Professor Bimali Indrarathne

PhD (Lancaster University, UK), MA in TESOL (Lancaster University, UK), MA (Kelaniya), BA (Peradeniya)
Professor
  • Qualifications
  • Qualifications

    ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

    • PhD in Applied Linguistics, Lancaster University, UK: 2016
    • MA in TESOL, Lancaster University, UK: 2011/2012
    • MA in Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka: 2006/2008
    • BA (General), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: 2001/2004

    PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

    • Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA): 2016
    • Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE/SEDA accredited): 2011
    • Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA): 2009
    • Cambridge In service Certificate in English Language Teaching (ICELT) – Part I: 2007
    • Certificate in Materials Development, USA: 2008
    • Professional In- Service English Teacher Training (PRINSETT), Sri Lanka: 2002
  • Career History
  • Career History

    FULL-TIME POSITIONS

    • Professor in ELT: Department of Languages, Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka: 10/2023 to date
    • Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics: Department of Education, University of York: 10/2022 – 09/2023
    • Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Applied Linguistics: Department of Education, University of York: 01/2019 to 09/2022
    • Postdoctoral Fellow in Additional/Second Language Education: King’s College London: 01/2018 – 12/2018
    • Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Lancaster University, UK: 01/2017 – 12/2017
    • Instructor/Lecturer/Senior Lecturer: Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka: 03/2005 – 12/2016
    • English teacher: Department of Education, Sri Lanka: 05/1997 – 02/2005

    PART-TIME POSITIONS

    • British Council, Colombo: English teacher, Cambridge ESOL examiner
    • Cumbria University, UK: Visiting lecturer
    • University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka: Visiting lecturer
  • Awards/Scholarships
  • Awards/Scholarships

    • One of the three finalists of the Best PhD Dissertation Award: American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), 2019
    • Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant under the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Postdoctoral Fellowships Scheme, 2017, one of the 25 competitive fellowships awarded.
    • PhD scholarship, Lancaster University, UK: EAP (Study Skills) Scholarship awarded by the Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University, UK for the academic year 2012/2013 to study for a PhD in Linguistics.
    • Master’s scholarship, British Council: Hornby Scholarship (British Council) given to Sri Lanka for the academic year 2011/2012 to study for a master’s degree in English language teaching at a university in the UK.
  • Publications
  • Publications

    ournal Articles

    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2017). Attentional processing of input in explicit and implicit conditions. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 39(3), 401-430. https://doi.org/10.1017/S027226311600019X
    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2018). The role of working memory in processing L2 input: Insights from eye tracking. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 21(2), 355-374. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728917000098
    • Indrarathne, B., Kormos, J., & Ratajczak, M. (2018). Modelling Changes in the Cognitive Processing of Grammar in Implicit and Explicit Learning Conditions: Insights from an Eye-Tracking Study. Language Learning. 68(3), 669-708. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12290
    • Indrarathne, B. (2019). Accommodating Learners with Dyslexia in English Language Teaching in Sri Lanka: Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Challenges. TESOL Quarterly, 53(3), 630-654. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.500
    • Peries, W. A. N., Indrarathne, B., Jayamanne, B. D. W., Wickramasekara, T. D., Alwis, K. A. C., & Jayatilleke, A. U. (2021). Primary school teachers’ readiness in identifying children with dyslexia: A national survey in Sri Lanka. Dyslexia (currently online until an issue number is given). https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.1696
    • Ratajczak, M., Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J., (2021). The effects of read-aloud assistance, vocabulary and background knowledge on comprehension of health-related texts of Sri-Lankan English as second language speakers. Journal of the European Second Language Association, 5(1), 133-147. https://www.euroslajournal.org/articles/10.22599/jesla.78/   
    • Indrarathne, B. (2022). Using the Multisensory Structured Language Teaching (MSLT) approach to help learners with dyslexia in acquiring a second/additional language. The European Journal of Applied Linguistics and TEFL, 11(2), 141-159. https://www.proquest.com/openview/b2e831c5f799313d51cc197c04294876/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=4565088
    • McCulloch, S., & Indrarathne, B. (2022). Plagiarism in EMI higher education: conceptual understanding of staff and students in four South Asian countries. Higher Education Research & Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2022.2102589?journalCode=cher20
    • Kremmel, B., Indrarathne, B. Kormos, J. & Suzuki, S. (2023). Unknown vocabulary density and reading comprehension. Replicating Hu & Nation 2000. Language Learning.

    Research reports

    Book Chapters

    • Abeyawickrama, W. & Indrarathne, B. (2024 in press). How Reflective Practice on Academic Content Feeds into Professional Practice: A Case Study from Sri Lanka. In A. Cirocki, A. Gao & M. Wyatt (Eds.) Developing Reflective ELT Practitioners through Teacher Education: Insights from Asian Contexts. Springer.
    • Indrarathne, B. & Dick, L. (2023). CPD provision to English teachers in state schools in Sri Lanka: Availability, challenges and effective practices. In A. Cirocki, R. Farrelly & H. Buchanan (Eds.). Continuing Professional Development of TESOL Practitioners: A Global Landscape. Springer.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2023). Accommodating learners with SpLDs in the language classroom: Problems and solutions. In A. Hunter (Ed.). Diversity and Inclusion in English Language Education: Supporting Learning Through Research and Practice.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2019). Enhancement, attention, and awareness: An eye-tracking study of English syntax. In R. P. Leow (ed.) The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Research in Classroom Learning. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-Handbook-of-Second-Language-Research-in-Classroom-Learning/Leow/p/book/9781138056923

    Newspaper/magazine articles

    Conference proceedings/full papers

    • Indrarathne, B. (2020). The listening and speaking challenge. Proceedings of Sri Lankan English Language Teacher Educator Conference (SLELTEC), British Council. Available at https://www.britishcouncil.lk/programmes/education/sleltec-proceedings-2020
    • Indrarathne, B. (2019). Accommodating Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties in Educational Settings: Problems and Solutions. In Pan Commonwealth Forum 9 (PCF9) [72] Commonwealth of Learning. Available at https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/152131/1/PCF9_Papers_paper_72.pdf
    • Indrarathne, B. (2019). Creating an inclusive learning environment. Oxford ELTOC 2019 Conference. Oxford University Press. Available at https://oupeltglobalblog.com/2019/04/08/inclusive-learning-environment/
    • Indrarathne, B. (2014). Effects of task repetition on written language production in Task Based Language Teaching. Proceedings of the 8th International Postgraduate Conference in Linguistics and Language Teaching. Lancaster, UK. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fass/events/laelpgconference/papers/v08/Bimali-Indrarathne.pdf
    • Indrarathne, B. (2013). Acquisition of articles by Sinhalese ESL/EFL learners. In A. Amaratunga (Ed.) Sri Lanka as a Hub in Asia: The Way Forward, Outcomes of the Annual Symposium 2013 of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka: KDU.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2012). Linguistic features of spoken personal narratives and picture stories. In W. Amaradasa (Ed.) Ensuring national security through reconciliation and sustainable development, Outcomes of the Annual Symposium 2012 of the General Sir John KotelawalaDefence University. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka: KDU.

    Teaching materials/textbooks

  • Conferenece Papers/Keynotes/Plenaries
  • Conferenece Papers/Keynotes/Plenaries

    CONFERENCE PAPERS

    • Indrarathne, B. (March 2024). Communicating research findings to English language practitioners: What works? Paper presented at AAAL 2024 conference, USA.
    • Vanek, N., Indrarathne, B. & Hettiarachchi, S. (March 2024). Learners can outperform native speakers in probabilistic computations: evidence from eye-fixations when processing unrealized events. Paper presented at AAAL 2024 conference, USA.
    • Indrarathne, B., Abeawickrama, W., Herath, G. & Malawithanthri, E. (March 2024). Promoting inclusivity in assessment. Sri Lanka English Language Teacher Educator Conference, British Council.
    • Indrarathne, B. (December 2022). Teaching learners with dyslexia type difficulties: English language teacher awareness and attitudes. Diversity And Inclusivity in English Language Education Conference. Thammasat University, Thailand. (online)
    • Indrarathne, B. (September 2022). Raising teacher awareness of SpLDs and inclusive practices: Lessons learnt from Sri Lanka. 55th BAAL Conference, Queen’s University, Belfast.
    • Indrarathne, B. & McCulloch, S. (September 2022). Exploring the status of English language teaching, learning and assessment in South Asia: confirmations, surprises and recommendations: Sri Lanka Presentation. 55th BAAL Conference, Queen’s University, Belfast.
    • Terngano, J. & Indrarathne, B. (September 2022). Motivation to learn English among Saudi school-aged children residing in the UK: Role of the Family. 55th BAAL Conference, Queen’s University, Belfast.
    • Indrarathne, B. (March 2022). Doing SLA research in South Asia: Possibilities and challenges. Paper presented at AAAL 2022 conference, USA. (online)
    • Indrarathne, B. (August 2021). Teacher knowledge and attitudes on learners with specific learning difficulties and inclusive practices. Paper presented at AILA 2021 conference, The Netherlands. (online)
    • Kremmel, B., Indrarathne, B., Kormos, J. & Suzuki, S. (August 2021). Unknown vocabulary density and reading comprehension. Replicating Hu & Nation 2000. Paper presented at AILA 2021 conference, The Netherlands. (online)
    • Indrarathne, B. (March 2021). Attitudes and knowledge of dyslexia among ELT professionals and challenges to introducing inclusive practices in South Asia. Paper presented at AAAL 2021 conference, USA. (online)
    • Indrarathne, B. (September, 2019). Accommodating Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties in Educational Settings: Problems and Solutions. Paper presented at Pan Commonwealth Forum 9 (PCF9), Edinburgh, UK.
    • McCulloch, S. & Indrarathne, B. (April, 2019). Exploring EAP provision in Higher Education in four South Asian countries. Paper presented at the BALEAP 2019 Conference, Leeds, UK.
    • Indrarathne, B. (July, 2018). Influence of explicit feedback on attentional processing of written L2 input: insights from eye-tracking. Paper presented at the 14th Annual Conference of the BAAL Language Learning and Teaching Special Interest Group, Southampton, UK.
    • Indrarathne, B., Kormos, J., & Ratajczak, M. (2017, August). How much exposure is needed for learners to pay attention? Lessons from an eye-tracking study. Paper presented at the EUROSLA conference, Reading, UK.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2017, July). Working Memory Capacity, Language Learning and Dyslexia: Inclusion of Dyslexic Learners in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Paper presented at the AsiaTEFL Conference, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2017, April). Second language input, working memory and dyslexia. Paper presented at the IATEFL Conference, Glasgow, Scotland.
    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2017, March). Relationship between attentional processing of input and working memory: an eye tracking study. Paper presented at the AAAL 2017 conference, Portland, USA.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2017, February). Inclusion of learners with specific learning differences in teaching English as a foreign language: A teacher training project for Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the SLELTA 2017 Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2016, August). Relationship between attentional processing of input and working memory: an eye tracking study. Paper presented at the EUROSLA 2016 conference, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2016, June). Relationship between attentional processing of input and working memory: an eye tracking study. Paper presented at the BAAL Language Learning and Teaching SIG Conference, Lancaster University (UK).
    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2015, August). Attentional processing of input in different input conditions: an eye tracking study. Paper presented at the EUROSLA conference, Aix-en-Provence (France).
    • Indrarathne, B., & Kormos, J. (2015, July). Attentional processing of input in different input conditions: an eye tracking study. Paper presented at the BAAL Language Learning and Teaching SIG Conference, University of Edinburgh (UK).
    • Indrarathne, B., Unger, J. & Sharkawi, T. (2015, February). Can IELTS and the CEFR do what our can dos can do? Assessing student writing practices on Lancaster University’s EAP (Study Skills) Programme. Paper presented at the University of St Andrews EAP Conference: Assessment in EAP: what’s the score? St Andrews (UK).
    • Indrarathne, B. (2014). Relationships between learner-generated noticing of written second language input and working memory capacity. ACTA-Vic 2014 TESOL conference. Melbourne, Australia.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2014). Relationship between unenhanced written language input noticing and working memory capacity. 17th Warwick International Postgraduate Conference in Applied Linguistics. Warwick, UK.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2014). Relationship between unenhanced written language input noticing and working memory capacity. Postgraduate Conference -Linguistics and English Language, University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2013). Learner generated noticing of written and aural L2 input. International Symposium on Language, Linguistics, Literature and Education. Osaka, Japan.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2013). Use of poster work to practice organizing ideas for academic assignments. Study Group Teacher Conference 2013. Brighton, UK.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2013). Effects of task repetition on written language production in Task Based Language Teaching. 8th International Postgraduate Conference in Linguistics and Language Teaching. Lancaster, UK.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2013). Acquisition of English articles by Sinhalese EFL/ESL learners. KDU International Research Symposium 2013. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2012). Linguistic features of spoken personal narratives and picture stories. KDU International Research Symposium 2012. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2012). ELT in action: what works and what makes it work in different contexts. 46th Annual International IATEFL Conference. Glasgow, UK. (A joint presentation of the Hornby Scholars of 2011/2012).
    • Fernando, K. & Indrarathne, B. (2011). Applicability of English language teaching methodology in teaching engineering subjects. KDU International Research Symposium 2011. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2009). The contrast between English language proficiency and the results of G.C.E. (O/L) English paper. KDU International Research Symposium 2009. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2008). English language teaching materials for adult courses: ESP approach or ESL approach? Annual Postgraduate Conference, University of Kelaniya. Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2007). Teaching Writing. Hornby Regional School, Kalutara, Sri Lanka.
    • Indrarathne, B. (2006). Nero and the historical accounts. Annual Postgraduate Symposium – Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

    KEYNOTES/PLENARIES

    • February 2024, Invited keynote, Learning difficulties and inclusive teaching: Problems and solutions. Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand-EDU 2024 Conference, Thailand
    • January 2024, Invited keynote, Indrarathne, B., Industry, innovation, and inclusion: The 21 st century way forward: Contribution of researchers. 4th CINEC International Research Symposium, CINEC, Sri Lanka.
    • October 2023, Invited keynote, Indrarathne, B. Dyslexia: A different way of learning and its impact on life. The 4th International Conference on Public Health, Universitas Teuku Umar, Indonesia.
    • September 2023, Invited keynote, Indrarathne, B., Demonstrating Research Excellence through Language. First National Conference on Foreign Languages and Literature, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka.
    • March 2023, Invited keynote, Indrarathne, B. Empowering learners with effective communication skills to meet future needs. Sri Lankan English Language Teacher Educator Conference (SLELTEC), British Council, Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka.
    • November, 2022, Invited plenary, Indrarathne, B. Dyslexia and inclusive practices in ELT. ELTAF 2022 Conference, Universidad de Sonora, Mexico.
    • November 2022, Invited plenary, Indrarathne, B. Learning difficulties and inclusive practices in ELT: Teacher awareness. 38th SPELT International Conference, Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers, Pakistan.
    • November 2022, Invited plenary, Indrarathne, B. Inclusive pedagogy of English. South Asia Research Hub on Inclusive Education (SARHIE) Event. TATA Institute of Social Sciences, India.
    • May 2022, Invited plenary workshop, Indrarathne, B. Vocabulary teaching in an inclusive classroom. 5th Language Teaching Workshops and Conferences: Neurodiversity in The Language Classroom. Extensión San Miguel de Allende de la ENES León, UNAM, Mexico.
    • May 2022, Invited plenary workshop, Indrarathne, B. Developing Reading Skills in Learners with SpLDs. 5th Language Teaching Workshops and Conferences: Neurodiversity in The Language Classroom. Extensión San Miguel de Allende de la ENES León, UNAM, Mexico.
    • December 2021, Invited keynote speaker, Indrarathne, B. Underrepresentation of non-WEIRD communities in language science research and making research findings widely accessible. SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka.
    • September 2021, Invited plenary speaker, Indrarathne, B. Language Teaching and Teacher Education in the New Normal. 14th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka.
    • September 2021, Invited plenary speaker, Indrarathne, B. Critical reflection for action research: Pandemic and beyond. National Action Research Conference on Higher Education 2021 at Sri Jayawardenapura University, Sri Lanka.
    • March 2020, Invited plenary speaker, Indrarathne, B. The speaking and listening challenge. Plenary at Sri Lankan English Language Teacher Educator Conference (SLELTEC), British Council, Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka.
    • March 2019, Invited speaker, Indrarathne, B. Creating an inclusive learning environment. Oxford ELTOC 2019 – Online conference. Oxford University Press, UK.
    • November 2018, Invited plenary speaker, Indrarathne, B. Working memory abilities, language learning and dyslexia. TESOL Greece Specific Learning Differences Colloquium, Athens, Greece.
    • October 2018, Invited plenary speaker, Indrarathne, B. Teaching, learning and assessing grammar: What does research say? 20th National RESC Conference & the 5th National Conference on Language Assessment, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • Teaching & Supervision
  • Teaching & Supervision

    Postgraduate teaching

    • National Defence College Sri Lanka, Pre-course module
    • University of York: MA in Education, MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), MA in Applied Linguistics for (English) Language Teaching Modules: Research methods in Language Education, Language Curriculum Design and Evaluation, Teaching and Learning Language, TESOL Methods, Theories of Learning and Development
    • King’s College London: MA in Applied Linguistics, MA in TESOL
      Modules: Second Language Acquisition, Materials Development in ELT, Language Teaching Methodology
    • Lancaster University: MA in TESOL
      Modules: Second Language Acquisition, Postgraduate Academic Study Skills
    • Cumbria University: MA TESOL
      Modules: Language learning and the learner & Second language acquisition
    • Sri Jayawardenapura University, Sri Lanka: MA in Teaching English as a Second Language Modules: Research methods, Curriculum design and materials development

    Undergraduate teaching

    • Kotelawala Defence University: BA in TESOL: Modules: Language Assessment, Research Methods in TESOL, Teaching Language Systems, Second Language Learning, Curriculum and Materials Design, Inclusive Practices in Language Teaching, Overview of Principles and Approaches in Language Teaching, Teaching Language Skills
    • University of York: BA Education, BA English in Education: Modules – Teaching learning and using language in educational contexts, Introduction to communicating and presenting educational ideas, Researching Education/English in Education, Learning through language, Key concepts in education, New directions
    • King’s College London: BA in English Language and Linguistics: Modules – Language and Communication, Teaching Language as Communicative Skills, Teaching & Learning the Language System
    • Lancaster University: BA in English: Modules – Language and Pedagogic Practice
    • General Sir John Kotelewala Defence University: BA, BSc and LLB courses, BA in TESOL – English for Academic Purposes, Communication Skills, English Language, Second Language Learning, Overview of principles and approaches in language teaching, Inclusive practices in language teaching, Syllabus and materials design

    Supervision

    • Two PhD students I have supervised/co-supervised have completed their PhDs. Currently I’m supervising two PhD students.
    • I have supervised over 40 master’s students until completion and several bachelor’s dissertations.
  • Teacher Training
  • Teacher Training

    • Training of Trainers on teaching methodology, 2023
      Trained a group of translators who were to train translators to engage in practical tasks
    • Invited talk on English language teaching today, 2023
      A talk given at Pasdunrata National College of Education
    • A workshop on “Literacy Development and Learning Difficulties” at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), Indonesia
      rained a group of academic staff members
    • Inclusive literacy development training for pre-service teachers in early childhood education in Indonesia, 2023
      Trained 14 early childhood education teacher trainers in Indonesia on learning difficulties and inclusive practices and assisted them to design an online self-study module for teachers
    • Invited webinar on ChatGPT: Implications for Teaching and Teacher Training, 2023
      Commonwealth of Learning, Canada
    • Invited webinar on Developing ELT materials: Insights from recent second language acquisition research, 2022
      Department of English, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
    • Invited webinar on blended learning and flipped classrooms, 2022
      Organised by Peace Corps, Sri Lanka
    • Online teaching initiative at National College of Education, Pasdunrata, Sri Lanka, 2021
      Conducted 10 sessions for 265 pre-service English language teacher trainees at a National Teacher Training College in Sri Lanka on teaching methodology.
    • Online teaching workshop series 2021
      Conducted a series of workshops for English language teachers on online teaching during the pandemic.
    • Invited talk on Teaching Grammar, January 2021
      Department of English, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
    • Invited workshop on Action Research for academic staff members, September 2020
      Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sri Jayawardenapura University, Sri Lanka.
    • Primary teacher education project in Sri Lanka, 2020
      Trained 500+ in-service primary teacher trainers and teachers in Sri Lanka on Specific Learning Difficulties.
    • English language teaching materials designing project in Sri Lanka, 2020
      Trained a set of English language teaching material writers who work under the Ministry of Education.
    • University English language curriculum, Sri Lanka, 2020
      Trained a set of university English language lecturers/tutors on materials designing for English language courses.
    • EAP provision in Sri Lanka, 2019
      Teacher training workshops for university English language teachers and academic writing workshops for early career researchers, University of Sri Jayawardenapura.
    • Primary teacher education project in Sri Lanka, 2019
      Trained nearly 500 pre-service primary teacher trainers and teachers in Sri Lanka on Specific Learning Difficulties.  
    • Primary teacher education project in Sri Lanka, Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka, 2019
      A workshop for the staff of the Department of Examinations on assessing learners with learning difficulties.
    • Teacher education project in India, 2018
      A teacher training project for 85+ teachers/teacher educators in India on dyslexia and accommodating dyslexic learners in teaching languages.
    • Dyslexia and foreign language teaching, Lancaster University MOOC, 2015-2018
      Worked as an educator/mentor on this MOOC which trained ca. 35000 language teachers around the world.
    • An ESP course-designing project for Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2017
      A workshop for ELTU and Law Faculty staff on English language curriculum designing and materials writing.
    • Dyslexia and inclusive practices in Sri Lanka, 2017
      Trained 100 English language teacher trainers and 192 English teachers in Sri Lanka on dyslexia and accommodating dyslexic learners in teaching languages
    • Dyslexia and inclusive practices, National Institute of Education, Maharagama, 2017
      A workshop for NIE staff, Ministry of Education Staff and participants from various education zones/institutions on dyslexia and accommodating dyslexic learners in teaching languages
    • Dyslexia and inclusive practices, Psychological Sciences Institute Colombo, 2017
      A workshop for PSI staff and participants from private sector organisations on dyslexia and accommodating dyslexic learners in teaching languages
    • Dyslexia and inclusive practices, Medical Faculty, Ragama, 2017
      A workshop for staff and language and speech therapy students on dyslexia and accommodating dyslexic learners in teaching languages
    • Lancaster University EAP programme, 2013-2016
      Tutor training, trained ca.25 tutors every year.
    • British Council, Sri Lanka, School English Teacher Training Programme (Road Show), 2010 – 2011:
      Was a member of the school teacher training team.
    • British Council, Sri Lanka, Military Communication Skills Project – Teacher Training Programme for military Tamil instructors, February 2010:
      Trained ca. 40 teachers.
    • English Language Teacher Training Programme for Sri Lanka Navy English instructors, May 2010:
      Trained ca. 15 teachers.
    • Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka, Teacher Training Programme for the English instructors, 2008, 2009, 2010:
      Trained tutors every year.
  • Other Experience
  • Other Experience

    Examiner roles

    • External examiner: MA TESOL Programme, University of Bath, 2019-2023
    • External examiner: BA English & TESOL Programme, NIBM Sri Lanka (Coventry University), 2019-2021
    • IETLS Examiner (writing): British Council, Sri Lanka, 2011
    • Cambridge ESOL examiner: British Council, Sri Lanka, 2010 -2011

    Administrator roles

    • Chair of the Exceptional Circumstances affecting Assessments Committee: Department of Education, University of York, since January 2022
    • Deputy Research Centre Leader, Centre for Research in Language Learning and Use (CReLLU), University of York, since January 2023
    • Programme Leader: MA in Applied Linguistics in (English) Language Teaching, University of York, 2019-2020 (cover for one term)
    • Academic Coordinator: EAP Summer Programmes at Lancaster University: Was responsible for interviewing and recruiting tutors, the daily administering of the course, management of both academic and administrative staff, worked with different stakeholders (2013-2016)
    • Head of the Department: Department of Languages, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka (2008-2010)

    Organiser roles

    • Organiser: SLELTEC Conference 2024, British Council, Sri Lanka
    • Organiser: Leading the Centre for Research in Language Learning and Use (CReLLU) PhD Research Group, University of York, since 2019
    • Introduced and organised the First CReLLU (Centre for Research in Language Learning and Use) PGR Conference, University of York, June 2023
    • Strand Coordinator: American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), Strand Coordinator of the Language, Cognition and Brain Research (COG) Strand, June 2021 to March 2022 & May 2023 – March 2024
    • Organiser: ELT Symposium in honour of Alan Waters, Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University, UK (February 2017)
    • Organiser: Second Language Learning and Teaching (SLLAT) research group, Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University, UK (2016-2017)

    Editorial roles

    • Member of the Editorial Board, Language Testing journal, SAGE, From 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025,
    • Member of the Editorial Board of the Silhouette of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 2006-2011

    Peer reviewing in journals

    • Teaching and Teacher Education
    • Studies in Second Language Acquisition
    • Language Learning
    • TESOL Quarterly
    • Language Testing
    • Applied Psycholinguistics
    • The Modern Language Journal
    • Dyslexia
    • Computer Assisted Language Learning
    • International Journal of Applied Linguistics
    • Cognition, Brain, Behaviour: An Interdisciplinary Journal
    • European Journal of Special Needs Education
    • Journal of Psycholinguistic Research
    • Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics
    • The European Journal of Applied Linguistics and TEFL

    Pastoral roles

    • Pastoral supervisor of undergraduate programmes, University of York, 2019-2021
    • Student councillor – General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 2010-2011

    Invited talks

    • King’s College London (2024)
    • University of Central Lancashire (2022)
    • Prince of Songkla University Thailand (2022)
    • Chongqing University China (2021)
    • Oxford University (2018)
    • Tata Institute of Social Sciences India (2018)

    Consultancy

    • British Council: English in Education programme review
    • Commonwealth of Learning, Canada: to design a school-based professional teacher development programme and an online teacher training programme in Sri Lanka.
    • British Council: to produce a report on English language teaching, learning and assessment in Sri Lanka.

    Programme designing

    • I was involved in degree programme designing (BA in TESOL & BSc in Applied Data Science Communication) at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka (2020)

    Other

    • I was an educator/mentor of the Lancaster University’s Dyslexia and Foreign Language Teaching MOOC.
    • I chaired sessions in 3 conferences in Sri Lanka and 1 in India.
    • I worked as a part-time teacher at the British Council, Sri Lanka from 2010-2011.