01
Since 2024
Head, Department of Geography
University of Colombo
Professor & Head · Department of Geography, University of Colombo
Geography for Resilience and Wellbeing.
Professor and Head of the Department of Geography at the University of Colombo — a health and environmental geographer bridging rigorous research, national policy, and community resilience across Sri Lanka.
30+
Years in Academia
100+
Publications & Papers
15+
Books Authored
50+
TV & Radio Programmes
About Fareena
A Life in Geography.
For three decades, Prof. Dr. Fareena Ruzaik has mapped the places where human health, the environment, and society meet — turning geographic research into policy, teaching, and public awareness.
Beginning her career as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Colombo in 1994 after graduating with honours in Geography from the University of Peradeniya, she went on to serve as a Senior Environmental Officer at Sri Lanka's Central Environmental Authority before completing her Ph.D. in Health Geography in 2015. She was appointed Professor in Geography in 2021 and Head of the Department of Geography in 2024.
A pioneer of Medical and Health Geography education in Sri Lanka, she has authored more than a hundred research articles, conference papers, book chapters, and books — from Health Geography and Ceylon Geographers to trilingual medical-geography glossaries. Beyond the university she advises national bodies on reconciliation, environment, and education, and is a familiar voice on Sri Lankan television and radio, translating climate, disaster, and environmental science for the public.
- Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Languages English · Tamil · Sinhala
- Discipline Health & Environmental Geography
- Known for Medical geography, disaster resilience & eco-tourism
Leadership Roles
Positions of Trust.
Concurrent academic, national, and community leadership roles held today.
02
Since 2021
Professor in Geography
University of Colombo
03
Appointed
Justice of Peace (Whole Island)
Ministry of Justice, Sri Lanka
04
Since 2025
Board of Directors
Office of National Unity & Reconciliation (ONUR)
05
Since 2023
Vice President
All-Ceylon Muslim Educational Conference (ACMEC)
06
Since 2024
Member, Madrasa Accreditation Committee
Madrasa Act, Sri Lanka
07
Since 2022
Member, Board of Directors
Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF)
08
Since 2016
Member, Director Board
Center for Development Research & Intervention (CDRI)
The Journey
Three Decades of Service.
1994 — 1999
Assistant Lecturer, Geography
Department of Geography, University of Colombo.
2001 — 2005
Senior Environmental Officer
Central Environmental Authority, Sri Lanka.
2005 — 2010
Lecturer (Probationary)
Department of Geography, University of Colombo.
2010 — 2016
Senior Lecturer, Grade II
Department of Geography, University of Colombo.
2016 — 2021
Senior Lecturer, Grade I
Department of Geography, University of Colombo.
2021
Professor in Geography
Promoted to the Chair in Geography, University of Colombo.
2024
Head of Department
Appointed Head, Department of Geography, University of Colombo.
Education
Ph.D. in Health Geography
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Certificate in Teaching Higher Education (CTHE)
Staff Development Centre, University of Colombo
M.Sc. in Forestry & Environmental Management
University of Sri Jayewardenepura — ADB Scholarship
B.A. (Hons.) in Geography
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Signature Research
Research That Matters.
2025 — 26
Building Economic Resilience: Drought Management in Sri Lanka
Community-centred framework for drought resilience — Gamini Corea Foundation Research Award.
2025
Ageing, Neglect & Loneliness among Older Persons
Case studies across urban, rural and estate communities — UNFPA, CERI & the Government of Japan.
2025
Assessing Tourism Development Potential in Rathgama
Sustainable community-based tourism study — Bara Beach Charity Association, Galle.
2024
Eco-Cultural Tourism for Local Activation
Training and research on community-based tourism — UN-Habitat, Republic of Korea.
2012
Eco-tourism Management Plan, Diyawanna Oya
Effective management plan for promoting eco-tourism — University of Colombo research grant.
2002
Women, Environment & Development
Two-month training programme, Kyushu, Japan — sponsored by JICA.
State & Senate Honours
Honours of Distinction.
Sri Lanka
Justice of Peace (Whole Island)
Ministry of Justice, Sri Lanka
A whole-island commission recognising standing and service to the public and the state.
University of Colombo
Senate Commendation for Research Excellence
University of Colombo
Awarded for excellence in research at the Annual Research Symposium, 2021.
University of Colombo
Senate Commendation for Research Excellence
University of Colombo
Awarded for excellence in research at the Annual Research Symposium, 2020.
Honours & Grants
A Life of Excellence.
- 2025 — 26 Gamini Corea Foundation Research Award Gamini Corea Foundation National
- 2026 University Research Grant University of Colombo National
- 2025 CERI Research Grant — Population & Social Policy UNFPA & Government of Japan International
- 2024 Eco-Cultural Tourism Training Award UN-Habitat, Republic of Korea International
- 2018 Scholarship, 4th Asian Conference on Geography Geographical Society of China, Guangzhou International
- 2016 Green Economy & Trade Fellowship UNEP & UNITAR International
- 2008 Research Grant for Ph.D. Studies University Grants Commission (UGC) National
- 2002 JICA Training Scholarship — Women & Environment JICA, Kyushu, Japan International
- 2000 ADB Postgraduate Scholarship (M.Sc.) Asian Development Bank International
How I Serve
Where Expertise Meets Value.
Research & GIS Consulting
Health and environmental geography research, spatial and GIS analysis, disaster-risk and eco-tourism assessments.
Keynotes & Public Lectures
Talks and guest lectures on climate change, disaster resilience, environment, and women in sustainable development.
Policy & Advisory
National advisory and committee work on environment, reconciliation, education, and sustainable development policy.
Teaching & Supervision
Postgraduate supervision (MA / MPhil / PhD), curriculum development, and academic mentoring in geography.
Frequently Asked
Quick Facts.
What is Prof. Ruzaik's field of expertise?
She is a health and environmental geographer, specialising in medical geography, disaster management, environmental pollution and health, and sustainable eco-tourism.
Where is she based?
She is Professor and Head of the Department of Geography at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Is she available for lectures or research collaboration?
Yes. She accepts guest lectures, keynote invitations, advisory work, and research collaborations — use the contact form or WhatsApp to reach her.
What does "Justice of Peace (Whole Island)" mean?
It is a whole-island commission granted under Sri Lankan law, authorising the holder to attest and witness legal documents and serve the public across the country.
What languages does she work in?
She teaches, writes, and broadcasts in English, Tamil, and Sinhala, and has produced trilingual academic reference works.
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