ICSS 2016

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Governance of the police and their relationship with civilians during the postwar period: special reference to Mannar District
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Peiris, M.J.D.
The main objective of the study is to find out how far the police has been effective in their governance in the North, Sri Lanka. A sample data was collected though the junior police officers and the Officer in Charge who have been allocated to Iluppaikkadavai Police station, Mannar District. Data was collected from both genders above 18 years of age. Primary sources used are mainly questionnaires and direct interviews with the police officers and data collected through 35 civilians. Secondary data used for the research was information gathered from relevant books, journals and the internet. Quantitative data will be presented through a summary of the results for the statistical tests. Data is presented via data analysis by charts, figures, and graphs when necessary. The relationship between the public and the police is one that has been debated for many years. The police station concerning this area is not one with a blemished record. But the findings make clear that the police officers give enormous help to these poor people when they come to make complaints. Nevertheless, the increasing number of complaints clearly states that people have faith in the police now than then. Mutual understanding between the village folk and the police is a salient factor for this research. Good will and understanding prevail between both parties. A matter of comment is that the police station is handicapped with man power and other essential resources. There is a requirement of infrastructure facilities like transport, sanitation and communication. Fulfilling the lack of resources and developing the Tamil language skills of Sinhalese police officers are of utmost importance to be considered.
Alaththi Bama: Traditional Ritual Performed by Vedda Woman for Katharagama Deity
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ananda, T.; Nahallage, C.
Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devalaya is a multi-ethnic and religious place dedicated to Katharagama deity who is also considered as a one of greatest spiritual ancestor ) Na Yaka (worshiped by Vedda people. His second wife was Valli Amma believed to be an adopted daughter of a Vedda Chief; Nanda .Alaththi Bama ritual is performed by 12 Vedda women descended by Valli Amma linage as for blessing of Katharagama deity .This study was aimed to discover the present status of this ritualistic performance .Data was gathered through interviews conducted with 6 Alaththi Ammawaru )Alaththi Mothers .(Alththi ritual is perjured before the Muruthan offering )Rice made with pumpkin, honey etc - . Muruthan offering is done for three times in a day at 4.30 am, 10.30 am, and at 6.30 pm except Saturdays .(On Saturdays Alaththi Mothers bring water for )Nanumura Mangalyaya (a wishig ceremony in Devalaya from Manik River and withal traditionally they have assigned to participate to devala processions .King Dutugamunu) 1st century BC (has assigned 8 Alaththi mothers to pound paddy to get rice for Muruthan offering .Eight of them accompanying for paddy pounding, around a stone mortar with pestle, called wata wee ketima .Before the Muruthan offering Alaththi mothers enter in to the devalaya from the right side door holding an unlighted oil lamp which was kept on the stairs of the devalaya by kapumahaththaya) Priest .(Then Alathti mothers worship Katharagama deity and light the oil lamp and perform their ritual while murmuring their secret blessing stanza .Next they perform this ritual again in the Wata Pila )In the back side of the Devalaya .(They dressed up with special traditional dress called kambaya )camboy( which is represented there Vedda lineage .The leader of Alaththi Mothers is called as Gurunnanse) Teacher( and their duty is matrilineally descended) goes from mother to daughter .(King Dutugamunu’s period they have given rice for their duty .Later Rs. 2.85 and at present as a common allowance they receive Rs.5000 per month .Apart from their ritualistic life they are having social and family life differing from the Hindu devadasi concept )Female servant of the deity /Nautch girl .(Their monthly income is less than Rs.10000 which is not enough to maintain their families .Differing from early days at present they have confronted many social and economic problems .Eldest Alaththi mother have been performing this ritual for 50 years which she has started it in her 20’s .Though she has devoted her entire life for the Katharagama deity still she have not given considerable gratitude from deities as well as from responsible governing bodies .Even though they are having difficulties at present, faithfulness to the Katharagama deity has been the major reason of continuation their duty as Alaththi Mothers.
Impact on Modern Public Transportation for the Tourism Development in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Siriwardene, P.P.G.C.; Sanjeewa, A.H.I.
The center of the country for the tourism is western province and development of modern public transportation system is necessary as modern world. The research study investigates the impact of modern public transportation on tourism development in western province Sri Lanka. It identifies the government and non-government institutions perceive the importance of modern public transportation system in relation to the tourism industry. The nature of the study was based on qualitative methodology. Accordingly, in-depth interviews, case studies was used as research methods Seven key persons from related institutions (which represent both Government and Nongovernment and Private sectors) and foreign pedestrian were selected for the sample. NVivo qualitative data analysis Method for data analysis. The research found that Sri Lankan public transportation has not been systematically developed or technologically modernized as to develop the tourism industry.
Situational and environmental barriers towards participation in adult education in colombo district, Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardhana, M.N.; Muhandiramge, K.M.R.R.
There are many situational and environmental barriers which prevent people in pursuing their adult education. Identifying these barriers and finding the possible solutions is the aim of this article. The analyzed data was collected from an online survey among the 300 of part-time students who are in age group of 25 to 45 years old, the aim of this analysis is to identify the factors for situational and environmental barriers towards participating in adult education. The data has been analyzed by use of factor analysis.. The multiple regression was run to identify the relationship between factors and the barriers towards participating in adult education. Variables included in the adjusted odds model are age, gender, education, employment status, in the analysis the factors were categorized into two main groups as environment barriers and Situational barriers. Three inds of barriers were found to be in operation, They are : Environment barriers, Situational barriers and Lack of Motivation The results indicate that Environmental barriers (47%) and Situational barriers (53%) both has a major effect on the participation.. Analysis also points at a negative attitude towards re-entering education being least likely to be a barrier for self-employed compared to other occupational groups, Insufficient confidence and Lack of Motivation was among the most of the sample (75%). The study results indicates that some initiatives should be taken to increase the participation in adult education, as Programs intended to increase participation in adult education, focus on changing the views about environmental and situational barriers.
Folklore study about the communicative meanings revealed by ten headed (dasis) concept in the legend of rāvana in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Somarathne, M.P.; Sampath, D.
There are many evidences to prove that the number of myths were in rural folklores which are related to a king of Sri Lanka who was known as Rāvana, and the concept of Rāvana or the Ten Headed man (Dasis) is emerged through the historical myths from Sri Lanka, India and other south Asian countries. Ten heads and twenty hands, which are not available with an ordinary man, are rooted in this Dasis concept. In the epic of Rāmāyana, it has been mentioned that Mahā Rāvana had ten heads. The symbolic forms which can be recognized in the folklores are also existed with this Ten Headed (Dasis) designation. The main purpose of this research was to study the hidden communicative meanings of the Ten Headed (Dasis) concept in the legend of Rāvana. The information gathered from literal study, and the existing ideologies about the legend of Rāvana in South Asian Countries including Sri Lanka, are examined in this research. And the folklore study was performed in the North central, northwestern provinces and selected regions in Sri Lanka In this study, it concludes, that in Asian countries, the leaders and relatives who has passed away on behalf of the land, who has done a great service for the many, were treated, offered and venerated as Gods after their passing away, and the power, strength and abilities of them were represented in symbolizing, exaggerated ways by special physique. In the Vargapūrṇikā, which is Ola leaf manuscript, king Rāvana is introduced as “Yagu Korāna Manthaka Dasha Shirshapathi Sri Rāvana”. The meaning of that according to ancient Yakkha language is “One who completed everything”. Through this research study it was founded that Rāvana and the Yakkha tribe had a profound vast knowledge about ten subjects and the remains of them are still existed in the present folklores.
A Study on the Functions of Magic in Rural Communities in Sri Lanka (with Special Reference to Mirigama Secretariat Division in Gampaha District)
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayakody, J.A.N.A.
Most cultures of the world have religious beliefs that lead to the idea that supernatural powers can be compelled, or at least influenced, to act in certain ways for good or evil purposes by using ritual formulas. These formulas are, in a sense, magic. Rural people use Magic as a way of fulfilling emotional and social needs. Basically magic is divided in to two categories. Those are black magic and white magic. Social systems change constantly. Magic is most valued in rural society. At present, Sri Lankan rural communities are also subjected to great changes but the faith in magic is still visible in rural communities, where magic, faiths and beliefs play a major role. The main objective of this study is to identify the social functions of magic and explore the function and dysfunction of the visible and invisible. The case study and the functional method were used to gather primary data. Data was collected through observation and interviews because qualitative data is very important for this research. The sample was selected using random purposive methods according to the non-probability sampling theory. The sample consists of 30% of the population of the area. The Thalahena village in Giriullagama GN division in Mirigama secretariat division of the Gampaha district was selected as the research area. The main finding of the study is that many positive social functions are fulfilled by magic in rural communities in Sri Lanka. In this regard, magic has contributed to the improvement of mental health, developed social integration and helped people to bond with their religion.
Effectiveness of Households Level Solid Waste Management Practices in Gampaha District in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Premathilake, A.
The haphazard disposal of waste pose risks to the environment and affect the health of humans and animals leading to serious economic and social issues. Therefore, safe solid waste management (SWM) practice is of utmost importance specially at the household level. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of household solid waste management practices based on a survey conducted. A systematic sample of 17% of the households selected from the six Grama Niladhari (GN) in Gampaha Municipal Council (GMC) was surveyed. The study revealed that the home composting method and changing attitudes towards source segregation could be practiced successfully, as a suitable waste management technique, and confirmed home composting is a simple and low cost solution to managing household organic waste at source. Home composting significantly reduce the quantity of organic waste adding to the mainstream, reducing subsequent emissions of greenhouse gasses at the final disposal sites. Furthermore, with the practice of improved solid waste management practices, 51 % householders have practiced source segregation of household waste, 80 % of householders have properly use of compost bins and, 50% of householders have been able to maintain the compost bin and 84% have practiced home gardening using the composted household waste. The amount of mixed waste received by the GMC was drastically reduced and had been able to gain financial benefits from the sale of recyclable material. The total amount of waste being sent to the final disposal site by GMC has been reduced by 13.43 tons per day. Further, practicing formal and regular public private cooperation. The educating and evaluating the service of the sanitary workers and providing them with necessary facilities by Local Authorities will be helpful to enhance and sustain the households waste management system. It can be concluded that good household waste management practices lead to reduce the cost of waste disposal, generate income by sale of recyclable waste, and indirectly contributes to the food security and poverty elevation of the country.
Technical Efficiency of Small Scale Dairy Farming in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sheromiha, S.; Kularatne, M.G.
The lack of understanding of technical efficiency of small scale dairy farming could have a far-reaching consequence on the productivity and profitability of the farms, and the potentially restricts the need to boost the dairy production. Therefore, this study assesse technical efficiency of smallholder dairy farmers and the factors that cause technical inefficiency. Stochastic frontier production function has estimated from the data collected on the management practices and general information from randomly selected 60 farms in Kosgama Veterinary range in Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat of Colombo District Sri Lanka. The study reveals that mean technical efficiency is 45 with the efficiency range from 40 to 55 indicating that, the dairy farmers were not fully technically efficient. The result also shows that, farmers’ educational level, extension service, years of farmer experience, main source of income, training received, land utilized for fodder and milking frequency have significantly influenced on the technical efficiency. Farmer age, farm size, shad and number of animal are statistically independent variables on technical efficiency. Almost all farmers in Kosgama veterinary range have adopted intensive system with feeding of poor quality grass and concentrates. The average milk production amounted to 60 per cent of the mean daily total of 11.0 litres per cow with average lactating days 250. We conclude that milk production and productivity of small scale farm in Sri Lanka is not significantly effective. It is obvious that if dairy farming is to be a technically efficient sector, there is a need for the small scale farmers to consider dairying as a commercial enterprise and at the same time to link themselves with the large scale dairy farms.
Post Disaster Recovery Process: Aftermath of Aranayake Landslide
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunesekara, V.
It is customary that the any particular governments take actions to reduce the risk of the victims from the hazardous events and restoring communities. However, the complexity of situations and vulnerability of affected communities make the post-disaster interventions impassible. This study investigate the government of Sri Lanka intervention on the most recent disaster recovery process of Aranayake Landslide. Aranayaka disaster brought up significant damage to the people and property, displacing shelter families and leaving in refuge. Two GN divisions were selected purposively in the affected area in Kegall District as case studies and analyzed the post disaster situation using five recovery sectors model (FRSM). The conventional disaster recovery process, encompassing five stages cycle was tested in the study applying multiple field survey techniques. In spite of the immediate recovery measures were taken at the event of disaster, subsequent steps were not proceeding so steadily and smoothly due to many hurdles like policy frame work and institutional arena. Approximately five months following the disaster the people have yet been highly vulnerable and desperate. In conclusion the study revealed in the post disaster management process of the government may cause to people vulnerable and the mechanism not in a satisfactory level.
A Study of the Tourism Industry’s Impact on Visitors’ Satisfaction with a Special Focus on Anuradhapura
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Senarathna, T.M.C.D.
Anuradhapura is one of the remarkable and ancient cities in Sri Lanka. It is a highly popular destination among historical sites in Sri Lanka leading to cultural tourism, one of the fastest growing tourism niche markets in mass tourism. It encompasses exquisite scenery, religious monuments, tanks, and monasteries etc. Annually, a large number of tourists travel to Anuradhapura to experience the historical value it offers. But there are several problems related to visitor satisfaction when it comes to facilities in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. The research problem of this study was to examine how visitor-satisfaction among those visiting Anuradhapura can be created. The other objectives were to recognize the deficits and issues encountered by the visitors at the site. The research was based on both primary sources including field observations, interviews and structured questionnaires and secondary sources including reports, magazines, websites etc. The site and its periphery were explored and the visitor-related facilities were observed to identify the current situation of the site. The research sample consisted of 20 domestic visitors and 50 foreign visitors who were randomly selected at the site during weekends in Anuradhapura. Visitors were interviewed with structured questionnaires to identify their perception, knowledge and comments regarding the site. The destination attracts domestic visitors more than foreign visitors. Many of the foreigners are from China and the other major markets are German, India and Thailand. Many of the domestic visitors are not entirely aware of the archaeological and historical value of Anuradhapura and visitor-related services and infrastructure facilities also are not at a satisfactory level for the well-being of travelers. In addition, there are many problems related to languages and an adequate experience is not delivered.
Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among adults in urban areas in Batticaloa district
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Laavanya, M.; Sadeera, S.D.H.; Premachandra, W.M.C.M.; Priyangani, T.R.A.; Dahanaka, D.R.N.S.; Josepha, J.; Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.
Obesity is a chronic condition and the prevalence of adult obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide due to environmental and behavioral changes such as urbanization and modernization. Data on prevalence and determinants of obesity in developing countries including the different regions are needed for primary prevention. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults (above 18 years) in urban areas in Batticaloa district and to examine the associations of overweight and obesity with socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors. A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 adults aged above 18 years. Multistage sampling method was applied. Data on socio-economic, nutritional and lifestyle factors were collected with structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were measured by using appropriate measuring scales. Obesity was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) > 27.5 kg/m2 and overweight as BMI > 23 kg/m2; waist circumference > 90 cm for men and >80 cm for women considered as not-normal. Prevalence of overweight and obesity and distribution of BMI by socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics was assessed. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 21.4% and 16.8 % respectively. Prevalence of overweight was high in males (19.4%) and in the age group of 45- 54 years (7.5%); obesity prevalence was high in females (19.3%) as well as in the age group of 35-44 years (7.2%). Alcoholism, family history of overweight and obesity, occupation, following weight reduction methods were the significant factors (p<0.05) associated with overweight and obesity. Prevalence of overweight was higher than obesity. Females were more obese than males. Awareness programs should be carried out in the community regarding weight reduction measures and primary prevention of overweight and obesity by eliminating risk factors. Health education programs have to be done for public regarding the consequences of overweight and obesity
An Exploratory study on Fertility rituals practiced by Sinhalese Buddhist and their impact on the social constancy
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kularathna, A.K.
This paper attempts to analyze how rituals related to birth among Sinhalese promote the stableness of society . It is also perceived that these rituals and associated ceremonies have been continuously focused on momentous life events such as Birth, Puberty, Marriage and death .More over these life rotational events are distinctly celebrated by the society and they affixed precious importance to the kinship labyrinth within the society .When special consideration is given to explore the Fertility Rituals, which are woven around the birth of an infant three major phases could be detected .These are, marriage to conception, the gestation period and the post-natal period .It should be mentioned that the Fertility rituals observed by the Sinhalese Buddhists request a degree of altruism which in turn elevates self-abnegation .A considerable selflessness is manifested by one’s own kith and kin as well as the total community .It is evident that performance of these fertility rituals strengthens the sturdy composite vibes and celebrates group values .They usher and stimulate the associates of the rituals to help each other both at household and community level which eventually strengthen, sustain and maintain the community structure . When analyzed the entire process associated with fertility rituals it is not hard to notice the effectiveness of the process of socialization involved there in and one of the most important element connected with rituals relevant to childbirth is the propagation of the concept of sacredness of life .Also it makes possible an enduring society and transformation of it’s cultural values between generations .It is gleaned from our field work that the rituals on the whole still maintain its grip on the society despite the facts like modernization and westernization and increasingly competitive social fabric on the other .
The Role of Brahmins in Mediaeval Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sudharmawathie, J.M.
Indian influence is evident in shaping up of the Sri Lankan society from ancient times. According to historical sources, Sri Lanka was inhabited by groups of people from India who immigrated from time to time .One of the main aspects of the Indian social organization was the caste discrimination based on four-fold caste system. The four-fold Indian division, Viz, Brahamana, Kastriya, Visya and Sudra is mentioned in the Pali and the Sinhalese chronicles as well as in other literary works. The important point is that, though these caste groups were known here, they did not become quite a parallel to the Indian hierarchy. Caste in ancient Sri Lanka never assumed the Indian rigidity with its hardened social ramifications, largely due to the impact of Buddhism. There is clear evidence of the presence of Brahmanas among the early Indian settlers in Sri Lanka. They had a high social status and subsequently occupied an important position in the royal court. The immediate cause for the downfall of the Rajarata civilization was the cruel invasion of the invader named Magha who came from Kalinga Desa. The policy which Magha followed as reflected in the chronicles, was one of ruthless repression and tyranny. According to the Mahavamsa and other chronicles described the disruption of the sacral order. The result of Magaha's invasion was the shift of the kingdoms to the South West. The aim of this paper is to examine the position of the Brahmanas in the social organization which has been created after the shift of the kingdoms to the South West. The research would be limited to the period from 13th century AC to 15th century AC and to the periods from Dambadeniya to Kotte. Data was collected through primary and secondary sources and inscription revealed a lot of information pertaining to this research. In Dambadeniya Kingdom, the first kingdom in the South Western Sri Lanka, villages have been established for Brahmanas. During the mediaeval period, Brahmanas came from India to Sri Lanka due to various reasons. It has been identified that those Brahmins enjoyed various privileges under the patronage of the rulers at the times.
Information Technology and Management the Mendeley: an innovative Reference Management Software for Research
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Rathnabahu, R.M.N.
Technology has now made availableadvanced Bibliographic Management Tools to overcome the said situation .Such kinds of open source andcommercial Bibliographic Management tools are of immense value for resource discovery,collaboration, information management and citation .The Mendeley which was developed in 2007now functions as a powerful social networking tool .It consists of two parts) :a ( DesktopApplication )b (Web Application .The Mendeley supports Windows, Mac and LinuxOperating Systems .It is also free of charge .The Mendeley is fully compatible withWindows Word 2003-2010, Mac Word 2008-2011, LibreOffice and BibTex as well.Respective software helps researchers to write research papers in a desired format andprovides assistance to the researchers to manage, share and discover research materialsadding PDFs of articles, book chapters, notes .It is capable to work in collaboration withweb based environment .Accordingly, identifying research sources and facilitating research group work finds it easy . The Mendeley reduces workload trouble for researchers in termsof edit and proof read the research as well . The Mendeley immensely serve the researchersto overcome the inaccuracies that they encounter during their research and to manage shareand discover both content and contacts in researchTherefore, this study intends to find out how the Mendeley functions to organize, write,collaborate and discover research information for the researchers .
Disaster Management Issues of Marginalized People in Flood Affected Areas in the City of Colombo and Its Surroundings: The Cases of Colombo and Gampaha Districts of Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sakalasooriya, N.
This Study investigates the major issues of communities who have settled in flood prone areas in Colombo city and surrounding rural periphery in Gampaha District. Around 302,000 people in 22 districts in Sri Lanka have been affected due to the torrential rain and floods, according to the latest situation report from the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka. The number of families affected is close to 75,000 with 104 deaths, 31 injured, 99 missing and damage to property totalling over 5,000. There are 210 safe locations housing over 6,000 individuals and 21,484 families. Key findings in an assessment by the Ministry of Disaster Management in the Colombo, and Gampaha districts said the May 2016 floods have caused the highest displacements widespread damage to productive assets, loss to livelihoods and agricultural and livestock production. This paper examines the gap between neediness of victims and disaster management process in 2016 flood disaster in Sri Lanka. to examining the issues to fulfil the neediness of victims in city and its periphery, 09 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs), five from Gamapaha district and four from Colombo District, have been selected as study areas. The study clarifies the issues, which are being faced by the flood victims in the study areas and attempts to disclose the weaknesses of post disaster management process to recover their livelihood. Qualitative approach is applied and focused group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations are the main data collecting methods. The study has done in month of August, two months after the severe flood event occurred in 2016. Most of the families got affected are living in geographically vulnerable areas such as low-lying lands, filled land, and brick quarries where inundation is possible after heavy rain. No relationship is been observed between the development and the geographical features of the area. Seems there was no city planning or rural planning whatsoever. This needs to be taken into consideration in longer term town development planning. Canal systems, waste water systems, swage systems were seems to be irregular. Though there were many reports of community based disaster management systems, none of such systems were functioning during the floods. Survey participants clearly mentioned the gaps in disaster response mechanisms. They have observed the lack of coordination among respective organizations. As per the community improper functioning of waste management, sewage systems and management of water ways have found out to be the main reason for the increased impact. In most cases, especially in Kolonnawa DS division in Colombo this was a regular occurrence even before the flooding. People have not considered early warning from DMC seriously, although they are warned people were hesitant to evacuate because they didn’t have previous experiences of a disaster of such a magnitude. This also has raised the point of having the capacity among people to interpret early warnings given by the Government and media and to respond accordingly. Lesson learned was that not only early warning technology, their impacts and anticipated responses need to be assessed.
Perceived usefulness of ICT by Healthcare staffs’ in western region of Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dileep, A.H.; Wijayanayake, W.M.J.I.
Information and communication technology )ICT (has the potential for supporting patients ’prescription and staff information sharing, hospital resource management, and collaboration among pre-hospital services . Healthcare staff are changed agents in healthcare sector .They are key drivers who play crucial role in ICT integration in healthcare .The aim of this study is to examine healthcare staff level of perceived usefulness of ICT in western region of Sri Lanka . A sample of 100 healthcare staff was assessed for measure the individual’s beliefs about the usefulness of ICT in their job using a Likert type questionnaire )Strongly Disagree )SD(, Disagree )D(, Neutral )N(, Agree )A(, Strongly Agree )SA ((and Statistical Package for the Social Science )SPSS ( . There were 60 females )60 (%participants and 40 were male )40 .(%The average number of years of computer use was 8.73 years )SD=5.722 .(There were neutral responses) 11 (% for reverse scoring question .Further, there were high positive responses) 89(% for positive scoring questions . Therefore healthcare staff in western region of Sri Lanka have positive beliefs about the usefulness of ICT in their job .They have good beliefs to work with computerized environment as well as present environment . This study clearly depict that healthcare staff beliefs about the usefulness of ICT in their job are not reverse strengthening for integration of ICT to the State hospitals in western region of Sri Lanka
The Impact of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure of Diabetic Patients on Household Consumption: A Case Study in Kurunegala Teaching Hospital
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Upananda, V.; Amirthalingam
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a chronic disease that requires medical treatment and care for a prolonged time. Despite the existence of free healthcare system in the country, patients are compelled to bear the cost of medication and related expenditure for a considerable period of time, perhaps throughout the lifetime. Therefore, the financial burden of diabetes may have a significant impact on household expenditure. Then the question emerging from this problematic situation, ‘whether Out of Pocket Expenditure (OPE) for treating and caring diabetes has an impact on household consumption’. Since diabetic population in Sri Lanka is nearly four million, findings of this study may useful to identify the attributes of OPE for diabetes of this larger population. Therefore, this study is based on Kurunegala teaching hospital. The major data collecting instrument was by a questionnaire developed, after translating cost concepts into questions which are pre-tested to understand whether respondents clearly understand the questions targeted to collect data and data were collected from a sample of 50 patients attended to the Diabetes clinic of the hospital. Due to time constraint, convenience sampling method was applied to collect data from patients in the diabetes clinic of January 2016. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Simple linear regression was calculated to predict the impact of OPE on household consumption (F1,48 ) = 1.643 p < .206 ) with R2 of .033. These results suggest that the impact of OPE on household consumption is not significant. The results of this study also suggests that treatments for diabetic patients by state hospitals are satisfactory and out of pocket expenditure for diabetic treatment has no significant effect on household consumption.
The political emergence of Buddhist monk in Sri Lankan society: From king's palace to parliament
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wijayasinghe, A.M.
The relationship between the state of Sri Lanka and the Buddhism was established on the day when the Arahath Mahinda Thero introduced Buddhism to Sri Lankan society. After that Buddhist monk became a prominent figure in Sri Lankan society. This situation prevailed from the Anuradhapura kingdom to Kandyan kingdom. When Sri Lanka became a colony of British, Buddhist monk had given his guidance for the rebels conducted by local people. The Vidyalankara Decleration (Vidyalankara Prakashaya) which was declared in 1946 gave a disciplinary permission for Buddhist monks which encouraged them to engage in political activities without any fear. That situation paved the way to Buddhist monk for emerge as a prominent figure in 2004 parliamentary election as election candidates and win nine seats in parliament. This study is mainly focused on the political emergence of Buddhist monk in different stages of Sri Lankan history. The collection of data for this study is mainly done through the methods of textual analysis and interviews. The data which was collected according to the above methodology clearly suggest that the Buddhist monk captured a prominent place in Sri Lankan history of politics. As well as the image of Buddhist monk had used by the various types of political parties in order to grab the public opinion towards their victory.
Parental Purposes for Motivating Children to Engage in School-Based Sports
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayake, N.B.; Kalansooriya, J.; Kumari, H.V.M.; Arachchige, O.; Pitigala, P.K.G.C.
This Study examines the effects of parental attitudes on children’s school sport participation. It will focus on different people and institutions that are linked to promoting sports in School -aged children. The main purpose of the study is to assess the parents’ expectations when motivating their children for school sport programs. We have also analyzed the relationship between parents’ attitudes towards their children’s sporting habits. The primary research question for this inquiry is “what are the parental beliefs about extracurricular sport activities and what their expectations of these programs are?” There are many researches already carried out to find the relationship between the present situations in Sri Lankan school children’s participation in sports, which is considerably high. A measure of parental attitude that is independent of the child’s behavior is important in covering the gap in the existing research. I have collected responses from nine schools in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. The primary data was collected from 270 school children who are engaged in and not engaged in school sports. Data was analyzed for statistics, percentages, factor loading and group comparisons by using the software SPSS 21.0. The findings show mainly seven expectations influencing parents’ attitudes. The key parental attitude that determine their encouragement of their children to engage in sports is the approachability of coaches. Parents are of the opinion that sport participation has had a positive influence on attitudes towards making good grades, and they believe that children would be less likely to hang out with the wrong crowd if they are involved in sports. The positive recognition received from participating in sports was beneficial, and children seem to be more satisfied with school when participating in sports. All these factors have 81% variance to the dependent variable. Female children’s sport participation is only marginally influenced by female parents when female children are growing up. The results imply that promoting sports to the younger generation seems to be a fruitful strategy in creating a sporting habit and promoting sports participation among parents. However, there are challenges to be overcome in promoting female participation.
A Historical Analysis on the Differences in the Rites and Rituals of Sri Lankan Food Culture
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hewawasan, H.H.N.S.
The objective of this study is to investigate the changes undergo in Sri Lankan food culture according to the functions and festivals. This research was carried out based on the primary sources such as Mahawamsa, Saddharmalankaraya, Saddharamarathnawaliya, Pujawaliya, Rasavahini and several other secondary sources. In the ancient days, the folks had followed several rites and rituals based on their daily routines. This research scope covers a historical analysis on those rituals and rites since the beginning of the Anuradhapura period. Some of these rituals were mainly concerned on food. One such is the ceremony where a baby is fed for the first time: "indul katagaema" in Sinhala. Moreover, special cuisines had been followed in wedding ceremonies and funerals. Hence, based on this a "food culture" had been created. Irrespective of the difference in occasions, the same food item was being made in several methods according to the function. Furthermore, during puberty and Pregnancy periods, the food cuisines had undergone various changes depending on the nutritional needs. This is not only unique for Sri Lanka, but applicable for many countries in the world. However, there are distinct differences in the food culture between the rich and the poor. Nonetheless, depending on the method how the food is being used, their classifications can be differed. Conclusively, it can be stated that Sri Lanka has a unique food culture since ancient times.