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Janaka Ruwanpura

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Janaka Ruwanpura
Janaka Ruwanpura in 2016
Born
Janaka Yasantha Ruwanpura

Colombo, Sri Lanka
NationalitySri Lankan and Canadian [1]
EducationNalanda College Colombo
University of Moratuwa
Arizona State University
University of Alberta
OccupationProfessor
EmployerUniversity of Calgary Canada
TitleProfessor of Civil Engineering and Project Management (Former Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International) 2013-24)

Janaka Yasantha Ruwanpura is a Professor of Project Management at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.[2] In 2022, he was a winner of the Top25 Canadian Immigrant Awards selected by the Canadian Immigrant.[3][4] He is also the founding President of the Canadian Network of Sri Lankan Academics, which was launched in February 2024.[5][6]

He served as the Vice Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International) of the University of Calgary, Canada (equivalent to Pro-Vice Chancellor in English system) from Sept. 1, 2020 until March 29, 2024. Prior to this role, he was the Vice-Provost International from 2013 to 2020.

Early life and education

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Janaka Yasantha Ruwanpura, a Buddhist, was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka and was the only son of Dr. R.P. Sirisena, a Medical Superintendent, and Nanda Sirisena. Ruwanpura studied at Nalanda College Colombo and held numerous leadership positions during this time.[7]

Ruwanpura graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying with honors in 1992 from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He was the "Batch Top" (top student of the year) for all four years and obtained two convocation awards in 1992: the Professor H.P.S. Caldera Memorial Award for best final year student, and the Institute of Quantity Surveyors Award for the best graduate of the program [8]

Ruwanpura worked a lecturer in Quantity Surveying at the University of Moratuwa from 1992 to 1995. He was also an active quantity surveying consultant for several clients and companies in Sri Lanka and served as the founding Manager – Projects for QServe, a Quantity Surveying firm in Sri Lanka.[8]

In 1994, Ruwanpura received both the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship and President's Scholarship of Sri Lanka.[8] In 1995, he chose the U.S. Fulbright to pursue a Master of Science in Construction Management at Arizona State University and graduated in 1997. Ruwanpura completed his PhD at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada and worked with professor Simaan AbouRizk. Ruwanpura received a F.S. Chia PhD scholarship and obtained a PhD in Construction Engineering and management in 2001. He won 7 awards and scholarships during his PhD studies.[9]

Career

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In 2001, Ruwanpura was recruited by the University of Calgary (UCalgary) as an Assistant professor in Civil Engineering specializing in project management. He was promoted as Associate Professor with tenure in 2006. The current President of UCalgary, Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, then Dean of Engineering, nominated Janaka (to the Federal Government of Canada) as a Canada Research Chair in Project Management Systems in 2007,[10] which was renewed in 2012 for another 5 years.[11]

Ruwanpura became a full professor in 2011. He was the Director of the Project Management Specialization since 2005 and became the founding director of the Centre for Project Management Excellence in the Schulich School of Engineering in 2011.[12]

In 2013 Ruwanpura was appointed as the Vice-Provost International of the University of Calgary for a 5-year term.[13] After a comprehensive search, the University of Calgary chose Janaka to lead the university's international strategy. Janaka resigned from the Canada Research Chair to accept this position.[7] The University of Calgary re-appointed him for a second term of 5 years as Vice-Provost International for until June 2023.[14] The University of Calgary extended his responsibilities in 2020 by appointing to be both the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International).[15]

Ruwanpura is a licensed professional engineer in Alberta and a professional quantity surveyor in Canada. He is also a Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, UK (MRICS) and Fellow of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Sri Lanka. He was inducted as a fellow of three professional organizations. and a fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada.[16][17][18][19]Ruwanpura was also a founding member and later a convenor of the International Institute for Infrastructure Resilience and Reconstruction.[20]

Ruwanpura has also been elected as the new executive chair of a Commission on International Initiatives Executive Committee. Ruwanpura is the first Canadian member to chair the executive committee of one of APLU’s commissions and councils.[21] He is also a member of the Board for the Canadian Bureau for International Education.[22]

Vice Provost International at the University of Calgary

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As Vice Provost International (VPI) at the University of Calgary, Ruwanpura leads international strategy at the University of Calgary.[23] Since 2013, Ruwanpura's leadership as VPI led to the establishment of various new initiatives and projects at UCalgary. As VPI, Ruwanpura drove the University of Calgary’s global strategy, launched IPARI, steered dual-degree programs in internationally, secured major funding, and procured grants for international study.[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]

Awards and recognition

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Ruwnapura developed a tool, i-Booth, which is now commercialized.[36] He has published over 180 technical articles.[citation needed] He has delivered 15 keynote speeches and over 200 presentations and workshops.[9] Ruwanpura has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, many from the University of Calgary.[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][7][46][47][48][49][50][51]

Personal Life

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Janaka lives in Calgary with his wife Senani and only son Seniru.[52][53] Janaka's son, Seniru Ruwanpura graduated with a software engineering degree[54] at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.

References

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  1. ^ "Celebrating 50 years: International student services launched in 1974". UToday - University of Calgary. 20 April 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  2. ^ "UCalgary Profiles;". ucalgary.ca. 2023-03-28. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  3. ^ "UCalgary's Janaka Ruwanpura wins Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award;". ucalgary.ca. 2022-05-05. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
  4. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura;". canadianimmigrant.ca. 2022-05-04. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  5. ^ "Canadian Network of Sri Lankan Academics - Home". www.cansla.com. Retrieved 2024-06-11.
  6. ^ "Canadian Network of Sri Lankan Academics (CaNSLA) Launched – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka". Retrieved 2024-06-11.
  7. ^ a b c "SLF Wall of Fame". 23 December 2014.
  8. ^ a b c "AACE International Source June 2013".
  9. ^ a b https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-janaka-ruwanpura-phd-peng-6a118a5[unreliable source?]
  10. ^ https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/transparency-transparence/disclosure-divulgation/grants-subventions/2007.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  11. ^ https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/transparency-transparence/disclosure-divulgation/grants-subventions/2012/third_quarter.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  12. ^ https://schulich.ucalgary.ca/profiles/janaka-ruwanpura[permanent dead link‍]>
  13. ^ "University of Calgary aims to double international student enrolment, exchange programs | Metro News". Metronews.ca. 2013-03-25. Archived from the original on 2016-09-23. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  14. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura reappointed vice-provost (international);". ucalgary.ca. 2017-12-18. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  15. ^ "University of Calgary International;". ucalgary.ca. 2020-09-14. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  16. ^ "Constructive contributions to building profession earn industry honors". www.asu.edu. 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  17. ^ "Canadian Society for Civil Engineering honours Schulich professors - Schulich School of Engineering - University of Calgary". 19 June 2014.
  18. ^ "4 UCalgary faculty named Canadian Academy of Engineering, Fellows". www.ucalgary.ca. 2023-06-06. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
  19. ^ "5 Schulich researchers to be inducted as Engineering Institute of Canada Fellows". www.ucalgary.ca. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  20. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura | Schulich School of Engineering | University of Calgary". Schulich.ucalgary.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-09-05. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  21. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura elected chair of advocacy group's international commission". ucalgary.ca. 2020-01-15. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  22. ^ "Board of Directors - CBIE". cbie.ca/. 2020-12-10. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  23. ^ "Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura appointed Vice-Provost (International) | News & Events | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  24. ^ "APLU Names University of Calgary 2017 Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research, & Engagement Winner;". aplu.org. 2017-11-12. Retrieved 2017-11-12.
  25. ^ "(CBIE) announces the winners of its 2016 Excellence Awards - CBIE;". cbie.ca. 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  26. ^ "2016 Canada China Business Excellence Awards;". www.ccbc.com. 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  27. ^ "(CBIE) 2019 EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS;". cbie.ca. 2019-10-11. Archived from the original on 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2019-10-12.
  28. ^ "UCalgary International wins Catalyst Award;". ucalgary.ca. 2019-11-20. Retrieved 2019-12-05.
  29. ^ "INNOVATION AWARD IN INTERNATIONALIZATION ;". www.aieaworld.org. 2020-02-22. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  30. ^ "UCalgary takes home repeat internationalization award for innovation;". ucalgary.ca. 2020-03-03. Archived from the original on 2020-09-30. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  31. ^ "New partnerships in China pave way for dual-degree program | UToday | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. 2014-03-31. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  32. ^ "University and Kerui Group create energy research, training site in China | University of Calgary International | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. 2014-10-17. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  33. ^ Andrei, Daniela (2016-01-21). "University helps Mexico implement ambitious energy reforms | UToday | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  34. ^ Staff, University Relations (2017-03-14). "$44 million in funding awarded for research partnerships in Mexico; UToday | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. Retrieved 2017-06-10.
  35. ^ Daniela Andrei. "International Office announces more grants for students, faculty and staff | University of Calgary International | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  36. ^ http://www.cms.aaceimontreal.org/media/pdf/Productivity_Janaka_Presentation.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  37. ^ "4 UCalgary leaders receive 2023 Immigrants of Distinction Awards". ucalgary.ca/. 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  38. ^ "The PIE Leadership Digest Report 50 voices of 2023 North America" (PDF). www.presidentsalliance.org/. 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  39. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura". canadianimmigrant.ca/. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  40. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura receives international leadership award". ucalgary.ca/. 2020-09-19. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  41. ^ "Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura awarded the CBIE Board of Directors Leadership Award". YouTube. 2020-09-12. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  42. ^ "Recognizing outstanding achievements by Calgarians – The Calgary Awards". calgary.ca/. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  43. ^ "The International Achievement Award 2019 Calgary Awards Janaka Ruwanpura". YouTube. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
  44. ^ "UCalgary's Vice-Provost (International) acknowledged for exemplary leadership in global education and research | UToday | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. 2019-03-12. Archived from the original on 2019-03-23. Retrieved 2019-03-16.
  45. ^ "Distinguished service and excellence in civil engineering and construction at ASU earn honors; Arizona Impact; Arizona State University". asu.edu. 2019-03-07. Retrieved 2019-03-16.
  46. ^ "University of Calgary wins five science and technology awards | UToday | University of Calgary". Ucalgary.ca. 2018-11-02. Retrieved 2019-02-18.
  47. ^ "Research Achievement Award, Individual". Schulich School of Engineering. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  48. ^ "Graduate Educator Awards, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary". schulich.ucalgary.ca/. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  49. ^ https://www.ucalgary.ca/en/Press_Release/2006/Ruwanpura-InternationalizationAward-Dec2006.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  50. ^ "Service Excellence Awards, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary". schulich.ucalgary.ca/. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  51. ^ "Janaka Ruwanpura". Janaka Ruwanpura. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  52. ^ "4 UCalgary leaders receive 2023 Immigrants of Distinction Awards | News | University of Calgary". ucalgary.ca. 2023-12-04. Retrieved 2024-06-11.
  53. ^ Brooks, Bill (Mar 24, 2018). "Immigrants honoured for their amazing contributions". Calgary Herald. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  54. ^ Convocation Spring 2024. Calgary: University of Calgary. May 30, 2024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)

General references

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