Dr. Patrick McNamara

Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission. He has worked with universities, governments, corporations, nonprofits, and foundations for over 35 years. Before joining Fulbright Sri Lanka, Patrick was at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) where he taught conflict resolution, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship, and also served as Senior International Office He is on the governing board of Initiatives of Change, a global interfaith NGO “building trust across the world’s divides.” Patrick’s TED Talk is Water Conflict, Water Peace. Dr. McNamara earned a Ph.D. from the School of Public Administration at UNO. His dissertation research, funded by a fellowship from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, focused on public-private partnerships to solve homelessness. He earned a M.Sc. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University with specializations in international and organizational dispute resolution. His B.A. in Religion is from Swarthmore College where he studied comparative religions and ethics.

Abstract

Abstract Title - Transdisciplinary Research, Creativity, and Innovation for Economic Development

This is an exciting time to be in Sri Lanka. Many opportunities are present. The complex problems will be best solved with cross-cutting answers. No longer are the traditional narrow disciplines of academe sufficient. What is needed is a culture of creativity and innovation. With approaches like social entrepreneurship and new policy frameworks, Sri Lanka is positioned to play a major role in the near and further future.

Ms. Chathini Uduwana

“Chathini Uduwana is the Country Head and Vice President of Typefi Systems, a renowned global publishing automation company. In 2014, she established Typefi Systems in Sri Lanka and has since played a key role in its growth and success. She is an executive member of Typefi Global, which maintains offices in Australia, the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, and Sri Lanka. Chathini Uduwana is the Women in Tech Sri Lanka Ambassador. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Technology from Staffordshire University and an MBA from Bedfordshire University. Additionally, she is a Chartered IT professional (CITP). ”

Abstract

Abstract Title - Bridging Boundaries: Multidisciplinary Innovation for Economic Growth

Sri Lanka stands at a transformative crossroads where research, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration are critical to driving sustainable economic growth. In today’s interconnected world, the challenges of economic development—whether in healthcare, technology, or gender equality—require solutions that transcend traditional academic silos. By integrating diverse perspectives, we can foster innovation that propels productivity and addresses societal challenges in meaningful ways.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation present a unique opportunity to reshape sectors such as agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, and public governance. Although Sri Lanka’s AI adoption is still emerging, strategic investments aligned with the Digital Strategy 2030 could unlock immense potential. For instance, precision farming and AI-powered disease diagnostics can enhance agriculture and healthcare, respectively, while smart technologies can personalize tourism experiences and democratize education. However, the success of AI lies not only in algorithms but in how individuals, communities, and organizations adapt to new technologies—creating opportunities without deepening social divides.

My own experiences in digital transformation initiatives have underscored the importance of combining technological, social, and economic insights. Gender equality is a crucial focus, especially regarding workforce participation. Through initiatives like ‘She Returns,’ which supports women re-entering the workforce after maternity leave, we see how multidisciplinary research can solve real-world challenges by bridging gaps in productivity and equality.

Academia plays a pivotal role in encouraging cross-disciplinary innovation. However, achieving this requires shifting from specialization to integration, breaking institutional barriers, and promoting collaboration. It is only through collective effort—where technologists, economists, sociologists, and policymakers join forces—that we can shape a prosperous future.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s path forward embraces innovation and research that transcends boundaries. Together, we can build a resilient economy driven by inclusive growth, ensuring that research not only advances knowledge but also transforms lives and creates lasting societal impact.

Dr. Prasad's notable performances and experiences include participating in the National Crafts Fair 2018 in Allahabad, presenting a Mridangam recital on AIR Hyderabad in 2017, and contributing to the International Seminar on Music 2012, organized by FPA at BHU. Currently, Dr. Prasad is dedicated to guiding his research scholars and students, furthering the study and practice of Mridangam and contributing to the broader world of music.

Abstract

Abstract Title : Concepts In Percussion Accompaniment In South Indian Garnatic Classical Music (From Composition Varnam To Mangalam)

The art of rhythm accompaniment in carnatic music or South Indian Music is a very highly specialised and aesthetic percussive support, enhancing the beauty of the composition as well as maintaining the tempo and metric balance. In the hands of ideal performers, the accompaniment becomes positive and dynamic, enriching the whole concert. A compositions rendition becomes more appealing through knowledgeable and Understanding percussive embellishment, meaningful silences and pauses and exciting thrusts of speed variations, which connects the music to the high speed solfa patterns, interspersed by melodic beat patterns known as Sarva laghu The Mridanga Vidwan, has to know a great deal about the art and science of music, the talas and the areas of creative music-pallavis etc. This demands resourcefullness, creativity, spontaneity and adaptability, to be a sensitive and Sought after percussionist, one has to know the temperament and idiosyncrasies of each performer whom he is likely to accompany. Sensitivity to sound decibels, the ability to moderate the tone and volume using meetu and chapu in the right side and the dhom and guaon on the left side of the Mridangam, along with the control of the volume while accompanying the violinist. These are the most desirable qualities and hallmark of an ideal mridangam maestry. Regarding the details of accompaniment techniques, one can only give broad guidelines and each player has to perfect his own approach and style. The fundamentals of proper rhythmic (Mridangam) accompaniment may be enumerated in a concise manner as follows: 1. The Mridangam Artist has to take notice of the particular tala total number of aksharas in an avartha, the edupa or beginning of the song with reference to tala, Kalapramana (tempo) and the song movement. 2. The should also take note of the number of lines of the pallavi (first maxment) and observing each variation, interpret the some during the repetitions. This should continue through the anupallavi, Charanam, Charana Pallavi, Madhyamakala Verses and Chitta Swaras,