ICSS 2016

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Access and Usage of the Online Databases in the Wayamba University Library Network (with special reference to Makandura Premises)
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Thusithkumari, W.M.
Electronic databases play a major role as information sources in libraries at present. Many of the indexed and abstracting journals appear as electronic bibliographic databases and information retrieval systems. Other than indexes and abstracts, there are different types of electronic databases, which are now very popular among the librarians and library users due to several factors like speed, flexibility, wide range and accuracy. The objective of this study is to measure the online database usage of academics in Wayamba University Makandura Premises, and to find the obstacles they face. The methodology used for this study was the survey method. Online questionnaires were used as the data collection method. The questionnaires were distributed to the academic staff in two faculties of the Makandura premises. Usage statistics of vendors were also used in data analysis. Online questionnaires were given to the academic staff in order to identify the most useable databases, and also to understand the obstacles in using online databases. Vendor’s statistics (2012-2015) are utilized to see the usage pattern of databases. The study shows that there had been a steady growth rate in the usage of the online database.. However the general usage of online database of Wayamba library network is at a satisfactory level. Several obstacles to online database usage were identified in this study. These include the lack of full text availability, the high cost of online databases, the lack of search skills among users, the lack of knowledge about scholarly e-journals. The following recommendations were made to overcome above obstacles: increase the subscriptions of scholarly online databases, allocate sufficient funds by the university and conduct continuous information-seeking literacy training by library.
The Role of English Language Awareness in the Enhancement of Rural Development
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Inparaj, C.T.J.
The pedagogy of teaching - learning in the primary education system is deeply rooted within the society they belong to. The awareness of the parents becomes a vital focus in modern pedagogical trend. Teachers who teach English as a second language (ESL) are expected to bridge the gap between the rural society’s understanding of English language and the scope of English language in the globalized world. Therefore, this research was undertaken to provide a sound exposure to the static community with regard to English language learning. This study is limited to the competency levels of reading and writing. The objective of this study is to reduce global challenges by conducting awareness programmes to the parents of a particular society on the scope of English language in the modern world as a Linqua Franca. To achieve this objective, data was collected through the analysis of pre and post evaluation tests, questionnaires, interviews as well as observations during the teaching – learning process and interaction sessions with parents. The respondents of this study consisted of hundred mixed – ability students of grade four in J/ Skandavarodaya Primary School and fifty parents of them. All the respondents were selected randomly. Among them, fifty students were considered as the controlled group, since their parents were not given any instruction regarding the language awareness project. The other fifty students were considered as experimental group and their parents were selected from a rural area to carry out this research. A quantitative analytical comparative methodology was utilized. Findings of this study brought out the factors which hinder students’ participation in learning activities and confirmed that by giving awareness to the parents and maintaining good rapport with them, the whole community is motivated towards working towards the betterment of English language proficiency of children. Thus maintaining public relation and communication within rural undeveloped areas generates and enhances students’ proficiency level in English language.
Kandyan Peasantry: The Reality and the Ideological Formation
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Koggalage, D.T.
The Kandyan peasant community has been the field for several important landmark research works both in the areas of history and sociology. Professor Michael Roberts, Dr. Newton Gunasinghe and Dr. Kumari Jayawardena are pioneer researches in this area. Kandyan peasantry, from the very inception of the formation of the Kandyan Kingdom acquired a uniqueness due to the geographical location and the social structure of the Kingdom. Kandyan peasantry was quite a separate entity when compared to that of the Maritime Provinces. This uniqueness is evident from the theoretical formation of the socio- economic structure of which the peasants were a vital part. The aim of this paper is to look into the problem whether the theoretical formation of the Kandyan peasantry has corresponded with the actual existence of the peasant community of the Kandyan society. It can be said that the theoretical formation of the Kandyan peasantry based on the caste, the land-tenure and the rajakariya systems sometimes complicates the identification of the real peasantry. This is because the peasantry in theoretical formation was not essentially the cultivators in practice.
Association between Maternal Health Status and Birth Weight of Children among Young Mothers in India using Missing Case Analysis
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dutta, T.; Dwivedi, L.K.D.
In low income countries like India, birth weight is often not reported by mothers or family members due to not knowing or not noting down the weight at the time of birth. Thus, there are a good number of birth weight cases missing from large scale demographic surveys like the National Family Health Survey. In the National Family Health Survey, Round III, 2005-06, around 59% cases of birth weight of children are missing due to not knowing or not noting down the weight at the time of birth. Therefore, it poses several limitations for researches conducted on birth weight of children using NFHS dataset. One such major limitation is the biasness of the results due to the unavailability of cases. The present study aims to address the issues of missing data in the birth weight variable in NFHS, Round III, using a simple regression imputation method. Imputation is a method to fill in missing data with plausible values to produce a complete data set. In the present paper, regression imputation is chosen for replacing the missing cases, as it is a very simple method and efficiently deals with the missing cases. Also, the study attempts to examine the relationship between birth weight and maternal health status and health-seeking behavior, along with other socio-economic correlates. This is done by first imputing the missing cases of the birth weight variable, and then examining its relationship with various socio-economic and demographic factors. It compares the likelihood of low and high birth weight babies against the normal birth weight with the same set of independent variables using the multinomial logistic regression. The results of imputation imply that any analysis done with the birth weight variable which has only 40 per cent cases available, ignoring the missing values would yield biased results. It would render more emphasis on the religion, sex of child and BMI of mothers as the significant determinants. However, after imputation, the pattern of significance changes and more important socioeconomic and cultural determinants gain importance. It also suggests that imputing missing cases for a variable gives the model a better fit. Looking at the results of multinomial logit model, one can infer from this study that healthcare utilization during pregnancy is not the sole determinant of a healthy pregnancy outcome. The health status and lifestyle of mothers in their prime reproductive years is of immense importance in determining the birth weight of a child.
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.
The Impact of Financial Liberalization on the Sri Lankan Economy:1977-2012
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Adikari, A.M.P.
This study examines the impact of financial liberalization on the Sri Lankan economy over the time series annual data from 1978 to 2012. The study examines the impact of financial liberalization on selected economic variables: domestic investment, savings, narrow and broad money and economic growth in the Sri Lanka economy. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method based on the Vector Auto Regression (VAR) model and the Granger Causality test were conducted to find out the long-term relationship among the variables concerned in the equations developed to test the hypotheses. An index has been constructed using six major components of financial liberalization namely; interest rate deregulation, reserve requirements and credit ceilings, international capital flows, banking sector entry and competition, securities market reforms and banking sector supervision. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) method is used to construct this index and, it is used as a proxy of financial liberalization to examine the impact of financial liberalization on economic growth, savings, investments and money demand in Sri Lanka. The findings result include a confirmation of significant and positive long-term relationship between financial liberalization and economic growth in the Sri Lankan economy i.e., positive impact on national savings and on domestic investment. From the findings of the study, financial liberalization was found to have positively impacted on broad money and negatively impacted on narrow money in Sri Lanka. In terms of policy implications,effective role of the government in providing must play a leading role as a facilitator by providing appropriate legislation to strengthen the financial system, developing institutional setup, strengthening bank supervision allowing market forces to operate in the financial market. Are suggested
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
Impact of Chinese soft power strategies in determining the triangular relationship among China, India and Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasena, J.T.
The Chinese soft power usage in South Asia has strategic influence over the triangular relationship among China, India and Sri Lanka. India’s nostalgia for its dominance over the South Asian region in the past is still evident in its approach towards South Asia, since India could not completely eliminate its hegemonic aspirations over regional affairs. The clash of strategic aspirations between the two major powers influences the overall triangular relationships among three states.The main research problem at the present study is to determine how the Chinese soft power strategies influence Indian and Sri Lankan policies by analyzing their responses towards Chinese presence in the region which shape the triangular relationship. One objective is to determine the Chinese soft power strategies and responses of India and Sri Lanka towards it. Another objective is to determine the impact of Chinese soft power application on the overall triangular relationship among India, China and Sri Lanka. This paper particularly focuses on the trade and investment by two major powers as one of crucial soft power approach.A qualitative approach has been used to analyze data in this context Primary data collected from semi structured interviews and Secondary data collected through data triangulation method available in both printed and electronic form in various data sources such as historical records, government publications, books, interviews, speeches, and web will be analyzed using theories through a deductive content analysis. Key findings is that China is threat theory explained India considered Chinese Peaceful rise as a threat while smaller states like Sri Lanka played a significant role by providing an attractive platform for major powers to play their great game. As a means of soft power trade and investments have been effectively used by both India and China and Sri Lanka was attracted by Chinese economic assistance which came without political influence over its respective domestic policies. China's strategy of non-interference implied it has the least interest on Sri Lanka’s political issues. Chinese strategic presence in Sri Lanka and its attempt at takeover South Asia's under-exploited markets so far dominated by India caused anxiety in India which is reflected on the Indo-Sri Lanka relations.
People Management in the Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Katapearachchi, G.K.; Herath, H.M.P.S.
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is an integrated software solution, typically offered by a vendor as a package that supports the seamless integration of all the information flowing through a company sales, purchasing, production, service, inventory and material, etc. This paper is intended to discuss on complications in ERP implementation with the client, vendor, implementer, consultant and project management. According to the studies carried out by Somers et al. (2001) and Wong et al. (2005) it was revealed that there are many conflicts in product selection procedure. Although both clients and consultants have no doubt on the business needs of an ERP system, root causes for this problem may be that the client’s lack of knowledge about features of ERP packages, methods of evaluation, and the scope of the project. Further stakeholders may face many complications as a result of improper project planning and execution, Huang et al. (2004). According to the client commitment, it is very important to have a good output from the ERP. The Commitment from the Top Management is also a special factor that affect to the ERP implementation. Huang et al (2001) identified that so many times top management don’t give their best for implementations, so it is too hard to achieve the outcome of the best of the ERP. Transfer of System Knowledge to the Client is another factor that affects to the ERP implementations. Upadhyay et al. (2011) and Huang et al. (2004) found that both clients and consultants agree that transfer of system knowledge to the client is good in implementations, which shows the excellence on training sessions that have been carried out to educate the end user. This research is focused to find a model to Management of Conflicts in Sri Lankan ERP projects. These findings can be effectively used by ERP implementers, consultants and by researchers in projects.
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.