ICSS 2016

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14642

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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.
Agricultural Globalization and Non Plantation Agriculture in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Henegedara, G.M.
Agriculture is still important as the backbone of the economy and it contributes 19 percent of export income while occupying 30 percent of the total labour force. Thus agriculture development has recognized as one of the dynamic sectors of the country that could be generated capital, raw materials, food and labour as advocated by Lewis’ model (1954). The non-plantation agricultural sector which includes paddy and other food crops cultivation is occupied by a large number of small producers and characterize with conventional technology and low productivity. The successive governments in Sri Lanka followed various strategic policy options to develop the food crop sector by opening up to foreign market, foreign capital and advanced technology through agricultural globalization. The focal point of agricultural globalization is to increase the production efficiency through the principle of comparative advantage. Thus it is expected to increase the production, employment and income of farming community and to increase the consumer welfare as well. The main objective of this paper is to review how agricultural globalization process has impacted on increasing agricultural production, income and the welfare of farming community. The methodology of the study was based on inductive method and secondary sources information were used. The study reveals that liberal policies that lead to agricultural globalization had made a positive impact on improving domestic food crop sector in Sri Lanka. Thus, domestic food production, productivity, food security and farm income have increased despite some negative impact on income distribution and net returns. However the overall impact would be positive and dynamic along with the rapid globalization process.
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.
Analysis of Organizational Factors Coursing Employee Job Stress with Special Reference to Middle Level Managers of Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Malithi, M.A.S.; Dissanayake, D.M.T.D.
more effective workers towards the organizational success. They talk positively about the industry and go beyond the normal expectations of their job while helping others. To create high level of satisfaction among the employees reducing job stress is very much important because Job Stress mean a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, constraint, or demand related to what he or she desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important. According to this study researches identified that there are three main organizational factors such as leader related factors, management information system related factors and structure related factor causing employee job stress and the special reference was given to middle level managers in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Researches used simple random sampling technique to select the sample and finally selected 60 middle level managers from five apparel sector organizations. Collected data was analyzed by using SPSS statistical package and identified that the leader related factors are more influential among other factors. This study highlights the importance of leader related factors, management information system related factors and structure related factor towards the reduction of stress level with in the apparel sector and further it provides significant findings for reduce the job stress among the workers.
Assessing the Motor Skill Development of Kindergartens in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to Gampaha Divisional Secretariat
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumara, R.D.R.; Wijethissa, C.
This particular study titled “Assessing the motor skill development of kindergartens in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to Gampaha Divisional Secretariat”. This study was thoroughly undertaken by the researchers by focusing on the problem how physical development of children who are studying in kindergarten level is differ through gross motor skills and fine motor skills. There were three objectives set to be achieved by this study, which include a key objective namely to determine the physical development level of children in Gampaha GN Division. Researchers carried out an extensive literature review to provide a conceptual background of the study and to formulate hypotheses for the study. The stratified random sampling method was employed 400 nursery children selected as a sample in this study. The researchers used using ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ) which was recommended by the American Academy of Neurology, and the child Neurology. Data were analysis with the association of SPSS 21.0 version and certain conclusions were made from the study after carrying out detailed scientific analysis of data using appropriate statistical tools. The result shows that there was significant percentage of preschools’ Gross motor development level appears to be on schedule as fine motor skill.
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.
Awareness and Usage of Cloud Computing Services (CCS) by members of the Library Staff: A Case Study on the Library of University of Kelaniya
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Chamara, K.A.T.
Today in this technical era, cloud computing is a very effective technology model for delivering Information Technology (IT) services. University libraries have started adopting Cloud Computing Services (CCS) for functioning the library in smoothly. The purpose of this paper is to identify the level of awareness and usage of CCS by members of Library in the University of Kelaniya. And also to identify the CCS they are using. A questionnaire and interviews were used for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed among all the members of Library staff except labourers. Most of the academic staff members of the library were aware of CCS and appeared to be using that knowledge for official and personal activities. However the use of this CCS by Non-academic staff members of the library was not at a satisfactory level. The findings revealed that staff members mostly use CCS such as mailing services, social networking services, video services, file sharing services for their activities. They only use WorldCat Cloud Library Service (CLS) for the library and most of them did not seems to know about other CLSs. It is observed that high rate awareness and advance computer literacy skills had led to high levels of usage of CCS. It is recommended that more awareness programmes and hands on trainings should be arranged for all the members of the library and at the same time Computer Literacy programmes are recommended for those members of the Non-academic staff who lack knowledge in computer literacy.
Awareness and Use of OPAC/Web OPAC by University Lecturers of University of Kelaniya
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wimalawansha, B.G.U.N.
The introduction of ICT in the field of Libraries & Information Centers has brought a change in the all library techniques such as retrieval & dissemination of information resources. It has also changed the ways of providing services offered to user’s community. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is one of these technologies provide access to any of the information contained in the record for an item in the library. It may define as a database of bibliographic records describing the holdings of a library. Although OPAC is easy & effective search tool, traditional search tools are used by many users for their information needs. It is a problem. The main objective of this study is to identify what problems are faced by University lecturers in using OPAC/Web OPAC. Other objectives of this study are to identify purpose of OPAC and to identify solutions for their problems. The study is based on a survey. The sample of the study is selected from lecturers in the University of Kelaniya. This study used Questionnaires and Descriptive statistics method (SPSS software) used for data analysis. Recording to survey result use of OPAC by University lecturers as a percentage was 11%. Data show that law percentage of respondents are using the OPAC as a search tool for retrieving documents. Although they know OPAC as a computer catalogue, they don’t have wide awareness about OPAC. Many lecturers don’t use all features provided by OPAC and they don’t know how to search bibliographic records. The satisfaction level of users was law level with the OPAC facilities provided by University library staff. Based on the findings, University library staff try to make its users wide awareness and effective use of library OPAC. Such as organizing qualitative instruction program, giving practical training about searching methods & Promoting OPAC among University lecturers.
Bio fertilizer: microbial inoculant from agricultural waste
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Warnakulasooriya, W.M.S.; de Silva, D.A.M.; Yapa, P.I.
Due to long lasting exploitation and specially, chemical fertilizer that used to get more yield cause to destroy, all of the beneficial microbes from the soil in cultivated area .Therefore, we couldn’t able to take the advantage of the beneficial microbes living in soil. And it has resulted in different type of soil degradation . And the soil quality has declined in many cultivated lands resulting less productivity with the health problems to the people. On the other hand, worldwide billion metric tons of waste materials generated annually with the potential of .using effectively to regenerate valuable things, such as organic manure, fertilizer, energy, etc .Our approach was to develop soil microbial inoculant from agricultural waste and introduce it to farming to create a sustainable solution for selective waste management, Reduce the soil degradation, increase the soil reconstruction ability, enhance the degradation of soil organic and inorganic compound to enhance the soil nutrients .In this study, the application of the favorable media that inoculated beneficial microbes as a fertilizer and soil rehabilitation media was examined without chemicals by using series of microbial cultures and sub cultures with deferent cultural media. Culture the microorganism in a proper media with supplying Nitrogen, Carbon, oxygen and Energy source by using the waste materials . Rice husk, cow dung, sugar, ripen fruits and gliricidia was used in certain proportion and aeration used to retain aerobic microbes .Then identify those beneficial microbes in the collected sample and isolate them. Prepared media cause to increase biogenic carbon storage, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and added input increase soil water holding capacity. There are more benefit can be obtained by product for the longer period due to the microbes who creates spores than others. The bio-fertilizer mixture is possible to develop crop and filed requirements with locally available raw materials. Further, field trials proved that bio-fertilizer mixture enrich soil with microbes, natural fertilization, improve soil physical properties. Farmers receive sustainable benefits, including economical, environmental friendly and socially desirable replacement for inorganic fertilizers.
Blast the Silence to Recognize the Rights of Persons with Mental Illnesses in Sri Lanka: Ideas for a New Law
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mudalige, N.K.K.
Attention paid to the rights of persons with mental illnesses are rare, although this group should neither be ignored, nor unattended. Hence there’s an imperative to the break long silence and pay more attention to those who are in need of such attention. Sri Lanka signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008 and ratified it in 2016. Yet there is no positive indication on the part of the State to take initial actions to recognize such rights of mentally disabled persons. Due to the vulnerability of the group in consideration, it is accepted that such rights shall be expressly recognized in the statutory form since they face stigma, discrimination and marginalization in all societies, which increases the likelihood that their human rights will be violated. Yet there is no national mental health legislation in 25% of countries as per the Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package issued by the World Health Organization in 2003. Sri Lanka stands out as one of the three South Asian countries that does not possess specific mental health legislation, a key legislative lacuna. The objective of this study is to identify the need to have mental health legislation and to identify factors that shall be covered by such mental health legislation in Sri Lanka. Methodology will be exploratory where documented sources are utilized to realize the objectives of the study. Related legislation and judicial decisions will be used as primary sources and books, research papers and journal articles will be employed as secondary sources. Findings of the research would cover the areas that require statutory recognition of rights of persons with mental illness, the definition and recognition of mental illness, and rights that need to be addressed including the reasons for such recognition and obligation of the parties concerned. Recommendations will be followed taking lessons from UK and South Asian Countries.
Building Reconciliation in Sri Lanka; An analysis of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Herath, O.V.
Sri Lanka is struggling with the aftermath of a brutal 26 year civil war that cost tens of thousands of lives. It ended in 2009 when the government forces advanced behind heavy bombardments into the strongholds of separatist extremists fighting for an independent Tamil homeland in the north of the country. In the wake of the war, the rift dividing the two major national communities has remained wide. To build that gap among civilians, so many initiatives for reconciliation are happening through various branches of government as well as non- government. Lessons Learnt Reconciliation Commission is one of the initiatives introduced by previous government and though there are lots of arguments against Lessons Learnt Reconciliation Commission, it is still in the operation. So this research is focused on analysing the recommendations and the actions that the Lessons Learnt Reconciliation Commission has taken with reference to reconciliation. Weather the recommendations provided by Lessons Learnt Reconciliation Commission could be used to build reconciliation in Sri Lanka is the research problem and the major objective of this research is to analyse the recommendations and the actions of the Lessons Learnt Reconciliation Commission with reference to reconciliation. This research is a qualitative content analysis and has used both primary and secondary data, and interviews were used to gather primary data. Secondary data was collected using books, magazines and websites. Data was analysed qualitatively. According to the findings of the research, the Sri Lankan Government has introduced two commissions to investigate alleged crimes against humanity, violations of international law, and related harms. The first, the Group of Eminent Persons, concluded its work without issuing a report and the Department of State welcomed the establishment of the second body, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. This report notes several aspects of its constitution and mandate that are of concern. The Commission has examined the progression of the conflict that afflicted Sri Lanka as well as looked ahead towards an era of healing and reconciliation in the country. It endeavoured to analyse submissions as well as other published reports, both local and international, relevant to its mandate in order to draw lessons, and made recommendations based on an analysis of the course of the conflict and its causes with a view to redressing grievances while taking the country forward to an era of reconciliation and peace building
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 Case Study on Determinants and Structural Incompatibility in the Graduand Employment in the University of Colombo in Year 2012
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranwala, L.; Sooriyarachchi, R.; Ramanayake, K.P.A.
This study aims to understand the determinants and structural incompatibility in the graduate employment in University of Colombo (UoC) in 2012. Secondary data analysis has been carried out by using the data set of the HETC project done by the Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka. The research is mainly based on two categorical response variables namely; graduate employment and job relevance of the degree. Descriptive analysis has been carried out. Hypothesis testing has been carried out using Chi-Squared test and Fisher’s exact test. Binary logistic regression model has been fitted for the graduate employment. Multinomial logistics regression model has been fitted for the job relevance of the degree. Structural incompatibility in the graduate employment strongly depends on degree type, faculty, class, proficiency in English language, and satisfaction about the university education, area, parent education, involving professional qualification during the university education and doing computer programming variables. In determining probability of employment; gender, faculty, class, involving employment, regular use of emails, satisfaction about university education, degree type, involved in professional qualifications, ethnicity, A/L School and area variables were significant. In determining probability of job relevance of the degree of graduates; degree type, involving professional qualifications and doing computer programming variables were significant.
Categories of Dance in Sri Lanka during Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Periods: An Archaeological Study Based on Dancing Figures
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kakulandala, K.; Bogahawatta, C.
Literary sources from the 3rd century BC and archaeological sources from the 2nd century AD provide adequate evidence about ancient dances in Sri Lanka. Through investigations of both sources of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, religious or semi-religious dances and the dances performed for the king and the royal court can be identified. Categories of dance represented by the dancing figures which are found particularly in Buddhist and Hindu architectural premises as well as unrecorded venues have not been substantially examined yet. Literary sources make repetitive indications towards the practice of dance in ancient Sri Lanka, rather than demonstrating the categories of dance specifically. Thus the main objective of this research was to discover the categories of dance in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods. Features of dancing depicted by the dancing figures were thoroughly examined to achieve the research objective. In attempting to distinguish dancing events from other human figures, the postures of the figures, surroundings and the purpose of creation were analyzed, adhering to standard theoretical frameworks. Through methods of detailed and comparative analysis the categories were recognized. It has been drawn as the conclusion that there had been categories of dance as solo/group dances, female/male and mix gender dances, religious dances and celestial dances as a conceptual dance type during the periods concerned.
Challenges in Resettlement and Adaptation of Urban Dwellers in Colombo City
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kanchana, R.A.C.
Urbanization is an irreversible path of Economic Development and it is being intensified frequently. Although the growth of cities is driven by the economic prosperity, cities today are faced with unprecedented challenges and issues associated with the development. One such negative effect is urban Poverty. The standard of living among the city its dwellers varies widely from abject poverty to affluence of high level. Most of the people live in houses with least facilities. Such conditions have become a challenge to Urban Planner. Recently it was remarkable that Many Housing project has been launched to resettle the poor to ensure the access of proper shelter. So it is exceptional to focus on the challenges in resettlement and adaptation. The main objective of the research is to explore the challenges in resettlement and adaptation of urban dwellers. For this study Colombo city was selected as the study area. The research was both qualitative and Quantitative. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires, Interviews. According to the analysis it was revealed that there is a substantial progress in resettlement of urban deprived. One of the significant challenges is to persuade people to move new dwelling places. Though some people moved to these new dwelling places they have not yet been able to internally change themselves accordingly. The manner in which they got adapted varies from person to person. The behaviors and the social issues are the same that they used to have. New dwelling places have Create Economic pressure on people to unleash a similar problem and Problems have arisen with regard to the institutional mediation. The most obvious suggestion is that all these challenges can only be changed by a superlative rehabilitation instead of a resettlement. Furthermore the research underscores the need of proper institutional management to implement the process.
Changing Levels of Living in Rural India: A Regional Perspective
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayanta Se
The new phase of globalization started around 1980s and many of the developing economies in the world proceeded towards market-orientated economies by removing restrictions on trade, movement of capital and technological transfer. India initiated structural reform policies in the year 1991. The economy was opened up for international markets by removing all the restrictions on import and the inflow of foreign capital and technology. The Indian economy achieved a high momentum in economic growth after economic reforms. The functioning of all the sectors of our economy has changed. The functioning of this market-oriented economy has affected income, and hence, the expenditure pattern of people irrespective of whether they belong to the rural or urban areas. It is expected that there will be a substantial change in the living standard of India’s rural people. Interest in the changing pattern of rural levels of living in the Indian economy has grown as a result. This paper examines the extent and direction of actual changes in the standard of living in rural India. Regional disparity has been explicitly highlighted. Over time, changes in living standards may be attributed either to the change in per-capita expenditure or to the change in inequality or to the both. The effects of growth and distribution on the various in levels of living and their relative roles are examined by a scheme of algebraic decomposition. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) consumer expenditure data are used. We have taken 50 th (1993-94), 61st (2004-05) and 66 th (2009-10) round data on consumer expenditure (Mixed Reference Period) for fifteen major states of India. We have deflated the nominal consumption expenditure figure to compensate the impact of prices by using Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Agricultural Labourers. An improvement in rural levels of living is observed in India and its fifteen major constituent states during the period 1993-2010. A high inter-state disparity is reflected in the data. Kerala, Maharastra and Andhra Pradesh show rapid progress in changing rural standards of living whereas it is slow for Assam, Bihar, Orissa and UP. The ffect of growth has become more pronounced during the period.
Community Participation for Disaster Risk Reduction
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hemathilaka, J.
Floods and landslides caused by torrential rains in Sri Lanka in May 2016 have left 71 people dead, 127 missing, and over 319,000 displaced from homes while over a 427,000 people are affected by the adverse weather. This is the latest experience in Sri Lanka where the frequency and the intensity of natural disaster has shown a drastic increase over the last decade. With the impacts of climate change and destruction of natural eco systems it is expected that natural disasters going to be a frequent phenomenon. If Sri Lanka fails to adapt to this situation quickly the damage for the security of the people’s lives and overall progress of the country will be irreversible. Our current approach in preventing and responding to disasters is largely based on top-down, command and control approach with very little space for affected communities in decision making and implementation. As shown by the previous experiences this has led to more unrest among communities hence worsening the situation. Similarly, with the increasing challenges a centralized single authority will no longer in a position to respond to all the disasters in an inclusive, effective and sustainable manner. As seen in many occasions, local governance structures have played a significant role in disaster situations. But there are some serious questions we have to find answers. Do these local governance structures have the capacities, resources or space in playing a major role in disaster prevention and responding? Do the affected people, especially most vulnerable groups including women, ethnic minorities and disable, have the space in participating decision making and implementing processes? Are we ready to accept the affected communities as dignified citizens who have a right to have proper support rather than being mere recipients. Therefore, this paper has intended to shear the outcome of stake holder consultation to find solutions to those questions and build a system which based on effective participatory governance structure we will be better prepared in responding to the unavoidable natural disasters in future.
Community Symbols in State Institutions: Presence and Implications
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ashraf, M.A.
This paper investigates the presence of community symbols in the state institutions (in India). It introduces the idea of symbolic interaction in these state institutions and the exclusionary practice through those symbols, on the grounds of community identities such as religion, caste and ethnicity, is a major focus of this study. In pursuit of a critical examination of the claims of secularism through a qualitative study, the researcher adopted observation method and analysis as a suitable method. The public higher educational institution is chosen the site of study because it has a direct public interaction for its existence. The researcher also conducted in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guide with the students belonging to different educational institutions as the focus of this research is based on exploration of educational institutes which are identified as ideological state apparatus by Althusser. This idea exclusively talks about power and authority expressed through educational means, while discussing the idea of local forms of power. Foucault takes major inputs from the Althusser’s concept of Ideological State Apparatus because education also has great contribution in our socialization. Also followed the ideas of Emile Durkheim and Mary Douglas and others who have elaborated the affiliation of identity and symbols and social importance of community symbols for unity and seclusion among society. Findings from this research it was been observed that, there is strong nexus of government and the dominant community in the state institutions, and the interdependency of their existence, of political social and religious instruments which communicate through the symbols On the other hand social gets the power from political, for sustenance and growth. It is also found that social issue of ‘exclusion’ makes the power relation visible in the democratic-secular state institutions and the tool of exclusion is based on community symbols. So the overall discussion is about the duality of ideology and practice in state institutions.
The Comparative Study of the Influences of International labour Migration in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amaratunga, G.; Wickramarachchi, W.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the influences caused by the International labour migration imposed on the institution of the family. After introducing the open economy in 1977 in Sri Lanka a large number consisting of both men and women migrated to take up jobs in the Middle East, on the other hand the numbers migrating to Italy in search of employment also increased. Labour migration as migrant worker is someone who leaves one geographical location to another with the intention of supplying labour for wages. The aim of the study is the examination of what problems and situations had to be faced by the labour migratory Sri Lankan family. It was mothers who were mostly induced by the Middle East, but it was the Italian labour migration that attracted the males. Within this background the research problem in this study was, What is the impact of parents in migratory foreign employment to the functions of the family institution? The hypothesis was “families of parents engaged in foreign employment are faced with more negative links than positive links. Both Survey method and the Case Study method were utilized. Data was assimilated by Interviews, Questionnaire and Observation method. Finally it can be stated that the results of foreign employment have brought much more social disruption than social benefits.
Comparative study on the adsorptive behavior of As (III) and Cr (III) ions from aqueous solution on to sawdust and rice husk biochar
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunatilake, S.K.
Sorption capacity of two different biochar (saw dust and rice straw) was evaluated in the recovery of arsenic and chromium from aqueous solutions. Biochar from rice straw and saw dust were obtained from pyrolysis of biomass at 400◦C. The optimum sorption conditions were studied for different concentrated monometallic system. Sorption studies were performed at different pH, contracting time and different initial metal ion concentration in the batch mode. The optimum pH was 3 for recovery of As(III) and 5-7 for Cr(III). Kinetic studies yielded an optimum equilibrium time of 50 minutes with an adsorbent dose of 1 g/L and initial concentration ∼20 mg/L for both ions. Metal ions in aqueous solution were transported to biochar surface through adsorption and intra-particle diffusion process. Experimental data for both metal ions were fitted a Langmuir model with R2 value for As(III) 0.969, 0.879 for saw dust and rice straw respectively while 0.971, 0.99 for Cr(III) ions. The Freundlich constant, KF values for removal of As(III) and Cr(III) ions by saw dust and rice straw were 0.9127, 0.8951 and 0.944, 0.844 respectively. The 1/n value for arsenic and chromium ions obtained from saw dust and rice straw were 0.209, 028 and 0.862, 0.84 respectively and indicate the normal sorption of As(III) and Cr(III). The values indicated the affinity of the sorbent towards the uptake of both ions and adsorptions of the metal ions were favorable. According to FTIR analysis As(III) as well as Cr(III) metal ions bound to active sites of the biosorbents in different biochars through either electrostatic attraction or complexation mechanism. The electrostatic attraction between metal ion and carbonate group and complexation mechanism between electron donor atoms (O and N) are occurred. These results indicated that carbonyl, hydroxyl, amine and halides are the main adsorption sites in saw dust and rice straw biochar and these functional groups complexes with As(III) and Cr(III) ions in the aqueous solution and changed the chemical environment of the functional groups in the biochar. The results showed that rice straw and saw dust biomass can be used to remove Arsenic and Chromium ions from aqueous phase.