Browsing by Author "Senarathna, S.P.D.R."

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The Opportunities for Development of Spiritual Tourism in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Chinthaka, H.B.U.; Senarathna, S.P.D.R.
Spiritual tourism involves people who are desirous of seeking inner peace during their vacation and gaining spiritual development within. Meditation, yoga and pilgrimage tours are vital in spiritual tourism in Sri Lanka. There are about 18 meditation centers identified by Sri Lanka Tourism, situated outside Colombo, which can provide opportunity for the travelers who are on an expedition to see the reality of life. The opportunity for development of spiritual tourism in Sri Lanka will further translate into two way benefits, only with the fulfillment of two prerequisites: firstly, the improvement of infrastructure in places where such Buddhist meditation programs are offered, particularly the locations outside the capital city. Secondly, once the basic facilities are assured and the program being offered is differentiated from just yoga, spiritual development or even the general use of the term meditation, we would see the increase of arrivals of so called 'up market tourists' not only in terms of money, but also the values they represent. The main objective of this research is to identify the opportunities that exist to develop spiritual tourism in Sri Lanka. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires given to travel agencies, centers where the facilities are provided for yoga and meditation while the secondary data were gathered by publications and internet websites. Sri Lanka has made some gains through pilgrim tourism: e.g. visits to the Temple of the Tooth and Sri Pada. Hindus from South India worship at the Temple of Kataragama and more recently, Hindus from Gujarat and Andra Pradesh are enjoying the Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. As a multi ethnic nation Sri Lanka is rich with resources such as Buddhist and Hindu religions, and also with culture to promote spiritual tourism. This research was carried out with the prime intention of exploring the future possibilities of developing spiritual tourism in Sri Lanka. Findings of the research will be useful for persons interested in spiritual tourism development.
Potentials and Problems of Using Religious Places for Urban Recreational Needs : a Case Study Related to Kelaniya Buddhist Temple – Western Province, Sri Lanka
(Reviewing International Encounters 2015, Research Center for Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Senarathna, S.P.D.R.
A recreational activity can be defined as an activity undertaken for the pleasure, leisure or satisfaction. In highly urbanized area availability of recreational spaces are important specially because of the high population density, lack of vacant lands and environmental pollution. Under such conditions the urban environment can negatively affect the mental and physical health of their residents. Therefore, the recreational facilities have become a fundamental human need that should be facilitated in urban environment. In fulfilling the above requirements the place which are of religious and cultural values take a major position of importance.The objective of this research is identify the abilities and related problems in adapting the environ of Kelaniya temple to fulfill the urban recreational needs of the people wholives in a close proximity of highly urbanized area. The study has been conducted with the help of both primary and secondary data. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires, field observations, interviews and focus group discussions. Altogether 60 visitors arriving at the Kelaniya temple were selected by random sampling methods. The secondary data was collected from different sources. Gathered data was analyzed by quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. The ability of developing the recreational needs related to Kelaniya temple site remains at a satisfactory level. This area of Kelaniyariver could be made use for water related recreational activities. Either side of the river banks and the surrounding greenery also could be adapted for outdoor passive recreational activities. This locality could also be put into the use of the purpose of meditational activity which can develop the mental relaxation of participant. Certain problems and challenges will arise in organizing recreational facilities as noted above mainly organizing the recreational center in a suitable manner appropriate to the religious site, disposing of garbage of the religious site and the problem in eliminating the beggars who are used to frequent the religious site regularly. Minimizing these problems had to be carried out without causing any inconvenience to the pilgrims who visit the temple.
A study of trends of eco-tourism in Sri Lanka: In association with Kanneliya & Sinharaja tourism centers
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S.; Senarathna, S.P.D.R.
Eco-Tourism is defined as protecting the environment with a view to relishing its elegance and enjoying the environment. Sri Lanka is highly enriched with various locations of environmental diversities suitable for eco-tourism as a country of the tropical region. The main objective of this study is to identify trends of eco-tourism in respect of Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya and Sinharaja forest complex which belong to low country tropical rain forest realm. The main problem of this study is to reckon as to whether the eco-tourism sector has been developed in association with select sample of regions related to tourism in Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected through basic observation and field interview methods, while the secondary data were gathered by publications and internet web sites. This research was helpful in recognizing the high stature of the development in the sector related to eco-tourism of Sri Lanka. It was also identified that environmental friendly and development of tourism services along various themes have been enhanced with regard to the trends of eco-tourism. The attractions by local tourists towards eco-tourism in the selected areas were seen as more prominent than that of foreign tourists.