About Us
The Department of Computer Science (DCS) at the University of Jaffna was established in 1991 to meet the growing demand for computer education and advanced knowledge in the field. Spearheaded by Professor K. Kunaratnam, with the support of Professor S. Mageswaran and other visionary faculty members, it began as part of the Faculty of Science. Mr. S. Kanaganathan, who also developed the initial curriculum, played a pivotal role in founding the department alongside a team of three staff members: one senior lecturer, Mr. S. Kanaganathan, and two probationary lecturers, Messrs. S. Mahesan and M. Umasuthan, from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
DCS initially operated with modest resources, including five IBM-compatible computers shared by 30 students, and a reference section for computer science literature. Unfortunately, during the mass exodus in 1995, the department lost all its equipment and books. It resumed operations in 1996, rebuilding its facilities and expanding its resources to meet academic demands.
In its early years, DCS faced challenges with staffing, relying heavily on the dedication of Mr. Kanaganathan and later Dr. S. Mahesan, who returned in 1992 after completing his research degree in the UK. Two more staff members were appointed to the post of Lecturer (Probationary): Mrs. S. Sriranjan in November 1993 and Mr. S. Kannan in October 1994. Additionally, Dr. S. Kanaganathan obtained his doctoral degree from the University of Jaffna in 1997. Over time, additional staff were recruited, including alumni from the first honours batch, such as Mr. K. Kesavan and Mr. K. Thabotharan.
Despite periods of limited permanent staff, particularly from 2004 to 2006, Dr. Mahesan’s leadership ensured academic continuity. He managed both academic and administrative responsibilities with support from temporary instructors and lecturers. His contributions, alongside those of other dedicated faculty members, were crucial in navigating difficult times and maintaining the department’s progress. The department has also benefited from the indispensable services of temporary instructors, non-academic staff, and clerical support, ensuring smooth operations.
In the subsequent years, as students began graduating with B.Sc. Degrees in Computer Science with First or Second Class Honours, the recruitment of new staff members became possible. The new recruits included Mr. E. Y. A. Charles and Ms. Dhushyanthi Mylvaganam (2001), Mr. M. Sabesan and Mr. S. Suthakar (2003), Mr. A. Ramanan (2005), Ms. Barathy Ganesharajah (2009), Mr. K. Sarveswaran (2011), Mr. S. Shriparen (2014), Dr. M. Siyamalan (2018), Ms. Samantha Tharani Jeyakumar (2018), Ms. Nirthika Rajendran and Ms. Mayuravaani Mayuranathan (2021), Dr. T. Kokul (2022) and Mrs. Kesavi Nadesh (2025).
Today, DCS is a thriving academic hub staffed by 13 academic members, including two professors, eight senior lecturers, and three lecturers, alongside academic support and administrative personnel. The department serves approximately 400 students, offering a robust academic environment. With a dedicated team and state-of-the-art facilities, the DCS continues to uphold its mission to provide high-quality education and foster innovation in computer science.
Curriculum
The DCS has been a leader in computer education since its inception, initially offering Computer Science as a subject for Physical Science students. Over time, it expanded its programs to include the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2007 under the direct-admission by the UGC and a fourth-year Applied Science degree in Computing in 2015 for physical science degree students. Presently, DCS offers three major programs: a three-year BSc in Computer Science, a four-year BSc Honours in Computer Science, and a BSc Honours in Applied Science.
In 2014, the BSc (Computer Science) curriculum was restructured to offer 120 computer science credits, aligning with ACM/IEEE recommendations. It was renamed BSc Hons (Computer Science) in 2019 and received an ‘A’ grade in the 2023 Quality Assurance Framework review, highlighting its academic excellence.
The department’s comprehensive curriculum covers emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Software Engineering, alongside practical training through industry partnerships with leading firms. DCS fosters job readiness through initiatives like the CS-Career Fair and offers a student progress management system for streamlined academic tracking.
Objectives of the Degree Programme
• Possess practical and theoretical knowledge of computer science and software engineering to contribute to the economic development of the region and nation.
• Prepared to achieve successful performance in postgraduate or professional degree programs.
• Recognise the importance of and possess the skills necessary for life-long learning.
Graduate Profile
Students awarded BSc Hons (Computer Science) degree should be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery in core knowledge areas of Computer ScienceAnalyse, design and develop sustainable solutions for real world problems while taking social, ethical and economic constraints into consideration.
- Express the ability to work effectively as an individual and a team member in software projects by meeting specified design and performance requirements
- Carry out scientific research by designing and conducting experiments, as well as by analysing and interpreting results
- Communicate competently and effectively with different levels of stakeholders
- Be lifelong learners of new trends in computing and focused on their career progress.
In addition to undergraduate programs, DCS is set to launch postgraduate degrees, including MCS and MSc (CS), with curricula developed in collaboration with experts. To address community needs, the department introduced certificate courses in 2024 on topics like Building Blocks of IoT, Python for Problem Solving, Responsive Web Development, and Advanced Web Development.
Renowned for academic rigor, DCS benefits from foreign and local examiners, enabling international recognition for its graduates. With a diverse student body and ongoing innovations, DCS remains committed to providing high-quality education and meeting global technological demands.
Construction of the DCS Building
The construction of the DCS building at the Thirunelvely premises of the University of Jaffna began with a project proposal in 2011, initiated by Dr. S. Mahesan and Dr. A. Ramanan. Initially estimated at LKR 200 million, the plan was later revised in 2013 by top administrators, without the department’s consent, to exclude DCS. Recognizing the need for improved infrastructure, Dr. K. Thabotharan led efforts to propose a three-story building, with a comprehensive proposal and floor plan drafted by Dr. A. Ramanan. The building included extensive facilities such as laboratories, seminar rooms, discussion rooms, and an auditorium.
Despite challenges, funding of LKR 240 million was secured in 2018 through the World Bank-funded AHEAD Operations, with additional funds approved in 2020 to complete the rooftop. Construction commenced in May 2019, led by M/S Sanken Construction, and faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The building was officially opened on June 1, 2022, with significant contributions from DCS alumni, who donated over LKR 4.8 million for furniture and amenities.
These efforts highlight the commitment to fostering a world-class learning environment at DCS.
Recognitions, Funding, and Scholarships for Research Excellence
The DCS has earned recognition for its research excellence, competitive grants, and student achievements. Faculty members have received prestigious awards such as the President’s Awards for Scientific Publications, CSSL ICT Researcher of the Year, SUSRED Awards, National Educator Awards, SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards, and multiple Best Paper and Presentation Awards at IEEE conferences.
DCS staff members have secured competitive research grants, including the Google Research Award, IEEE grants for workshops, and national-level funding for projects like early dengue detection and Tamil digitization. Infrastructure improvements, such as establishing the IoT Innovation Lab and procuring advanced equipment, have also been funded through initiatives led by DCS faculty. The department’s academics have received fellowships, including the Herz Fellowship and INSA-JRD TATA Fellowship, and scholarships for doctoral studies at prestigious institutions like the Cardiff University, Uppsala University, University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, Griffith University and QUT. These accomplishments underscore the global academic and research impact of the department.
DCS students have excelled nationally and internationally, receiving accolades such as Best Poster and Presentation Awards and achieving top positions in hackathons. Industry collaborations and initiatives have further enriched students’ learning experiences.
DCS’s commitment to research, innovation, and student success is evident in its extensive achievements, positioning it as a leader in academic excellence.
Postgraduate Research Supervisions
The DCS excels in postgraduate research supervision, with its faculty members playing a pivotal role in guiding MPhil and PhD scholars to academic success. Dr. S. Mahesan has supervised three MPhil and two PhD students to completion, while Professor A. Ramanan has overseen the completion of five MSc, three MPhil, and three PhD students, with ongoing supervision of additional candidates. Similarly, Professor M. Siyamalan has supervised one MSc and one PhD student and is currently supervising one MPhil and one PhD candidate. Dr. E.Y.A. Charles has supervised two MPhil and one PhD student and is currently co-supervising four MPhil and one PhD candidate. Dr. K. Thabotharan has completed supervision of six MSc students, and Mr. S. Suthakar has supervised two MSc students. Dr. K. Sarveswaran is currently supervising two MPhil and one Master’s student, while Dr. T. Kokul has overseen four MSc and one MPhil to completion and is actively supervising new candidates.
Collaborations with prestigious foreign universities alongside leading Sri Lankan higher educational institutions, underscore DCS’s commitment to fostering impactful research. This collective expertise highlights the department’s dedication to advancing postgraduate education and cultivating high-quality research output.
Student Societies and Events
The Computer Society of UoJ (CompSoc), established in 1993, organizes workshops, coding bootcamps, and cultural events. The IEEE Student Branch of UoJ, founded in 2018, now includes several active chapters and an affinity group, supporting technical growth and securing prestigious awards like the “IEEE Region 10 Outstanding Student Branch Award” (2022), “Outstanding Student Branch Award” (2023), and “IEEE Regional Exemplary Student Branch Award” (2024). Additionally, the Gavel Club, established in 2019, promotes English-speaking and public-speaking skills, creating a supportive environment for professional development.
DCS actively fosters student development through diverse initiatives. The Sri Lanka Student Workshop on Computer Science (SL-SWCS), initiated in 2011, is a biennial event providing a platform for young researchers to present work, engage with experts, and compete for awards. The UoJCoders Coding Competition, launched in 2019, enhances problem-solving and programming skills through a 12-hour inter-university challenge.
These initiatives collectively enrich the academic and social experiences of DCS students.
Memoranda of Understandings
The DCS has signed key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to foster research and innovation. In 2022, an MoU with ICTA, Dialog Axiata, and CSSL established a state-of-the-art IoT Innovation Laboratory worth LKR 12 million. In 2023, DCS collaborated with the University of Konstanz to advance research in Natural Language Processing and Computational Linguistics, focusing on joint projects, exchanges, and workshops. Additionally, an MoU with Griffith University is in progress to formalize collaboration in academic and research activities, pending approvals from the UGC and the Ministry of Education.