Chancellor
Prof.S.Pathmanathan
PROF. S. PATHMANATHAN
CHANCELLOR
2014 – Present

Professor Sivasubramaniam Pathmanathan is a Sri Lankan Tamil historian, academic, author and current chancellor of the University of Jaffna.He was educated at Jaffna College. After school he joined the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya from where he received a BA special degree in history in 1963.

Pathmanathan joined the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1963 as an assistant lecturer in history. He was promoted to lecturer (1969), senior lecturer (1975) and associate professor (1981).In 1969 he received a Ph.D in South Asian history from the University of London. He was also a visiting lecturer of history/Hindu civilisation at the University of Ceylon, Colombo (1970-72) and visiting lecturer of history University of Sri Lanka Vidyalankara campus (1975-77). He joined the University of Jaffna in 1986 as professor of history, serving until 2004. He returned to the University of Peradeniya as professor of history in 1995, serving until 2006. He was head of the Department of History at Peradeniya between 2001 and 2002. He was a visiting professor at the University of Cologne’s Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies (2003-04) and Uppsala University (2004). He retired in May 2006.

After retirement Pathmanathan became an emeritus professor of history at University of Peradeniya. He was a visiting professor at Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2007-08) where he helped establish the Hindu Civilisation discipline.In 2008 he served as a consultant in Hindu studies at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. He later became chancellor of the University of Jaffna.

Pathmanathan has served in various positions including vice chairman of the University Grants Commission (1994-99) and a member of the National Education Commission (1991-2001). He was a consultant to the Ministry of Hindu Affairs between 2002 and 2003.

Occupation and Assignments

  • Professor of History, University of Peradeniya,
  • Head, Department of History,University of Peradeniya, 2001-2002
  • Consultant, Ministry of Hindu Affairs, 2002-2003
  • Secretary – General, 2nd World Hindu Conference Colombo-Nuwara Eliya, 2-6, May 2003.
  • Visiting Professor, Institute of Indology and Tamil Studies, University of Cologne, 1-10-2003- 28-2-2004;
  • Visiting Professor, University of Uppsala, February, 2004
  • Consultant to the Eastern University of Sri Lanka for the establishment of a Faculty of Hindu Civilization, 2007
  • Consultant to the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka on Hindu Civilization, 2008
  • Visiting Professor in History and Hindu Civilization, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 2007, 2008, 2009

Academic Qualifications:

  • B.A. Special Degree in History, Upper Division of the Second Class, University of Peradeniya, 1963.
  • Ph.D. in South Asian History, University of London, 1969.

Highest Academic Positions held in the University system:

  • Professor of History – University of Jaffna 1986-1994 & University of Peradeniya, 1995-2006.
  • Vice-chairman, University Grants Commission, 1994-1999

Academic Posts held in the Universities

  • Probationary Lecturer in History, 1963 – 1969, University of Peradeniya.
  • Lecturer in History, 1969 – 1975, University of Peradeniya.
  • Senior Lecturer in History, University of Peradeniya, 1975 – 1981.
  • Associate Professor (promoted on merit), University of Peradeniya, 1981 – 1986.
  • Coordinator Examiner for Hindu Culture, External Examinations Agency, University of Peradeniya, 1981 – 1986. Prepared the revised scheme of syllabi for the First in Arts, General Arts Degree and Special Arts Degree courses in 1985.
  • Visiting Lecturer in History, University of Colombo, 1970 – 1972.
  • Visiting Lecturer in Hindu Civilization, University of Colombo, 1970 – 1972.
  • Visiting Lecturer in History, University of Kelaniya, 1975 – 1977

Non Academic positions held in the University

  • Sub-warden, Marcus Fernando Hall, 1964 – 1966.
  • Treasurer, Senior Common Room, University of Peradeniya, 1973 – 1975.
  • Senior Treasurer, Tamil Cankam, University of Peradeniya, 1975 – 1978.
  • Member, Arts Faculty sub-committee for scholarships and fellowships, 1979 – 1984, University of Peradeniya.

Positions held in Professional Academic Institutions, State Organizations and International Associations :

  • Member, National Education Commission, August 1991-2001.
  • Editor-in-Chief, Hindu Encyclopaedia, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1991-to date.
  • Member, Board of Management, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, 1989 -2008.
  • Member, Advisory Committee, National Museums, Sri Lanka, 1995.
  • Elected as Associate Patron of the International Association for Research on Tamil Culture, Sydney, Australia, 1992.
  • Member, Council of Management, Sri Lanka Historical Association, 1991-1996.
  • Director, Evelyn Rutnam Institute for Inter-cultural Studies, Jaffna, 1986-1991.
  • Member, Editorial Board, History and Archaeology of Sri Lanka (A project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Independence), Central Cultural Fund, Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1997 to date
  • Joint Editor, History and Archaeology of Sri Lanka Volume I, Pt. I, Reflections on a Heritage Historical Scholarship on Pre-Modern Sri Lanka, Central Cultural Fund, Colombo, 1998
  • Editor Journal of Modern Ceylon Studies, 1981-1984.
  • Founder member, and member of Council, Seminar for Asian Studies, University of Peradeniya, 1981 – 1986.
  • Member, Organizing Committee; Vice – Chairman, Academic Committee; Chairman, Exhibitions Committee – Fourth International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 1974.
  • Member of the Apex Committee, Glossary of Technical Terms in Tamil, Official Languages Commission, Sri Lanka, 1999 -2005
  • Consultant, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs on research and publications, 1992 to date.
  • Joint Editor, Glimpses of Hindu Heritage, 2nd World Hindu Conference Souvenir, Ministry of Hindu Religious Affairs, 2003.

Main areas of study and research:

  • History
  • University Education
  • Art and Archaeology
  • Hindu Civilization
  • History of Religion.

Publications and papers presented at local and international seminars approximately amount to two hundred items (The items contributed to the Hindu Encyclopaedia are not listed here)
Books:

  • The Kingdom of Jaffna, Part 1, Colombo, 1978, 310 pages.
  • The Vanniyar (Tamil), Jaffna, 1970, 110 pages.
  • The Laws and Customs of the Tamils of Sri Lanka, (Tamil), Kumaran Book House, Colombo- Chennai, 2001, 404 pages.
  • Hindu Culture in Sri Lanka (Tamil), Volume 1, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2000, 467 pages.
  • Ilankaiyil Vanniyar (The Vanni Principalities in Sri Llanka), Kumaran Book House, Colombo, 2003.
  • Ilattu Ilakkiyamum Vralarum (Tamil Literature and Historical Traditions in Sri Lanka), Kumaran Book House, Colombo- Chennai, 2004
  • Ilankaiyil Intu Camayam (Hinduism in Sri Lanka), Kumaran Book House, Colombo-Chennai, 2004, 476 pages.
  • Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka, Kumaran Book House, Colombo – Chennai, 2006, 470 pages.
  • Ilankait Tamilc Cacanankal circa A.D 800-1300. (Tamil Inscriptions of Sri Lanka), Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 2006.

Research projects undertaken in collaboration with foreign scholars:

  • Ancient and Medieval Commercial Activities in the Indian Ocean: 1997 – 2001, supported by the Taisho University, Japan.
  • Indo – Sri Lankan Relations in Pre – modern Times: Co –coordinator of project. Project funded by India – Sri Lanka Foundation, 2001.-2002.

Awards and Titles

  • Awarded the Commonwealth Academic Staff – Fellowship for the year 1978-79 tenable at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
  • Awarded the title LFIBA, International Biographical Association, Cambridge in 1998.
  • Name listed in the 13th Edition of the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, 1999.
  • Name listed in the 29th Edition of the Dictionary of International Biography – Cambridge International Biographical Centre, 1999.
  • Received the Sahitya Mandala award for research, in 2002, for the book IlankaitTtamilar Tecavalamaikalum Camukavalamaikalum.
  • Won the Sampanthar Award for the same book, which was considered as the best book on Tamil studies published in the year 2001. The award was made in 2002.
  • Awarded the Title of Excellence, ” Beacon of Brilliance”, in recognition for Hindu Studies by the Selvam Kalyanasundaram Foundation in 2006. This was the first and only award of its kind ever given by this Foundation
  • My book on Hinduism in Sri Lanka., in Tamil, was identified as the best book published in the fields of religion , spirituality and pschycology in 2005 and selected for an award by the State Government of Tamil Nadu in 2006
  • Received the Prof.V.Chelvanayagam Memorial Award for the best researcher in Tamil
    Studies ( The award is international in scope) for the year 2008.

Participation at International Conferences and Workshops

  • 1974: Member of the Organizing Committee; Vice-Chairman of the Academic Committee and Chairman of the Exhibitions Committee, Fourth International Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
  • 1981: The Fifth World Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies, Madurai.
  • 1982: The first World Conference on Hinduism, Ministry of Hindu Religious Affairs, Colombo.
  • 1988: Workshop on the Religious Traditions of Sri Lanka, University of Uppsala, Sweden
  • 1988: 11th International Conference of the International Association for the Historians of Asia, Colombo.
  • 1989: International Workshop on Religion and Peace, Uppsala, Sweden.
  • 1991: International Conference Seminar, Nordic Association for South Asian Studies, Uppsala, Sweden.
  • 1992: Fifth World Conference on Tamil Culture, Sydney, Australia.
  • 1995: International Seminar on the Manimekalai, a Buddhist Tamil Narrative Poem, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
  • 1996: International Workshop on Christianity in South Asia, Madras.
  • 1997: Second International Conference on Saivism, Tamil University, Tanjavur, India.
  • 1998 :The first International Conference on Skanda/Murugan, Institute of
    Asian Studies, Chennai.
  • 2003: As Secretary –General organized and coordinated activities relating to the 2nd World Hindu Conference conducted by the Ministry of Hindu Affairs, Colombo.
  • 2003 Fourth International Conference on Saivism, London.
  • 2003. International Seminar on Buddhism and Peace in Sri Lanka, sponsored by the Buddhist Association of the United Kingdom, Bath Spa University College, UK.
  • 2005: International Seminar on “ Portugal and Sri Lanka – 500 Years”, Paris.

Papers published in English in professional academic journals and presentations at international seminars on:

  • Political History
  • Political and Social Institutions
  • Historiography
  • University Education
  • Epigraphy
  • Customary Laws
  • Hindu Civilization
  • History of Religion.
  • “Vanniyar in Medieval South India”, 4th International Conference Seminar, IATR Jaffna. 1974; The Sri Lanka Journal of South Asian Studies, No. 2, New Series 1987-88,Pp. 131-149.
  • “Feudal Polity in Medieval Ceylon; An Examination of the Chieftaincies of the Vanni”, The Ceylon Journal of Historical and Social Studies, Vol. II, New Series, No. 2, July-December, 1972, Pp. 118-130.
  • “Kerala and Sri Lanka: A study on Political, Cultural and Commercial Relations”, presented at the Kalyana Silica, Kandy, 1992, Professor Amaradasa Liyanage Felicitation Volume, University of Kelaniya (Forthcoming).
  • “The University of Peradeniya; 1952 – 1965: Expectations and Achievements”, presented at a seminar organized in connection with the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, 1991; More Open than Usual, Ed. R.A. L.H. Gunawardana, Peradeniya, 1992, Pp. 52-77.
  • “Kingship under the Cholas: Heroic Kingship and the Divine Monarch”, Proceedings, 5th International Conference Seminar, IATR, Madurai, 1982, Vol. II, section 6, Pp. 93-112.
  • “Kingship in Sri Lanka: A. D. 1070-1270: The Dhammic Conception, Divinity of Kingship and the Heroic Ideal”. The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, University of Peradeniya, Vol. VIII, Nos. 1&2, 1982 (Published in 1985), Pp. 120-145.
  • “Chola Rule in Sri Lanka: A.D 993-1070: Administrative Organization”, IATR, 4th Conference Seminar, Jaffna, 1974, Proceedings, Vol. I, Pp. 19-35.
  • “The Velaikkarar in Medieval South India and Sri Lanka” The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, Vol. II, No. 2, Dec. 1976, Pp. 120-137.
  • “The Cities of Medieval Sri Lanka. A. D 1000-1200; Centres of Dynastic power, Religious authority and Commercial Activity”. Seminar for Asian Studies, University of Peradeniya, 1982, Discussion paper No. 1, Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.5. No. 1 June 1982. Pp. 11-33.
  • “The Nagaram of the Nanadesis in Sri Lanka, Circa A.D. 1000-1300”, The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, Vol. IX, Nos. 1&2, 1986.Pp. 122-163.
  • “Hindu Society in Sri Lanka: changed and changing”, Religiousness in Sri Lanka Ed. John Ross Carter, Marga Institute, Colombo, 1978, Pp. 149-159.
  • “ Hinduism in Sri Lanka, circa A.D 1000-1200: Indian influences on the Development of Saivism,” paper presented at the World Hindu Conference, 1982, mimeograph 25 pages: The Journal of Modern Sri Lanka Studies, K.W. Goonewardene Felicitation Volume (special issue), Vol. II, 1987 (Published 1989), Ed. C. R De. Silva, Sirima Kiribamuna, Peradeniya, Pp. 52-66.
  • “Buddhism and Hinduism in Sri Lanka A.D. 1300-1600: Some points of contact between the two Religious Traditions”, Kalyani, Journal of the Humanities and the Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Vols. V & VI, 1986-1987, Pp. 87-112; Republished in Lanka Ed. Peter Schalk, Uppsala, Sweden, Vol. 4, March 1990.
  • “Religion & Social Change in Northern Sri Lanka: 1796-1875: Protestant Missionary Activity and the Hindu Response”, The Journal of Modern Ceylon Studies (University of Peradeniya) New Series, Vol. I, Nos. 1 & 2, 1985, Pp. 15-42.
  • “ The Concept of a Segmentary State in South India: The Chola Pandyas” Paper presented at the Conference Seminar on state formation, Nordic Association for South Asian Studies, Sweden, 1993, mimeograph 54 Pages.
  • “The Tamil Inscription from Hingurakdamana” The Vidyodaya, Vidyodaya University, Vol. 5, Nos. 1 & 2, 1972-1976, Pp. 56-61.
  • “The Coins of Medieval Sri Lanka: The Coins of the Kings of Jaffna”, National Museums of Sri Lanka, Research Bulletin, Spolia Zeylanica, Vol. 35, Pts 1 & 2, 1980 Pp. 409-447 with 10 photographic illustrations.
  • “The Tamil Inscription from Mankanay”, Pavalar Thuraiappah Pillai Centenary Volume, 1972, Pp. 81-88.
  • “The Sanskrit Inscription of the Velaikkaras from Padaviya”, Gnanapragasar Centenary Volume, 1975, Pp.25-31.
  • “The Munnesvaram Inscription of Parakramabahu VI”, Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (New series), Vol. XVIII, 1975, Pp.54-69.
  • “The Bronze seal of the Nanadesis from Hambantota”, Asian Panorama: Essays on Past & Present – A Selection of papers presented at the 11th Conference of the International Association of the Historians of Asia Eds.K.M.de Silva, Sirima Kiribamune, C. R. de Silva, Satuguru Publications, New Delhi, 1990, Pp 139-150.
  • “The Tamil Slab – Inscription of the Virakkoti at Budumuttava, Nikaweratiya: Urbanization at Magala,” The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, Volume XX, Nos. 1 & 2, Pp. 15-30.
  • “Kingship and Tamil Court Poetry: Chola Inscriptional Preambles”, Prof. K. Kailasapathy Commemoration Volume, Jaffna, 1986, Pp. 46-62.
  • “The Tamil Inscription from Mankanay – A reappraisal”. The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, University of Peradeniya, Vol. XXI, Nos. 1 & 2, 1995, Pp. 31-41.
  • “Historical Writings in Medieval Sri Lanka: The reign of Parakramabahu”, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Ceylon Branch, New Series, Vol. XVIII, 1975, Pp. 1-16.
  • “The Manimekalai in its Historical Setting”, A Buddhist Woman’s path to Enlightenment, Proceedings of a Workshop on the Tamil Narrative Manimekalai, Uppsala University, May 25-29 (1995), Editor-in-Chief Peter Schalk, Uppsala, 1997, Pp. 35-52.
  • “The Akkacalaip – perumpalli at Nakapattinam”, The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, Volume XXIII, Nos. 1 & 2, University of Peradeniya, 1997, Pp. 1-12.
  • “Multiple Centres of Authority in Medieval Sri Lanka”, Reflections on A Heritage Historical Scholarship on Pre-modern Sri Lanka, Eds. R. A. L H Gunawardana, S. Pathmanathan, M. Rohanadheera, Central Cultural Fund, Colombo, 2000, Pp. 207-230
  • “Trade and Urbanization in Medieval Sri Lanka”, Reflections on a Heritage, Pp. 489-514.
  • “Vikramabahu II and Vikrama Salamevan”, paper presented at the Sri Lanka Historical Association, Annual Seminar 1992; Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities Volume VIII Nos. 1 & 2, 1993, University of Peradeniya (Published in 1994), Pp. 93-104.
  • “The Town of Vikkiramacalamekapuram in the Twelfth Century A.D”, Tamil Cakittiya Vila – Cirappu Malar, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs. Colombo, 1993.
  • “The Nakaram of the Nanadesis in Sri Lanka: The Tanmacakarappattinam at Viharehinna,” The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities Volume(s) XXIV, XXV, Nos. 1 & 2, University of Peradeniya, 1998-1999 (Published in 2000), Pp. 112-122.
  • “The Akkacalaip – Perumpalli at Nakapattinam”, The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, Volume XXIII, Nos. 1 & 2, Pp. 1-12, University of Peradeniya, 1997.
  • “The Bronzes in the Jetavanarama Museum of the Cultural Triangle, Anuradhapuram”, Being Religious and living through the eyes, Studies in Religious Iconography and Iconology, A celebratory Publication in honour of Professor Jan Bergman, Faculty of Theology, Uppsala University. Published on the occasion of his 65th birthday, June 26 1998, Editor-in-Chief Peter Schalk, Co-Editor Michael Stousberg, Uppsala, 1998.
  • “The Rajarajap- Perumpalli and its Endowments”, Professor.V. Sivasamy Felicitation Volume Eds. S. K. Sitrampalam, P. Pushparatnam, K. Gopalakrishnan, Jaffna, 1995.
  • “Religious Traditions of the Kingdom of Jaffna – Hindusim”, Lanka V. Ed. Peter Schalk, Uppsala, Sweden, 1990, Pp. 43-79.
  • “Murugan, the Divine Child: The Kantasuvami Temple at Nallur”, Lanka 5 Ed. Peter Schalk, Pp. 80-102.
  • “Protestant Christianity in Jaffna 1659-1890,” Lanka 5 Ed..Peter Schalk, Uppsala, 1990. Pp. 124-154.
  • “The Development of University Education”, University Education since Independence. A Publication to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Independence, University Grants Commission, Colombo, 2000 Pp. 1-14.
  • “Sri Lanka and South India: Political, Commercial and Cultural Relations, A.D. 1450-1650”, Journal of Tamil Studies, No. 21, Madras, 1982, Pp. 36-57.
  • “The Kingdom of Jaffna: Kingship and Administration”, 4th Conference Seminar, International Association for Tamil Research, Proceedings. Volume I Ed. S. Vithiananthan, Jaffna 1974, Pp. 37-57.
  • “The Tamils in Ceylon”, Souvenir, 4th Conference Seminar, International Association for Tamil Research, Ed.. P. Poologasingham, 1994, Pp. 1-6.
  • “Chola Inscriptions from Mantai”, tirukketiccaram tirukkutat tirumancana malar Ed. P. Poologasingam, Colombo, 1976, Pp 59-70.
  • “Kingdom of Jaffna: Propaganda? Or History?” The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, Vol. V, Nos. 1 & 2, 1979, Pp. 101-125.
  • “The Pioneer Historians of Jaffna; Rasanayakam and Gnanapragasar”, Paper presented at the Ganapragasar Centenary Commemoration Seminar, International Association for Tamil Research, Sri Lanka National Unit, 1976, The Miscellany, Jaffna College, 1977.
  • “The Tamil Chronicles of North Ceylon”, The Miscellany, Bunker-Balasingham Memorial Volume, Jaffna College. Pp. 2-46.
  • Two Medieval Merchant Guilds of South India by Meera Abraham” (A book review), The Sri Lanka Journal of South Asian Studies (New Series) No. 1, University of Jaffna, 1986-87, Pp. 105-108.
  • “Koneswaram”, Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka Chief Editor S. Pathnmanathan, Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka, 2000, Pp. 1-39.
  • “Temples of Siva in Polonnaruva”, Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka, 2000, Pp. 63-119.
  • “Temples of Siva at Padaviya”, Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka, 2000, Pp. 120-132
  • “Vijayaraja – Isvaram”, Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka, 2000, Pp. 133-146.
  • “Vikkirama Calameka – Isvaram of Makal”, Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka, 2000, Pp. 146-162.
  • “Tirukketisvaram”, Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka, 2000, Pp. 225-242.
  • “Buddhism in Nakapattinam”, Buddhism among Tamils in Pre-Colonial Tamilakam and Ilam, Part 2 Editor-in-Chief: Peter Schalk, Uppsala, 2002, Pp. 569-608.
  • “Tamil Inscription from the Apaikiri Site, Anuradhapura”, Ibid, Pp. 682-689.
  • “The Makkotaippalli of Anuradhapura”. Ibid, Pp. 694-698.
  • “Vikkirama Calamekan Perumpalli. A Tamil Inscription of the Velaikkarar from Mayilankulam”, Ibid, Pp. 699-703.
  • “An Inscription of the Ainnurruvar. The Bolappalli of Polonnaruvai”, Ibid, Pp. 703-706.
  • “The Tamil Pillar Inscription of the 15th year of Gajabahu from Polonnaruvai. The shrine of a Puttatevar and Verattalvar”, Ibid, Pp. 706-709.
  • “The Tamil Pillar Inscription from Hingurakgoda”, Ibid, Pp. 709-712.
  • “Interaction between Merchant Guilds and Buddhist Institutions. The Tanmacakarap-pattinam in Ilankai”, Ibid, Pp. 713-722.
  • “A Pillar Inscription from Morakakavalai”. Ibid, Pp. 722-726.
  • “A Tamil Inscription from Panduvasnuvara. The Establishment of a pirivena at Sripara nakar”, Ibid, Pp. 726-737.
  • “A Polonnaruvai Slab Inscription of the Velaikkarar as custodians of the Tooth Relic Temple at Vijayarajapuram”, Ibid, Pp. 737-754.
  • “A Pillar Inscription from Puliyankulam. A Land Grant to a Buddhist Shrine”, Ibid, Pp. 754-757.
  • “A Tamil Pillar Inscription from Mankanay”, Ibid, Pp. 757-767.
  • “The Rajarajapperumpalli at Periyakulam”, Ibid, Pp. 767-776.
  • “The Lankatilaka Temple: Inscriptions of a Merchant Community”, Ancient and Medieval Commercial Activities in the Indian Ocean: Testimony of Inscriptions and Ceramic – sherds. Report of the Taisho University Project 1997-2000. Edited by Noboru Karashima, Taisho University (307 pages), 2002, Pp. 36-47.
  • “Trade and Urbanization in Medieval Sri Lanka: The Virakoti Inscription at Budumuttava”, Ibid, Pp. 62-71.
  • “The Nanadesis in Anuradhapura, A Unique Bronze Image of Virabhadra”, Ibid, Pp. 48-57.
  • “Some Bronzes from the Jetavanarama site of Anuradhapura”, Glimpses of Hindu Heritage”. Ed. Patrick Harrigan, Ministry of Hindu Religious Affairs, Colombo, 2003, Pp. 151-159.
  • “The Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka”, Ibid, Pp.160-172.
  • “ The Kingdom of Jaffna before the Portuguese Conquest”, (Paper presented at the seminar on Portuguese in Sri Lanka conducted under the auspices of the Centre for Sri Lankan Studies. Colombo, 2005), For Such A Time As This Essays In Honour Of Subramaniam Sebanesan (Bishop of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India), American Ceylon Mission Press, Jaffna, 2005,Pp.148 – 161.
  • “The Portuguese in Northeast Sri Lanka: An assessment of impressions recorded in Tamil chronicles and poems”, Portugal and Sri Lanka – 500 years, Paris , 2006 (included in the proceedings to be published in 2006)
  • “ Hindu and Buddhist Architecture in Sri Lanka” , SANGAM: Numismatics and Cultural History Essays in Honour of Dr R.Krishnamurthy Ed. Dr.R.Nagaswamy, Chennai. 2006, Pp. 170 – 191
  • Buddhism in Sri Lanka and South India: Interactions among Monastic Centres (Fourth Vesak Commemoration Lecture) Chennai, 2006, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai, 2006, 32 pages. Brahmins, Kingship and
  • Hinduism in Medieval Sri Lanka circa. 1300-1600 AD: Court Life, Hindu Oli, All Ceylon Hindu Congress, Golden Jubilee Commemoration Issue, 2007, Pp.757-762
  • “ Hindu Architecture in Sri Lanka: Principal Characteristics and Trends”. History and Archaeology Of Sri Lanka Volume II: The Art And Archaelogy Of Sri Lanka I, Central Cultural Fund, Miniatry of Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2007.

Papers presented at Seminars within and outside the Universities

  • “Chola Rule in Sri Lanka, circa A.D. 993-1070: Social and Religious Conditions”. Ceylon Studies Seminar Series: No 50, University of Peradeniya 1975, mimeograph 18 pages.
  • “City in Hydraulic Sri Lanka” Seminar programme on South Asian Cities, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1979, mimeograph. 16 pages.
  • “Sri Lankan Cities in the Age of Regional Kingdoms”, Seminar programme on South Asian Cities, SOAS, University of London, 1979.
  • “Chieftaincies of the Vanni in the Eastern and Western Littorals of Sri Lanka”, National Conference Seminar (International Association for Tamil Research, Sri Lanka National Unit) Batticaloa, 1976, mimeograph 16 pages.
  • “The Tamil Historical Traditions of Batticaloa”, National Conference Seminar (IATR, Sri Lanka National Unit), Batticaloa, 1976, mimeograph 14 pages.
  • “Tamil Political Leadership in British Ceylon: Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan”, Memorial Lecture, University of Jaffna, 1987.
  • “The Evolution of the Legal Systems of Sri Lanka: The Customary Laws of the Tamils of Trincomalee”, Evelyn Rutnam Institute for Inter-Cultural Studies, Seminar Proceedings (mimeograph), 1990, 58 pages
  • “Svami Vipulananda: A Tradition of Multiculturalism and Humanism”, Svami Vipulananda Centenary Commemoration Seminar, State Ministry of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 1992, mimeograph 20 pages.
  • “Literary Traditions and Communication: Palmyrah Palm Leaf Manuscripts” Paper presented at the Seminar on Palm Leaf Manuscripts conducted as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, University of Peradeniya, 1992.
  • “The Tamil Renaissance in the 19th century: The Sri Lankan Tamil Contribution”, 5th International Conference on Tamil Culture, Sydney, Australia, 1993.
  • “The God of Kataragama: Interaction between Two Religious Traditions”, First International Conference on Skanda- Murugan, Institute of Asian Studies, Chemmanchery, Chennai, 1998, mimeograph 14 pages.
  • “The Temples of Devinuvara: Trade, Urbanization and Multiculturalism”, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo 2000, mimeograph 46 pages.
  • “The Brahmi Inscriptions of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu: Perspectives on Early State Formation” Lecture Sponsored by the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission, Chennai and the Madras Museum, Chennai, 13 – 05 – 2006.
  • “ Education in Sri Lanka after Independence” Lecture sponsored by the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission and delivered at the Observer Foundation, Chennai on 14 05 2006

Papers in forthcoming volumes

  • “Tamil Inscriptions in Sri Lanka”, History and Archaeology of Sri Lanka”. Volume II, Part II Ed, P.L. Prematilleke, Senake Bandaranayake, Roland Silva, Central Cultural Fund, Colombo, mimeograph 75 pages.

Papers in Tamil

  • “The epithets and emblems of the Ariya Cakravarttis”, Souvenir, 4th International Conference Seminar, IATR, Jaffna, 1974, Pp. 7-11.
  • “The Age of the Arya Cakravarttis”, Yalppana Iracciyam.” Ed. S. K. Sitrampalam, University of Jaffna, Tirunelveli, 1992, Pp. 25-65.
  • “Administrative organization under the Arya Cakravarttis”, Yalppana Iracciyam 1992, Pp. 107-131.
  • “The Vanni Principalities of Atankapparru 1658 – 1715”, Pantara Vanniyan Commemoration Volume, Vavuniya, 1982.
  • “Prince Cola-Lankesvaran in Tirukonamalai”, Sri Taksina Kailacapuranam, Pt. 2, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1993, Pp. 1-31.
  • “The Vanni Principalities of Atankapparu”, Cintanai, Volume 5, Nos. 1 & 2, Ed. S. Sathiaseelan, University of Jaffna.
  • “Codaganga at Konesvaram: The Sanskrit Inscription at Fort Frederick, Trincomalee”, sri taksina kailacapuranam, Part 2, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 1995, Pp. 35-47.
  • “ Merchant Communities and the Nakaram in Sri Lanka A.D. 100-1250”, Cintanai (New Series) Volume 2, No. 2, Ed. S. K. Sitrampalam, University of Jaffna, Tirunelveli, Pp. 45-78.
  • “Merchant Towns in Medieval Sri Lanka – Tanmacakarap – pattinam: The Inscription of the Erivirar from Viharehinna”, Kailacanatam – Professor Kailasanatha Kurukkal Diamond Jubilee Felicitation Volume Ed. P. Gopalakrishnan, Jaffna, 2000, Pp. 73-92.
  • “The Velaikkarar in Sri Lanka”, 4th International Conference on Tamil Studies, Proceedings Ed. S. Vithiananthan, Jaffna, 1974.
  • “The Customary Laws of the Mukkuvar”, Souvenir- National Conference Seminar on Tamil Studies (IATR, Sri Lanka National Unit), 1976 Ed. S. Kamalanathan, Batticaloa, 1976, Pp. 82-90.
  • “Tamil Inscriptions of Sri Lanka: A Historical perspective”, Ilantenral University of Colombo, 1971-1972, Pp. 13-36.
  • “The Copper Plate Grant of Kailaya Vanniyan – A Re-examination”, Cintanai Vol.5 No. 3, Ed. S. Sathiaseelan, University of Jaffna, 1993.
  • “Two Tamil Copper Plates: I Chidambaram Grant of Pararacacekaran” Cintanai Vol. 3, No. 1, Ed. K. Indrapala. University of Peradeniya, 1970, Pp. 52-58.
  • “The Inscription on the Bronze Seal of the Nanadesis from Hambantota”, Cakittiya Vila Malar, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1992, Pp. 35-39.
  • “A Medieval Merchant Town in Padaviya: The Inscription of the Perilamaiyar”, Hindu Dharma, University of Peradeniya, 2001, Pp. 48-53.
  • “The Tamil Chronicles of Northern Sri Lanka: Kailayamalai and the Vaiyapatal”, Ilankatir Ed. Ka. Celvarattinam, Tamil Cankam, University of Peradeniya, 1971-1972, Pp. 13-36.
  • “Natukatu Paravanik kalvettu”, Souvenir, National Conference Seminar, IATR (Sri Lanka National Unit), Ed. S. Kamalanathan, Batticaloa, 1976, Pp. 82-90.
  • “The Tamil Puranas”, Hindu Dharma, 1982, Pp. 1-10.
  • “The konecar kalvettu” An Examination of its Historical Traditions”, konecar kalvettu Ed. Pantitar I Vadivel, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1993, Pp. 1-35.
  • “The Taksinakailacapuranam: A critical examination of its authorship and its editions”, taksina kailacapuranam. Part 1 commentary by pantitar Ka. Ce. Nataraca, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1995, Pp. I-XXXVI.
  • “Historical Notices on a tecattuk koyil”, Verukal Cittiravelayutar Katal Ed. Pantitar 1. Vativel, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2000, Pp. 1-18.
  • “The yalppana vaipavamalai: An examination of its traditions”, Pavalar Thuraiyappapillai Memorial Lecture, Mahajana College, 1975, 14 printed pages.
  • “Kalutevalayak Kalvettu”, Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka”, Pt.I, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 1994.
  • “The Development of Saivism in Sri Lanka”, Hindu Dharma, Peradeniya Campus, 1976, Pp. 45-50.
  • “Saiva Temples in Sri Lanka, AD 1000 – 1300” Hindu Dharma, 1977, Pp. 41-46.
  • “Tiripuvanaccakkaravartti: Religion and Kingship in the Cola Empire”, Ilankatir, University of Peradeniya, 1982. Pp. 87-97.
  • “Taksina Kailacam 1”, Hindu Dharma, 1978, Pp. 45-49.
  • “Taksina Kailacam II”Maturam, Peradeniya, 1980.
  • “Hinduism in Sri Lanka: The age of the Arya Cakravarttis”, Pundit Thangammah Appakkutti Felicitation Volume, Tellipalai, 1985, Pp. 211-217.

Contributions in volumes on Hindu Culture

  • Volume 1 – Architecture and Sculpture; Volume II – Dances and Paintings (with 400 photographic illustrations); Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2001 & 2002.
  • “Temple Architecture of the Gupta period Circa A. D. 320-600”.
  • “The Calukya Style of Temple Architecture”.
  • “The Rock- cut Temples of the Deccan”.
  • “The Temples of Kalinga”.
  • “The Art and Architecture of Khajuraho”.
  • “The Hoysala Temples”.
  • “The Temples of the Vijayanagara Period”.
  • Dravidian Architecture during the Nayakkar Period”.
  • “The Paintings of Ajanta”.
  • “The Paintings of Sittannavasal”.
  • “Paintings of the Brhadisvara Temple, Tanjavur”,
  • “Vijayanagara Paintings”.
  • “Hindu Bronzes of the Polonnaruva period in Sri Lanka”, 2nd World Hindu Conference Souvenir, Ministry of Hindu Religious Affairs, Colombo, 2003, pp. 148-162.
  • “The Brahmadeya of Kantalay”, Ibid, pp. 21-29.
  • “Dravidian Art and Architecture in Sri Lanka; the Vijayanagara Style”, Vivekanandan Centenary Souvenir, Vivekananda Society, Colombo, August 2003, Pp. 104-111

Edited works – Books and Compilations

  • Temples of Siva in Sri Lanka (Chief Editor), Colombo, Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka, 1999.
  • History and Archeology of Sri Lanka Volume I, Reflections on a Heritage. Historical Scholarship on Premodern Sri Lanka Part I (640 pages) Eds. R.A.L.H Gunawardana, S. Pathmanathan, M. Rohanandheera, Colombo: Central Cultural Fund, Ministry of Cultural and Religious affairs, 2000.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia (in Tamil), Part. II (Editor – in – Chief), Colombo:
    Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 1992.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia (in Tamil) Part. III (Editor – in – Chief), Colombo: Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 1996.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia (in Tamil), Part. IV (Editor – in – Chief), Colombo: Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 1998.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia (in Tamil) Part V (Editor – in – Chief), Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 2001.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia (in Tamil), Part VI (Editor – in – Chief), Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 2003.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia Part I (in Tamil), Revised and enlarged edition (Editor – in -Chief), Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 2005.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia, Part VII, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, 2005.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia, Part VIII, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs. Colombo, 2006.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia Part IX, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo, 2008.
  • Hindu Encyclopaedia, Part X, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo ( under preparation)
  • Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka (Tamil), Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo 1993.
  • Hindu Culture Volume I – Architecture and Sculpture: Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo 2002.
  • Hindu Culture Volume II – Dances and Paintings: Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo 2003.

Involvement and experience in issues relating to Higher Education

  • Convenor of a sub-committee appointed by the University Teachers Association, which submitted a report to the Government on the re-organization of universities in 1974.
  • Prepared the memorandum on the universities submitted by senior teachers in the university system to the Government in 1995.
  • As Vice-Chairman, University Grants Commission monitored the administration of the Affiliated University Colleges. On appointment by the Hon. Minister of Education and Higher Education in 1995, prepared a report on the Affiliated University Colleges, which recommended the abolition of these colleges and the establishment of two universities in place of the Affiliated University colleges. The recommendations were accepted and implemented by the cabinet of ministers.
  • As chairman of the Standing Committee on Distance Education prepared a report on the re-organization of the External Examinations in the universities. .
  • Had the responsibility of managing the General English Language Teaching Unit of the Grants Commission. When the progress was found satisfactory the programme was given over to the universities.
  • Served as a member of the Presidential Task Force on Educational Reforms. 1996-1998.
    07. Member of the Advisory Committee, Ministry of Education, May 2006.