in Sri Lanka: Human Rights approach. South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Jayasena, C., Chandrasekera, S., Samarakoon, W., Pradeep, H., & Thambiraja, V. (2012). Nation-building is Dilemma in Sri Lanka after the war—University of Jaffna.
  • Pradeep, H., & Jayasena, C. (2012). Decentralization power and Its Impact on Regional Development in Sri Lanka: A study based on Southern Provincial Council. Pandith G.P. Wickkramarachchi Memorial International Symposium. BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Samarakoon, A., Priyantha, R., & Jayasena, C. (2016). UNCARING BUT ‘BENEVOLENT’: STATE GUARDIANSHIP OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM IN POST-WAR SRI LANKA. HUMANITIES AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (ICHSS).
  • Jayasena, C., Samarakoon, A., & Siriwardena, P. (2017). The Paradox of micro-credit to empower women in Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka. National Conference on Social Work for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development, National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., Gunarathne, I., & Thakur, A. (2021). A Study on Coping Mechanisms of Students with Visual Impairments to Online Education in Public Universities in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the conference on Access to and through Education, Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) of the University of Kelaniya.
  • Gunarathne, I., Jayasena, C., & Silva, H. (2021). A Study on Feasibility Usage of Learning Management Systems among Social Work Students in Sri Lanka. 2nd International Online Conference, Pedagogical efficacy in Global Context, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., & Gunarathne, I. (2022). Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Issues: The Case of University Students With Disabilities in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Alternative Social Work Practices during the Covid-19, National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., Thakur, A., & Gunarathne, I. (2023). The Gendered Experiences of Marriage Among Women with Disabilities in Sri Lanka. A two-day Virtual international conference on Gender Perspectives and Representations: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges, VIT-AP School of Social Sciences & Humanities, India.
  • Jayasena, C., Thakur, A., & Gunarathne, I. (2023). An Exploratory Study of Perceptions of SRH Education Among Female University SWDs: Student Perspectives. International Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education, 9th Ruhuna University International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., & Hadapangoda, R. (2023). DARKER NIGHTS IN THE DUSKY TUNNEL: CHALLENGES TO INDEPENDENT LIVING TOWARDS WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN SRI LANKA. International Research Conference on Gender Studies-2023, Gender Equity and Equality Center, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
  • Rathnasekara, R., & Jayasena, C. (2023). Enhancing HIV/AIDS and Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Among Visually Impaired Women: Social Work Interventions. In International Research Conference on Gender Studies-2023 “Towards a Society of Equal Opportunity” (Online). Gender Equity and Equality Center, Equal Opportunity Cell, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
  • Jayasena, C., & Kasunpriya, T. (2023). Fostering Inter-ethnic Understanding through the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Practice of Visiting Relatives in Sri Lankan Preschools. In Uncovering the Perspectives and Skills of Social Work Practices in the Sri Lankan Context. The National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers, Asian Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW), Shukutoku University, Japan.
  • Jayasena, C., & Thakur, A. (2023). Resilience in Higher Education: Analyzing Academic Constraints and Coping Mechanisms among Visually Impaired Students in Sri Lankan Universities of Higher Learning. In XI INDIAN SOCIAL WORK CONGRESS 2023. Department of Social Work, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, and NAPSWI in Collaboration with UNFPA,India.
  • Jayasena, C. (2023). Breaking Barriers: A Social-Cultural Analysis of Women’s Sexuality in Sri Lanka with a Focus on Women with Disabilities. In National Conference on Social Work Research: Methodologies of the Peripheralized. Mumbai organized by The School of Social Work Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India.

Editorial work

  • As a reviewer for a research paper in the Sri Lankan Journal of Economics, Statistics, and Information Management titled, “Your Men in Our Prisons, Your Women on our Laps”, : Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in the Syrian Arab Republic,  (2021)Sri Lankan Journal of Economics, Statistics and Information Management (SLJESIM) is an officially referred Journal triannual published research papers and scholarly work by the Department of Economics and Statistics, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
  • As a reviewer for a research paper on “The utility of women’s politics” (2021) Sociological Journal of Prathiman, Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya
  • Sub-editor, (2021) THREADS the Newsletter of the Sociology Alumina Association, University of Colombo

Awards/Scholarships/Medals/Prizes

  • Awarded for Indian Commonwealth PhD Scheme in Social Work, Intake in 2022/2023, Offered by Indian High Commission, Sri Lanka (2023-2028)
  • One of the Best teaching portfolios, Staff Development Cycle -22, 2020, Staff Development Center, University of Kalaniya, Sri Lanka
  • Introduction Social Work Course, Faculty of Social Work, Ljubljana University, Slovenia. (2006 November to December), Slovenia
  • MA Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of Delhi, India (2012-2014) (Maulana Azard Scholarship Schemes, offered by Indian High Commission, Sri Lanka
  • 19th South Asian Feminist Capacity Building Course on Gender, Sustainable Livelihoods, Human Rights and Peace, TEWA, Kathmandu, Nepal. (2014 September to October) Scholarship offered by South Asian Feminist Network, India.

Memberships

  • Member of Old Social Work Students Association at Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi, India
  • Lifetime member of the Sociological Alumina Association. Department of Sociology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • Lifetime member of the National Institute of Professional Councilors- Colombo 03
  • Lifetime Member of the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI)
  • Full Membership of the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers from 2020

Teaching (Courses Conducted)

  • Sociology For Social Work Social Work Values and Ethics Social Work Research , Group Work
  • Volunteerism For Social Work – I
  • Volunteerism For Social Work – II Human Rights and Social Work Social Policy and Social Administration The person with disability
  • BSW 315 Elective 1-(f) and II Multicultural Social Work

Research Interests

  • Disability
  • Sexuality
  • Gender
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Everyday Politics
  • Conflict and Peace Building
  • Human Rights issues
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Work and Arts
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