- Ms. M. W. Chandrasekar
- Senior Lecturer, Gr. II
- BA (Hons), MPhil (Jaffna)
- winifreeda@univ.jfn.ac.lk
- +94 21 222 2309
Academic Qualifications
- BA (Hons) in Christian Civilization
- MPhil in Christian Civilization (Jaffna)
Contribution to the Curriculum Revision for Bachelor of Arts General and Honours Degree Programme
General Degree:
- CCE 2013 Christian Art, Architecture and Literature
- CCC 2023 The Bible: The New Testament
- CCE 2043 Christian Beliefs and Practices
- CCCH 2023 Christian Art, Architecture and Literature
- CCEH 2043 Sinhala for Communication
Honours Degree:
- CCEH 2023 Christian Ethics
- CCCH 2083 Sri Lankan Christian Art, Architecture and Literature
- CCCH 3033 Christian Spirituality and Mysticism
- CCCH 3073 History of Christianity in Sri Lanka
- CCCH 3093 Religions of South Asia: Comparative Study
- CCCH 3103 Christian Eschatology
- CCCH 4023 Christianity and Gender Perspectives
Books
1. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2022), Gnanapallu: Literature – Theology – History, Matale: Author Publication. [Tamil Medium] (ISBN: 978-624-99244-0-6, Pages: xvii + 178)
2. Mary Winifreeda, C., (2023), Sculpture and Architecture in the Old Testament in the Bible, Thirunelvely: Good Shepherd Centre. [Tamil Medium] (ISBN: 978-624-96945-7-6, Pages: xvi + 156)
Research Articles Published in Journals [Tamil Medium]
1. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “Biblical content and literary richness in the mystical plays of Nicholapillai Maria Xavier in the development of Tamil Christian drama: An art historical perspective”, in KALAM International Research Journal (Vol.18 (02), Faculty of Arts and Culture, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 278-297, [ISSN: 2738-2214]
2. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “Reflection of national artistic heritage in Sri Lankan Christian Art: A study focused on selected Anglican Churches”, in PRAVAHAM International Research Journal (Vol.17 (02), Faculty of Arts and Culture, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 148-162, [ISSN: 2550-2573]
Join Research Article Published in Journal [Tamil Medium]
1. Mary Winifreeda, C., (2024), “St. James’ Church at Kilaly: A historical perspective on the legacy of Christian community building from the Portuguese era to the present day”, in the journal of Cintanai, XXI (02), Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 21-40, [ISSN: 2478-1061]
Full Paper Published [Tamil Medium]
1. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2019), ‘The influence of Thirukkural on the Ratchaniya Yaathirigam: A study focusing on the ideas of Aratthuppal’, Ulag Pothumarai Valluvam – Volume-2, Thanjavur: Thamil Thai Foundation Publication, January, 22-24, 148-153.
2. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2019), “A Study of Old Testament Events as Revealed in Gnanapallu Literature”, Pannattu Aivu Karuththarngu, Coimbatore: Kongunadu Art ana Science College Kalai Ariviyal Kalluri, July, 15, 1284-1291.
3. “The Influence of the Thirukkural on the Thembavani: A Study Focusing on the Third Chapter of the Thembavani”, Ulag Pothumarai Valluvam, Thanjavur: Thamil Thai Foundation Publication, Febryary, 21-23, 310-320.
4. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2021), “The influence of folk law literature on Viyakula Pirasangam written by Jacome Gonsalves”, Thamilelakkiyangalil unarveluchchi, part -1, Chennai: Kalaga Murasu Publication> 364-370.
5. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2021), “The Moral Perspective of the play ‘I am the culprit’ written by Louis Dessy”, Tamil Dramatic Literature in Sri Lanka, 5th International Research Conference organize by the department of Tamil, University of Peradeniya, Research conference held on December, 15th, 185-203.
Abstract Published [English Medium]
1. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2015), “The Origin and Development of Christian Art During the Early Church”, Proceedings of the International Research Conference on Humanities and Social sciences’ – 2015, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, 160.
2. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2018), “From Feminist Theory to Feminist Theology: ElizabethFiorenza’s Critical Approach to Women Liberation”, Proceedings of the Jaffna Science Association, Vol.25, No. 1, Jaffna Science Association – Registered Non-Governmental Organization, University of Jaffna, Research conference held on 8th, 9th and 10th May, 22.
Abstract Published [Tamil Medium]
1. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2015), “A Study of Feminism Based on the Gospels”, Proceedings of the Jaffna Science Association, Vol.22, No. 1, Jaffna Science Association – Registered Non-Governmental Organization, University of Jaffna, Research conference held on 5th, 6th and 7th May, 22.
2. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2016), “The Infancy Narratives of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke”, Proceedings of the Jaffna Science Association, Vol.23, No. 1, Jaffna Science Association – Registered Non-Governmental Organization, University of Jaffna, Research conference held on 4th, 5th and 6th May, 32.
3. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2017), The pedagogy of Jesus: A Study Focused on the Parables ”, Proceedings of the Fifth International Research Conference, Souh Easern Universiy, Research conference held on 17th January, 6.
4. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2018), Socio-cultural Dynamics Emerging in Post-War Women Empowerment Programms of the Caritas Organization: A Study Focused on the Period 2012–2017 in Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the First International Research Conference on Christian Studies, University of Jaffna, Research conference held on 7th and 08th December, 55-56.
5. Mary Winifreeda, S., (2023), “The Special Literary Features of the Mystical Plays of the Nicholapillai Maria Xavier”, in the Proceedings of the Jaffna Science Association, vol.25(1), Jaffna Science Association – Registered Non-Governmental Organization, University of Jaffna, 50-51.
6. Mary Winifreeda S., (2024), “Estate Sector Women in the View of Public Theology: A Perspective Focused on Thalawakella Region” Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on ‘Christian Studies’ – 2024, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Jaffna, 39.
7. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Influence of Indigenous Artistic Features on the Christian Church Architecture in Sri Lanka: A Purview Based on Anglican Churches” Proceedings of the 3rd International Hindu Conference – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Hindu Studies, University of Jaffna, 75.
Join Research Abstract Published [Tamil Medium]
1. Mary Winifreeda S., (2022), “The Role of Ahavoli, the Family Welfare Centre of the Diocese of Jaffna in Catholic Marriage Preparation”, Proceedings of the 2nd Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2022, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 119-120.
2. Mary Winifreeda S., (2022), “The Value of Hospitality: In the Background of the Gospel of Luke and in the Traditions of Ealam Tamils”, Proceedings of the 2nd Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2022, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 121-122.
3. Mary Winifreeda S., (2024), “The Agrarian Background of the Teachings of Jesus According to the Gospel of Luke: A Perspective Focussed on the Agricultural Backdrop of Thunukkai Region”, Proceedings of the 3rd Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2024, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 22-23.
4. Mary Winifreeda S., (2024), “‘Estate Sector 200’: A Purview Based on the Christian Social Teachings”, Proceedings of the 3rd Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2024, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 12-13.
5. Mary Winifreeda S., (2024), “Catholic Folk Art (Nattukooththu) and Its Contemporary Status: A focused view on Navanthurai Parish”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Tamil Christian Art Worlds – 2024, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 83-84.
6. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Efforts of the Organization ‘Women in Need’ in the Empowerment of Women: A Perspective in the Background of Christian Feminist Theology”, Proceedings of the 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 3-4.
7. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Challenges Faced by the Sacrament of Matrimony of the Roman Catholic Church: A Perspective Based on the Moral Abnormalities of the Last Five Years in the Jaffna Peninsula”, Proceedings of the 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 5-6.
8. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Leadership of the Judge Deborah: A Feminist Perspective”, Proceedings of the 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 21-22.
9. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Contribution of the ‘Ahavoli’ Center of the Diocese of Jaffna in Christian Counselling: A Psychological Perspective”, Proceedings of the 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 23-24.
10. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “Architecture of Catholic Churches: An Outlook Based on the Churches of Chunnakam and Kulamankal Parishes”, Proceedings of Thirty first Annual Sessions – 2025, Sri Lanka: Jaffna Science Association, 40.
11. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Origin and Present State of Christianity in Karainagar: A Historical Overview”, Proceedings of the 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 6.
12. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “The Transhipment of Indian Labourers in Mannar and their Transfer to the Up-Country Plantation Work: A Christian Historical Perspective”, Proceedings of the 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 4-5.
13. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “Participation of Laity in the Liturgy: A Perspective Focused on St. Joseph’s Church at Katkidanthakulam during the Past Five Years”, Proceedings of the 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 3.
14. Mary Winifreeda C., (2025), “Pauline Teachings of Marriage and the Increasing Marital Divorce in free Churches in Puthukkudiyiruppu Thevipuram: A Christian Sociological Perspective”, Proceedings of the 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium in Arts – 2025, Sri Lanka: Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, 7-8.
Department Teaching: Christian Civilization
Courses Being Taught (Old Syllabus)
ACCC 11013: Introduction to Christian Civilization
ACCC 11023: Introduction to Biblical Studies
ACCC 21013: Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
ACCC 21023: Tamil Christian Literature
ACCC 21033: Sri Lankan Christian Art
ACCC 21043: Pentateuch
ACCC 31023: Sketches of Sri Lankan Church History
ACCC 31033: Prophets, Wisdom and Historical Writings
ACCC 31043: Church and the Laity
ACCC 41013: Christian Spirituality and Mysticism
ACCC 41023: Church and Society
ACCC 41043: Christian Worship & Sacraments
ACCC 42023: Christianity in South Asia
Conferences
- Member, Organizing committee of the MAANUDAM International Research Conference ‘On the Hundred Years of Humanities and Social Sciences Education Trajectories, Continuities and Discontinuities’ (JUICE -2022), “Sharping the Future in the New Normal”, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. (From 29th of April 2022)
- Member, Organizing committee of the First International Research Conference on ‘Christian Studies’ (IRCCS -2018), “Towards a New Christian Humanistic Ethos”, Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. (07th, 08th of December 2018)
Contribution to the University
- Resource Person for the subject EX. ACCC 11013 Introduction to Christian Civilization, Center for Open and Distance Learning, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. (From 26th of March 2022)
- Student Counsellor, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. (From 8th of March 2022)
- Session Coordinator of the First Undergraduate Symposium in Arts – 2021, “Humanities and Social Sciences for Equality, Justice and Development” conducted by the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. (10 January 2022)
- Member, Mode of Exam for Differently Abled Students, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. (From 15.07.2021)
- Treasurer, First International Research Conference on ‘Christian Studies’ (IRCCS -2018), “Towards a New Christian Humanistic Ethos”, Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. (07th, 08th of December 2018)
- Participated workshop for National Unity and Reconciliation through higher Education: Module for Training of Trainer Workshop Organized by University Grants Commission and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation. (Held in Awissawella, 18 May, 2017)
- Member, Food and Refreshments committee of the JUICE – 2016, University of Jaffna. (12, 13 of August 2016)
Contribution to the Department
- 2022: In charge of the Alumni association of the department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations.
- 2018: Study Tour: 12 -15 February 2018. Accompanied the students of 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Southern parts of the country)
- 2017: Study Tour on 6- 7 April 2017. Accompanied the students of 2nd, 3rd and 4th year to watch the performance of a Christian Art, Udakku pass (In Pesalai)
- 2015: Participated in the three – day conference on 23 – 25 October 2015 on Peace Studies organize by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the University of Jaffna. (In Mannar)
Good Research Book Award: Sculpture and Architecture in the Old Testament of the Bible, Thirunelvely: Good Shepherd Centre. [Tamil Medium] [ISBN: 978-624-96945-7-6], awarded as a good research book of 2024 by the ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youth Affairs, Northern Provincial Council, Jaffna.
Academic Distinction Award: The University of Jaffna awarded the Myliddy S. Swaminathan Memorial Prize to the best student who obtained a First Class in the Final Special Degree Examination in the Faculty of Arts for the year 2006.
Academic Distinction Award: The University of Jaffna awarded the C. Sinnadurai Award for the all-round performance in the final year examination of the Faculty of Arts for the year 2006.
- 2015- 2020: Secretary, Department of Christian and Islamic Civilizations.
- 2008-2009: Sub Warden (Part time), Balasingam Hall of the Residence (Female Hostel), University of Jaffna.