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Curriculum
Vitae I was born at Kamburugamuwa, Matara in Southern Sri Lanka as the seventh child in a family of eight siblings. Studied at St. Thomas' College, Matara. I had a very successful school career. I was in the Cadet Corps in the school. I was the Junior Cadet Sergeant, Senior Cadet Sergeant, Best NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) and the Head Prefect of the School. I entered the university as the only candidate from the school that year. I graduated from the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. Upon graduation, I taught for few years at Arethusa College, Colombo 6. During this period in my life, I took a keen interest in British Ballroom Dancing as a recreation and entertainment. I joined Frank Harrison School of Dancing where Frank Harrison, an Englishman and Ruth Fernando were the instructors. I did medal tests and was able to win the Gold Medal in British Ballroom Dancing. Married in 1964 and later built a house in Colombo 5. Joined the Department of Examinations, Ministry of Education, as an Assistant Superintendent of Examinations and rose to be the Deputy Commissioner of Examinations. I was also the Data Processing Manager and for two years functioned as the Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission in Sri Lanka. In addition to these positions, in 1978/79 I was also the Visiting Lecturer and Examiner in Computer Science and Data Processing in the Department of Mathematics, Colombo University and Visiting Lecturer and Examiner in Data Processing for the B.Com. program in the Faculty of Management and Commerce at Sri Jayewardanepura University. I received my Post Graduate education and training in Sri Lanka, United States, United Kingdom and Australia. I first came to the United States on a State Department grant and was at Princeton in 1971. I have travelled extensively visiting several cities and states in the US also visiting United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, India, Nepal, Italy, Hong Kong, Thailand, U.A.E. and the Caribbean. Here in the US, I have worked in Manhattan, New York and Los Angeles, California. Since 1994, I have been self-employed as a Computer Consultant. I have developed and maintained two web sites at my own expense for the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara (www.sibv.org) and Jetavanaramaya (www.jetavana.org) in Shravasti, Madhya Pradesh, India. I underwent a certification course in TV productions at the Time Warner provided facility in Staten Island, New York in 2003, and have functioned as a Volunteer Producer for the public access Community Television (CTV) in Staten Island. I have produced a TV series entitled 'BUDDHA DHARMA - The Teachings of Lord Buddha' for the past several years. It is shown in Staten Island, and Queens New York twice a week. It was shown in Manhattan for a few years but discontinued due to lack of a proper sponsor. I also produce a TV program entitled 'YOGA for BETTER LIVING' which is shown six times a week in Staten Island. I have published two monographs entitled 'REBIRTH' and 'BUDDHIST MEDITATION' and a book entitled 'PATH to FREEDOM' which I got printed in Sri Lanka and donated to the Buddhist Viharas here in the US for free distribution. On May 23, 2005 I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at the United Nations Vesak Celebration. My interests in spectator sports have continued here in the US with the interest switched from cricket to baseball with New York Yankees as the favorite team. Learned to play golf and have played for a few years at the South Shore Country Club. I am a member of the YMCA South Shore Gymnasium and fitness center where I do yoga, cardio and strength training and swimming and attend the facility five times a week. Thank you for visiting my web site. Please come again.
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