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Dr. KRWKH Abeywickrama

Senior Lecturer

Social Sciences and Languages

Email : roh@ssl.sab.ac.lk

    Profile

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Australia 

    MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Post Graduate Institute of English, Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL)

    Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL)

    English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced, Deakin University, Australia

    Certificate IV in Training & Assessment- TAE 40116, Melbourne Polytechnic (NMIT), Australia

    Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE), Staff Development Centre (SDC), SUSL

    Research Interests

  • Applied Linguistics, Issues & Developments in Methodology, Testing & Evaluation, Curriculum & Material Design, Research Methods in ELT, Use of Literature in ELT, Teacher Professional Development, New Englishes, Modern English Literature

    Recent Publications

  • Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H (2019). Teacher engagement and professional development initiatives: A case study of university ESL teachers in Sri Lanka. Doctoral Thesis, Deakin University, Australia. http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv

    Henskens, A., & Abeywickrama, R. (2016). 22250 VIC Certificate I in EAL: Access. Epping: Victoria, Melbourne Polytechnic.

    Research Grants/Research Awards

  • Deakin University, Faculty of Arts And Education Higher Degree by Research- Post-Phd Publication Award 2019

    Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programmes/Extension Courses/Short Courses/Visiting Lectures

    • Visiting Lecturer for the MA/PGD in English and Education 2021 offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
    • Resource Person for Master of Education Programme, Brittany Universite, France, Academic Year 2021
    • Senior Visiting Lecturer for Master of Education, Lincoln University College, Malaysia, Academic Year/s 2020-22

     

    • Deakin University PhD Industry Engagement Program. The Faculties of Arts and Education and Business and Law conducted this in consultation with Ernst and Young which is a global consulting firm employing over a quarter of a million people in 150 countries.
    • Intensive English Course, EAC Hastings Language School, Cambridge Garden, UK

    Research Publication in refereed Journals

  • Abeywickrama, R. (2023). Code-switching in bilingual classrooms in Sri Lanka: Differing perceptions of teachers and students. Vivid: Journal of Language and Literature, 12 (2), 135-146. http://dx.doi.org/10.25077/vj.12.2.135-146.202

    Abeywickrama, R., & Thasneen, M.M.A. (2022). Online examinations in the state universities of Sri Lanka: Perceptions of examiners and students. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2 (2), 49-57. http://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v2i2.73

    Abeywickrama, R., & Dissanayake, T. (2022). The validity and reliability of online examinations in the state universities of Sri Lanka: An empirical study. Andalas International Journal of Socio-Humanities4(1), 25–36. https://doi.org/10.25077/aijosh.v4i1.31

    Liyanage, I., Abeywickrama, R., & Abyesena, H. (2022). Professional learning and development for higher educators in the global South: Where to in pandemic times and beyond? Sri Lanka Journal of Education, 1(1), 1-14.

    Pabodha, G. P. H., & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Language alienation of Sri Lankan students studying overseas: A case study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021 (ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Professional development and ESL teacher quality: An empirical study. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SLJSSH), 1 (2), 51-58.

    Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Perceptions, engagement and productivity of teacher Professional Development (PD). Journal of Humanities, 27, 93-117.

    Samarakoon, H.H.S.U., & Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H.  (2021). ESL teacher-trainees’ reading and writing competence: An empirical study. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 8(1), 297-305.

    Abeywickrama, R. (2020).Professional development and ESL teachers’ career enhancement. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 4(9), 495-503.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2020). ESL teachers’ perceptions and design and delivery of Professional Development. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, 4(8), 426-434. 

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H., & Ariyaratne, W.M. (2020). Professional Development (PD) for ESL teachers’ knowledge orientation: An empirical study. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, 4(5), 107-119.

    Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H. (2012). Are learners of English as a Second Language creative and innovative? VISTAS Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 7(8), 112-125. 

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2011). Pros and cons of introducing content-based ESL syllabus to the Sri Lankan school system. Methodika International Russian Journal in ELT, 5, 83-92.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2011). Exploring language practices at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Scholastic International Research Journal of Language and Literature, 1(3), 1-13.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2010). An analysis of errors in Sinhala-speaking undergraduates’ English writing. Sabaragamuwa University Journal, 9(1), 97-114.

    Ariyaratne, W.M., & Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2008). A comparative study of word order in Sinhala and English at the clause level. Sabaragamuwa University Journal, Special Vol, 191-218.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2008). Research on attitudes of students to the GCE General English Course with special emphasis on schools of the Balangoda Educational Zone-Sri Lanka. Sabaragamuwa University Journal, 8(1), 19-31.

    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JM9x7JUAAAAJ&hl=en

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rohan_Abeywickrama/research 

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-abeywickrama-phd-ab57b212

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0468-8186

    Research publications in non- refereed journals

  • Jayasundara, J. M. P. V. K., & Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2011) A study on attitudes of undergraduates and lecturers towards objective fulfillment of the course units offered by the Department of English Language Teaching, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Research Symposium Journal of Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka, 327-329.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2008). Indigenous people in New Zealand. Sabaragamuwa University Indigenous Research Centre Journal, 181-194.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2005). Sign of a linguistic change. SLELTA Quarterly, 18-20.

     

    Published in abstract/Extended abstract at the National/International Conferences/Symposium

  • Senarathne, S. S., & Abeywickrama, R. (2023). Factors Affecting University Undergraduates’ Intention to Attend ESL Classes: A Perspective of Theory of Planned Behavior. Abstract presented at the 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

    Dahanayake, S. S., & Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H. (2022). Teacher Perspectives on the Flipped Classroom Model for English Language Teaching in Sri Lanka. Abstract presented at the International Open University Research Sessions (iOURS), Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    Disssanayaka, D.M.T.A., & Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H. (2022). Effectiveness of online evaluation in the state universities in Sri Lanka: An empirical study. Abstract presented at the 07th Sabaragamuwa Social Sciences & Languages Students’ Annual Symposium (SSLSAS), Rathnapura, Sri Lanka.

    Tharindi, W.K.R., & Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H. (2022). Teaching ESL through literary texts for enhancing students’ second language proficiency: An empirical study. Abstract presented at the 07th Sabaragamuwa Social Sciences & Languages Students’ Annual Symposium (SSLSAS), Rathnapura, Sri Lanka.

    Dahanayake, H. H., & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). The Impact of English Medium Instructions on Undergraduates’ Academic Performances in Sri Lanka: A Case Study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021 (ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Pabodha, G. P. H., & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Language alienation of Sri Lankan students’ studying overseas: A case study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021 (ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Dissanayake, D. C. M. S., & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Impact of online teaching on teacher efficacy: An empirical study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021(ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Dissanayaka, D.M.T.A. & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Effectiveness of business communication for the fourth-year undergraduates’ industrial training: An empirical study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021 (ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Thasneem, M. M. A., & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Effectiveness of online evaluation in the state universities in Sri Lanka: An empirical study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021 (ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Tharindi, W. K. R., & Abeywickrama, R. (2021). Effectiveness of code-switching in the bilingual classrooms: A case study. Abstract presented at the 7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science 2021 (ICONArts), University of Colombo.

    Abeywickrama, R. (2020). Perceptions, engagement and productivity of teacher Professional Development (PD). Paper presented at the Annual Research Session, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

    Samarakoon, H.H.S.U., &  Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H. (2020). ESL teacher-trainees’ reading and writing competence: An empirical study. Paper presented at the 03rd International Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (IRSSSH), Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    Samarakoon, H.H.S.U., & Abeywickrama, K.R.W.K.H. (2020). Effectiveness of pre-service training of the National Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka for enhancing student-teachers’ English proficiency: An empirical study. Paper presented at the 06th Sabaragamuwa Social Sciences & Languages Students’ Annual Symposium (SSLSAS), Rathnapura, Sri Lanka

    Abeysena, H., & Abeywickrama, R. (2020). Linguistic shame and shaming: Teacher educator awareness and English language teacher education in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the 13th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI), Seville, Spain.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2019). Implication of professional development for ESL teachers’ career advancement. Paper presented at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), San Francisco, United States.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2019). Implication of professional development for ESL teachers’ career burnout. Paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2019). Implication of professional development for ESL teachers’ professional quality. Paper presented at the Summer School 2019, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University Australia.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2018). Professional goal oriented Perceptions: Implications for ESL teachers’ career advancement. Paper presented at the International Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (IRSSSH), Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H., & Ranathunga, I. (2015). Effectiveness and sustainability of the University Test of English Language (UTEL). Paper presented at the 02nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches (ICMA), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

    Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2011). Investigation addressing the language practices at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the 6th International and 42nd ELTAI Conference on Teacher Development, Vellore, India.

    Ariyaratne, W.M., & Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2010). A comparative study of negation in English and Sinhala. Paper presented at the 03rd International Symposium, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

    Rathnayake, R. A. T. S., Senathissa, W. A., Kumara, K D. R., & Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2010). Evaluating the effectiveness of computer awareness and ESL-based course units in finding employment and facilitating the workflow of an organisation. Paper presented at the 03rd International Symposium, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

    Karunaratne, S., Dharmaratne, P., & Abeywickrama, K. R. W. K. H. (2010). The rediscovery of Donne as a modern. Paper presented at the 03rd International Symposium, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JM9x7JUAAAAJ&hl=en

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rohan_Abeywickrama/research

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-abeywickrama-phd-ab57b212

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0468-8186

    Editor-in-Chief of Journals/Editorial Board Member/Program Chair/Reviewer

  • Copy Editor, Sabaragamuwa University English Journal (Since June 2021)

    Reviewer of Language & Education Journal, Routledge Taylor & Francis (2021)

    Coordinating Editor, Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities (from September 2020)

    Reviewer of Professional Development in Education Journal, the official journal of the International Professional Development Association (IPDA), Routledge Taylor & Francis (2020)

    Editorial Assistant of Sabaragamuwa University (refereed) Journal (2005-2010)

     

    Positions Held/Hold or service Rendering/Rendering (University Level/National Level/International Level)

  • Positions Held/Hold

    • Coordinator of the General English Language Training (GELT) Program conducted by the Department of English, Sri Lanka Military Academy-Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka (2000)
    • Head, Department of English, Advanced Technological Education-Galle, Sri Lanka (2003-2004)
    • Secretary for the Annual Symposium of Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, SUSL (2005)
    • Program-Coordinator (English), Department of Languages, SUSL (2005-2007)
    • Director of the Diploma in English for Teachers of English (DETE) program funded by the World Bank under the project, Improving Quality and Relevance of the University Education (IRQUE), SUSL (2004 -2005)
    • Coordinator of the project, Institutional Block Grant (IBG) English program, IRQUE project funded by the World Bank (2006-2008)
    • Editorial Assistant for the Second International Symposium, SUSL (2008)
    • In-Charge for the activity B-Improving the Teaching Capacity in the English Medium, IRQUE Project, Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, SUSL (2009)
    • Acting Head, Department of English Language Teaching, SUSL (2008- 2012)
    • Head, Department of English Language Teaching, SUSL (2012-2015)
    • Coordinator-English, Innovative Development Grants for Arts Students (IDAS) funded by the World Bank under the Education for the Twenty First Century (HETC) Project (2014-2016)
    • Secretary of the Board of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences & Languages ( 2020-2023)
    • Chairperson, Sabaragamuwa Social Sciences & Languages Students’ Annual Symposium (SSLSAS), 2020
    • Student Counsellor, Faculty of Social Sciences & Languages (2020-21)
    • Co-Chair, International Conference, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (2021)
    • Programme Coordinator, MA/PGD in English and Education 2021offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, SUSL
    • Session Chair of the technical session, English Language Teaching of the 8th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 2021
    • Chairman of the 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL) 2023

    Service Rendering (University Level)

    • Member of the Academic Committee and the Curriculum Committee of the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SIATE), 2003-2004
    • Member of the Faculty Board and SUSL Senate (2008- 2015)
    • Member of the Internal Quality Assurance Unit, SUSL (2015-2016)
    • Member of the Program Committee, Staff Development Centre (SDC), SUSL (2015-2016)
    • Member of the Board of Study, Bachelor of Arts (General-External) Degree, Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, SUSL (2014-2016)
    • Resource person for revising the curricular, Master of Arts, English and Education offered by the Center for Graduate Studies (CGS), SUSL (2016)

    Service Rendering (National Level/International Level)

    • External Faculty Board Member, Faculty of Training and Technology, University of Vocational Technology, Sri Lanka (2014-2016)
    • Chief Supervisor for the GCE Advanced Level-General English paper (2004-2016)
    • Co-controlling Chief Examiner for the GCE Advanced Level-General English paper (2011-2022)
    • Project Consultant for the Project, English, Tamil & ICT for unprivileged learners in the Ehaliyagoda Divisional Secretariat conducted in consultation with the Department of English Language Teaching, SUSL and Rathnapura Divisional Secretariat (2014)
    • Vocational and Higher Educational Policy Reviewer, Menzies Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Australia (2017)
    • Material and text book designer for Skills for Education & Employment (SEE), Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Young Adult Migrant English Course (YAMEC) of Melbourne Polytechnic (NMIT), Victoria, Australia (2017-2020)

    Service Rendering in Teaching (National and International Level)

    • Instructor in English, Sri Lanka Military Academy-Diyatalawain (2000)
    • Teacher of English, Rahula College-Matara (2001)
    • Assistant Lecturer in English, Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SIATE) (2002-2004) 
    • Visiting Lecturer, International College of Business & Technology, Sri Lanka (ICBT) (2007-2015)
    • English Trainer, Foundation Studies Department, School of Foundation and Preparatory Studies, Melbourne Polytechnic (NMIT), Victoria, Australia (2017- 2020).
    • English Trainer, English Language Department, Australian Industrial Systems Institute (AISI), Victoria, Australia (2019- 2020)
    • Co-supervisor for Postgraduate studies, Lincoln University College, Malaysia, in Department of Languages, Faculty of Social Sciences & Languages, Academic Year/s 2020-22