Dr. Singanayagam Umashankar

Contact:

Private:
No. 66/19, Bharathi Lane, 07th Cross ,Batticaloa,Sri Lanka
Tel: 0652057752/ 0770739819
suma0778@gmail.com

Official:
Department of English Language Teaching,Faculty of Arts & Culture, Eastern University, Chenkalady, Sri Lanka
Tel: 0652240587
umashankars@esn.ac.lk

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• BSc. in Bio Science (EUSL/ March 1995)
• M.A. in Linguistics (Uni. of Kelaniya/ January 2005)
• MSc. in Food Preservation Technology (EUSL/ May 2009)
• B.A. in English & English Language Teaching (OUSL/ August 2009)
• PhD in Language Assessment/ University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom (Oct 2017)

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Specialist Teachers’ Trained Certificate in English / Peradeniya (February 2000)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Education / OUSL (August 2001)
• Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education / SEDA – UK, University of Colombo (2009)
• Teaching Knowledge Test Part I, II, III – University of Cambridge
  (Module 1 / May 2006 – Module 2 & 3 / April 2006)
• Diploma in Translation (Merit) / Centre for Policy Alternatives (2007)
• Certificate in Teacher Educator as an Educational Technologist - Online course (2007) / (OUSL)

• Google Scholar:
  https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=pG2k6T0AAAAJ
• ORCID:
  https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0002-3772-1373
• ResearchGate:
  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Singanayagam-Umashankar
• Web of Science:
  ResearcherID: JYQ-3269-2024.

1. Umashankar, S (2025), Planning for Education System Resilience: Insights to Foresight Thinking, a News Paper Article, Sunday Observer, January 19, 2025, Colombo, Sri Lanka. https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2025/01/19/news-features/42844/planning-for-education-system-resilience/
2. Umashankar, S (2023), Strengths of effective online learning practices – Online Learning vs. Emergency Remote Education, a News Paper Article, Sunday Observer, October 29, 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka. https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2023/10/29/news-features/7763/strengths-of-effective-online-learning-practices/
3. Umashankar, S (2022), Pandemic – Boon or Bane to Education?, a News Paper Article, Sunday Observer, September 09, 2022, Colombo, Sri Lanka. http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2021/06/06/impact/pandemic-boon-or-bane-education.
4. Umashankar, S (2020), Rejuvenating English Education through Policy Implementation, a News Paper Article, Sunday Observer, May 24, 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Links: http://hdl.handle.net/10547/622531. https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2020/05/24/news/rejuvenating-english-education-through-policy- implementation.

Peer reviewed Presentations at National/ International Conferences/ Symposia – Published as full papers:

1. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S, & Rishad Muhammed, M.R. (2025).Impact of Hypermedia-based Adverb Learning on Speaking Skill Development: An Experimental Study. DEMAGOGI: Journal of Social Sciences, Economics and Education – in vol.3. No. 6 in December 2025.
2. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S., Rishad Muhammed, M.R., & Sujani, M.J.F (2025). Hypermedia-based Poetries by Poetess, Anne Ranasinghe on Development of Adjectives Competitive: Journal of Education – in vol.4. no. 4 in November 2025
3. Rukshana Begum, M.R., Rishad Muhammed, M.R., Umashankar, S., & Nowzath, M.B. (2025). The impact of reading English newspapers on improving vocabulary mastery and reading skills. (A study based on grade 08 students of Mahmud Ladies College – Kalmunai. Amandemen: Journal of Learning, Teaching and Education Studies – in vol.3. No. 2 in October 2025.
4. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S., Sujani, M.J.F., Arshad, S.M.B.M., Mamatova Khilola & Iriskulova Charos (2025). The Role of Hypermedia-Based Literature Learning on Vocabulary Development: A Study of Higher National Diploma in English Students. Advanced Journal of University Science and Creative Innovation (AJOU SC) – in vol.1. Issue. 1 – International Scientific Journal – 23 April 2025.
5. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S & Sujani, M.J.F (2025). Impact of Literature Learning with Hypermedia on Terminology Growth: An Experimental Study. Kalam International Research Journal, Faculty of Arts and Culture, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Kalam Journal vol. 18(1), 2025.
6. Sujani, M.J.F., Fasuna, M.I., Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S. & Arshad, S.M.B.M. (2025). Error Analysis of Present Perfect Tense Usage in Essay Writing among Second Language Learners. Science and Innovation - International Scientific Journal with Volume: 4 Issue: 2, February 2025.
7. Inafa Ilahi, B., Sujani, M.J.F., Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2025). An Analysis of Syntactical Errors in Essay Writing among ESL Learners. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) with Volume: IX Issue: I, 25.02 2025.
8. Ajifan, A.M.M., Sujani, M.J.F., Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2025). Enhancing the Proper Usage of Spelling in Writing Composition among ESL Learners. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) with Volume: IX Issue: I, 21.02 2025.
9. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S & Sujani, M.J.F (2024). Impact of Hypermedia-based Learning of Sylvia Plath’s Poetries on Quality Adjective Development: A Study Based on the ‘Professional English Course’. 5th Kuala Lumpur International Conference on Social Sciences, Education and Engineering on 28 December 2024.
10. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S & Sujani, M.J.F (2024). Impact of Hypermedia-based Learning of William Wordsworth’s Poetries on Descriptive Adjective Development: A Study Based on the ‘Professional English Course’. International online Conference on Language, Education and Culture- ICLEC – 2024 on 20th of December 2024.
11. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S & Sujani, M.J.F (2024). Efficacy of Hypermedia-based Reading on Communicational English; An Experimental Study Based on ‘Daily News’ E-Paper Published in the Quality: Journal of Education, Arabic and Islamic Studies. Volume: 2, No: 4, 15.11 2024.
12. Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2024). Impact of hypermedia-based reading on professional writing: An experimental study based on ‘Sri Lanka Sunday Observer’ Epaper. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) with Volume: XI, Issue: IX, 07.10 2024.
13. A.F.A Halik, G.M.Rifka Nusrath, S.Umashankar (2022), Impact of Adult Age on Second Language Development: ESL Learners’ Challenges, Open Access Article, Rajasthali Journal, Volume 2, Issue 1, Oct – Dec 2022, ISBN 2583-1720. Full paper: 
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372187482_IMPACT_OF_ADULT_AGE_ON_
    SECOND_LANGAUGE_DEVELOPMENTESL_LEARNERS'_CHALLANGES
14. S.Umashankar (2022), A.F.A. Halik, G.M.Rifka Nusrath, Effectiveness of Using Picture Description Technique for Grammar: An experimental study, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, Online publication, E-ISSN: 2582-7138. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365779367_
    Effectiveness_of_using_picture_description_technique_for_grammar_An_experimental_study  
    Full paper:  
    https://www.allmultidisciplinaryjournal.com/uploads/archives/20221130110323_E-22-120.1.pdf  
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.54660/anfo.2022.3.6.9
15. S.Umashankar (2020) Effects of Goal Settings on the Expected Outcomes of the Individual Components of a High-Stakes Test, 2nd Asia International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2020, 10th December 2020, Colombo Sri Lanka, pp 12-16. ISSN 2682-7271 online. Abstract:  https://www.aimr.tirdiconference.com/assets/images/portfolio/Book-of-Abstracts-AIMR-20.pdf Full paper:  https://aimr.tirdiconference.com/assets/images/portfolio/Conference-Proceeding-AIMR-20.pdf
16. A.F. A Halik, G.M.Rifka Nusrath, S.Umashankar (2020), Ethnic Conflicts in Sri Lanka: An Analytical Study Based on Post-colonial Sri Lankan English Literature, Online Publication, E-ISSN:2581-9615. Full Paper

Peer reviewed Presentations at National/ International Conferences/ Symposia – Published in abstract:

1. Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2025). Impact of Hypermedia-based Adverb Learning on Speaking Skill Development: A Study on ‘Higher National Diploma in English’ at Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education. International Conference on English Language Teaching (ICONELT), Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. 12th of September 2025.
2. Kamalanathan, K., Sujani, M.J.F., Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2025). Enhancing Vocabulary Proficiency among English as Second Language Learners. 3rd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research-ICMR- 2025 – Eastern University, Sri Lanka on 03 and 04.01.2025.
3. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S & Sujani, M.J.F (2025). Impact of Hypermedia-based Shakespearean Poetry Learning on Adjective Development: A Study Based on the ‘Certificate in Professional English Course’. International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research-ICMR- 2025 – Eastern University, Sri Lanka on 03 and 04.01.2025.
4. Sameem, M.A.M., & Umashankar S (2025). An Analysis of Blended Learning Models in English Language Teaching: A case Study among Sri Lankan Undergraduates. One-week Multi-Disciplinary Conference (Hybrid) on Contemporary Social Issues: A Global Perspective Organized by ISS, New Delhi, SEUSL, Faculty of Education of IAIN, Indonesia. 23rd February 2020 – 27th February 2025.
5. Jasseeth, I.M., Sujani, M.J.F., Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2024). Enhancing Story Writing Skills in English Language among Second Language Learners through Digital Story Telling Platforms. 13th Annual International Research Conference (AiRC 2024) of Faculty of Management and Commerce – South Eastern University of Sri Lanka on 27th of November 2024.
6. Umashankar, S., & Sameem, M. A. M. (2024). Learner engagement in virtual learning environments: A Qualitative Case Study among English Teacher Trainees. 13th AIRC, FMC, SEUSL. November 2024.
7. Nowzath, M.B., Umashankar, S & Musthafa, S.L. (2024). Impact of Hypermedia-based Learning with Video Clips on Business Report Writing; An Experimental Study – Published in the 13th Annual International Research Conference (AiRC 2024) of Faculty of Management and Commerce – South Eastern University of Sri Lanka on 27th of November 2024.
8. Sameem, M.A.M., & Umashankar, S. (2024). Adoption and Acceptance of Traditional Classroom Versus Flipped Classroom Model. 14th InSPA International Conference.” Research Prospects in School Psychology”. Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur. 24-26 October 2024.
9. Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2024). Impact of hypermedia-based literature learning on vocabulary development: A study based on ‘Higher National Diploma in English’. 6th Research Conference at Trincomalee Campus - Eastern University, Sri Lanka – 26 & 27.09.2024.
10. Rahuman M.M.A, & Umashankar S (2024). Mother tongue influence on learning English as a second language among Sri Lankan university students. The sixth Annual research session (ARS-2024) Faculty of Arts & Culture, Eastern University of Sri Lanka. 27th August 2024.
11. Nowzath, M.B., & Umashankar, S (2024). Impact of hypermedia-based poetry learning on writing skill: An experimental study based on ‘Higher National Diploma in English Syllabus’. 6th Annual Research Session at Faculty of Arts and Culture - Eastern University, Sri Lanka – 27.08.2024.
12. M.Sugirtharan, S.Pathmarajah, A.Amuthenie, S.Umashankar and A.Janarth (2023), Potential Threats to the Batticaloa Lagoon Environment with Special Reference to the Wastewater Generating Pollution Sources: Proceedings of the International conference on Multidisciplinary Research (ICMR 2023) 03 – 04 January 2023, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, pp 15.
13. H.M.N.I. Herath, M.Sugirtharan and S.Umashankar (2022), Soil and Water Conservation in Hilly Areas: A Review, Proceedings of the 5th National Symposium on Agriculture (5th NSA 2022), 30th March 2022, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, pp 22.
14. A.F.Abdul Halik, S.Umashankar (2021), Challenges in Pronouncing Words that Consist of Multiple Consonant Clusters: A Study Based on ESL Learners of NAITA, Kinniya, Sri Lanka, The Book of Abstracts, 9th International Symposium – 2022, 28th September 2022, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, pp 12. ISBN: 978-624-5736-54-6.
15. S.Umashankar (2021) Test Automation: Reliability Issues – A Review Study, Symposium Proceedings, Rajarata University International Symposium on English Language Teaching (RUISELT – 2021), 30th June 2021, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, pp 14. ISSN 2792-1344.The Abstract is available here: http://www.rjt.ac.lk/RUISELT/about/Publications.php
16. A.F.Abdul Halik, S.Umashankar (2021), ESL Learners’ Attitude Towards Learning English: A Study Based on Teachers’ Perspectives in the Selected Schools in the Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka, The Proceedings – 11th South Eastern University International Arts Research Symposium -2022, 06th December 2022. South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, pp 44. ISBN: 978-624-5736-64-5.
17. S.Umashankar (2019) Do only Policy Changes Bring Expected Outcomes to a System? A Washback Study Based on the English as a Life Skill Programme (ELSP), Proceedings, 2nd International Symposium on Social Sciences & Humanities (ISSSH), 12th – 13th December 2019, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp 37. ISBN: 978-955-4978-07-2.  https://www.ncas.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2nd-International-Symposium-on-Social-Science-and-Humanities-ISSSH-2019_Development-Towards-Sustainability-Symposium-Proceeding-.pdf

Chapters and Books of Scholarly Work

1. M.Kalaimathy, S.Umashankar, A.K.H.Priyashantha (2022) Microbial Keratinases: An Overview of Structural Characteristics, Biochemical Properties, Degradation Mechanism and Their Potential Industrial Applications, Research in Microbiology, Volume - 6, 2022, AkiNik Publications, Delhi, India, pp 83 – 104. ISBN: 978-93-5570-158-9.
2. A.K.H. Priyashantha, S.Umashankar (2021) Separation of DNA Fragments using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis; Protocol, Results, Principle and Possible Errors to Avoid (2021), Advances in Biotechnology and Bioscience, Volume -10, 2021, AkiNik Publications, Delhi, India, pp 45 – 60. ISBN: 978-93-5570-073-5.

Translation of scholarly work

1. Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified Food by Sue Brandford: Translated from English to Tamil for a magazine ‘Third Eye’.
2. Management of Patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms – A Practical Guide: Translated from English to Tamil for a partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Diploma in Translation conducted by the Vibhasa, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Colombo.

1. Second Language Acquisition Vs Second Language Learning
2. Washback of Language Tests
3. Washback to Learning Outcomes
4. Exploring Language Assessment and Testing
5. Learning Environment Vs Language Acquisition and Learning
6. Aligning Common Sri Lankan Frameworks of Reference in Language Testing
7. Formative and Summative Assessment in Second Language Teaching and Learning

1. Teaching General English for various purposes to learners from primary to tertiary level since 1992.
2. English for General Academic Purposes
3. English for Academic Purposes
4. English for Communication
5. English for Economics
6. Translation Studies
7. Visiting Academic
   1. Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL)
   2. Post Graduate Institute of English, OUSL
   3. South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

• https://www.beds.ac.uk/crella/graduate-success/singanayagam-umashankar/