Rev. Kudawawe Somananda Thero, a Senior Lecturer in History at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, has over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He also served as a visiting lecturer at Rajarata University (2010–2023) and as a government school teacher (Pirivena) from 2007 to 2015. He holds a B.A. in History (Special) and an M.Phil. in History from the University of Peradeniya, alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the Open University of Sri Lanka. Rev. Somananda Thero was awarded the prestigious NORPART Project Scholarship (2022) for a Master’s in Human Rights and Multiculturalism at the University of South-Eastern Norway in collaboration with the University of Peradeniya, which he completed in 2023. He has also completed an induction program for academic staff and various courses in English and Tamil to enhance his academic and linguistic skills.
Rev. Somananda Thero has presented numerous research papers at national and international conferences, with publications in journals and books. He has served as a resource person, session chair and moderator, contributing to diverse academic discussions. He has held leadership roles, including President of the Teachers’ Association (2022), Joint Secretary of the International Buddhist Conference (2019), and Senior Treasurer for Student Societies. Additionally, he has been involved in curriculum development, academic committees, and institutional administration. A Senate member at Bhiksu University, he is also a lifetime member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka and an active participant in various faculty boards and editorial boards.
E-Mail: SomanandaThero@em.uni-frankfurt.de