K. D. Arulpragasam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Professor
K. D. Arulpragasam
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| 1st Vice-Chancellor of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka | |
| In office 1986–1989 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kandiah David Arulpragasam
16 September 1931 |
| Died | 7 August 2003 (aged 71) Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Alma mater | S. Thomas' College St. John's College Hartley College Ananda College University of Ceylon University of Wales University of Southampton |
| Profession | Academic |
| Ethnicity | Sri Lankan Tamil |
Professor Kandiah David Arulpragasam was an important academic from Sri Lanka. He was born on September 16, 1931, and passed away on August 7, 2003. He is best known for being the very first head of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
Early Life and Education
Kandiah David Arulpragasam was born on September 16, 1931. He attended several schools as he grew up. These included S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, St. John's College, Jaffna, Hartley College, and Ananda College.
After finishing school, he went to the University of Ceylon in Colombo. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in zoology. Zoology is the study of animals. He then traveled to the United Kingdom for more advanced studies. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in marine zoology from the University of Wales. Marine zoology focuses on animals that live in the ocean. Later, he did more research in oceanography at the University of Southampton. Oceanography is the study of the ocean.
Professor Arulpragasam never married. He lived with his brother, Arulanantham, and his sister-in-law, Padma.
His Career in Education
Professor Arulpragasam began his career at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. He worked in the Department of Zoology. In 1973, he became a Professor of Zoology. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science for a few years. A Dean is like a head of a major department or school within a university.
In April 1985, Professor Arulpragasam was chosen to be the Director of Batticaloa University College. This college was given full university status in October 1986. This meant it became a complete university. At that time, Professor Arulpragasam became its first-ever Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor is the main leader of a university.
Professor Arulpragasam also held other important roles. In October 1996, he was appointed Vice Chairman for Planning of the second National Education Commission. He was also the chairman of the Central Environmental Authority. This group works to protect the environment. He was also the First Associate Director of the Institute of Fundamental Studies. This institute focuses on basic scientific research. He was also a member of the University Grants Commission. This group helps manage universities in Sri Lanka. He was also on the Governing Council of the National Aquatic Research and Resources Development Authority. This group studies water resources. From 1995 to 1997, he was the president of the National Academy of Sciences.
Later Life
Professor Arulpragasam passed away in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 7, 2003.
