Browsing by Author "Dissanayake, A."

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A case study of the Kithulgala adventure base camp whitewater rafting: standards and risk management
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayake, A.; VArachchige, O.; Ramanaka, A.R.N.D.; Dissanayake, N.B.; Dissanayake, N.B.; Kumari, H.V.M.; Pitigala, P.K.G.C.
Risk is an inherent part of adventure recreation and is often a main reason for participation in activities such as whitewater rafting. The particular study titled “The kithulgala adventure base camp whitewater rafting: standards and risk management” was carried out with special reference to the Kithulgala Adventure Base Camp. This study was thoroughly undertaken by the researchers by focusing on the problem that was identified from the preliminary observation and through experience. The main purpose of the study was to explore current standards of whitewater rafting and to explore the risk management practices of whitewater rafting. The researchers carried out an extensive literature review to provide the conceptual background for the study. Data were obtained from the 20 respondents which included the Organizational manager and interviews were carried out with a range of people relevant to the field of study. The simple random sampling method was used to collect data. Data collection occurred using a single case design, which included interviews, observation and visual analysis. Three methods, which are the qualitative analysis technique and AQUAD software were used for the data analysis proceed. The researchers used sequence analysis and Coding analysis to identify risk management practices. The result provides that, the organization which is currently involved in Adventure base programs is practicing their own formulated standards. When it comes to the conclusion with the consideration of findings it can be said that, in Sri Lanka whitewater rafting standards is at a very low level. There is no answerable person responsible for this. The persons who are working in this field also don’t have much knowledge about this. Looking at the standards in the world, it is clear that we must bring Sri Lanka at least to a closer level. According to the researchers’ point of view to expand rafting more in Sri Lanka, we must develop the whitewater Rafting Standards.
A Comparative Study on Anger Management in Buddhism and Western Perspective
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Dissanayake, A.
American Psychological Association (APA) has defined anger as ―completely a normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But, when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems-problems at work, in the personal relationships, and in the overall quality of individuals‘ life‖.Therefore, psychologically uncontrollable anger will engulf the individual, family and the society which will lead to destructive behaviors. The main objective of this paper is to prove up to date validity of Buddhism even up to the 21st century with the evidence of scientific research and provides an insight to anger management in both Buddhist and Western perspective. Buddhist teachings were searched referring to Suttha pitaka including Vitakkasaṇṭhāna Sutta of Majjhima Nikāya and Āghāta Paṭivinaya Sutta inAṅguttara Nikāya.The realistic study of the Special Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre of Kandakadu by the instructions of Lieutenant Colonel Pradeep Perera where the 220 drug addicts who have aggressive mind and revengeful thoughts are transform into peaceful individuals through 1-2-month period time by implementing motivational strategies, on 2nd month by the breakdown strategy through mixture model and most importantly by transforming revenge into compassionate via Buddhist techniques including mindfulness meditation-vipassana was taken into further evaluation. Recent research in parapsychology, scientific aspects of Buddhist Pirith Chants as a remedy to anger management and the latest research on Neuroplasticity of the brain are discussed in depth. According to the Western Perspective, Charles Spiel Berger, PhD states that “Anger is an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury rage”. Further Dr. Weisinger clarified that the cause of anger is due to the threat to one of our basic needs or mature needs including identity, recognition, achievement and social affiliation. Different techniques in the western counseling including cognitive reconstruction for maladaptive thoughts, using humor-laughing therapy, relaxation, brainstorming, avoiding, positive relief, time outs and non-violent communication will be discussed in depth. The war and terrorism, ethnic conflicts are some of the current global crisis which can be determined within the society due to anger. It is revealed that many western psychologists and therapists have integrated Buddhism with Western psychotherapy in the field of meditation and mindfulness.
Differentiating gender, BMI level and year levels motives for physical activity participation: with special reference to university of Kelaniya
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayake, A.; Arachchige, O.; Dissanayake, N.B.; Kumari, H.V.M.; Pitigala, P.K.G.C.
Despite the many clear benefits of on activity, lifestyle, lack of Physical Activity (PA) is a significant health problem in the university population. A key issue in Physical Activity research is developing an understanding of Motivation. Although PA takes many forms, most research designed to enhance motivation for and ignores participation. The purpose of this study was to analyze motives for engaging in PA and determine and describe motivational differences related to gender, year level and body mass index in a university population. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted in the Faculty of Social Science. The subject includes a random sample selection of 200 university students in fourth and second year student. Data were collected from MPAM-R (Motives for physical activity Measure-Revised) questionnaire. The motives of Gender, BMI (Body Mass Index), Year Levels and ANOVA to determine if there is a significant difference between the mean scores of motivation for PA participation of university students. Results further show that there is a significant difference between the five factors for motivation for each Gender, BMI, and fitness as determined by one-way ANOVA (F (1,198) = 4.587, P=.033). The study recommends that the University of Kelaniya further supports students’ interest for leisure related PA, and to possibly organize various sports clubs to create an avenue for students to play and complete in an activity that is interested in.
The Importance of Stress Management in Buddhist Perspective
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayake, A.; Dissanayake, S.; Jayasinghe, N.
Stress has become a constant issue in the modern world. Most jobs involve heavy workloads and people are being pressurized to meet higher standards of living due to unlimited demands. All of this can lead to out of control stress levels and individuals are unsatisfied with the modern life style.Dr. Andrew Galizzek has stated that stress is the illness of 20th century caused by the industrial revolution. The industrial countries such as Japan derive stress as Karosi because many people die due to heavy workload and uncontrolled stress levels. Positive stress can help an individual to perform under pressure and motivate but constant negative stress which is in the emergency mode will exhaust an individual physically, mentally and socially. Buddhist soft skills are one of the best ways to manage stress and towards reaching a positive lifestyle. This paper will elaborate many Buddhist techniques which still has up to date validity even though the teachings were introduced by Lord Buddha before 2600 years in India. The significance of Buddhist techniques with compared to western psychological aspects is highlighted throughout the paper. The word stress derived from the Latin word “Strictus” and the Buddhist term āsava which denotes the meaning of defilements or klesa is the best suitable word for mental stress. Many suttas related to āsava such as Sabbāsava, Satipattāna, Vitakkasantāna, Anumāna, Ratavinitha, Bayabherava are reviewed in this paper. The 7 methods of managing stress such as by seeing, by restraining, by using, by enduring, by avoiding, by removing and by developing according to Sabbāsava sutta is highlighted in the second part of the paper. Furthermore, eradicating stress through achieving soft skills by practicing eight fold path, ānapanasathi in Satipattāna sutta, practicing four sublime status, Saptha Bojjanga, practicing loving kindness meditation, Mahādukkakhanda sutta will be elaborated in the paper. Buddhist stress management is discussed in this paper comparing it with western psychological inventions such as psychoneuroimmunology study in which researchers are interested in the study of psychological factors and physical changes. It is revealed that when a person is under stress the hypothalamus sends messages to endocrine glands. The studies have revealed that severe stress has caused the higher risk of heart diseases which occurs due to antagonistic hostility, chronic depression and continuous negative emotions. Soft skills which is associated with emotional intelligence quotient which includes selfawareness, self-management, self-motivation, empathy and social skills can be well developed through mindfulness meditation. Recent neurological research which reveals neuro plasticity; the brain changes after relaxation meditation fulfills the great qualities such as loving-kindness, wisdom and sympathetic joy. These Buddhist techniques can be used to manage stress without any discrimination.
Monthly variations in semen parameters in a Sri Lankan population undergoing fertility evaluation
(Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2024) Dissanayake, A.
OBJECTIVE: Seasonal variations in semen quality are known to occur in temperate regions, but results regarding tropical areas remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether monthly variations in semen parameters are present among men in a tropical region. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from semen analyses of 3,000 men over a 10-year period, from 2012 to 2022. Analysis of variance and the independent-samples t-test were employed to observe variations in semen parameters throughout the entire period and between months, respectively. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation sperm concentration was significantly lower in June, at 42.5±31.4 million/mL, compared to other months. The highest sperm concentration was found in March, at 57.8±42.6 million/mL, constituting a mean difference of 15.3 million/mL between the lowest and highest concentrations. The total sperm count displayed a similar pattern of monthly variation, with a difference of 47.2 million between the highest and lowest months. No significant monthly differences were observed in other parameters, such as sperm motility, morphology, and semen volume. CONCLUSION: Significant monthly variations in sperm concentration and total sperm count were evident in this Sri Lankan population. March, which displayed the highest sperm counts, is in the spring in temperate regions, while the month with the lowest counts, July, is part of the summer. Fluctuations in photoperiod appear to most strongly influence these variations.
The Psychological Manipulation of Advertising in the Modern World a Discussion of Revealing Advertising as Manipulative or Informative
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayake, A.; Jayasinghe, N.
Marketing is a universal management process that identifies, anticipates and satisfies customer requirements profitably. Advertising is used as the core of marketing in the present context. This paper focused on the topic that the advertising as information or manipulation and proving the fact that the modern advertising techniques are manipulative. The topic has narrowed down to sub topics such as advertising, the importance, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, the highest advertising investments and the ethical aspects. The paper has collected qualitative and quantitative data; primary sources including the views of experts, interview sessions, observations and the secondary sources through the measurements of advertising growth. The modern advertising methods has restricted the freedom of choice of consumers by the power of manipulative advertising. The psychological techniques are being used including creating a subconscious motivation via conveying a subliminal message, creating perception through selective attention, selective distortion, selective retention and priming. The learning techniques are being persuaded through repetition including operant conditioning through positive reinforcement, classical conditioning through celebrities and brand ambassadors. The consumer behavior is influenced in related with AIDA concept &PLC through psychological manipulation and emotional appeal. The purpose of this paper is aware the target audience to realize the techniques of manipulative advertising by their free choice of decision making. The customer has to choose the best product or the service through realizing the disadvantages it can cause to the community and avoid the influence of harmful products and services. The unethical manipulative advertising will effect physically, financially and socially. The mechanism of investment in advertising and the impact of economic growth will be discussed. The ethical aspects of manipulative advertising depends on the service or the product and relies on the theme of the company. The customer should realize the product or service which is harmless to him by differentiating its’ value to the society. Manipulative advertising is not unethical but it depends on the factor which the product is harmful or harmless to the society.
Unveil the power of statistics through Open Source Software
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Dissanayake, A.; Rupasinghe, T.
In the modern world, researchers use statistical software packages like SPSS, SAS, STATA, Minitab for advanced data analyses. However, license cost of these statistical software packages is a major problem for researchers in the developing countries. R, is a GNU project, which provides a solution for the above problem through open source technology, with powerful statistical environment, being a programming language itself. The objective of this research project is to provide statistical assistance and a public healthcare monitoring facility, using a web based statistical tool and interactive dashboard with the integration of R with java , html, java script and mysql database for a Public Health Information System. The system has the ability to access through an intranet and statistical functions are classified into basic, intermediary and advanced functions. The interactive dashboard facility of the system facilitates users with different levels of authority to define the content displayed on the dashboard. One of the innovative features includes the auto-run of predefined advanced statistical analyses when the quality of the public healthcare data is below or above certain thresholds. This will promote collaborative research and assist public health care professionals and predict and identify disease outbreaks, epidemics, and analyze data at different geographical levels. The system will be validated through cross field and parameter dependencies defined at interface level, as well as reports generated through alerts and through healthcare professionals’ expert opinions.
විකල්ප සංවර්ධන මාවත් හා තුලිත ආර්ථිකය
(University of Kelaniya, 2009) Dissanayake, A.