Dr. S.Mohanadas
B.Sc Chemistry (Hons), Ph.D Agric. Chemistry (Adelaide), C.Chem., F. I. Chem
Dr. Subramaniam Mohanadas is a chemist and academic who serves as the first Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya, effective from 1st August 2021. A native of Jaffna, he studied at Jaffna Stanley College and the University of Colombo, where he received a BSc Special Degree in Chemistry in 1971.
Early Career
In 1971/1972, he became a Temporary Assistant Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Colombo. Thereafter, he joined the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka as a Research Officer, serving in various positions there for 12 years until 1984. Following this, he spent two years at the newly formed Palmyrah Development Board of Sri Lanka as its first General Manager.
Academic Leadership
Next, he joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Jaffna as a Senior Lecturer, and after four years, he became Head of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at the newly established Faculty of Agriculture, Kilinochchi, in June 1990. Subsequently, he was given responsibility for establishing the new Northern Province Affiliated University College at Vavuniya on 1st November 1991, and he served as its first Director. Later, he returned to the Faculty of Agriculture, Kilinochchi, and served as Dean until December 1995.
In January 1996, he became Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, a role he held until becoming Rector of the Vavuniya Campus on 1st September 2000. He continued as Rector until 19th March 2003, after which he served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna for three years.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Following his retirement in 2007, Dr. Mohanadas took on a number of positions in higher education management, including membership of the University Grants Commission and University Council. Additionally, he served as Consultant to Quality Assurance for the IRQUE project of the World Bank, Consultant to Change Management for the REVO project of GTZ, and Member of the Standing Committee on Quality Assurance and Accreditation (SCAQA).
Contributions Beyond Higher Education
Outside the field of higher education, Dr. Mohanadas has held a number of notable positions, particularly in the fields of coconut and Palmyrah research. On several occasions, and at present, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) of Sri Lanka, President of the Research Advisory Committee of PDB, Consultant to the Coconut Processing Division of the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, and President of the Northern Province Coconut Growers Association.
National Recognition
In addition to the above, Dr. Mohanadas has been involved in several national ventures. He served as President of the Institute of Chemistry (2012/13) and has continuously served as an examiner for the GCE (A/L) Chemistry subject. In recognition of his contributions, His Excellency the then President of Sri Lanka awarded him the title of Vidhya Jyothi in 2004.