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Lecturer (Grade I) - Department of Psychology & Counselling

Mobile: +94 71 198 2650

Email: priyan@nisd.ac.lk

Profile of Dr. Priyan Hettiarachchi

Dr. Priyan Hettiarachchi is a Lecturer/Training Officer (Grade I) at the National Institute of Social Development (NISD), under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Sri Lanka. He began his education at MR/Narandeniya Central College, Kamburupitiya, and went on to earn a B.A. (Hons.) in Sociology from the University of Ruhuna in 2007. In 2011, he obtained a Master of Science in Development Management from the University of Agder, Norway, funded by the prestigious Norad’s Programme for Master Studies (NOMA) scholarship. In 2017, he further strengthened his professional expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling from the University of Colombo. With more than 16 years of academic and professional experience, Dr. Hettiarachchi has served as an Assistant Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Ruhuna, a Visiting Lecturer at several higher educational institutions, and a certified trainer of the Sri Lanka Institute of Training & Development (SLITAD). At NISD, he has successfully coordinated multiple diploma programs and supervised numerous graduate students. He has made significant contributions to academia through peer-reviewed publications, scholarly articles, and conference presentations at both national and international levels. His teaching and research interests include Sociology, Research Methodology, Counseling, Elderly Issues, and Sustainable Livelihood Development. Dr. Hettiarachchi recently completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology at the University of Kelaniya. His doctoral research, titled “Socio-Economic Issues and Challenges Impacting the Life Sustainability of the Elderly Community: A Special Focus on the Southern Province,” offers valuable insights into ageing, social policy, and the sustainability of life in later years.

Educational Qualifications

  • PhD in Sociology (2024), Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya.
  • Msc in Development Management, (2011), Centre for Development Studies, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Agder in Norway.
  • BA (Hons) in Sociology (2007), Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna.

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-I), Training Division/Department of Psychology, National Institute of Social Development.

Positions Held

  • Assistant Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna. Duration: (2008-2009)
  • Assistant Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Ruhuna. Duration: (2009-2010)
  • Visiting Lecturer, Department in Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna. Duration: (2014-2015)
  • Visiting Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna. Duration: 2017-2018.
  • Visiting Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna. Duration: 2018-2019.
  • Visiting Lecturer in Department of Agro-technology and Rural Sciences, (Weligattha Centre), University of Colombo. Duration: 2019.
  • Training officer, Mediation board commission, Ministry of Justice, Duration: 2012.
  • District Field Coordinator, Deinstitutionalization of Children’s project at Sarvodaya. Dutration: 2011-2012

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). Issues and challenges faced by the elderly in economic participation and assessment of financial capital. Abstract submitted at the 23rd International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), Organized by Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, p. 126. 
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2023). Gender-related socio-economic implications of the elderly. Abstract submitted at the International Research Conference on Gender Studies, Organized by Gender Equity and Equality Center, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, p. 63.
  • Hettiarachchi, P.C. (2023). Impact of rapid social change on the lives of the elderly in the Sri Lankan context. Abstract submitted at the 4th International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH), Organized by the Department of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and UNESCO Sri Lanka National Commission, p. 94.
  • 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
  • Introduction to Research Methods
  • 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. (2025). A preliminary Research Report on the Residents at Regiyagama Kalana Detention Home-Key Findings and Basic Recommendations. Organized by National Institute of Social Development.
  • 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.

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • President of the Social Science Association: Served at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2005–2006).
  • Junior Treasurer of the Social Science Association: Held the position at the University of Ruhuna (2004–2005).
  • Team Captaincy: Led the Department of Sociology Cricket Team at the University of Ruhuna (2006).
  • Team Captaincy: NISD Academic staff (2013 up to now).
  • NISD “Outbound Training” Program: Attended the program held in Randenigala (2018).
  • Representative at “Yowunpuraya Program”: Represented NISD at the program held in Nikaweratiya from March 28 to April 1, 2018.
  • Member of the Library Committee: Served at NISD (from 2024 onwards).
  • Member of the Appeal Board Committee: Contributed at NISD (from 2024 onwards).
  • Sports Club Coordinator: Coordinated activities as the Sports Club Coordinator at NISD (from 2024 onwards).
  • Member of the Building Committee: Served at NISD (from 2024 onwards).
  • Cell Coordinator for the Training Division: Functioned at NISD (from 2024 onwards).
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee (CDC): Participated at NISD (from 2025 onwards).
  • Convener for the 3rd International Conference of Social Work (ICOSW): Led the conference held on the 4th and 5th of September 2024, organized by the Social Development Policy, Research, and Publication Division at NISD.
  • Convener for the Undergraduate Research Symposium on Social Work (URSSW): Organized the symposium held on June 26, 2024, at NISD.
  • Pan
  • Judge for the Research Article Competition: Reviewed research articles for the “Eternal Universities Category” at Sahithya Sankathana 2019, organized by the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka on September 25, 2019.
  • Member of the Alumini Association of Sociology Graduates in University of Ruhuna.