Visakesa Chandrasekaram

Visakesa Chandrasekaram is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public & International Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. He holds a PhD from Australian National University (2012) and multiple postgraduate degrees including an LLM (ANU, 2006), MA in English Literature (Macquarie, 2005), and Master of Mass Communication (University of Sri J’Pura, 2000). His research focuses on confessionary evidence in counter-terrorism contexts, workplace diversity, and intersections of law with arts/literature.

• Education:
  • PhD, Australian National University (2012)
  • LLM, Australian National University (2006)
  • MA English Literature, Macquarie University (2005)
  • Masters of Mass Communication, University of Sri J’Pura (2000)
  • Bachelor of Laws, University of Colombo (1996)

His creative works include the award-winning play Forbidden Area (1999), novel The King and the Assassin (2014), and films Frangipani and Paangshu which received international acclaim. He has held roles in NSW public service (Attorney-General’s Department, Police Force), served as Deputy Director at National Association of Community Legal Centres, and worked as a multicultural liaison consultant.

His recent research explores legal frameworks for social cohesion through the Whole School Culture project funded by British Council, examining how school environments can promote inter-ethnic unity in Sri Lanka.

• Key Awards:
  • 2023 Tiger Jury Award (Rotterdam Film Festival)
  • 2016 President's Film Awards (Sri Lanka)
  • 1999 National Literary Award

Teaching responsibilities include Law of Evidence & Procedures and Administrative Law. He advises on governance frameworks for social cohesion and has pioneered human rights education programs using cultural methods.