Lecturer
B.A. [Hons](EUSL), M.Sc.(Geo-Informatics), (PGIA, Peradeniya)
nthasa@univ.jfn.ac.lk
thasa.nada9@gmail.com
Academic Profile
Activities
Admin Roles
Awards
Publications
Teaching
Academic Profile
Reading PhD in Geography
Department of Geography
School of Social, Development and Environmental Studies
Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
National University of Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia – 2020 onwards
M.Sc in Geo-Informatics
Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 2010 – 2013
B.A (Hons) in Geography with First Class
Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 2001 – 2005
Studied in Summer School Program at Norway
The international summer school training courses have been organized by the WASO project through the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
THT 311: Water Resources Management and Treatment Technologies (10 ECTS). The course has been included lectures, examination and project report – Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway – 2019
4330: Water Quality Challenges (5ECTS) with a working load of 150 hours in the course. The course was included lectures, laboratory work, exercises and assignments. University of South – Eastern Norway (USN), Norway – 2019
Activities
Conferences/ workshop / study visit
Conferences
- Person – in – Charge in the organizing committee of JUICE (Jaffna University International Research Conference) – 2016 at the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 12-13 August 2016
- Local Organizing Committee Member in JUICE (Jaffna University International Research Conference) – 2014 at the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 18-19 December 2014
Workshops
- Successfully completed the Workshop on Google Earth Engine (GEE) at the Institute of Climate Change, National University of Malaysia (UKM), Banhi, Malaysia – 16- 17 August 2022
- Attended in the 2022 International Training workshop on Earth Observations for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries. The workshop has been organized by National Remote Sensing Centre for China (NRSCC), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Asia-Oceania Group of Earth Observations (AOGEO) – Online – [No-TW2022-663] – 26-28 July 2022
- Participated at the WaSo (Water Society) final conference. WaSo – Water, Society and Climate Change – a project funded by NORAD, Norway – 15-16 December 2020.
- Participated in the International Conference on Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions – SuDS Oslo, Norway. The conference has been organized by the European Water Association and the Norwegian Water Association in Norwegian Environmental Authority’s Auditorium in Oslo – 17th June 2019.
- Participated in the international workshop on Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities: Impact on Coastal Development and Management. The conference has been organized jointly by the Department of Geography, University of Colombo and Island Research Centre State Oceanic Administration – P.R.China at Hotel Janaki, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka – 28th & 29th October 2016
- Participated and presented a research paper in the 4th International Conference on Geo-Information Technology for Natural Disaster Management (GIT4NDM) and the 1st International Conference on Geo-Information Technology for Infrastructure Management at Colombo, Sri Lanka – 7 & 8 November 2012.
- Participated in the 3rd International Conference on Geo-Information Technology for Natural Disaster Management & Rehabilitation at Chiang Mai, Thailand – 19-20 October 2010.
- Participated the workshop on Drone Assisted Agriculture Farming (DAAF). The workshop has been organized by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka – 9 January 2021.
- Participated in the 2- days Workshop on “Methods in Water Quality Testing” which was organized by Geological Society of Sri Lanka and Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka – 29 & 30 December 2016.
- Participated workshop on Water Conflicts Resolution, Treatment & Desalination. This workshop was organized by the WaSo Project through the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 18 & 19 April 2015.
- Participated workshop on Community Wellbeing Research as part of the REINCOFISH Project focusing Palk Bay Region. The workshop jointly organized by the Department of Geography, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka and the University of Amsterdam. The project was funded by the Netherland Science Foundation – At the Department of Geography, University of Jaffna – 23 – 26 March 2015.
- Attended an 18 hour English Language workshop in Academic Writing Skills (JFNUNIWS-SuM) at British Council, Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 31 July – 22 August 2016
- Participated Workshop on Statistical Analysis Using SPSS. The workshop has been organized by the IDAS Project Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 22 & 23 October 2015
Contribution (University / National Development)
- One of the authors from the University of Jaffna in the Physical Geography Text Book Part 1 (Tamil medium) for the Advanced Level students of Sri Lanka. The work has been done through the Education Publication Department, Ministry of Education, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- One of the authors from the University of Jaffna in the Human Geography Text Book Part 1 (Tamil medium) for the Advanced Level students of Sri Lanka. Currently the work is going on through the Education Publication Department, Ministry of Education, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- One of the resource persons in the seminar of the introducing Geography new syllabus in 2017 for G.C.E. Advanced Level Tamil medium teachers for Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The seminar has been organized by the National Institute of Education (NIE), Colombo, Sri Lanka. 1 & 2 April 2017
- One of the resource persons in the seminar of the introducing Geography new syllabus in 2017 for G.C.E. Advanced Level Tamil medium teachers for Central, Uwa and Sabragamuwa Provinces, Sri Lanka. The seminar has been organized by the National Institute of Education (NIE), Colombo, Sri Lanka. 29 – 30 January 2017
- One of the Chief Examiners for the G.C.E Advanced Level Examination of the Geography subject evaluation panel – 2018 – 2019
Memberships
- Member – Jaffna University Teachers Association (JUTA) – 2016 onwards
- Life Member – Sri Lanka Association of Geographers (SLAG) – 2017 onwards
- Member – Geography Society, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2015 onwards
- Member – Geographical Society, Eastern University, Sri Lanka – 2002 -2005
- Member- Sri Lanka Red Cross Society – 2006 onwards
Research Interests and Specialization
Coastal Geomorphology, GIS and Remote Sensing, Geomorphological land system mapping, Digital image interpretation, Estuary studies, Geology, Tourism studies, Oceanography and Aquatic studies
Ongoing Research and Projects
Seasonal Geomorphic land unit changes of the estuaries and its impacts on economic and ecological aspects in Mannar district, Sri Lanka – On – going Ph.D research in Geography.
Other Academic Contributions
Positions Held
- Lecturer (Probationary) – Department of Geography, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2015 (July) -2018 (June)
- Temporary Lecturer -Deprtment of Geography, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2014 (July) -2015 (June)
- Temporary Assistant Lecturer -Department of Geography, Eastern University , Sri Lanka – 2005 (August) – 2006 (October)
- GIS Mapping Assistant – National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Sri Lanka [Part time- One year] – “Preparation of Zonal Plan for Shrimp Farming Development in Batticaloa District in Sri Lanka”. The project was funded by the NAQDA through the Department of Zoology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka – 2006 – 2007
Short Courses and Training
- Successfully completed NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Applied Remote Sensing Training Programme on “Remote Sensing of Coastal Ecosystems” – 25th August, September 1st and September 8th
- Successfully completed NASA’s Training Programme on “Satellite Observations for Analyzing Natural Hazards on Small Islands Nations” – 18th to 26th August 2021.
- Successfully completed NASA’s training programme on “Monitoring coastal and estuarine water quality using Remote Sensing and in Situ Data” – November 30th to December 7th 2021
- Successfully completed NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Applied Remote Sensing Training Programme on “MODIS to VIIRS Transition for Air Quality Applications” – October 22nd
- Successfully completed a training course on Use of SuperMap GIS at Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering of University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 12th and 13th November 2018.
- Successfully completed the Induction Programme for Academic Staff at the Staff Development Centre (SDC), University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – April 05th 2015
- Successfully completed the training programme on Geographical Information Systems at the Department of Geography, University of Colombo – 2006
- Successfully completed the short course on GIS and its Applications at the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) & Geological Society of Sri Lanka, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka – 2005
- Successfully completed the 32 hours of class room instruction on Introduction to Arc GIS I in EMSO LIMITED, Sri Lanka. The training program has been organized by the Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka – 2006
Participated as Resource Person
- Participated as a resource person in a short course (six days) on GIS and Its Applications (GIS, Remote Sensing and GPS) at the Department of Geography, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – May – June 2018
- Participated as a resource person in WaSo Workshop on Introduction to GIS using ArcGIS at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jaffna, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka. The workshop has been organized by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna – 16 &17 January 2017
- Delivered a Guest Talk under the topic of “Law of the sea” to the Department of Law, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2018
- Contributed as one of the resource persons from the Department of Geography to the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2015 – 2017
- Successfully conducted five hours lectures with laboratory practice on Dialectology Mapping (ALGC 31033) to the Linguistics students at the Department of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 15 -20 November 2019
Reviewed Manuscripts / Abstract
- Reviewed a manuscript to the Journal of Earth Science Informatics (ESIN). It is one of the Hybrid Journals (Transformative Journal) published by Springer Nature – 2022 (March)
- Reviewed a manuscript to the Journal of Earth Science Informatics (ESIN). It is one of the Hybrid Journals (Transformative Journal) published by Springer Nature – 2022 (October)
- Reviewed an abstract to the 24th Annual Sessions of Jaffna Science Association (JSA 2017) – in 2017
Admin Roles
- Served as one of the board committee members to work on proposal on bifurcation of Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2019
- Served as one of the representative of Lecturers (Probationary) in the Faculty Board – Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2017 – 2019
- Served as one of the Student Counsellors in the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – 2018 – 2019
Awards
Awards, Scholarships & Fellowship
- Fellowship awarded by the NORAD NORHED to study in Norway at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and University of South – Eastern Norway (USN). The fellowship funded by the NORAD NORHED WaSo Asia Project through the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – July 2019
- Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Awarded – The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund, Sri Lanka – 1999/2000 Academic Year
Publications
Publications (Book, book chapters, Research Papers)
Book Chapter
Principles of Microwave Remote Sensing, Thasarathan, N, 2017, Kaleel M.I.M (Eds), Social Issues in Changing World, Attal Publication, pp-92-110, ISBN: 978-955-42121-5-2 (in Tamil)
Indexed Journal Article
Pathmanandakumar V, Thasarathan N, Ranagalage M. An Approach to Delineate Potential Groundwater Zones in Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka, Using GIS Techniques. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2021; 10(11):730. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10110730
Peer Reviewed Journal Article
- Thasarathan, N, Pathmananthakumar,V, (2017). Resource opportunities and potentials for developing Ecotourism in Gowdarimunai area in Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka. The full research article has been published in the Refereed Journal of CINTANAI, Batch XVII, July 2017-Volume 2, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, ISSN 2478-1061 (in Tamil)
- Pathmananthakumar,V, Thasarathan, N, (2018). Application of Geographical Information System (GIS) in Tourism Planning and Management. The review article has been published in the refereed journal of CINTANAI, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. Batch. XVIII, Vol. 01, February 2018 (in Tamil)
- Pathmananthakumar, V, Thasarathan, N, (2017). Challenges and opportunities for tourism development in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. The full research article has published in “The Sri Lanka Journal of SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES”, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Volume 02 Number 02, November 2016. https://www.jfn.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/South-asian-Book-29.07.2019.pdf#page=17
- Pathmananthakumar,V, Thasarathan, N, (2017). Mapping and analysis of Land cover/Land use change in Vavuniya DS Division of Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka. The research article has been published in The Sri Lanka Journal of SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES, Vol.03, No. 01, April 2017. https://www.jfn.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Sri-Lanka-Journal-of-South-Asian-Studies-Volume-03-Number-01-2017.pdf#page=62
Research (Conference Papers, Abstracts)
- Thasarathan, N, Dayawansa,D.K, Silva, R.P.De, (2012). Identification of Dengue Risk Zones in Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat Area of Gampaha District in Sri Lanka Using Geo-Informatics Techniques. Full research paper has been submitted and presented at the 4th International Conference on Geo-Information Technology for Natural Disaster Management (GIT4NDM) at Hotel Galadari, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Available link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324132800_Identification_of_Dengue_Risk_Zones_in_Kelaniya_Divisional_Secretariat_Area_of_Gampaha_District_of_Sri_Lanka_Using_Geo-Informatics_Techniques
- Thasarathan, N, Suthakar, K, (2018). Examine geomorphologic units and its spatio -temporal changes of Pigeon Island Marine National Park in Sri Lanka. Abstract has been published in poster program in the conference of ECSA 57 which was held in Perth Australia. This research conference has been organized by ELSEVIER. Available link: http://www.estuarinecoascom/resources/updateable/pdf/Poster%20Program-21st%20August.pdf
- Thasarathan, N, Lam K.C, Kadaruddin B.A, (2020). Identification of the Vulnerable Watershed for Flood Mitigation in Mullaitivu District in Sri Lanka Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques. Abstract has been published in IEEE Workshop on Geo-Science and Remote Sensing 2020 (IWGRS 2020) in Malaysia.
- Thasarathan, N,Suthakar, K, (2017). Mangrove cover change detection in Vankalai Bird Sanctuary in Mannar District of Sri Lanka using Landsat satellite imageries. Abstract has been published in the Scientific Session of National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Sri Lanka. Available link: http://www.erepository.nara.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/1/948/SLJNARAABS-2017-9.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
- Thasarathan, N, Suthakar, K, (2017). Land cover changes in the Pigeon Island Marine National Park at Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka from 1956 to 2015. Extended abstract has been presented and in the National Research Symposium on Sustainable Management of Pigeon Island National Park on 27th and 28th April 2017 in Sea Lotus Park Hotel, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
- Thasarathan,N, Pathmananthakumar, V, (2017). Community based Ecotourism: A pathway for the conservation of natural resources. Abstract has been published in the International Forestry and Environment Symposium – 2017, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo, Sri Lanka. DOI:13140/RG.2.2.18081.71523
Unpublished thesis
Undergraduate dissertation: “Displacement and Resettlement of the Koralaipattu Central Divisional Secretariat of Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka after 1990” Thasarathan N, 2005, Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (in Tamil)
Published Articles in Magazine
- “Green House Effect” Thasarathan, N, 2002, Puvi Aruvi Magagine, Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (in Tamil)
- “Consumption of World Energy Resources” Thasarathan, N, 2002, Veli Magazine, Faculty of Arts & Culture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (in Tamil)
- “Ground Water Pollution” Thasarathan , N, 2003, Puvi Aruvi Magazine, Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (in Tamil).
- “Pollution of Valaichenai Lagoon at Batticaloa District” Thasarathan, N, 2004, Puvi Aruvi Magazine, Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (in Tamil).
- “Global Positioning System” Thasarathan, N, 2004, Puvi Aruvi Magazine, Department of Geography, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (in Tamil).
- “Microwave Remote Sensing” Thasarathan, N, 2016, Jaffna Geographer, Department of Geography, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (in Tamil).
Teaching
Undergraduate Teaching
- AGYC 31023: Geomorphology
- AGYC 21013: Introduction to Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System
- AGYC 22013: Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in Geography
- AGYC 22033: Geography of Tourism
- AGYC 22023: Basic Geology and Soils
- AGYC 41043: Physical and Human Environment – Sri Lanka
- AGYC 42046: Dissertation (Independent Research)