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Mr.Marimuthu Prahasan

marimuthu-prahasan

Mr.Marimuthu PRAHASAN 
BA (Hons) (EUSL), MA (TUNE)
Senior Lecturer in Philosophy
Department of Philosophy and Value Studies 
Faculty of Arts and Culture 
Mobile: +94 077 995 9055 
Email: prahasankm@esn.ac.lk
 

Biography

Mr. Marimuthu Prahasan is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the Department of Philosophy and Value Studies, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Philosophy at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, with a research focus on “Concepts for Human Wellbeing in the Stoic Philosophy – A Contemporary Perspective.” His academic interests span Ancient Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, Ethics, Political Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy, and Counselling.

Prahasan has published extensively in indexed, peer-reviewed, and refereed journals, contributing to both English and Tamil scholarship on Stoicism, Epicureanism, feminist philosophy, environmental ethics, and the intersection of religion and philosophy. His recent works include analyses of St. Augustine, Epictetus, and the feminist insights of Gārgī and Maitreyī, as well as philosophical reflections on consumerism, mortality, and human flourishing. In recognition of his contributions to translation and philosophical engagement, he was awarded the State Literary Award (2025) for the Tamil translation of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations.

Alongside his academic career, Prahasan has over nine years of professional experience in development work, having served in national and international projects with organizations including the Swiss Embassy, Oxfam GB, and Sarvodaya. He has also been an active trainer and resource person, delivering workshops on counselling, personal development, ethics, and Stoic philosophy for various academic and social forums.

His published book, Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (Tamil translation, 2024), and his creative philosophical stories animated on YouTube, reflect his commitment to making philosophy accessible to both academic and wider audiences

Links to Publication

Publications

  1. “Comprehending the Metaphysical Framework in St. Augustine's Moral Philosophy: An Analytical Inquiry” – Published in South Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities SAJSSH – 05(03), 2024, pp. 221-239, DOI https://doi.org/10.48165/sajssh.2024.5312
  2. “Exploring Unconventional Approaches to Morality: An Existentialist Framework” – Published in Social Science and Humanities Journal SSHJ – 08(07), 2024, pp. 4498-4507, DOI https://doi.org/10.18535/sshj.v8i07.1028
  3. “Applying Epicurean Philosophy to Managing Modern Pursuits of Happiness and Life Satisfaction - An Analytical Perspective” – Published in International Journal of Scientific Research and Management IJSRM – 12(08), 2024, pp. 1916-1923, DOI: https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v12i08.sh01
  4. “Embracing Mortality: Psychological Preparation on Death in the Guidance of Stoic Philosophy” – Published in Muallim Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH) – 08(04), 2024, pp. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33306/mjssh/296
  5. “Human Flourishing by Living in Harmony with Nature and Moral Integrity: Insights from Epictetus the Stoic” – Published in American Journal of Arts and Human Science 4(1), 2025, pp. 89-96, DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajahs.v4i1.4360
  6. "Feminist Insights from Gārgī and Maitreyī in the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad - A Philosophical Perspective" -  Published in South Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities SAJSSH – 6(2), 2025, pp. 96-110, DOI: https://doi.org/10.48165/sajssh.2024.6207
  7. “Animal Welfare and Protection in the Deontological and Utilitarian Perspective - A Critical Analysis” – Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, EUSL NEITHAL – 11(02), 2020, pp. Access here:  http://www.digital.lib.esn.ac.lk/handle/1234/15249
  8. “The Historical Extension of Socrates’s Method and Its Use as a Tool for Gaining Knowledge – A Historical Perspective” Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, EUSL NEITHAL – 11(01), 2020, pp. 48-64. Access here:  http://www.digital.lib.esn.ac.lk/handle/1234/14545
  9. “Animal Welfare and Rights in the Context of Indian Religions – A Critical View” Published in Mozithal Peer Reviewed Refereed Journal– 08(02), 2021, pp. 31-48
  10. “Animal Welfare and Rights in the Abrahamic Religious Perspective – A Philosophical Perspective” Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, SEUSL KALAM - 15(01), 2022, pp. 57-68 Access here: https://www.seu.ac.lk/fac/kalam/publication/vol15/issue1/7.%20KIRJ%2015(1)%2057-68.pdf
  11. “Contribution of Stoic Philosophy in the Creation of Virtual Student Society – A Descriptive Study” - Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, EUSL NEITHAL – 12(01), 2021, pp. 111-136. Access here:  http://www.digital.lib.esn.ac.lk/handle/1234/14595
  12. “Ecological Protection and Sustainable Development in the Guidance of Hinduism – A Philosophical Perspective” Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, SEUSL KALAM - 16(02), 2023, pp. 32-44. Access here:  https://www.seu.ac.lk/fac/kalam/publication/vol16/issue2/03.%20KIRJ%2016(2)%20pp.32%20-%2044.pdf
  13. “Concepts of Environmental Protections in Jain and Buddhist Philosophy’ - Published in Mozithal, Peer Reviewed Refereed Journal, 9(01), pp. 81-101
  14. “Faith as Revealed in the Siruthondar Nayanar Purana and the Genesis Story of Abraham – A Critical Perspective
  15. “Features of Individual Counselling in the Bhagavat Gita - A Philosophical Perspective” - Published in Mozithal, Peer Reviewed Refereed Journal, Vol 10, Issue 1 – 2023. pp. 52-74
  16. “Importance of Philosophical Guidance for Happiness and Well-being” - Published in Mozithal, Peer Reviewed Refereed Journal, 11(01), 2024, pp. 68-77
  17. “Cultural Impact and Intellectual Revolution of Stoicism on Renaissance Humanistic Philosophy”. Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, SEUSL KALAM - 17(01), 2023, pp. 403-409. Access here:  https://www.seu.ac.lk/fac/kalam/publication/vol17/issue1/KIRJ_17(1)_029_(403-409).pdf
  18. “The Enduring Influence of Stoicism: From Enlightenment Philosophy to Twentieth-Century Psychological Practices”. Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, EUSL NEITHAL – 15(1), 2024, pp. 47-66 Access here:  
    https://www.fac.esn.ac.lk/sites/default/files/2025-04/Neithal_1%20Final%20Confirmed.pdf
  19. “Exploring the Influence of Stoic Philosophy on Early Christian Thought and Actions: A Qualitative Investigation”. Published in Faculty Journal of FAC, EUSL NEITHAL – 14(01), 2023, pp. 50-66 Access here:  http://www.digital.lib.esn.ac.lk/handle/1234/15833
  20. “Interaction Between Consumerism and Well-Being: A Critical Perspective” Published in Mozithal, Peer Reviewed Refereed Journal, 12 (01), 2025, pp. 91-117
  21. “Thoughts of Justice Expressed in the Arthasastra - A Philosophical Perspective” Published in International Refereed Journal of Tamil Studies Research (IRJTSR), volume 4, issue 1, 2022. Access here:  https://irjtsjournal.org/irjtsr-v4i1p107.html
  22. “Niccolo Machiavelli’s Ruler Centered Political Thoughts – A Philosophical perspective” Published in International Refereed Journal of Tamil Studies Research (IRJTSR), volume 5, issue 1, 2023. Pp 41-53. Access here:  https://irjtsjournal.org/irjtsr-v5i1p106.html
  23. “Saiva Ethical Life in the Guidance of Arumuga Navalar – A Contemporary Perspective”, Published in International Refereed Journal of Tamil Studies Research (IRJTSR), volume 6, issue 1, 2024. Pp 1-6.  Access here:  https://irjtsjournal.org/irjtsr-v6i1p101.html
  24. “Guidance of Ancient Greek Philosopher Pythagoras for Human Well-Being - A Contemporary Perspective” Published in International Refereed Journal of Tamil Studies Research (IRJTSR), volume 6, issue 3, 2024, pp- 31-40. Access here: https://irjtsjournal.org/irjtsr-v6i3p105.html
  25. “Theodor Adorno's Thoughts on the 'Culture Industry' – An Analytical Study”. Published in the Aaivu International Tamil Journal – Peer Reviewed Quarterly Research Journal, 5(01), 2024, pp. 23-41 Access here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DmzRQpBwT1b6Z_-R-7ZOoKL-2WdIVAiq/view
  26. “உரோமப் பேரரசன் மார்க்கஸ் அரேலியசின் சுயதியானங்கள்” (Meditations of Marcus Aurelius the Roman Emperor) published by Kumaran Book House in 2024, Colombo, ISBN: 978-624-6164-71-3

CONFERENCE PAPERS 

Published as full papers

  1. Presented research paper titled “Practical Application of Marcus Aurelius’ Philosophical Thoughts in Contemporary Life – An Applied Philosophical Approach” in the 8th International Arts Research Symposium conducted by South Eastern University, Sri Lanka 18.12.2019
  2. Presented research paper titled “Role of Philosophical Literatures in Guiding Human Life – A Research with Special Reference of Publications of Existentialist Albert Camus” in the National Research Symposium conducted by Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, EUSL 23 & 24.01.2020
  3. Presented research paper titled “Thoughts of Thiruvalluvar and Aristotle on the Concept of Friendship – A Philosophical Comparative Study” at the International Conference on Religious Literatures and Ethical Concepts conducted by Madurai Kamaraj University 25.02.2020
  4. Presented research paper titled “Moral Thoughts for Social Wellbeing Embedded in Purananuru the Sankam Literature” – At the 2nd International Conference of University of Jaffna, 16 & 17.11.2021
  5. Presented research paper titled “Contribution of Philosophy in the Management of COVID 19 Pandemic – A Research with Special Reference to Stoic Philosophy” – At the Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 09 & 10.11.2021

Published in abstract form

  1. Presented research paper titled “Confronting Ideologies in Favor of Violence and Conflict Structured in Religions – A Religious Philosophical Perspective” at the 5th International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences conducted by University of Ruhuna, 26.09.2019
  2. Presented research paper titled “Role of Friendship in the Enhancement of Human Wellbeing – A Descriptive Research with Special Reference to Letters from a Stoic by Seneca” At the 10th International Arts Conference of SEUSL, 03.02.2022
  3. Presented a research paper titled “The Influence of Stoic Philosophy on Medieval Thought: A Comparative Analysis” at the One Week Multi-Disciplinary International Conference on  Contemporary Social Issues: A Global Perspective at the SEUSL, 21.02.2025
  4. “Stoic Strategies for Overcoming Psychological Challenges: Insights from Seneca” Presented the research paper at the Two-Day Multi-Disciplinary International Conference: Digital Inequality and Social Stratification at the SEUSL, 20th – 21st May, 2025
  5. “The Divine Order and Human Agency in Stoic Philosophy: Epictetus’ Framework for a Fulfilled Life” Presented the research paper at the Two-Day Multi-Disciplinary International Conference: Digital Inequality and Social Stratification at the SEUSL, 20th – 21st May, 2025

Presented with evidence

  1. Presented research paper titled “Understanding the Role of Mahavamsa in the Creation of Sinhala Buddhist Ideology – A Critical Analysis on Mahavamsa” at the Annual Research Session conducted by Eastern University, Sri Lanka 20.10.2020
  2. Presented research paper titled “Role of religions in the conflict reconciliation – A critical view based on Sri Lanka’s lessons learnt” at the Annual Research Session conducted by Eastern University, Sri Lanka 19.12.2019

Research Interest

  • Ancient Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, Ethics, Political Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy, Counselling

Teaching

  • Around eight years of teaching experience at university for undergraduate students.

Awards

  1. State Literary Award (2025) – Awarded for Best Translated Text on Varied Subjects for the Tamil translation of Meditations by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, conferred by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka.
  2. Riddley Jayasinghe Imandi Runali Gold Medal (2018) – Conferred for Overall Best Performance in the Diploma in Counselling Programme (2016–2018), National Institute of Social Development (NISD), Sri Lanka. 

Positions Held

  1. Student Counsellor 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021, 2021 - 2022
  2. Assistant Secretary, Teachers Association of Eastern University 09.07.2021 – 08.07.2022
  3. Sports Secretary of Senior Common Room Society, EUSL
  4. Committee member of the Annual Research Session 2022 Organized by FAC, EUSL

Other

COURSES COMPLETED

  1. Successfully completed the Induction Programme for Academic Staff on Teaching Methodologies conducted by Staff Development Centre, EUSL on January – May, 2019
  2. Successfully completed ‘Diploma in Counselling’ two years programme conducted by National Institute of Social Development NISD in 2019
  3. Successfully completed “Spoken Sinhala” 60 Hours programme conducted by Staff Development Centre, EUSL on August – December, 2019
  4. Successfully completed “Diploma in Sinhala” One Year programme conducted by Civil Citizens Council of Batticaloa District in 2020
  5. Successfully completed thirty-six hours of educational programme on ‘Inclusive Approach to Students with Disabilities in Academic Setting’ by the end of September, 2023 provided by Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAININGS PARTICIPATED

National Trainings 

  1. Participated in the workshop on “Non-Violent Communication and Responsible Media Usage” conducted by Faculty of Management, Social Sciences & Humanities, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University KDU on 16.09.2021
  2. Participated in the workshop on “Student Counselling” conducted by Staff Development Centre, EUSL on 09.02.2019
  3. Participated in the workshop on “Strengthening the Mentoring System” conducted by Staff Development Centre, EUSL on 09.02.2019
  4. Participated in the workshop on “Outcome Based Education & Student-Centered Learning” conducted by Staff Development Centre, EUSL on 23.03.2019

International Trainings

  1. Successfully participated in the training program on ‘Quality Management in the Higher Education’ conducted by University of Transylvania, Brasov, Romania from 31st of October to 04th of November, 2022
  2. Successfully participated in the training program on ‘Education for Educators’ conducted by Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia from 07th November to 11th of November, 2022
  3. Successfully participated in the workshop on ‘Knowledge Management’ conducted by Uppsala University, Sweden from 8th of May to 12th of May, 2023
  4. Successfully Participated in the ‘Practical training in assistive technologies needed for the support of the blind and partially sighted students and academicians in higher education’ from 18th of September, 2023 to 22nd of September, 2023 at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, conducted by the Masaryk University, Czech Republic

UNIVERSITY, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTION

  1. Researcher and Trainer at the INCDU project implemented by EUSL in collaboration with European Union and other national and international universities from 2020 – 2022
  2. Served as Research Assistant in the assessment of diversity-friendly accessibility in primary local authorities conducted by CENWOR on August, 2019
  3. Provided mentoring service to the young researchers in conducting and writing research articles to the national conference conducted by National Peace Council - 2021 

RESOURCE PERSON IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

Resource Person  

  1. Served as Resource person at the training workshop to the National Youth Service Officers from Eastern Province on “National Integrity and Youth’s Engagement” on 19.05.2025
  2. Served as resource person in seven days teachers skill development training programme in the theme of ‘Research and Innovation in Tamil Studies’ conducted by Women’s Emancipation Forum of Pandian Educational Trust, Tamil Nadu, India on 08th of October, 2024
  3. Served as resource person in two days training programme on “Psychological Wellbeing in the Migrant Families” conducted by Eastern Self Reliant Community Awakening Organization (ESCO) on 28th and 29th of September, 2024
  4. Served as resource person in the Talk Series “Sri Lanka in Crisis: The Way Forward” the title of talk is “Navigating Challenges with the Wisdom of Stoic Philosophy: Insights Tailored for the Sri Lankan Context” conducted by FAC, EUSL on 31.05.2024
  5. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Positive Thinking and Positive Attitude” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 25.10.2022
  6. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Positive Thinking and Positive Attitude” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 29.11.2021
  7. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Self-Leadership and Motivation” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 23.11.2021
  8. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Goal Setting and Planning During the University Life” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 02.10.2021
  9. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Skills for Life and Professional Development” conducted by AHAM Social Development Organization on 30.10.2021
  10. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Developing Professional Qualifications, CV Writing and Facing Interview” conducted by AHAM Social Development Organization on 12.10.2021
  11. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Proper Usage of Social Media” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 13.08.2021
  12. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Positive Thinking and Positive Attitude” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 30.06.2021
  13. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Personal Development and Motivation” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 27.04.2021
  14. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Effective Time Management” conducted by Career Guidance Unit, FAC, EUSL on 10.05.2021
  15. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Effective Communication Skills” conducted by Institute of Psycho Social Management, Sri Lanka on 18.07.2020
  16. Served as resource person in the workshop on “Programme Evaluation and Report Writing” conducted by Social Welfare Organization of Ampara District on 28, 29. 02.2020
  17. Served as resource person in the training session on “Leadership Development Skills for School Prefects” conducted by Teachers’ Association of Eastern University on 19.10.2019
  18. Served as facilitator for a stakeholder discussion on “Need Assessment for Project Planning” conducted by the Teachers’ Association of Eastern University on 23.09.2019

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT RELATED ENGAGEMENTS (Before Academic Engagement)
Working Experience

  1. National Project Officer at Embassy of Switzerland for the Safer Labour Migration Project implemented in North, East and Central provinces of Sri Lanka, 01.07.2013 – 24.10.2018
  2. Project Manager at Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Sramadana Sankamaya for the EU, Oxfam GB funded project in Batticaloa district, 01.09.2012 to 30.06.2013
  3. Project Coordinator at Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Sramadana Sankamaya for the EU, Oxfam GB funded project in Batticaloa district, 01.10.2011 – 31.08.2012

Trainings in Skill Development participated

  1. “Training on Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning” conducted by MDF Asia, 11.08.2014 to 14.08.2014
  2. “Training on Result Based Management” conducted by MDF Asia, 26.09.2016 to 29.09.2016
  3. “Training programme on Proposal Writing” Conducted by Transparency international and Oxfam GB, Colombo, 15.03.2013 – 17.03.2013
  4. “Training for Trainers Workshop in Soft Skills Development for Youth” Conducted by Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, 21.12.2012 – 23.12.2012
  5. Shaping migration for sustainable development – Conducted by SDC, and GIZ, Freiburg, Germany, 04.10.2015 – 07.10.2015
  6. Civil society consultation on Rights and Justice in the Context of Labour Migration conducted by GAATW, Bangkok, Thailand, 03.11.2016 – 05.11.2016
Last Updated
30-Sep-2025