Copyright

Hemalatha Pradeepkumar;

Published On

2025-01-06

Page Range

pp. 91–124

Language

  • English

Print Length

34 pages

3. Academics of Post-war Sri Lanka

Traces of Experiences and Impact

Chapter of: Being in Shadow and Light: Academics in Post/Conflict Higher Education (pp. 91–124)

This chapter explores the significance of acknowledging the hidden narratives of violence in conflict-affected contexts. It focuses on the impact of ethnic-based armed conflict on Sri Lanka's higher education (HE) institutions until 2009. There is limited analysis of this period and its post-conflict legacies in grey literature and academic publications spanning from 1960 to 2022. The author examines available information to gain insights into academics' experiences within Sri Lankan universities and reflects on the struggles faced by hegemonic and counter-hegemonic powers post-conflict. The text explores Sri Lankan academics as consciousness-raisers and peacebuilders amidst trauma and constraints during the conflict, supported by interventions aimed at rebuilding universities after violence ceased. Concerns are raised regarding fragile conditions that impede academia's contribution to war-torn societies due to numerous adverse challenges impacting academics’ personal and professional lives.

Contributors

Hemalatha Pradeepkumar

(author)
Head of Academic Affairs at Ambiga College of Arts and Science for Women at Madurai Kamaraj University
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3960-8465

Hemalatha Pradeepkumar is the Head of Academic Affairs at Ambiga College of Arts and Science for Women, affiliated with Madurai Kamaraj University, India. She has worked as a teacher-trainer, educational planner and lecturer in South Asia. She holds a Master’s degree in computer network management from Middlesex University, England, and a doctorate in Higher Education at the University of Liverpool, England. Her research interests lie in social justice issues, gender studies, higher education policy and practice.