Prof. (Miss) Vasanthy Arasaratnam

Prof. (Miss) Vasanthy Arasaratnam

President & CEO SLIIT NORTHERN UNI

Career Summary

  • Senior Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (to date).
  • Member University Grants Commission , (January 2020 to date).
  • Member Academic Affairs Board , Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (2021 to date).
  • Chairperson, Medical & Dental Standing Committee, UGC (January 2020 to date).
  • Chairperson, Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences Standing Committee, UGC (January 2020 to date).
  • Chairperson, Health Sciences Standing Committee, UGC (January 2020 to date).
  • Chairperson, Indigenous Medicine Standing Committee, UGC (January 2020 to date).
  • Co-Chairperson, Gender Equity and Equality Standing Committee, UGC (January 2020 to date).

Administration Positions Held

International

  • Executive Member, Council of Association of Commonwealth Universities (2014–2017).
  • Member, Council of Association of Commonwealth Universities (2011–2017).
  • Member, Governing Board of South Asian University, New Delhi, India (2014–2017).

National

  • Chairperson, Research Committee, Palmyra Research Institute, Palmyra Development Board (2015–2016).
  • Member, Governing Board of the National Science Foundation (2015–2017).
  • Member, Several sub-committees appointed by the UGC related to academic and administrative matters.

University

  • Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna (2011–2017, two terms).
  • Member, Council, University of Jaffna (2003–2011).
  • Chairperson, Board of Studies, Biological Sciences, Faculty of Graduate Studies (2007–2020).
  • Member, Board of Study, Medical Sciences, Faculty of Graduate Studies (2007–2020).
  • Member, Board of Study, Agriculture, Faculty of Graduate Studies (2007–2020).
  • Director, Staff Development Center, University of Jaffna (2006–2009).
  • Member, Several sub-committees appointed by the Council and Senate related to academic, administrative, and student-discipline.

Faculty of Medicine

  • Dean, Faculty of Medicine (2000–2003).
  • Head of five Departments in the Faculty of Medicine during the Deanship..
  • Head, Department of Biochemistry (1990–2000; 2022–2024).
  • Head, Department of Pharmacology (2003–2009).
  • Head, Department of Community Medicine (2009–2011).
  • Pre-Clinical Coordinator, Faculty of Medicine (1997–2000).
  • Administrative Coordinator Allied Health Studies (AHS) Unit..
  • Administrative Coordinator, Allied Health Sciences (2006–2011).
  • Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Sciences, AHS (2006–2011).
  • Coordinator, Pharmacy, AHS (2006–2011).

Academic Qualifications​

Academic Qualifications
  • B.Sc. (First Class) from University of Madras, 1981 and obtained proficiency prizes in all subjects read (Biochemistry, Chemistry and Biochemistry).
  • M.Sc. (Biochemistry) University of Colombo, 1985.
  • Ph.D. (Biochemistry) University of Jaffna 1989, a sandwich programme between Lund University, Sweden and University of Jaffna.
Honors and Awards

Research Interests & Memberships

Interests
  • Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
Memberships
  • President, Nutrition Society, Jaffna
  • President, Jaffna Science Association, 2008/2009
  • Chairman, Section ‘B’ (Applied Science), Jaffna Science Association, Sri Lanka, 1998/1999, 1999/2000
  • Founder Member of Jaffna Science Association
  • Life Member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science

Ongoing Research

Publications

My Publications
  • 142 Full Papers
  • 363 Conference Reports
  • Authored 3 Books

Research Supervision

Undergraduate

  • II MBBS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (Supervised more than 1396 research projects since 1985)
  • III MBBS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (9 Nos.)
  • Food Chemistry Research Projects, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna (19 Nos.)
  • Agronomy Research Projects, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna (1 No.)
  • Agricultural Engineering, Research Projects, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna (2 Nos.)
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences Research Projects, Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (45 Nos.)
  • Pharmacy Research Projects, Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2 Nos.)
  • Nursing Research Projects, Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (1 No.)
  • Agricultural Engineering Research Projects, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna (2 Nos.).
  • Zoology Research Projects, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna (1 No.)

Postgraduate

  • 7 Ph.D.
  • 13 M.Phil.
  • 12 M.Sc.

Currently Supervising two M.Phil. Students.

Research Evaluation

Undergraduate Project Evaluation

  • Medical Laboratory Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
  • Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.

Postgraduate Thesis Evaluation
M.Phil. and Ph.D. candidates Nationally and Internationally

Research Project Coordination

  • Project Leader, International Program in the Chemical Sciences (IPICS), Sweden (1997–2010).
  • Project Leader, Sida/SAREC, Sweden (2007–2010).
  • Coordinator, Third World Academy of Science (TWAS) Grant (1990–1993).
  • Coordinator, International Foundation for Science (IFS) Grant (1992–1994), Sweden.
  • Coordinator, National Research Council, Sri Lanka (NRC, 2011–2015).
  • Coordinator, National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka (NSF, 1990–1994; 1995–1999; 2016–2019; 2017–2020) grants.

Founder and Chairman

Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.

Founder and Chairman

Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.