Dr. Viji Jayasundara

Keynote Speech

• Delivered a Keynote Speech on Building Student Teams and Communities for Enhanced Group Cohesion and Collective Critical Thinking with Dr. Theo Gilbert at the INTI-UH Joint Symposium on Teaching and Learning After Pandemic organized by the INTI International University and Colleges at Malaysia in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire in October 06 & 07, 2022. 

Peer-reviewed journal articles

• Jayasundara JMPVK (2024). Harmony in Collaboration: Insights into Group Work Dynamics in HE. Blended Learning in Practice (BLIP) Journal. Spring 2024. Available at: https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/394270/BLIP-Spring-2024-Final.pdf.
  
• Jayasundara JMPVK, Gilbert T, Kersten S and Meng L (2023). Why should I switch on my camera? Developing the cognitive skills of compassionate communications for online group/teamwork management. Frontiers Psychology. 14:1113098. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1113098. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1113098/full.
  
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K., Gilbert, T. Kersten, S., and Meng, L. (2022). How UK HE STEM Students Were Motivated to Switch Their Cameras on: A Study of the Development of Compassionate Communications in Task-focused Online Group Meetings. Education Sciences. 12(317). Available at:   https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12050317.
  
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. & Premarathna C.D.H.M. (2011). A Linguistic Analysis on Errors Committed in English by Undergraduates. 

Books/Book Chapters

•   Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2025). Transforming Higher Education: Effective Strategies for Collaborative Learning and Employability.  The Learning and Teaching Conference 2025 organised by the Centre for Learning, Access and Student Success on July 11, 2025. Western Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
•   Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. and Gilbert, T. (2025). Exploring the possibilities and tensions in student-staff partnerships and social justice work in Higher Education Students as Partners Roundtable 2025 part 1, University of Westminster from 25 - 27 June 2025, University of Westminster, London, UK.
•   Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K., (2024). Adopting a Social Justice Lens in EAP – The Application of Cognitive Skills of Compassionate Communication (CSCC) in Online Task-focused Group Meetings. In Breen, P., and Roux, M., (Eds.) Social Justice in EAP and ELT Contexts: Global Higher Education Perspectives. Bloomsbury Publishing.
  
•   Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K., Gilbert T., Kersten S., and Meng L., (2023). Why Should I Switch on My Camera? Developing the Cognitive Skills of Compassionate Communications for Online Group/teamwork Management. In Waddington K, Manley J., Edginton T., and Kanov J (Eds) Compassion: From Neuroscience to New Horizons and Innovative, Inclusive Research Agendas. (pp. 102-122). Frontiers in Psychology.
  
•   Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2012). Development of Pedagogical Skills in English as a Second Language in Tertiary level Education in Sri Lanka. 

Edited Book

• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K., Weerakoon W.M.P.G.C., and Siriwardhana K.M.R. (2014) Glossary for University Students, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.

Symposium/Conference/Other Equivalently Recognized Publications

• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2025). Empowering Potential: Developing Academic Skills for Successful Learner Journeys in Higher Education. Academic Skills Conference held on May 16, 2025. Fielder Centre, University of Hertfordshire, UK. 
• Ralph, A, Far, A.H., Alrabie, M., Sari, I., Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2025). Exploring Barriers to Research Engagement among Teaching-Focused Staff at Hertfordshire Business School. Research and Enterprise Conference held on May 15, 2015. Fielder Centre. University of Hertfordshire, UK.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2024). Sustainability Nexus: Cognitive Compassionate Strategies (CCS) for Enhancing Students’ Group Communications. The 8th International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University held on July 24 – 25, 2024. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. 
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2024). How to Create an Engaging Teaching and Learning Environment through Developing Insights into Collaborative Learning? HBS Learning and Teaching Conference 2024 held on July 02, 2024. University of Hertfordshire, UK.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2024). Beyond Boundaries: Compassionate Communication Strategies for Online Group/Teamwork Management. HBS Research Development & Seminar Day held on May 10, 2024. Fielder Centre, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. and Gilbert, T. (2024). Transitioning to the Workplace Where Teamwork and Communications are still Prioritised: How Can We Set Our Students up for Success? The Learning and Teaching Conference 2024 organised by the Centre for Learning, Access and Student Success held on June 14, 2024. University of Hertfordshire, UK.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. and Ekanayake, Y. (2024). Navigating L4: Understanding Challenges for International Students. The Learning and Teaching Conference 2024 organised by the Centre for Learning, Access and Student Success held on June 14, 2024. University of Hertfordshire, UK.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2023). Compassionate Communications for HE Online Group Work Managemen. University of Hertfordshire’s Annual Learning and Teaching Conference held on July 6th, 2023. Learning and Teaching Innovation Centre, University of Hertfordshire. UK
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2023). Is Compassionate Communication Facilitative or Disruptive in HE’s Online Group Meetings? University of Hertfordshire’s Summer Postgraduate Research (PGR) Conference held on June 30th, 2023. School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education, University of Herefordshire. UK.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2022). Compassionate Communications for Motivating Students to Switch their Cameras on during Online Group Meetings. Research in Distance Education (RIDE) Conference held on June 15^th, 16^th, 17^th. Accelerating Innovation. Centre for Online and Distance Education, University of London.​
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K. (2021). How can communicative eye contact in F2F be adapted in online task-focused group discussions? Learning & Teaching Conference Higher Education for the Common Good: Learning from COVID-19 Conference held on July 13^th – 14^th. Teaching Excellence Academy, University of Hull.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K. (2021). Why should I switch on my camera? A study of how students were persuaded to do so in online group work. Herts Learning, Teaching and Learning Conference held on July 30^th. Learning and Teaching Innovation Center, The University of Hertfordshire.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2019). Exploring Self-Efficacy of Undergraduates on Pursuing English as a Second language. Proceedings of 3^rd International Research Conference held on February 07^th & 9^th. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  &   Herath, W.M. (2018). Impact of Pursuing Certificate in English for Junior Executives on Enhancement of Communication through English Language. Proceedings of 2^nd International Research Symposium held on February 01^st & 2^nd. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  &   Herath, W.M. (2018). Correlation between Sri Lankan University Students’ Self–Esteem and their English-Speaking Skills.  Proceedings of 2^nd International Research Symposium, February 01^st & 2^nd. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2017). ‘Implication of Error Analysis Approach in Second Language Teaching’. VAGISHA. Felicitation volume dedicated to Professor Asoka C. Premarathne. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. pp. 100-115.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2017). Competency in English as a Second Language in Sri Lanka. VAGISHA. Felicitation volume dedicated to Chair & Senior Professor R.M.W. Rajapaksha. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. pp. 179-194.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  &   Herath, W.M. (2017). Listening Barriers in Academic Contexts.  Proceedings of International Research Symposium held on January 19^th & 20^th. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. 
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2016). Why do Undergraduates Pursue English Studies: Special Focus on Undergraduates at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Annual Research Symposium held on November 17^th & 18^th. The National Center for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences in Sri Lanka (NCAS).
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2016) Preferences on Learning English as a Second Language.  Proceedings of International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka (ICLSL) held on August 25^th. Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Available at: http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14277?show=full.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2015). Enhancing Skills of e-Learners through Inquiry Based Activities. The International e-Learning Congress held on September 16^th & 18^th. The InterContinental Manila, City of Makati, Philippines.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2015). Intention of Pursuing English as a Second Language (ESL) by Undergraduates. Proceedings of International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka – (ICLSL) held on August 6^th. Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 2015. p. 49.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2015). Speaking: The ESL Learners’ Perspective. Proceedings of the 6^th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference held on June 04^th to 07^th. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. p. 46. Available at: http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/7770.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K.  (2015). ESL Learners’ Perception on Media of Listening. Proceedings of The International Conference of Humanities (ICH 2015) held on May 21^st & 22^nd. Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. p. 80.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K. (2015). Acquiring Writing Skill by the Second Language Learners. Proceedings of International Conference on Postcolonial Societies in Transition held on March 2^nd & 3^rd. University of Ruhuna. p. 126.
• J.M.P.V.K. Jayasundara (2014). Acquiring Reading Skill by Second Language Learners.   Proceedings of Jaffna University International Research Conference held on December 18^th & 19^th. pp. 338-343.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K. (2014). How do second Language Learners Learn to Perform Verbal Communication? Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Sessions held on July 04^th & 5^th. 18, p. 644.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K. (2013). How is the ‘Listening' approached by Second Language Learners? (Special focus on Undergraduates at UWU)’. Proceedings of the 2^nd International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences held on December 04^th & 5^th. University of Sri Jayawardhanepura, Sri Lanka. p. 95.
• Jayasundara, J.M.P.V.K., Premarathna, C.D.H.M. & Sivagurunathan S.G. (2013). The Most Prominent Sources of Errors in ESL Learners’ Interlanguage’. Proceedings of the 6^th Research Conference of The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka (RASSL) held on March 28^th to 30^th. The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka. P. 75.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2013). ‘Linguistic Analysis of Orthographic Errors Committed in English by English Medium Undergraduates’. Proceedings of the 4^th International Research Symposium held on January 11^th & 12^th. Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. p.128.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2012). Linguistic Competence of Using English Tenses by Tertiary Level Students in Sri Lanka. (Special Focus on the Undergraduates at Uva Wellassa University). Proceedings of the 1^st International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences held on November 08^th & 9^th. University of Sri Jayawardhanepura, Sri Lanka. p. 233.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2012). A Linguistic Analysis on Grammatical Errors Committed By English Medium Undergraduates. Proceedings of the 7^th International SLELTA Conference held on September 07^th, 8^th & 9^th. Sri Lanka English Language Teachers’ Association. p. 21.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2012). Linguistic Analysis on Syntactic Errors Committed in English by Undergraduates. Proceedings of the 3^rd LIS Research Symposium held on May 12^th. University of Kelaniya. pp. 29-30.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2012). A Study on Ascertaining Undergraduates’ Perspective on the Proficiency in English (Special focus on first-year undergraduates (2009/2010) at Uva Wellassa University. Proceedings of the 5^th Research Conference of The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka, March 30^th & 31^st.  The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka. pp. 180-181.
• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. & Abewickrama R. (2011). A Study on Attitudes of Undergraduates and Lecturers towards Objective Fulfillment of Course Units Offered by Department of English Language Teaching. Sabaragamuwa University. Proceedings of the Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University held on December 15^th & 16^th. pp. 327-330.

Newspaper Article published in three languages (Sinhala, Tamil and English)

• Jayasundara J.M.P.V.K. (2015). UWU to Showcase the Glorious and Victorious Story of 5th Generation, Newspaper article published trilingually in Daily News and Thinekaran on June 19^th, 2015, Dinamina on June 20^th, 2015.  

Walking Conversation

• I have contributed as an invited resource person to a Walking Conversation to talk about my research work to scholars for an hour (01) at the working conversations held as the final event of the UH Teaching and Learning Conference held on July 01, 2021, in the University of Hertfordshire.

RESEARCH GRANTS OBTAINED

• Collaborative research grant at the University of Hertfordshire on Enhancing Research Cultures in 2024. 
• PhD scholarship from the World Bank under the project, Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) in 2019.
• Two project grants to conduct two research from competitive university research grants in 2017 and 2018.

I support students from

• BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management

1. Professional recognition:
• FHEA (UK Higher Education Academy - Fellow)
• Auroran (Aurora Women Leadership 2025 – AdvanceHE)