Sri Shakthi Sumanan (T. Sumanenthiran) is a visionary environmentalist and sustainability strategist with a rich background in environmental management, corporate sustainability, and ecological research. Holding a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the Postgraduate Institute of Science at the University of Peradeniya and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the Vavuniya Campus, University of Jaffna, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Throughout his career, Sri Shakthi Sumanan has excelled in implementing sustainable solutions for organizations and communities. As Senior Manager of Environmental Affairs at Dole Lanka Pvt Ltd, he led the formulation and execution of corporate environmental strategies, action plans, and compliance mechanisms. His leadership spanned critical areas such as pollution control, waste management, renewable energy integration, and environmental risk assessments, ensuring adherence to environmental best practices and regulatory standards.

In his role as Consultant in Climate Change, Energy, and Sustainability Advisory at KPMG Sri Lanka, he provided expert guidance on environmental audits, energy efficiency measures, and sustainability assessments for leading corporations. His work empowered organizations to embed sustainability into their core operations while mitigating environmental impacts.

Earlier in his career, Sri Shakthi Sumanan served as a Senior Program Officer and Environmental Specialist at EML Consultants, where he managed large-scale environmental consultancy projects, performed detailed field studies, and prepared impactful environmental analysis reports. His work encompassed water resource management, social impact assessments, and climate change adaptation strategies, addressing complex environmental challenges with practical, community-focused solutions.

His academic research contributions reflect his innovative approach to environmental science. He has explored applications of chaos theory in environmental systems management and conducted impactful studies on urban environmental frameworks, forest conservation, and climate change resilience. His research has been presented at international scientific forums, showcasing his thought leadership in the field.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s ability to combine scientific expertise, strategic leadership, and practical implementation makes him a transformative figure in environmental sustainability. His work continues to inspire organizations and communities to embrace sustainable practices and protect our planet for future generations.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan (T. Sumanenthiran) is a committed researcher in environmental science whose work demonstrates a thoughtful integration of theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to address environmental challenges. With a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Peradeniya and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Jaffna, he has focused on developing sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary research.

During his tenure at the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, Sri Shakthi Sumanan contributed to key research projects that emphasized environmental management and conservation. His work involved the creation of environmental conservation frameworks for urban councils, the assessment of forest cover changes, and the production of a documentary aimed at fostering environmental awareness. His research interests encompass environmental management, remote sensing, geographical information systems, and the application of scientific reasoning to address environmental issues.

A significant aspect of his academic contributions lies in the exploration of chaos theory, Gaia theory, and systems theory to better understand and manage the complexities inherent in environmental systems. His studies on the nonlinear dynamics of urban ecosystems and the application of the Gaian approach have provided valuable insights into managing chaotic elements in urban planning and resource management. These findings, shared at prestigious forums such as the International Conference for Nonlinear Sciences in Tokyo and the International Conference for Business Management in Sri Lanka, underline his scholarly contributions to environmental science.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan has also worked extensively on modeling environmental functionalities to enhance the effectiveness of urban environmental management systems. By employing statistical tools, GIS technologies, and conceptual modeling, he has offered innovative solutions for understanding the dynamic interactions between natural and anthropogenic systems.

With a humble dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering sustainable practices, Sri Shakthi Sumanan continues to contribute meaningfully to the field of environmental science. His work reflects a balance of academic rigor and a sincere commitment to addressing environmental challenges for the betterment of communities and ecosystems.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan served as the Career Guidance Coordinator for the Faculty of Applied Science at the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, under the Accelerating Higher Education Development Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Project, funded by the World Bank. His tenure, spanning two years from 2020 to 2022, was marked by significant contributions to bridging academic knowledge with practical skills.

During his service, Sumanan implemented innovative initiatives that enhanced students’ entrepreneurial, problem-solving, and advisory capabilities. By organizing field visits and practical training sessions, he enabled students to integrate their theoretical knowledge of environmental science with real-world applications. These activities focused on addressing critical challenges in environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and organic waste management.

In 2021, Sumanan was invited to serve as a visiting lecturer for B.Sc. Environmental Science students. He has been offering a 2-credit, 100-notional-hour course on Career Guidance, which equips undergraduates with essential skills for professional growth and sustainable development. This course, which he continues to deliver, reflects his dedication to preparing students for academic excellence and leadership in their fields.

Sumanan’s unwavering commitment to empowering future leaders has significantly contributed to the Faculty’s mission of fostering sustainable development and advancing applied science education.

Introduction to Career Guidance Course (ACU 3112)

The Career Guidance course (ACU 3112), coordinated and taught by Dr. T. Sumanenthiran, is a structured and dynamic program designed to empower undergraduate students with the essential skills and knowledge for building a successful career. Offered as a compulsory course with a credit value of 2 (100 notional learning hours), this program is an integral part of the B.Sc. Environmental Science curriculum at the Faculty of Applied Science, University of Vavuniya. It combines theoretical insights, practical applications, and interactive sessions to address the diverse needs of students preparing to enter the workforce.

Course Structure and Delivery

• Notional Learning Hours: The course includes 30 hours of lectures delivered across 15 sessions and 70 hours of independent work, including quizzes and a career-related group project.
• Mode of Delivery: Conducted predominantly online via platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom and involving classroom contact, the course ensures accessibility and flexibility for students.
• Assessment: Unlike traditional exams, evaluation is based on lecture participation, quizzes, project reports, presentations, and peer reviews, fostering active engagement and practical learning.

Key Topics Covered

The course is meticulously designed to address various aspects of career planning and development through the following topics:

1. Understanding Career and Job Dynamics: Distinguishing between a job and a career, resolving dilemmas, and identifying influencing factors.
2. Personal Assessment: Exploring values, personality types, interests, and skills to align career choices with individual strengths.
3. Career Information and Decision-Making: Using models like ASAP for career research, and learning to make balanced and conflict-free career decisions.
4. Job Search and Presentation Skills: Mastering resume writing, cover letters, references, interview techniques, and networking.
5. Career Advancement Strategies: Building a strong career network, setting SMART goals, and leveraging internships for professional growth.
6. Job Market Insights: Analyzing Sri Lanka’s economic landscape, job market trends, and opportunities for graduates.
7. Practical Project Work: Students undertake a group project, encompassing personal assessment, skill analysis, and career position analysis, fostering teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

Significance of the Course

This course stands out for its emphasis on holistic career preparation, particularly tailored for Environmental Science undergraduates. By blending academic learning with practical applications, it equips students with the tools to navigate complex job markets, make informed career choices, and thrive in their professional journeys.

Dr. Sumanenthiran’s innovative approach to career guidance ensures that students are not only prepared for the challenges of employment but are also capable of leveraging their knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development. This course plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders in environmental science and beyond.