Prof. Samantha Thelijjagoda

Senior Professor | Faculty of Graduate Studies

CAREER SUMMARY


Samantha Thelijjagoda is a professor in Information Systems Engineering and he is currently serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) at Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT).

He joined SLIIT in 2007 and held positions including Dean, SLIIT Business School, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Head, Department of Information Systems Engineering, Head, Department of Information Management, Postgraduate Course Coordinator at SLIIT and Course Leader for Enterprise Applications Development program of Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

He is an active member of Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) and having international professional memberships of IEEE, AIS and IET organizations. He is the country representative of Technical Committee 8 (TC-8: Information Systems) of International Federation of Information Processing (IFIP). He is also an accredited skills assessor for Skills Certifications of IT professionals in Sri Lanka which is done by Australian Computer Society (ACS).

His research interests are Computational models of human language processing (NLP), Human language technology (HLT) such as Machine Translations, Information Extraction etc. and Digital linguistics (Corpus Linguistics) which are associated with the area of Computational Linguistics.

  • 2023.01 todate – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & International)
  • 2018.01 to 2022.12 – Dean, SLIIT Business School 
  • 2017.04 to 2017.12 – Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research 
  • 2016.12 to 2017.03 – Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research 
  • 2015.01 to 2016.11 – Head, Department of Information Systems Engineering, Faculty of Computing
  • 2012.01 to 2014.12 – Head, Department of Information Management, Faculty of Business 
  • 2016.12 to date - Professor in Information Systems Engineering, Faculty of Computing
  • 2008.09 to 2016.11- Senior Lecturer (Higher Grade)
  • 2007.09 to 2008.09- Senior Lecturer 
  • 2009.09 to 2015.12- Postgraduate Course Coordinator, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. in Information Systems Engineering, Gifu University, Japan
  • M.Eng. in Electronics and Computer Engineering, Gifu University, Japan
  • B.A. in Statistics (Special) First Class Honours, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

HONOURS AND AWARDS

SLIIT Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards (Senior) for 2018 and 2019

Rotary Yoneyama Fellowship, Rotary International (2000-2001) for M.Eng. Degree Program

Gifu University Merit Scholarship, Gifu University, Japan for Ph.D. program

Gifu International Chowa Club Scholarship, Japan for Ph.D. program

RESEARCH INTERESTS AND MEMBERSHIP

Research Interests

  • Computational models of human language processing
    • Natural Language Processing
  • Human language technology (HLT)
    • Machine Translation
    • Information Extraction
    • Speech Recognition
    • Spoken Language Systems
    • Mobile Translations
  • Digital linguistics
    • Corpus Linguistics

Memberships

  • Member – Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL)
  • Member – Institution of Engineering and Technology, UK.
  • Member – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, USA.
  • Member – Association for Information Systems, USA.

RESEARCH CLUSTERS

Centre of Excellence for AI (CEAI)

A multidisciplinary initiative advancing AI research in machine learning, NLP, and big data analytics to solve complex global challenges and drive intelligent decision-making.

 

Technology Integration & Management (TIM)

Bridging technology and business through research on human-computer interaction, ethical tech integration, and strategic frameworks for digital transformation.

ONGOING RESEARCH

World Bank funded AHEAD research project for SLIIT Business School (Team member): Quality of Life and Employability Potential ofPersons with Visual Impairment and Blindness (VI&B) in Sri Lanka. (2019~)

SLIIT Funded NLP Research (Principal supervisor) – Sinhala Social Media Text Analysis. (2022~)

PUBLICATIONS

  • Conference Proceedings 2018

    ALEXZA- A Mobile Application For Dyslexics Utilizing Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Concepts

    Sampath Rajapakse, Dasuni Polwattage, Umesha Guruge, Isuru Jayathilaka, Tharindu Edirisinghe and Samantha Thelijjagoda (2018), (2018 IEEE 3rd International Conference on Information Technology Research, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka )

  • Conference Proceedings 2018

    Mobile App to Support People with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia

    Isuru Avishka, Kalana Kumarawadu, Akalanka Kudagama, Mihiran Weerathunga and Samantha Thelijjagoda , (IEEE International Conference on Information and Automation for Sustainability (ICIAfS 2018))

  • Conference Proceedings 2018

    Analyzing the Location Feasibility for Retail Businesses Using Market Location Factors

    Lanil Marasinghe, Movinda Rupasinghe, Bhathiya Kumarasinghe, Milinda Perera and Samantha Thelijjagoda , (2018 IEEE International Conference on Information and Automation for Sustainability (ICIAfS 2018))

  • Conference Proceedings 2018

    Voice-based Road Navigation System Using Natural Language Processing (NLP)

    Pooja Withanage, Tharaka Liyanage, Naditha Deeyakaduwe, Eshan Dias and Samantha Thelijjagoda , (2018 IEEE International Conference on Information and Automation for Sustainability (ICIAfS 2018))

  • Conference Proceedings 2018

    Road Navigation System Using Automatic Speech Recognition and Natural Language Processing

    Pooja Withanage, Tharaka Liyanage, Naditha Deeyakaduwe, Eshan Dias, Samantha Thelijjagoda , (2018 R10 IEEE Humanitarian Technology Conference, Colombo)

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    Smart Restaurant Management and Ordering System

    Vindya Liyanage, Achini Ekanayake, Hiranthi Premasiri, PrabhashiMunasinghe, Samantha Thelijjagoda, (2018 R10 IEEE Humanitarian Technology Conference)

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    Spell and Grammar Checking Tool for Sinhalese

    Lahiru Abeyrathne, Surangi Edirisinghe, Rumesh Premachandra, Apsaari Warsha, Nalaka De Silva, Samantha Thelijjagoda , (3rd International Conference in Engineering and Technology (ICET 2017))

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    Interactive Mobile Solution to Overcome the Weaknesses of Dyslexia

    D.M.D.M.M.Chandrasiri, D.A.Hewathudella, R.A.P.C.P.Ranasinghe, Wickramanayaka H.I.E and Samantha Thelijjagoda, (11th IEEE International Conference on Software, Knowledge, Information Management & Applications, Colombo)

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    Collabcrew- An Intelligent Tool for Dynamic Task Allocation within a Software Development Team

    Shazna Samath, Dilantha Udalagama, Dilsha Premarathne, Hansani Kurukulasooriya and Samantha Thelijjagoda, (11th IEEE International Conference on Software, Knowledge, Information Management & Applications, Colombo )

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    Web Based Programming Tool with Speech Recognition for Visually Impaired Users

    Kaveendra Lunuwilage, Shamini Mendis, Sameera Abeysekara, Lahiru Witharama and Samantha Thelijjagoda, , (11th IEEE International Conference on Software, Knowledge, Information Management & Applications, Colombo )

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    Intelligent Mobile Assistant for Hearing Impairers to Interact With the Society in Sinhala

    Yasintha Perera, Nelunika Jayalath, Shenali Tissera, Oshani Bandara and Samantha Thelijjagoda, (11th IEEE International Conference on Software, Knowledge, Information Management & Applications)

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    ARROW: A Web-based Employee Turnover Analysis Tool for Effective Human Resource Management in Large Organizations

    T.T Weeramanthrie, C. N. Thilakumara, K.N.A.C Wijesiri, N. I. Fernando, Samantha Thelijjagoda, A. Gamage , (35th IEEE National IT Conference (IEEE NITC 2017))

  • Conference Proceedings 2016

    Intelligent Personality Detection System Using Linguistic Features Based on Facebook Status and Likes

    Dilini Sewwandi, Kusal Perera, Sajith Sandaruwan, Oshani Lakchani, Anupiya Nugaliyadde and Samantha Thelijjagoda,, (2017 IEEE National Conference in Technology and Management (NCTM 2017))

  • Conference Proceedings 2016

    Natural Language Processing for a Law Based Search Engine

    Nayana Dharmasiri, Bashitha Gunathilake, Umavi Pathirana, Sajani Senevirathne, Anupiya Nugaliyadde and Samantha Thelijjagoda, (2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Contemporary Research (APCCR-2016))

  • Conference Proceedings 2017

    NIHANDA: Giving an Ear to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children,

    Gunarathna M.D.E, De Silva M.P.C.M, Kuruppu A.N, Appuhamy H.D.K.I, Koggalahewa, D. and Thelijjagoda S., (2017 IEEE National Conference in Technology and Management (NCTM 2017))

  • Conference Proceedings 2016

    Intelligent Personality Detection System Using Linguistic Features Based on Social Media Data

    Dilini Sewwandi, Kusal Perera, Sajith Sandaruwan, Oshani Lakchani, Anupiya Nugaliyadde and Samantha Thelijjagoda, (International Postgraduate Research Conference - 2016 (IPRC 2016)University of Kelaniya.)

  • Conference Proceedings 2016

    Project Bhashitha - Mobile Based Optical Character Recognition and Text-to-Speech System,

    D.S.S. De Zoysa, J.M. Sampath, E.M.P De Seram, D.M.I.D. Dissanayake, L. Wijerathna and S. Thelijjagoda,, (2016 IEEE 11th International Conference on Industrial and Information Systems (ICIIS 2016))

  • Conference Proceedings 2011

    E-Solution for the Newspaper Industry in Sri Lanka

    S.Y. Walpitagamage, S.S. Kekiriwaragodage, R.A.D.T.N. Ranasinhe, A.P.A.C. Ambagala, C. Kahandawarachchi and S. Thelijjagoda, (Research Symposium, Uva Wellassa University)

  • Conference Proceedings 2013

    Impact of Internet Experience on Citizens' Adoption of e-Government in Sri Lanka

    Nawaz, S. S and Thelijjagoda, S., (In Proceedings of the Third International Symposium )

  • Conference Proceedings 2009

    ERP Deployment in Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lankan Context

    Madurapperuma, T.S., Galkotuwa, Y.K.D., Gunawardana, G.L.C.A., Ramanayaka, R.A.D.K.M., Walpola, D.R.H. and Thelijjagoda, S, (, Proceedings of 5th SLIIT Research Symposium, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka.)

  • Conference Proceedings 2008

    Sinhala to English Language Translator

    De Silva, D. Alahakoon, A. Udayangani, I. Kumara, V. Kolonnage, D. Perera, H. and Thelijjagoda, S., (4th International Conference on Information and Automation for Sustainability (ICIAfS'2008))

  • Conference Proceedings 2008

    Application of Transfer Based Machine Translations from Sinhala to English

    De Silva, D. Alahakoon, A. Udayangani, I. Kumara, V. Kolonnage, D. Perera, H. and Thelijjagoda, S, (Proceedings of 4th SLIIT Research Symposium, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

  • Conference Proceedings 2015

    Stakeholders' Psychological Factors Affecting E-Learning Readiness in Higher Education Community in Sri Lanka

    C Herath, S. Thelijjagoda and W. K. T. M. Gunarathne , (The 8th International Conference on Ubi-Media Computing, ICTer-Technical Program)

  • Conference Proceedings 2014

    Critical Analysis on Identifying the Effect of Military Training Simulations on Confidence Level of Soldiers

    S. Fernando and S. Thelijjagoda , (Proceedings of 7th International Research Conference (IRC 2014))

  • Conference Proceedings 2014

    Pilisarana ~ Cloud Based Communication Platform Connecting Donors and Needy People via Gamified Community Network

    H.M.A.M. Herath, R.M.K.V.Rathnayake, Y.A.E.L.Amarasinghe, M.W.K. Rangana, N. Weerawarna and S. Thelijjagoda (, (National Information Technology Conference (NITC 2014))

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