An alumnus of the University of Colombo (BA, First Class), Joan B. Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame (MA, International Peace Studies), and School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (SCAR), George Mason University. USA (PhD in Conflict Analysis), Dr. Maneesha S. Wanasinghe-Pasqual’s research focus has, though somewhat eclectic, has consistently been on Conflict Analysis and Human Security. This is reflected in her research interests.

A published author with two books on ‘research methods’ and on ‘food security in Sri Lanka’, Dr. Wanasinghe-Pasqual’s currently completing a research on the caregivers of persons with disability in Sri Lanka. Dr. Wanasinghe-Pasqual has conducted research on peacekeeping, Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, empowerment of youth and women, and on ‘meta-narratives’.

A consummate professional with over 20 years of teaching at University level, Dr. Wanasinghe-Pasqual has been instrumental in designing and introducing over 12 new course modules to the undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Colombo and other educational institutes.

Dr. Wanasinghe-Pasqual’s experience in conducting staff development, student-centered teaching and blended teaching is considerable.

Dr. Wanasinghe-Pasqual has written and obtained grants for her Department (i.e. AHEAD Grant from the World Bank) and has been instrumental, through MOUs, the Department of International Relations and the Faculty of International Affairs, University of Poland and Department of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Uppsala University, Sweden.