Biography
Niwantha HP, a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the esteemed University of Sri Jayewardenepura, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the realms of Criminology and Sociology. With two years as a lecturer at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Niwantha’s pedagogical approach emphasizes cultural sensitivity and innovative teaching methods to ignite students’ passion for these subjects. Holding a GPA of 3.51, Niwantha’s dissertation delved into criminal activities against marine resources along Sri Lanka’s coastline. Their dedication to academia is evident through a multitude of research publications, conference presentations, and committee roles, showcasing a commitment to advancing the fields of criminology and sociology. Niwantha’s academic journey extends to editorial and design contributions and visiting academic roles at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Complementing their academic pursuits, Niwantha has participated in various workshops and trainings, including internships at the National Child Protection Authority. Eager to further contribute to academic excellence and institutional leadership, Niwantha is poised to establish and lead academic institutions dedicated to these disciplines, shaping a new generation of scholars and researchers.
Educational qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2022.
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice System
- Class: Second Class Upper Division
- Dissertation: A Study of Criminal Activities Against Marine Resources Along Sri Lanka’s Coastline.
- G.P.A: 3.51 (out of 4.0)
- G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, 2016
- Nalanda College, Colombo 10
- Subjects:
- Buddhist Civilization (Grade A)
- Sinhala (Grade A)
- History (Grade A)
Awards and Fellowships
- Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship 2016-2017 Awarded by Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund
Previous Appointments
Professional Experience
- Temporary Lecturer
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
- Teaching Criminology courses to undergraduate students.
- Duration: 01.06.2022 – Present
- Academic Roles at Open University of Sri Lanka:
- Visiting Academic, BA in Youth and Community Development DSU3561 – Principles and Youth in Development Work, Anuradhapura Regional Center, Open University of Sri Lanka (01st July 2023 to 31st January 2024).
- Visiting Academic, BA Degree in Social Sciences DSU5357 – Globalization and Migration and Social Change, Anuradhapura Regional Center, Open University of Sri Lanka (01st July 2023 to 31st January 2024).
- Visiting Academic, Certificate Course on Social Sciences DSC 2714- Foundation of Sociology, Anuradhapura Regional Center, Open University of Sri Lanka (06th of January 2024 to 2nd of March 2024)
- Visiting Academic, BA Degree in Social Sciences DSU 3552- Understanding Sri Lankan Society, Anuradhapura Regional Center, Open University of Sri Lanka (13th of January 2024 to 30th of March 2024)
- Visiting Academic, BA Degree in Social Sciences DSU 3542-Politics and Governance, Anuradhapura Regional Center, Open University of Sri Lanka (13th of January 2024 to 30th of March 2024)
- Committee Roles:
- Treasurer, First National Research Symposium, Department of Social Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Member, Organizing Committee – Second Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2022).
- Committee Member, First National Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (NRSSSH 2022), Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2022).
- Committee Member, First National Research Symposium, Department of Social Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Member, Media and Web Committee – Third Undergraduate Research Symposium (URSSH) (2023).
- Organizing Committee Member, Orientation Program for New Student Intake (2019/2020 Batch), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2022).
- Invigilator – Examination of Semester 1 / Diploma in Environmental Management 2023/24, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Editorial and Design Contributions:
- Co-Editor, Layout, and Cover Design – Proceedings of First National Research Symposium of Department of Social Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Layout and Cover Design – Proceedings of First National Conference on Foreign Languages and Literature, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Layout and Cover Design – RAJARATA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, Volume 5 Number 2 (2021).
- Layout and Cover Design – RAJARATA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, Volume 6 Number 1 (2021).
- Layout and Cover Design – Proceeding of National Research Symposium of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Reviewer and Panelist Roles:
- Reviewer and Panelist, First National Research Symposium, Department of Social Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Expert Reviewer, Third Undergraduate Research Symposium (URSSH) (2023).
Research Interests
- Criminology
- Enviromental Criminology
- Cultural Criminology
- Criminal Philosophy
- Criminal Investigation
- Police and Criminal Justice system
- Sociology
- Culture
- Gender
- Social Anthropologhy
- Conflict Resolution
Publications
Index Journal
- Niwantha HP. An Investigative Study of the Literature of Japanese Zen Buddhism and Crime Control.Journal of Advanced Research in Humanities and Social Sciences 2024; 11(1):6-22.
- Niwantha, H. P., & Hansika, S. D. (2023). A Socio-criminological Study of the Contemporary Situation of Women Victimized by Microfinance Loans in Sri Lanka (Based on Polonnaruwa District). Samodhana Journal, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 12(2), 112-132.
Non index Journal:
- Niwantha, HP, Chanaka JE, & Gunarathna CS (2022). Crime and crime prevention related to the historical culture of Sri Lanka (Sinhala). Cultural Criminology – E-Journal, pp. 86-98.
- Niwantha, H.P. (2021). Gender and transsexuality (Sinhala). Pumithiri E-Journal (Equal Opportunity Center, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardhenepura), Volume 01 Number 01, pp. 111-121
Book Reviews:
Books:
Book chapters:
Conference Full Papers:
Proceeding of Conference:
- Niwantha HP, Siriwardhane WSN, Wickramage PD. (2023). Thieving criminal culture revealed in Jataka literature. First National Conference on Foreign Languages and Literature, pp. 37.
Membership
- AYEVAC Youth Movement Colombo District Cordinator
Trainings
- Completed the 6 month Internship Training in National Child Protection Authority, (2021 to 2022)
- Completed the Short Course on Parliamentary Studies organized by the Sri Lanka parliament and Rajarata University of Sri Lanka on September 23 & 24 ,2023
- Participated in a Workshop on Intellectual Property organized by the University Business Linkage Cell at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO) on November 21, 2023.
- Participated in a comprehensive Leadership Training workshop organized by AYEVAC Youth Movement and powered by ChildFund Sri Lanka at Rangiri Aqua Resort in March 2022.