Information for:

Lecturer (Grade II) - Department of Psychology & Counselling

Mobile: +94 71 198 2650

Email: priyan@nisd.ac.lk

Priyan Hettiarachchi presently serves as a Lecturer/Training Officer (Grade-II) at the National Institute of Social Development. His educational journey began at MR/Narandeniya Central College, Kamburupitiya. He obtained a B.A (Hons.) Degree in Sociology from the University of Ruhuna in 2007, followed by a Master of Science in Development Management (MSc) from the University of Agder, Norway, in 2011. Additionally, he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling from the University of Colombo in 2017. He has over 15 years of experience in academia. He has held various roles, including Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Ruhuna. He has also contributed as a visiting lecturer at academic institutions. Recognized as a certified trainer by the Sri Lanka Institute of Training & Development (SLITAD), he brings expertise in training to his professional portfolio. He has made significant contributions to academic literature, publishing several journal articles and presenting abstracts at national and international research conferences. He has a proven track record of successfully supervising numerous graduate students. Furthermore, he has demonstrated his organizational skills as a course coordinator for various diploma courses conducted by the National Institute of Social Development (NISD). In acknowledgment of his academic potential, He was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Development Management from the University of Agder in Norway.This scholarship is funded by Norad’s programme for Master Studies (NOMA). He’s current focus in teaching and research encompasses a diverse range of areas, including Sociology, Research Methodology, Psychological Counseling, Elderly Issues, and Livelihood Development.

Educational Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) in Sociology (2007), Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna.
  • Msc in Development Management, (2011), Centre for Development Studies, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Agder in Norway.

Completed Postgraduate Diplomas

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling, (2017), Department of Education Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Colombo (1st September 2017).

Current Position/s

  • Training Officer/Lecturer (Grade-II), Training Division/Department of Psychology, National Institute of Social Development.

Positions Held

  • Assistant Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna. Duration: 2008-2010). 
  • Training officer, Mediation board commission, Ministry of Justice, Duration: 2012.
  • District Field Coordinator, Deinstitutionalization of Children’s project at Sarvodaya. Dutration: 2011.
  • Visiting Lecturer, Department in Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna. Duration: 2014. 
  • Visiting Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna. Duration: 2017-2019.

Publications

Journal articles

  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2021). Roles and Responsibilities of the Family Cooperation for the Sustainability of Elderly Livelihoods. Magazine of ‘path to a successful elder life,2, 42-52. Battaramulla: National Secretariat for Elders. 
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2020). Psycho-social work intervention and utility of solving psycho-social problems in adulthood. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work, 36-38. Liyanagemulla: Research and Publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.(in Sinhalese)
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2019). Community participation for the Rural Changes: Evidence from case study of Gemidiriya Community development project. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work, Peer Reviewed Journal. 88-95. Liyanagemulla: Research and Publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2018). Identifying the impact of social change on population ageing and issues in Sri Lankan society. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work, Peer Reviewed Journal. 5-6. Liyanagemulla: Research and Publication Division, National Institute of Social Development. (in Sinhalese)
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2018). Issues faced by school children & educational counseling. Counseling Magazine, 16. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Colombo. (in Sinhalese)
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2017). Ageing related issues and actions that can be taken to plan a successful ageing life. Samaja Sanhitha, 1-8. Rajagiriya: Research and Publication Division. National Institute of Social Development. (in Sinhalese)
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2016). Identifying the concept of sustainable livelihood and sustainable livelihood approach for the Development. Samaja Sanhitha 11, 206-216. Rajagiriya: Research and Publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2016). Importance of Good governance and its characteristics for the Development of a Country. Sri Lanka journal of social work, 174-182. Rajagiriya: Research & publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2015). An Evaluation of the Coastal Zone Management plan (CZMP) of Sri Lanka, Professional Social Work Journal 5, 69-76. Rajagiriya: Research & publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2015). Why are Environmental Issues central to the Sustainable Development. Samaja Sanhitha 01, 65-69. Rajagiriya: Research & publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2014). Civil Society-Can it be Defined & Operationalized? Professional Journal of Social work, 118-125. Rajagiriya: Research & publication Division, National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2016). The need for counseling for psycho-social issues faced by the elderly. Counseling magazine, Counseling service Association, Faculty of Education, University of Colombo.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2014). Part of Rural Development in Sri Lanka. News Letter of ‘Dayata Kirula’, Rajagiriya: Research & publication Division, National Institute of Social Development. (In sinhalese)
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2010). Mental health and society. Prathimana Magazine 6, 159-180 Department of sociology, Un
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2009). Importance of Social solidarity. School journal. 43-45. Weligama: MR/Mirissa Junior School. (in sinhalese)

Abstracts

  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2023). Socio-economic issues and challenges faced by the elderly in households. In Proceedings of the 8th International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Science, organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2022). Socio-economic issues and challenges faced by the elderly in the current economic crisis of Sri Lanka. Abstract submitted to the 22nd International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2021). Impact on the sustainable livelihood of the elderly: Changes in the traditional roles and responsibilities of elders. Abstract submitted to the 3rd International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH), organized by the Department of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (p.31)
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2018). ICT as a tool for business modernization: Understanding the ICT competence among entrepreneurs and its impact on the success of business. Abstract submitted to the 4th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS), organized by the Research Centre for Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya (p.19).
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2017). Identifying needs of counseling for psycho-social issues faced by aging: With special reference to Divisional Secretariat in Kamburupitiya. Abstract submitted to the 1st National Conference on the National Institute of Social Development (p. 50).
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2016). Identifying psycho-social issues faced by elderly widows: With special reference to Divisional Secretariat in Kamburupitiya. Abstract submitted to the 10th Annual Research Conference on the Humanities and Social Sciences, The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka (p. 238).
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2016). Identifying psycho-social issues faced by the elderly: With special reference to Divisional Secretariat Division, Kamburupitiya. Paper presented at the International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya (p. 189).
  • Hettiarachchi, P. C. (2011). State as a Development Actor: Evidence from a Case Study of Gemidiriya Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Abstract submitted for the partial fulfillment of MSc in Development Management, University of Agder, Norway.

Awards/Scholarships/Medals/Prizes

  • Scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Development Management at the University of Agder in Norway. This scholarship is generously funded by Norad’s Programme for Master Studies (NOMA).

Teaching (Courses Conducted)

BSW Courses

  • BSW Degree programe
  • BSW-315 (Social Work With Elderly
  • BSW-313 (Economics for Social Workers)
  • BSW-224 (Applied Research Method)

Higher Diploma Courses

  • HDip in counseling program
  • HDipc-212 (Counseling Knowledge & Specialization )
  • HDipc-222 (Research In Counselling)

Diploma Courses

  • Diploma in counseling programme
  • Dipc-113 (Introduction to Research Methods)
  • Dipc-123 (Introduction to Sri Lankan Context)
  • Diploma in Gerontology & Elder care
  • DG-103 Ageing Society & Culture
  • Dipc-104 Basic Research Methods

Certificate Courses

  • Certificate course & All Short term training Programs

Research Interests

  • Ageing with Elder issues
  • Livelihood Development
  • Psychological Counselling

Research Activities

  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2019).Survey on “”Educational Information of Children and Youth affected at Sebastian’s Katuwapitiya.” Organized by National Institute of Social Development.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2017). Carried out research on “”Needs of Psychological counseling for prevents psycho-Social issues faced by aging.”” Unpublished research conducted for the postgraduate diploma in counseling program.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2012). Evaluation study of the De-institutionalization of Children’s project in Matara district. Organized by Sarvodaya Headquarters in Moratuwa.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2011). Carried out research on ‘State as a Development Actor: Evidence from Case study of Gemidiriya Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project of Matara district, in Sri Lanka.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2010). Evaluation study of the Hambantota Integrated Rural Development project (HIRDP). Organized by Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2010). Evaluation Study of “Happy and sad letter box project.” Organized by Plan-Sri Lanka.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2007). Carried out research on ‘How does Social Attitudes affect the mentally ill people when they come to the society.” Unpublished research conducted for the BA Degree in Sociology.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2007). Evaluation study of ‘Integrating mentally ill persons into Mainstream Development processes,’ conducted by Basic Needs in Sri Lanka.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2005). Carried out Research on “Tsunami Delivery System in the Matara District,” Organized by the Dept. of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2005). Carried out Research on “Social requirements of Tsunami Victims in Dicwella & Matara Divisional Secretaries areas,” Organized by the Dept. of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2006). Researcher in the research titled “Social Interaction between Tamils and Sinhalese villagers in Tea Plantations’ of the Matara District. Organized by Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2006). Researcher in the research titled “Business & Faith in Association with the Shrine at K
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2007). Evaluation Study of ‘Impact Monitoring Project implemented during the Esala Festival of Kataragama. Organized by USAID – Sri Lanka.
  •  Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2003). Investigator in a Child Rights focused Baseline survey in selected Divisional Secretaries division in Galle & Matara district. Organized by Save the Children in Sri Lanka.

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