Dr. Nirekha De Silva

Dr. Nirekha De Silva

Adjunct Associate Lecturer

University Degrees

2016

Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith Law School, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. Thesis: ‘Healing and Wellbeing: Culture, Practices and Role of Government’

2008

Masters in Human Rights, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

2005

Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights (Distinction) University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

2001

B.A. in Sociology (Dean’s List, International Award for Academic Recognition) York University, Canada

2023-

Graduate Certificate in Humanistic Buddhism, Nan Tien Institute, Australia (In Progress)

Diplomas

2005

Diploma in Counseling Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Sri Lanka

1999

Diploma in Psychology, Institute of Psychological studies, Sri Lanka

1999

Diploma in Human Rights, Institute of Human Rights,  Sri Lanka

1999

Diploma in Media Studies William Carey Institute for Religious and Vocational Training, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Training Progammes / Short Courses

2023

The Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders. Drug Advisory Program of the Colombo Plan

2023

SMART Recovery Facilitator Training, NSW, Australia

2022

Certificate in Community Pastoral Education, Buddhist Council of NSW

2020

Global Network for Women Shelters Webinars on COVID 19 Impact on Women and Girls

2020

Accounting and Reporting for US Government Funded Projects, Davis Associates, USA

2020

Procurement for US Government Funded Projects, Davis Associates, USA

2020

Internal Controls for US Government Funded Projects, Davis Associates, USA

2008

Training Program on Community Participatory Approaches, Red R (UK) – CHA

2008

Capacity Building and Mentoring on Rights Based Child Participation in Governance DHRUVA, India and Save the Children

2006

International Summer School on Forced Migration, Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), University of Oxford, United Kingdom

2005

Winter Course on Forced Migration Culcutta Research Group (MCRG), India

2003

International Relations and Diplomatic Training, The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute, Sri Lanka

2002

The Training Program on Data Collecting Methods for Research on Participatory Rural Development, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

2000

The Training Program on Field Research on Participatory Rural Development, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Medicine & Health
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre

I am an experienced and driven researcher, clinical practitioner and program specialist with a strong focus on cultural diversity, migration, and the wellbeing of vulnerable communities. With over 20 years of experience in research and project implementation across various countries, I have honed my skills in the fields of addiction, rehabilitation, human rights, and social research. My educational background includes a PhD in Law, a Masters in Human Rights, a BA in Sociology, as well as Di...

E-mail
nirekha.de_silva@unsw.edu.au

2018-2022

U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

2017-2018

U.S. Department of States, Afghan Child Support Centre Fund (ACSCF)

2017

UN Women, Policy Brief on Migrant Women Workers

2017

European Union, Final Evaluation ‘Sri Lanka Mobilized for Reconciliation’

2016

Unicef – National Child Protection Authority, New Multi-Stakeholder Mechanism for Child Protection

2009

Save the Children Research Grant. ‘Children on the Move’

2005

The Scholar of Peace Fellowship, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India. Study on ‘Transitional Justice and Women Combatants in Sri Lanka.’

2005

Calcutta Research Group, India and National Peace Council Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Convener for the SAARC Research Project ‘Recording the Voices of the Internally Displaced Persons.’

2002

Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship. Study on ‘Effective Prison Rehabilitation System for Sri Lanka.’

  • 2018-2022

    2017-2018

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Child Support Centre Fund (ACSCF)

  • 2018-2022

    2017

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    UN Women, Policy Brief on Migrant Women Workers

  • 2018-2022

    2017

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    European Union, Final Evaluation ‘Sri Lanka Mobilized for Reconciliation’

  • 2018-2022

    2016

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    Unicef – National Child Protection Authority, New Multi-Stakeholder Mechanism for Child Protection

  • 2018-2022

    2009

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    Save the Children Research Grant. ‘Children on the Move’

  • 2018-2022

    2005

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    The Scholar of Peace Fellowship, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India. Study on ‘Transitional Justice and Women Combatants in Sri Lanka.’

  • 2018-2022

    2005

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    Calcutta Research Group, India and National Peace Council Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Convener for the SAARC Research Project ‘Recording the Voices of the Internally Displaced Persons.’

  • 2018-2022

    2002

    U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)

    Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship. Study on ‘Effective Prison Rehabilitation System for Sri Lanka.’

2023

Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

2020-2021

South Asian Association Regional Cooperation Cultural Research Fellowship

2016

Griffith Law Futures Publication Scholarship

2012-2015

Griffith University International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship

2012-2015

Griffith University Post-Graduate Research Scholarship

2008

Distinction Award (Masters in Human Rights)

2005

The Scholar of Peace Award, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India.

2002

Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship.

2001

York University Award for International Recognition for Academic Excellence; Dean’s List (BA Sociology)

1999

York University Entrance Scholarship

  • 2023

    2020-2021

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    South Asian Association Regional Cooperation Cultural Research Fellowship

  • 2023

    2016

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    Griffith Law Futures Publication Scholarship

  • 2023

    2012-2015

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    Griffith University International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship

  • 2023

    2012-2015

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    Griffith University Post-Graduate Research Scholarship

  • 2023

    2008

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    Distinction Award (Masters in Human Rights)

  • 2023

    2005

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    The Scholar of Peace Award, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India.

  • 2023

    2002

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship.

  • 2023

    2001

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    York University Award for International Recognition for Academic Excellence; Dean’s List (BA Sociology)

  • 2023

    1999

    Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship

    York University Entrance Scholarship

Throughout my research career, I have been dedicated to promoting healing, wellbeing, cultural understanding, and empowering vulnerable communities. My work has encompassed a wide range of areas, including the protection and rehabilitation of individuals facing various challenges such as prisoners, combatants, children in institutions, trafficked victims, survivors of gender-based violence, refugees, and those struggling with substance abuse. Additionally, I have delved into cultural diversity, preservation of cultural heritage, healthcare systems, knowledge systems in healing and cultural dimensions of the healing process.

In Sri Lanka, my contributions have been instrumental in driving societal reforms. I have played a key role in shaping prison reforms in 2004 and developing a rehabilitation program specifically designed for combatants in 2006. Furthermore, I have been involved in establishing case referral and response mechanisms for survivors of Gender Based Violence, improving child abuse reporting and responding mechanisms, and introducing standards for safeguarding migrant domestic workers.

Internationally, my focus has been on promoting and safeguarding cultural diversity, fostering harmony within diverse communities, and conducting projects on culture and rights in South Asia and beyond. In Afghanistan, I have influenced legal and organizational systems to protect victims of GBV and trafficking.

Since joining the Odyssey House NSW in Australia I have been actively engaged in developing guidelines and specialized courses tailored to specific needs of multicultural clients in AOD treatment. These efforts have included introducing courses on mindfulness, kindness, supporting friends and family, as well as a workshop for Buddhist chaplains involved in treating AOD clients. Currently, I am collaborating with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre of UNSW Medicine on AOD treatment research and evaluations.

 

 

2023-

Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

2022-2023

Chaplain Coordinator, Buddhist Council of NSW

2022 -23

Designed and Facilitated the Mindfulness and Recovery Group for CALD AOD Clients.

2017-22

Mentored Implementing Partners of AWSF and ACSCF projects in developing project applications; conducted training programmes in managing shelters; providing psychological, social, legal support. Advocated with Afghanistan Government for legal & policy changes related to protection of victims of GBV & trafficking.

2018-21

Organized 3 International training programmes on gender empowerment and on child protection in Indonesia.

2019

Convener, 3rd Gender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Nepal.

2018

Convener, 4thGender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Vietnam.

2016

Trained Government Officials on implementing the new multi-sectoral GBV referral mechanism.

2013

Member Secretary, Plenary Committee of the SAARC Literary Festival 2013, Bhutan.

2013

Member Secretary, SAARC International Committee on Development of Archives in South Asia.

2013

Co-Convener, SAARC Regional Seminar on Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions

2013

Member of the Steering Committee of University Harmony, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka

2006 -2010

Conducted training for researchers working on child rights research projects.

2005

Coordinator, National Working Group on Relief Monitoring for Tsunami Affected Persons.

2003

Coordinator, Working Groups on Reconciliation, Convened by Sri Lanka Prime Minister’s Office

2003

Advisor, Department of Prisons, Developing the National Action Plan for Sri Lanka Prisons

 

  • 2023-

    2022-2023

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Chaplain Coordinator, Buddhist Council of NSW

  • 2023-

    2022 -23

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Designed and Facilitated the Mindfulness and Recovery Group for CALD AOD Clients.

  • 2023-

    2017-22

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Mentored Implementing Partners of AWSF and ACSCF projects in developing project applications; conducted training programmes in managing shelters; providing psychological, social, legal support. Advocated with Afghanistan Government for legal & policy changes related to protection of victims of GBV & trafficking.

  • 2023-

    2018-21

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Organized 3 International training programmes on gender empowerment and on child protection in Indonesia.

  • 2023-

    2019

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Convener, 3rd Gender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Nepal.

  • 2023-

    2018

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Convener, 4thGender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Vietnam.

  • 2023-

    2016

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Trained Government Officials on implementing the new multi-sectoral GBV referral mechanism.

  • 2023-

    2013

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Member Secretary, Plenary Committee of the SAARC Literary Festival 2013, Bhutan.

  • 2023-

    2013

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Member Secretary, SAARC International Committee on Development of Archives in South Asia.

  • 2023-

    2013

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Co-Convener, SAARC Regional Seminar on Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions

  • 2023-

    2013

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Member of the Steering Committee of University Harmony, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka

  • 2023-

    2006 -2010

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Conducted training for researchers working on child rights research projects.

  • 2023-

    2005

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Coordinator, National Working Group on Relief Monitoring for Tsunami Affected Persons.

  • 2023-

    2003

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Coordinator, Working Groups on Reconciliation, Convened by Sri Lanka Prime Minister’s Office

  • 2023-

    2003

    Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery

    Advisor, Department of Prisons, Developing the National Action Plan for Sri Lanka Prisons