Professor
Social Sciences and Languages
Email : aru@ssl.sab.ac.lk
Fax : 0452280021
PhD ( Business Economics), 2013, School of Economics and Finance, Northern University of Malaysia.
MSSc ( Economics) 2007, University of Kelaniya
MSc (Environmental Economics), 1996, University of Peradeniya
Post Gradute Diploma ( Agricultural Economics) 1994. University of Peradeniya
B.A (Hons, Economics) 1990 , University of kelaniya.
Professional Qualifications
2003: Accredited as a Teacher in High Education, Staff Education and Development Association (SEDA), U.K
2003: Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, The Staff Development Centre, University of Colombo
2001: Certificate in Teaching Methods, The Staff Development Centre, University of Peradeniya,
1998: Certificate in Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation. Institute for Participatory Interaction Development, Netherland,
Major Research Interested
Socio-Economic, Environmental and Institutional Impact Assessment, Feasibility Studies, , Irrigation and Water Resource Management, Socio-Economic Studies/Surveys, Baseline Studies
Teaching Areas
Business/Managerial Economics, Project Evaluation and Management, Operatonal Research and Environmental Economics.
Awards
Best Innovative Paper Award, Presented at Bangkok Annual Business and Social Science Research Conferences, 2016
Selected as the Outstanding Researcher 2013 in Recognition of the Research Excellence in the Field of Economics - SUSL
Awared for Excellence in Research, 2013, School of Economics , Northern University of Malaysia.
NORAD AWARD to participate in discussions related to MONDEP Formative Process Research Project and present a paper on the “The Impact of Effective Community Governance on Business Performance Among Rural Communities: The case of Farmer Organization in Sri Lanka”, Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research, “2nd April 2012 to 10th April 2012 , Oslo, Norway.
SAARC AWARD to function as an Independent Expert for the preparation of SAARC Regional Poverty Profile 2009-10: Food security challenges for the poor and social inclusion, 2010-2011.
Employment Records
2014 to date - Head, Senior Lecturer G. 1 , Department of Economics and Statistics
2007 - 2013 - Senior Lecturer Grade 11, Department of Economics and Statistics
2000- 2007 - Probationary Lecturer , Department of Economics and Statistics
1998 - 2000 - Economist , Asian Development Banlk, Colombo Branch
1991 - 1998 - Economist, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lankla.
Special Trainings
2017: The Summer School in Water Resource Management for Sustainable Agriculture, August 20 - 03 September, 2017, Hotel Europe, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Park Hystt, Milano, Italy, Organized by the World Bank and IRDC
2016: The Summer School in Post-Consumer Plastic and Polythene Recycling process, April 18 -29, 2016, The, Washington Hilton, Adams Morgan, Washington, DC, United States, Organized by World Bank
2015: The Summer School in Environment and Resource Economics organized by the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDE) from July 4-10, 2015 in Club Hotel Dolphin, South Africa.
2014: The training Course on Environmental Valuation Method: National University, Male, Organized by the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) September 15-18, 2014 at National University Male, the republic of Maldives.
2009: The Training Course on Application of SPSS for Windows, Organized by Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, Thailand.
2009: The Workshop on English Technical Writing Training, Conducted under the Improving Relevance and Quality of Undergraduate Education (IRQUE) project of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
2008: The Training Programme on An Academic as a Counselor, Conducted under the Improving Relevance and Quality of Undergraduate Education (IRQUE) project of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
2004: Training Programme on Social Harmony Component in Higher Education, conducted by University Grants Commission and Centre for Conflict Studies, Utrecht University, held in Kandalama, U.K.
2003: Training Programme on Social Harmony Component in Higher Education, conducted by University Grand Commission and Centre for Conflict Studies, Utrecht University, held in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
2001: Training Programme on Training of trainers on Social Communication in Youth Work, organized by Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo.
2000: Training Programme on Introduction of Entrepreneurship Development in to TVET sector, Conducted by UNDP,-Colombo.
1998: Training Programme in Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation, Conducted by Promoting Multifunctional household Environmental Project, Netherland.
1996: Training Programme on career development issues and suggestion for young social scientists, Conducted by SLAAS.
1995:Trained on Integrating Environment and Development Planning at the Sectoral and Project levels, Conducted by the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy Project ,(NAREPP) .
Administrative Post Held
2014 - to - date - Head of the Department - Economics and Statistics
2008-2010 Coordinator of the IRQUE project (QEF Batch-3), faculty of Social Sciences and Languages.
2015 - 2016 - Co Editor - Sabaragamuwa University Journal
2015-2016 Coordinating Editor, of the News Letter, Sabaragamuwa University.
2016 - to-date - Editor in Chief - Sabaragamuwa University Journal
2015 - to-date Chairman -Board of Study -Faculty of Social Sciences - Open and Distance Learniing -SUSL
2016 - to date - Chairman - Curriculam Revision Committee,
2017 - Co Chair- International Research Conference - SUSL
Involment with Other Organizations
World Bank. Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). International Water Management Institute (IWMI), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), Norwegian Institute of Urban & Regional Research (NIBR), Oxfam America, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), International Labour Organization (ILO), Rockefeller Foundation, Acid Survival Trust International (ASTI).
Indexed Journal Publications
Publication in International Conference Proceeding (Full Papers)
Publication in International Conference Proceeding (Abstracts Only)
Recent Monographs (2016 – 2017)
A. Aruna Shantha, Socio-Economic, Institutional and Environmental Impact Assessment of North East Local Service Improvement Project, Funded by World Bank , 2017
A.Aruna Shantha, Baseline Survey for North East Local Services Improvement Project (NELSIP), Funded by World Bank, 2016/2017
A. Aruna Shantha, Environmental Impact Assessment for Township Development Project in Nuwaraeliya Municipal Council, funded by Ocean View Development Company.2017
A. Aruna Shantha, The Impact of Tax Reformation on Iron/Ferrous scrap Industry in Sri Lanka, 2016, Funded by Central Environmental Authority
A. Aruna Shantha, The Economic and Social Consequences of Post-Consumer Plastic Waste Management, 2016, Funded by Central Environmental Authority.
A. Aruna Shantha, Citizen’s Engagement in the Budgetary Process, Participatory Approach for Budgetory Process, 2017, Funded by Ministry of Finance.
National and International Projects
Chief Consultant, Socio-Economic, Institutional and Environmental Impact Assessment of (NELSIP), Funded by World Bank , 2017
Team Leader/ Principle Researcher, Baseline Survey for North East Local Services Improvement Project (NELSIP), Funded by World Bank, 2016/2017
Priciple Researcher , Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of CKDu in the Dry-Zone of Sri Lanka, Fundede by UGC, 2016 -to-date
Principle Researcher, Environmental Impact Assessment for Township Development Project in Nuwaraeliya Municipal Council, funded by Ocean View Development Company.2017
Principle Researcher, The Impact of Tax Reformation on Iron/Ferrous scrap Industry in Sri Lanka, 2016, Funded by Central Environmental Authority
Principle Researcher, The Economic and Social Cosequences of Post-Consumer Plastic Waste Management, 2016, Funded by Central Environmental Authority.
Principle Researcher, Citizen’s Engagement in the Budgetary Process, Participatory Approach for Budgetory Process, 2017, Funded by Ministry of Finance.
Other Projects
Period: August, 2014 to March, 2015
Project: National Highways Development Project./ADB Project.
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (Resettlement: Inventory of losses & Socio-Economic Survey.)
Employer: Beca International Consultants Ltd, 40/5A,Perera Mawatha,Pelawatta,Battaramulla. T.P.011-2784111.
Period: August, 2006 to March, 2007
Project: Moragahakanda Development Project.
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst, Socio-economic Survey.
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, No 500, T, B Jayah Mawathe Colombo- 10
Period: June, 2005 to July 2005
Project: Secondary Town & Rural Community Based Water Supply & Sanitation Project.
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (Baseline Socio-Economic Survey)
Employer: Infotechs (IDEAS), Pvt Limited, 23/1, Jaya Road, Colombo 4.
Period: February, 2004 to May,2004
Project: Feasibility Study of Kalu Ganga Development Project. (Resettlement Aspects)
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Alalyst (Resettlement and Socio-Economic Survey)
Employer: Lahmeyer International, Germany. - associated with Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, Colombo. T.P. 011-2506855.
Period: Oct, 2004 to Dec.,2004
Project: Feasibility Study of Storm Water Drainage Project at Minuwangoda. (ADB funded Project)
Position: Economist/Statistical Analyst
Employer: Architectural Engineering Consultancy Associates, No76-1/1,Jawatta Road,Colombo05. T.P 011-2503317.
Period: January, 2003 to March 2003.
Project: Feasibility Study of Storm Water Drainage Project at Dambulla. (ADB funded Project)
Position: Economist/Statistical Analyst
Employer: Architectural Engineering Consultancy Associates, No76-1/1,Jawatta Road,Colombo05. T.P 011-2503317
Period: August, 2002 to December 2002.
Project: Feasibility Study of Storm Water Drainage Project at Ambalangoda. (ADB funded Project)
Position: Economist/Statistical Analyst
Employer: Architectural Engineering Consultancy Associates, No76-1/1,Jawatta Road, Colombo 05. T.P-011-2503317
Period: May, 2002 to July 2003.
Project: Feasibility Study of Storm Water Drainage Project at Balangoda. (ADB funded Project)
Position: Economist/Statistical Analyst
Employer: Architectural Engineering Consultancy Associates, No76-1/1,Jawatta Road,Colombo05. T.P-011-2503317
Period: November, 2001 to December 2001.
Project In-depth Post Project Evaluation of drinking water supply Facilities in Minipe and Nagadeepa.
Position: Team Leader (Socio-Economic survey)
Employer: Infotechs (IDEAS),Pvt Limited,23/1,Jaya Road,Colombo4.
Period: February, 1999 to May 1999.
Project: The Study for the potential Realization of irrigated agriculture in the Dry and Intermediate Zone in Sri Lanka.(JAICA Project)
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (PRA Socio-Economic survey)
Employer: Infotechs (IDEAS),Pvt Limited,23/1,Jaya Road,Colombo4.
Period: January, 1999 to April, 1999.
Project: Sri Lanka Skilled development project.(ADB Project)
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (PRA Socio-Economic survey)
Employer: Infotechs (IDEAS),Pvt Limited,23/1,Jaya Road,Colombo4.
Period: August, 1998 to November,1998.
Project: Huruluwewa Development Project
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (Socio-Economic Survey)
Employer: Nippon Koei Co.Ltd, Associated with Mahaweli Development project
Period: January, 1998 to July, 1998.
Project: Promoting Multifunctional Household and Environmental Project. (PMHE/Netherland Project, Associated with Mahaweli Authority.)
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (Base line Socio-Economic Study in Mahaweli System C.)
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.
Period: August, 1997 to November, 1998.
Project: Revised Project Proposal for Moragahakanda Development project.
Position: Economist/Statistical Analyst
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10.
Period: March, 1997 to July,1998.
Project: Moragahakanda Project.
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (Socio-Economic Survey).
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10.
Period: August 1995 to December 1995.
Project: Mahaweli Agricultural and Rural Development Project (MARD)
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (Training Impact Assessment Study in SystemB).
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10
Period: January 1995 to April 1995.
Project: Mahaweli Consolidated Project (World Bank Project.)
Position: Team Member (Training Impact Assessment Study in SystemB).
Employer: World Bank, Associated with Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka .
Period: August 1994 to October 1995.
Project: Mahaweli Agricultural and Rural Development Project (MARD)
Position: Team Leader/Statistical Analyst (MARD Terminal Socio-Economic Survey in System
Employer: Mahaweli Agricultural and Rural Development Project.
Period: February 1994 to April 1995.
Project: Revised Project appraisal of the Mahaweli System B.
Position: Research assistant ( MARD Terminal Socio-Economic Survey in System B.)).
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10.
Period: August 1993 to December 1993.
Project: Mahaweli Agricultural and Rural Development Project (MARD)
Position: Statistical Analyst ( MARD Base line Socio-Economic Survey in System B.)).
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10.
Period: May 1993 to July 1993.
Project: Udawalawa Left Bank Development Study
Position: Team Leader ( Udawalawa Base line Socio-Economic Survey.).
Employer: Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10.
Period: August 1992 to December 1992.
Project: System L Development Project
Position: Statistical Analyst (Base line Socio-Economic Survey in Mahaweli System L.).
Employer Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10
Period: January 1992 to April 1992.
Project: The study on Correlation between the Degree of Commercialization of the farmers and the participation in Official Credit Schemes.
Position: Team Member (Saving and credit Survey.).
Employer Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10
Period: March 1991 to January 1992.
Project: A Study of future Direction for crop Diversification for Sri Lanka..
Position: Research Assistant/Statistical Analyst
Employer Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, T.B Jayah Mawatha, Colombo10