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A Condolence Message – Prof. Karthigesu Chitravadivelu

Prof. Karthigesu Chitravadivelu

BSc (London), MSc, PhD (Charles, Czech Republic), Dip-in-Ed. (Sri Lanka) 

Retired Associate Professor in Zoology
Former Head, Department of Zoology and Botany
Former Director, Centre for Development of Fisheries

Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for the passing away of our beloved teacher Prof. K. Chitravadivelu, Retired Associate Professor in Zoology and Former Director, Centre for Development of Fisheries, University of Jaffna on 03.09.2021 at his residence. A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God.

He joined as a Lecturer in Zoology at Department of Zoology in 1980, served as an Associate Professor in Zoology with effect from 1993, served as Head, Department of Zoology from 1990 to 1991, served as Head, Department of Botany from 1992 to 1995 and extended his services as a Co-ordinator, Centre for Development of Fisheries from 1998 to 2008. Being a person specialized in Fish biology and culture he disseminated incredible wealth of knowledge among the undergraduate and postgraduate students of University of Jaffna, but at the same time, a simple person, humble and truly compassionate for the less fortunate. He helped in various ways, notably serving as the external examiner for several masters and doctoral candidates to improve the research standards with his critical guidance.

He is leaving an enormous legacy to the Fisheries Science education at the University of Jaffna. He was the founder Co-ordinator and then Director of Centre for Development of Fisheries which emerged as a department in year 2009. He contributed significantly for the development of the Department of Fisheries and developed an imaginary belief that it will be elevated as a faculty which was not materialized until his demise ultimately.

During his working period, he contributed towards many research projects in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Jaffna. His research findings are published in many national and international Journals. He provided his services as a consultant to many national and international organizations.  He invested his energy and time in capacity building of his students to prepare them for independence in their future. His students are now in high-level positions in governmental agencies, industry and academia in nearly every country.

On behalf of the University of Jaffna, we express our deep sadness and sorrow on his demise and convey our deep gratitude to the bereaved family. May the departed soul attain eternal rest.

 

University of Jaffna Community.