Dr. Dhammika Kumari Manatunga, Senior Lecturer (Grade I), assumed duties as the new Head of the Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, on the 9th of January 2025. The appointment letter was officially handed over to the Head by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, at the Vice Chancellor's Office. The appointment officially came into effect on the 22nd of December 2024.
Dr. Manatunga brings over two decades of academic and administrative experience to her new role. She is a member of the Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists, a life member of the Sri Lanka Historical Association, a life member of the Royal Asiatic Society, Sri Lanka Branch, and a life member and committee member of the Alumni Association of the University of Kelaniya. Moreover, she has served as a member of the Editorial Board for the Book on Indian History for G.C.E. (A/L) (Department of Educational Publications) and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Atlas for G.C.E. Advanced Level Students (National Institute of Education, 1998-1999).
Dr. Manatunga's administrative roles at the University of Kelaniya include Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Sociology Degree Program (2023-2024), Senior Treasurer of the History Students’ Union (2009-2013), Student Counsellor (2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2015-2016), Organizing Committee Member of the Alumni Association (2002), and Managing Committee Member of the Bandaranayake Girls Hostel (2002).
Her academic qualifications include a Ph.D. in History from the University of Kelaniya, an MSc Degree in Archaeology from the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology with a Merit Pass (1995) from the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya. She also holds a BA (Hons.) Degree in History from the University of Kelaniya, obtained in 1991.
Dr. Manatunga has made notable contributions to research and publications. She has served as the Chief Editor of the e-journal Cirantana since 2023, Co-editor of the journal Maṃgalābhinandana in 2018, and Co-editor of the journal Cirantana published by the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya (1996-2008). Additionally, she is the author of the book Päraṇi Laṃkāvē Pālana Saṃvidhānaya (Tharanga Publications, 2009). She has also presented her research at numerous national and international conferences and journals, further showcasing her expertise in the field.