Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) | Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

• Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Ph.) | Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome

• Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (SSL) | Pontifical Biblical Institute (Biblicum), Rome

• Diploma in Biblical Archaeology | Hebrew University, Jerusalem

• Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision in Faith-Based Institutions (in progress) | Fordham University, New York (2022 – Present)

Teaching Experiences:

• Senior Lecturer of Hebrew Scripture Exegesis : National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka ,January 2014 - January 2021

  • Assessed students' performance through written tests, presentations, and other activities

  • Conducted research studies related to pedagogy, assessment, and evaluation of student outcomes

  • Developed and implemented innovative methods of biblical interpretation to engage students in biblical exegesis

  • Created, designed, and delivered lectures on advanced topics in the field of biblical exegesis

• Visiting Lecturer in Hebrew and Christian Scriptures : Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka June 2014 - September 2022

  • Assessed students' performance through written tests, presentations, and other activities

  • Developed and implemented methods of biblical interpretation to engage students in biblical exegesis

  • Created, designed, and delivered lectures on advanced topics in biblical exegesis and biblical theology

• Dean of Academics:  Asian Institute of Missiology, Sri Lanka, January 2013 - January 2021

• Provided individual guidance and feedback to help students and teachers reach their academic performance goals

• Participated in faculty meetings to discuss curriculum development and other related academic issues

• Director of Academics and Administration :  Asian Institute of Theology (AIT), Sri Lanka,  September 2018 - September 2021

• Promoted research activities among faculty members by providing resources for grant writing workshops and seminars

• Oversaw the planning of convocations, commencements, and other social events related to academics

• Implemented innovative approaches to improve student engagement in classroom settings

Academic Publications:

Unpublished Thesis

"The Emergence of Kingship in Israel (1 Samuel 8; 12:12)"

Journal Articles

• Gunasekera, S. I. (2015). "Crowds in the Gospel of Matthew." Living Faith, 15(2), 61-78.

• Gunasekera, S. I. (2018). "Megillot." Journal of Religious Reflection (Vagdevi), 12(1), 5-20.

• Gunasekera, S. I. (2018). "Place of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible." Journal of Religious Reflection (Vagdevi), 12(2), 27-40.

• Gunasekera, S. I. (2019). "Form and Source Critical Studies on Luke 24,1-12." Living Faith, 19(1), 81-101.

• Gunasekera, S. I. (2024). "From Followers to Leaders: The Commissioning of Women as Authentic Disciples of Jesus, A Diachronic Reading of the Resurrection of Jesus in Luke 23,53 24 12." Living Faith, 23(2), 25-46.

Conference Presentations:

• "The Place of the Book of Ruth in the Canons of the Old Testament" 

2nd International Conference on Christian Studies ,Department of Christian Culture and Western Classics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2017

Available at: http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10225

• "The Role of Women in Luke's Gospel: An Intersectional Analysis of Gender and Power Dynamics"
  6th International Conference on the Humanities  ,Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2023
  Available at: https://conf.kln.ac.lk/ich/media/attachments/2023/09/07/ich2023_abstracts_online-final.pdf

Academic Seminars and Lectures:

• Seminar Participation
  Pontifical Biblical Institute (Biblicum) seminar for Scholars and Professors of the Sacred Scripture of Luke and Acts
  January 2019

• Lectio Brevis
  "Resurrection Narrative in a Lucan Perspective"
  Inauguration of the academic year 2019/20, National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka
  2019

• Lectio Brevis
  "Reimagining a Human-Nature Relationship in the Scriptures"
  Inauguration of the MA in Christian Studies 2023

Awards and Scholarships:

• Stichting Porticus Scholarship
  Amsterdam, Netherlands
  For Biblical Studies at Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, 2009

• Institute of Missiology Scholarship
  Missio, Aachen, Germany
  To pursue Hebrew and Biblical Archaeology at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 2010

• Saeman Scholarship
  Papal Foundation and Saeman Foundation, Bala Cynwyd, PA
  For academic excellence, 2012/2013

• The Elinor R. Ford, Ph.D., UGE '56' Endowed Scholarship
  For maintaining an excellent GPA in Faith-Based Education Research,2024

Research Interests and Areas of Expertise:

• Biblical Exegesis
  Specializing in advanced methods of biblical interpretation with particular focus on Hebrew Scripture exegesis. Expertise includes form-critical and source-critical methodologies, diachronic reading approaches, and contemporary hermeneutical methods. Research encompasses narrative analysis, textual criticism, and the development of innovative pedagogical approaches for teaching biblical interpretation in academic settings.

• Biblical Archaeology
  Comprehensive background in archaeological methods and findings that illuminate biblical texts and ancient Near Eastern contexts. Training includes fieldwork methodologies, artifact analysis, and the integration of archaeological evidence with biblical scholarship. Particular interest in how archaeological discoveries inform our understanding of ancient Israel's religious and cultural practices.

• Catholic Theology
  Deep expertise in Catholic theological traditions, systematic theology, and the intersection of biblical studies with Catholic doctrine. Research interests include the development of Catholic biblical interpretation, the role of Scripture in Catholic theology, and the integration of biblical scholarship with pastoral and catechetical applications.

• Faith-Based Education
  Extensive experience in developing and implementing educational programs within faith-based institutions. Current doctoral research focuses on administration and supervision in faith-based educational contexts. Areas of expertise include curriculum development, assessment methods, faculty development, and the integration of faith perspectives with academic rigor.

• Leadership in Education
  Proven track record in academic leadership roles including dean and director positions. Research and practical experience in educational administration, faculty development, student engagement strategies, and institutional governance. Particular focus on transformational leadership approaches that foster both academic excellence and spiritual formation.