S. Vithiananthan
Sri Lankan academic From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sri Lankan academic From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Professor Suppiramaniam Vithiananthan (8 May 1924 – 22 January 1989) was a Sri Lankan writer, academic and the first vice-chancellor of the University of Jaffna.
Professor S. Vithiananthan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 8 May 1924 |
| Died | 22 January 1989 (aged 64) |
| Alma mater | University of Ceylon School of Oriental and African Studies |
| Occupation | Academic |
| Title | Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna |
| Term | January 1979 – July 1988 |
| Successor | A. Thurairajah |
Vithiananthan was born on 8 May 1924.[1] He was the son of Suppiramaniam, a proctor from Tellippalai in northern Ceylon.[1] He was educated at St. John's College, Jaffna.[2] After school he joined the Ceylon University College in 1941.[3] He graduated from the University of Ceylon in 1944 with an honours degree.[1][3]
Vithiananthan married Kamala.[1] They had five children (Arulnamby, Mahilnangai, Anbu Chelvi, Inpa Chelvan and Siva Mainthan).[1]
After university Vithiananthan worked as a lecturer at the University of Ceylon.[1][3] He was sub-warden of Jayatileka Hall and warden of Wijewardene Hall at the University of Ceylon.[1]
Vithiananthan then joined School of Oriental and African Studies for post graduate studies, obtaining a Phd in 1950 after producing a thesis titled Pattupattu – a Historical, Social and Linguistic Study.[1][3]
After returning to Ceylon Vithiananthan re-joined the University of Ceylon.[1] The Faculty of Arts and Oriental Studies moved to Peradeniya and Vithiananthan was made Professor of Tamil in 1952.[1][3] He served as Head of the Department of Tamil at the university.[4] He served as president of the Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka between August 1977 and December 1978.[3][5][6] The Jaffna Campus was elevated to university status on 1 January 1979 with the creation of the University of Jaffna and Vithiananthan was appointed the first vice-chancellor of the new university.[1][3][5] He held the position until July 1988.[5] During his tenure the university underwent serious difficulties due to the civil war.[1] Vithiananthan kept the university open during the 1987–89 JVP Insurrection which forced every other university in the country to close.[1]
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