Dr.K Arulananthan

Name : K Arulananthan 

Contact : arul@nara.ac.lk 

Education

  • Ph. D (Physical Oceanography) - 2003 (Ph. D Thesis: Hydrography and Water Circulation of Coastal Water Bodies – Sri Lanka University of Göteborg, Sweden
  • M Sc (Physical Oceanography), University of Göteborg, Sweden (1994)
  • M Sc (Marine Geology), University of Mangaloore, India (1990)
  • B. Sc (Geology) Honours, University of Mysore, India (1988)

Research interest

  • Coastal oceanographic processes, water exchange in tropical lagoons and estuaries
  • Ocean-atmospheric interaction, heat budget of ocean 
  • Climate change and impacts on aquatic ecosystem

Research Experience & Employment History

  • 1992 – 2004 : Research Officer (Coastal oceanographic processes, water exchange and heat budget of tropical lagoons and estuaries)
  • 2004 – 2008 : Head / Oceanography, NARA (Coordinated oceanographic research and development)
  • 2008-to date: Project Director (Colombo Port Expansion Project- Monitoring)

Member of National/International Bodies/ Key positions  

  • Vice President  of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOCINDIO)  Regional Committee for the Central Indian Ocean (from 2005 to date)
  • National Coordinator of Marine Information Management of International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) from 2006 to date. 
  • Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Delimitation of the Outer Edge of the Continental Margin (DEOCOM) – submission of daily status Report of survey vessel GeoSearcher- 2008
  • National coordinator of Training Program in Coastal physical oceanography of Indian Ocean waters Funding by Nippon Foundation – Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO), In association with NARA & University of Western Australia, 2005-06
  • President of Sri-Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 2007/08
  • Member of Geo-Informatics Society of Sri Lanka
  • Member of technical advisory committee of Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka

Scientific Publications /Abstracts (International/ National)

  • Jayasiri, H.B., W.N.C. Priyadarshani, K. Arulananthan and K.M.B.C. Karunathilake (2009) Water quality assessment in relation to flushing characteristics in Puttalam Lagoon, Northwest coast of Sri Lanka. Fourteenth International Forestory Symposium, 18-19, December, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka.
  • Arulananthan. K  (2007) Climate change impact on coastal resources in Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal News, September – December 2007
  • Arulananthan, K., SAM Azmy, HB Jayasiri, E.M.S. Wijeratne, (2007) Understanding oceanography around Sri Lanka Waters with particularly emphasis on monsoon variability, Workshop on the Ocean Observation Center at NARA and its Contribution towards Ocean Research and Environmental Security, NARA, Colombo-15, 13 Sep 2007
  • Arulananthan. K  (2006) Bay of Bengal News, September 2006.  NARA many pronged impacts on Sri Lankan Fisheries
  • Arulananthan. K  (2005) Possible Environment Impacts of Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, Economic Review, August/December, A Peoples’ Bank Publications
  • Arulananthan, K. (2005) Impacts of freshwater discharge regulations on a shallow tropical lagoon- Puttalum Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Indian Ocean Marine Environment Conference, February 14-18, 2004., Perth, Australia.
  • Tennakoon T.K.D., Arulananthan K. (2003) Ocean Thermal Energy Potential in the Eastern Coast of Sri-Lanaka, Proceedings of International workshop on Environmental Management in North-East of Sri-Lanka, p 10-11, 1-4 December 2003, University of Jaffna
  • Arulananthan, K. (2002). Physical oceanographic studies in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of First research session of Oceanography and hydrography
  • Arulananthan, K. (2002). Salinity and its utility as the primary tool of physical oceanographic studies poster presented at the First research session of Oceanography and hydrography.
  • Arulananthan, K. (2001). Salinity Measurements. National Aquatic Resources, Research and Development Agency., Sri Lanka. 21pp.
  • Rajapaksha J. K ., Jayasiri, H. B. and Arulananthan. K.  (2000). Variability of chocking for different tidal frequencies, amplitudes and the dimension of the system; Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Workshop on Estuarine Biology.,  SLAFAR, Batticaloa.
  • Arulananthan. K . H. B. Jayasiri,  and Rajapaksha J. K . (2000). An Inverse Estuarine Circulation - Puttalum Lagoon., Workshop on Estuarine Biology.,  SLAFAR, Batticaloa.
  • Jayasiri, H. B., Arulananthan. K and Rajapaksha J. K . (2000). Remedy to avoid extreme estuarine conditions in Mundal Lake. Workshop on Estuarine Biology.,  SLAFAR, Batticaloa.
  • Arulananthan, K. (2000). Salinity Measurements and Use of the Practical Salinity Scale (PSS).  J. Nat. Aq. Res. Rese. Dev. Ag. Sri Lanka, 36,  80-92
  • Arulananthan, K., Jayasiri, H.B. and Ryberg, L. (1996) Major salt and water exchange mechanisms in tropical lagoons of Sri Lanka. Regional workshop on “Research for the management of Coastal Resources in the Tropics 8-10 Oct. 1996, Colombo.
  • E.M.S.Wijeratne, U.Cederlof, L.Rydberg and K.Arulanathan    (1995) The Tidal Response of Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka: A Large Shallow Tropical Lagoon. AMBIO, VOL.24, No. 7-8, pp.444-447
  • K.Arulanathan, L.Rydberg, U.Cederlof and E.M.S.Wijeratne (1995) Water Exchange in a Hypersaline Tropical Estuary, the Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka. AMBIO, VOL.24,No. 7-8,pp.438-443
  • Arulananthan. K  (1994). Comparison of studies on pan and free surface evaporation of Puttalum Lagoon. NARA Annual session.
  • Arulananthan. K. (1993) Some studies on tidal water volume exchange in the Puttalum Estuarine system., NARA/NARESA/SAREC proceedings of workshop on coastal ecosystem study program.
  • Arulananthan K and Rajapaksae J.K (1993). Hydrological process in the Weligama Bay., 48th Ann.Sess. 1993. The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Sciences (SLASS).
  • Arulananthan. K (1993). Investigation of Hydrological Processes in the Weligama Bay., NARA Annual session.
  • Arulananthan. K., Wijeyananda N.P. (1992).Puranawella Break water and its impact upon the long shore current. Geological Society of Sri Lanka., 8th annual session., 24th Jan, 1992. proc.
  • Arulananthan K.,Wijeratne E.M.S., (1992). Water exchange between Puttalum Lagoon and Open Sea. Geological Society of Sri Lanka., 8th annual session., 24th Jan, 1992. proc.
  • Arulananthan. K, Gurugae. K.S and Wijeratne, E.M.S. (1992). Water exchange between Puttalum Lagoon and open sea. 47th Ann.Sess. Dec.1992. The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Sciences (SLASS).
  • Wijeratne E.M.S., Arulananthan.K. and Wijayananda. N.P. (1992). Sea level in Kalpity Lagoon., Jour.of proc. 47th Ann.Sess. Dec. 1992. The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of sciences. (SLASS).

Books

  • Editor & co-author: Negombo Lagoon: A report on status of environment, resource, exploitation and management options. (In Press 2009).
  • Author: Salinity measurements. 2001

Lecturing at universities, coordinating of courses and supervision

  • Supervision of research projects on oceanography for students following Masters Degree and Basic Degree from Universities (Eastern University of Sri Lanka- B.Sc, Special,  University of Moratuwa- B.Sc Eng, & Industrial training, University of Peradeniya- M. Sc in Oceanography)
  • Visiting lecturer  M. Sc in Oceanography- University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Applied Science & Faculty of Surveying Science - University of Sabargamuwa, Faculty of Marine Science., University of Ruhuna and Our nation and the sea initiative (ONS) Marine Affairs Course- The law of the Sea and Ocean affairs in the 21st Centaury, IOMAC
  • External examiner of M.Sc thesis at Sir John Kotalawela Defense Academy and University of Moratuwa.

Onboard Expedition

  • World Ocean Circulation Expedition – (Colombo – Karachi)., R/V SONNE.,  SO89., August 4-28, 1993
  • World Ocean Circulation Expedition – (South Africa – Colombo)., R/V Malcolm Baldrige., March 21- April 21, 1995
  • Physical Oceanographic Expedition in the Baltic sea, R/V Skagerak  (weekly cruises 1992 -2001)


List of Technical Services & Consultancy work

  • Project Coordinator - Environmental Monitoring of Colombo Port Expansion Project – 2008/10
  • Member of study team - Studies on qualitative and quantitative assessments of baseline environmental quality status within the proposed block area and its immediate coastal surroundings for Hydrocarbon Exploration - 2008
  • Project Coordinator-Water Quality Monitoring at the Loading Out Point (LOP), Wadduwa – 2008
  • Team leader - Baseline monitoring for the development of Sethusamudram Ship Canal for Ministry of Foreign Affairs -2005/08
  • Project Coordinator- Confirmation of the Ocean Study for Seawater Intake System - 300 MW Kerawalapitiya Combined Cycle Gas Power Plant - 2006
  • Team Leader for Oceanography Component -Climate change impact on coastal resources in Sri Lanka - Increasing the resilience of poor communities to cope with the impact of climate change - 2006
  • Member of study Team – EIA, Negombo lagoon - Colombo Katunayake Expressway Project- 2002
  • Member of study Team  -   Study on Dodanduwa Fishery Anchorage- 1998/99
  • Team leader - Statistical analysis of sediment of coastal stretch for coastal stability-Lansigama, Dikowita, Wadduwa & Hikkaduwa – 1998
  • Team Leader - Investigation on erosion and accretion along the Hikkaduwa – Kahawa
  • Member of the study team -Investigation of Natural Condition for Feasibility Study on the Development of the New Port of Colombo. 1995/96

Project proposals

  • Environmental Management Plan for Colombo Port Expansion Project COLPO-S-001 Measurement of Suspended Sediment Levels, 2008-2010 Submitted to Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co Ltd Obtained SLR 45 million on work done basis ICB No.CPEP/ICB/01
  • Compilation of research work on Negombo estuarine system and associated waters, 2007 Submitted to Swedish International Development Agency and received
    Swedish Kroner 30,000
  • Rehabilitation of ornamental fish breeding facility and Mangrove Park affected by tsunami and strengthening of GIS/Remote sensing capacity, 2005 Submitted to Baltic Foundation and received US $ 15,000 
  • Capacity development for Oceanography in Sri Lanka, 2005, EU-Asialink proposal 2005 EURO 510,000, NARA, University of Peradeniya, Gothenburg University, Sweden University of Peradeniya Received funds
  • Development of Satellite based fish forecasting system for Sri Lanka-  ICE/SL/FIS/2006/04 Submitted to Iceida US $193,523 received
  • International workshop on Fisheries and Aquatic Research in Sri Lanka March 29-31, 2005 Submitted to Swedish International Development Agency and received
    US $ 79,465.00
  • Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission for Central Indian Ocean Region   (IOCINDIO) IV Session, Colombo 2005 Submitted to IOC & received US $ 3,000
  • Post-Tsunami PROGRAMME a participatory appraisal to restore the livelihood of Tsunami victims by restoration conservation and sanitation of Hambantota costal belt in Sri Lanka, 2005. EU – ASIA PRO ECO II B
  • Establishment of “Centre for Planning, Operation and Control” (CPOC) for Specialized Research, Development and Extension activities, 2007
  • NARA as the Focal Point & Coordinator for Early Warning System for Ocean Based Disasters; Including Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning Centre of IOC, 2005