ICH 2016

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14540

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Problems associated with the use of Communicative Language Teaching in teaching Chinese as a foreign language
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kariyawasam, K.B.G.W.S.
New language teachers have shifted to adopt the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach after noticing the failure of form focusing approach in developing learners' communicative ability in real life situations. CLT method has been identified as the functional approach. The rationale of the CLT approach is that the teacher should act as a facilitator to create a student-centered classroom and engage learners in authentic-like and meaningful communications with the goal to increase comprehensible language input for learners, expecting them to generate more output. If the target of foreign language teaching is to use the language, CLT seems to be an ideal teaching model. The aim of this study was to find out the difficulties faced by teachers in using CLT method in teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (UOKSL). Data were collected from the Chinese language teachers at UOKSL by a using questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and class room observations. Results depict that indoor class room environment and a large number of students of the classes may lead to the failure of CLT. Awareness of these problems and the possible remedies such as small group classes, outdoor activities can be helpful for both CFL teachers and learners, providing them with insightful ideas about how to manage their teaching and learning activities for the successful implementation of this method.
Female labor force participation in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Adikari, A.M.P.
Women’s access to employment and resources increase human capital and capabilities in a household as well as in an economy. According to the annual report of Sri Lanka Labor Force Survey in 2014, labor force participation 15years and over was 74.6 for male and 34.7 for female. The relatively low female labor force participation rate in Sri Lanka can be viewed as a puzzle given that the country enjoys high levels of female schooling. But, female labor force participation has not changed much in recent decades and remained stagnant at a rate around 30 to 35 percent of the working age group. Therefore, this study aims to explore why female labour force participation is low in Sri Lanka. Study explains the trends in the labour force participation and educational achievements of females in Sri Lanka and explores the factors behind the low female labour force participation rate, despite having high female education level during last decade. The study mainly utilized secondary data published in the annual and quarterly labour force surveys conducted by Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. Determinants contributed for the low female participation were examined from a descriptive manner utilizing these secondary data. A number of factors might have contributed to the low female labour force participation despite having high female education in Sri Lanka during the study period. Issues in the education system, higher level of female unemployment, narrowed choices of females in the labour market, wage discriminations and unavailability of child caring facilities are the main reasons behind the low female labour force participation. As a conclusion, it is essential to say that the women’s labour remains a vastly disregarded area and a great deal of more research needs to be done at the national level to provide the necessary information to determine the factors influencing women’s labour supply decision and policy makers should develop appropriate policies to enhance the female participation in the Sri Lankan labour market.
A study of instrumental, integrative and personal motivation levels of Telecommunication Engineering students learning English as a Second Language
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Embogama, S.
Motivation is a crucial variable that constitutes to the development of a second language (L2). Hence, it is a prerequisite for the successful acquisition of a target language under almost all circumstances. The need to acquire an L2 in the context of an academic environment by virtue of the fact that it is the medium of instruction leaves students with no option but to develop proficiency in the target language. This study evaluated a group of telecommunication Engineering students’ motivation and attitudes towards learning the English language using the three motivational constructs proposed by Gardner: instrumental, integrative and personal in order to identify which category of motivation is the most crucial one for this particular set of undergraduates. The sample population consisted of a group of seventy-five first-year undergraduates at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC). The primary source of data collection was done through the adaptation of Gardner’s motivation questionnaire named the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) and the findings revealed that the main reason why these learners wanted to acquire the English language was instrumental since they had to use the target language for academic purposes. The highest scoring was obtained for the assertion that learning the English language is a means of ensuring that they are in a position to use it to become successful in the study programme being followed. Therefore, the findings of the study stressed the importance of engaging in teaching activities that would target this particular need of the particular sample student population whose requirements for learning it are mostly for academic purposes rather than for cultural acculturation with that of the community of target language speakers. The research concludes by divulging certain pedagogical factors that could be used in similar academic environments as means of identifying, developing and sustaining high levels of motivation among adult L2 learners.
Tracing lineage of mentorship of Tämpita Vihāras of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayaka, G.R.
The structures built on a wooden platform resting on short granite pillars or stumps are a unique type of image houses from the 17th to 19th centuries called TämpitaVihāras. Recorded history has revealed the close association of these buildings with the mid 18thcentury Revival Movement by Ven. Velivita Saranankara. This type of single room very small image house emerges in the early Kandyan era. It has a wooden superstructure. The murals in the inner room or sanctum have a very rigid spatial arrangement. The side wooden walls and ceiling have almost similar picture programs. Over 174 structures have been visited by the Samkathana Research team and documented them on the web site. The team has already mapped TämpitaVihāras in six clusters located in the close geographical vicinity: Two in Kurunagala, one in Kegalle and two in Kandy Districts and one in the entire Southern province. Based on this primary research the team has observed the following: There seems to be an unequal distribution of these unique 18th century structures on the island. Sponsor ship has been provided by the King of Kandy, Adigars (Chief Ministers) and Disawes. The clusters mentioned above even today reveal affiliations with the Malvatte Chapter or the Asgiriya Chapter which is also reflected in the design of the Tämpita Vihāras architecture. Therefore the paper ties to question if there are any close association of these buildings with the mid 18thcentury revival movement by Ven. Velivita Sri Saranankara? If so, what evidence can be used to classify building activity under three generations of mentorship?
A study of blessings (sethkam) composed to preserve water in Nuwarakalawiya
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Manewa, R.M.E.S.
The ‘Nuwarakalawiya’ (area bounded by Nuwara tank, Kala tank, and Padawiya tank) in Sri Lanka is widely popular for farming and argicultural activities. Those agricultural activities are mainly undertaken during the two rainy seasons, namely the ‘Yala’ and ‘Maha’. However, there is no certinity that sufficent rain water will be received during these seasons to enagge in their agri based livelihood. At times of such dry periods, they used to pray for preserving water and such mechanisms are known as ‘Sethkam’. This study was aimed at identifing four such mechanisms, methods of performing them and people’s beliefs related to them. Data was collected through a review of literature and interviews and analysed qualitatively. Twenty interviewees (Two bikkus, ten farmers, and eight female villages) with knowldge and experience in using such mechanisms were interviewed.The findlings reveal that there are four popular mechanisms (types of sethkam) used to pray for preserving water by the people in the Nuwarakalaviya. They are; Hunnakada mangallya (Puja Wedilla, Ayyanamune), Mutti mangallya, Mutti mangallya with procession held on royal tanks and Mutti mangallya held on village tanks. The four ‘Sethkam’, methods of performing them and people’s beliefs were identified.Moreover, it was identified that those mechanisms play a significant role in people’s lives of Nuwarakalawiya. However, there is a growing tendency to neglect those mechanisms by the younger generation in the region, hence there is an essential and urgent need is to protect those mechanisms, in order to preserve the indigenous features of the Sri Lankan culture and to ensure the sustainability of the comminity.
Similarities between the preachings of Lord Buddha & Saint Kabir's 'Doha'
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Abeysundara, A.
Kabir Das can be introduced as the most famous mystic poet among the Indian poets in 15 A.D. Kabir is known for his verbally composed poems called ‘Doha’. It is clear that both of them introduced social reforms through their preaching. The abridgment of the preaching made by Lord Buddha in 6 B.C. can be identified in Kabir’s ‘Doha’. Lord Buddha preached his sermons in Pali language, as well as Kabir composed ‘Doha’ in ‘Sadhukkadi’ language. This paper aims to examine the similarities between the preaching of Lord Buddha and Kabir's ‘Doha’.
Kamleshwar as an anti-feminist male writer of Hindi literature with special reference to the Hindi novel ‘ka:li: ã:dhi:’
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Chandrasekara, S.
Feminist movement started as a struggle for the emancipation of women from domestic violence, sexual harassment, childcare and abortion which women suffer all over the world. By the 19th century, American ‘Elizabeth Cady Stanton’ (1815-1900) raised her voice for women’s rights. Meanwhile, Naomi Wolf argues that feminist thoughts must not be anti–men in ‘Fire with Fire’. Concepts of Radical and Liberal Feminism belongs to second wave feminism which highlights liberal changes of the society. Kamleshwar Prasad Saxena is a contemporary Hindi novelist who discusses above concepts in the context of Indian society in Hindi novels. Through his political novel ‘ka:li: ã:dhi:’ (Dark Storm) Kamleshwar tries to convey his thoughts regarding Radical and Liberal Feminism. The aim of this paper is to identify the attitudes of Indian male writers towards feminist thoughts through Hindi novels. For the present study Kamleshwars novel ‘ka:li: ã:dhi:’ has been used as a primary resource. Magazines and books related to Hindi literature and Feminism have been used as secondary resources. Literature survey has been employed to analyse this novel. P. K. Jaya on her literary work ‘katha:ka:r kamleʃər’ agrees with the author that marriage life becomes unsuccessful due to the career interest of the woman. It shows that Indian women used to accept patriarchal domain of men over women. Although Kamleshwar tries to discuss on feminism through this novel he could not overcome from orthodox patriarchal thoughts which lead Indian society. This paper highlights that author does not accept domestic responsibilities of men as well as he ironically highlights occupational segregation which is highly believed in Indian society. Above findings contribute to our understanding that how male writers of Hindi literature discuss Radical and Liberal feminist thoughts related to Asian society.
A study on the regression of the logo design industry of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarakoon, A.
Since the advent of the computer technology in the graphic design industry in Sri Lanka, there is a considerable decrease in the visual and aesthetic quality of the logos designed by commercial logo designers, which implies the application of the low level of skills in both conceptualization and execution. These logos are mostly derivative work, if not complete rip offs of logos that can be found on the internet. Lack of originality, the use of over-used shapes or motifs, lack of pragmatic concerns are the most apparent drawbacks of the currently prevailing logo designs. The particular trend reflects the discontinuance of the fluid way and creative thinking of the Sri Lankan visual artists and the designers (of the pre-digital era) who have created unique and memorable logo concepts for both state and commercial entities which evoke the desired feelings in the target audience. The significance of this conceptualization is the attention and the enthusiasm paid by the artist by means of maintaining a well-established Sri Lankan identity in the design industry. The aim of the present study is therefore to examine the problems which affect the visual and aesthetic quality of the logo design industry within the context of Sri Lanka. The study will focus to conduct an empirical inquiry which relies on personal experience as a graphic designer and on the online presence of commercial logo designers based in Sri Lanka. Three main factors affecting the visual and aesthetic quality of the logo designs in question, namely the client’s perception of his own requirement, the restrictive nature of the digital tools in the design process, and the fact that the logo design is treated as a subordinate element equally by the clients and many commercial logo designers in Sri Lanka, can be identified.
Kalidasa's approach towards the environment and his depiction of the power of nature
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kularathna, A.K.
The celebrated and much distinguished Indian poet Kalidasa is generally accepted as the kavi kula guru or the Cardinal poet. His profound and far reaching inspiration are clearly visible on latter writers as well as critics. It is generally believed that Kalidasa was a poet who laboured to capture the beauty, eminence and sublimity of nature in a language that was vibrating with topological power. In his work Rithu samhara he depicts the six seasons and their characteristic with remarkable exuberance. The poet perceives human beings and nature interacting in a sensualized discursive space. To secure his intention he anthropomorphized nature. Kalidasa’s Nature poetry bears the distinct zeal of his faith, his adoration of Lord Shiva and it is dedicated to eulogize the mightiness of the Shiva. The poet’s perception of the omnipresence of Lord Shiva in a phenomenal word is the core of his nature poetry. The study aims to explore the unique ways the environment or nature is represented in Kalidasa’s Ritu samhara and how his attitudes towards nature differs from the approaches adopted by the Chinese and Japanese nature poets.
Modern western dramas and Sri Lankan demon ceremonies: A study in the use of dialectics, the concept of blessing in exorcism and the aesthetics of healing in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Abeywardana, C.
The major objectives of this research are to study how to achieve the blessing concept of human mental and physical purification and the use of dialectics in Sri Lankan exorcism. A remarkable amount of Sri Lankan and foreign studies have been done about modern western drama and Sri Lankan demon ceremonies earlier. Also many Sri Lankan and foreign scholastic attention have already been paid to this area, based on concept of human mental and physical purification in Modern Western Drama and Sri Lankan Exorcism separately. As a consequence, a considerable number of academic research studies have been done about ritual arena, technique, stage, stage language, gesture, posture, décor, masks, costume, props, sound, music, mime and lights . Yet, they have not paid attention to the use of dialectics in both traditions . Purification is a ritual concept used in modern western drama originated in the 20 th century as a resolution of modern human problems in western society instead of producing a well-made play. As a consequence, Antonin Artaud’s the theatre of cruelty that abstracted purity of mind was based on the Balines e Theatre. Bertolt Brecht’s epic theatre was designed to bring about change on the macro or social level. Brecht attempted social change with his plays that engaged the viewer by presenting objects, issues and characters alienated using alienation effects in Chinese acting. Jerzy Grotoweski produced a poor theatre which eliminated all nonessential to eliminate human internal complicit. Sri Lankan exorcism (Sinhala: Sanni-yakuma, Maha-sohonsamayama, Riddi-yagaya, Suniyamkapuma) is being held for the wellbeing of society. According to Prof. M H Gunathilka, Kolam is held to benefit pregnant mothers and it is a ritual prevalent in the Southern province of Sri Lanka.
The Nagaraja guard-stone during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Rathnasiri, R.
The purpose of this abstract is to denote Nagarja guard stone, a symbol of God Vishnu. Although the common name is Nagaraja as it is created with a cobra and a royal figure, critics have not come to a final decision of its concept, symbol or task so far. Nagaraja guard stone was a very popular sight that appeared at the entrances of Buddhist buildings during the Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa periods. This creation can be seen at the temples in capital city of the kingdoms, neighboring monasteries and the temples of provincial centers. But it was not included in non-Buddhist places like Palaces, Hindu temples, courts, tanks and ponds. We can see a close relationship between the figure of the guard stone and the concept of god Vishnu. According to the Mahawnsha, god Vishnu is the guardian of Lankaddveepa (Sri Lanka) as well as Buddhism. It is also present in Buddhist beliefs and God Vishnu is known in different Names such as Upulwan, Uthpalawarna, Udakapathi, Varuna, Vasu,Vasuki, Vasudeewa, Vasuladaththa, Anantha and known to have a close relationship with water. Among them, the figure of cobra is included in Vasu, Vasuki, Vasudeewa, Vasuladaththa and Anantha. There is a similarity between the Vasuki legends and anantha who protected Mahameeru and Vasuladaththa who protected the relics at Ruwanwelisaya. God Vishnu is known as Vasudeevo in the hymns for Vishnu, and also among the rulers of dashadig (ten directions), god Vishnu represents down (land). We can prove that the guard stone is a concept of Vishnu by installing the guard stone in connection with land, making compulsory for Buddhist architectural elements, having a close relationship with both Hindu and Buddhist stories and comparing the features of Vishnu with other characters. Archeological facts and primary and secondary literary sources have been used in this study.
Healing and the environment in American Indian biographies
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Bhatti, S.A.
“This is the Earth, healed again, growing green and blue. I want you to remember this exactly as it is, and then go and tell the people that if enough of us hold this image in their minds, we can heal the Earth and make it like it was a long time ago.” This statement by Grandfather Rolling Thunder is one of the many made by Native American medicine men who have an affinity with nature. This affinity is reflected in their everyday lives as medicine men who have been entrusted with the task of healing the body, mind and spirit of their fellow men and women. Using Glotfelty’s theory of Eco-criticism, this paper addresses the variety of issues facing American Indian beliefs and the way of life that they have adopted for themselves or that has been forced upon them by the political, social and economic situation. In doing this, the focus will be on trying to determine how far traditional beliefs have impacted the environment, at the same time that they have managed to make a place for themselves in contemporary theories of conventional medicine.
A study of the concept of environment within Zen philosophy
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Rathnayaka, R.M.C.P.
Zen is one of the most accepted schools of Buddhism in Japan and believed to be a creation of Shakyamuni Buddha. At the sacred Bodhi tree, Buddha has passed his realization to Maha Kassapa Thero. The objective of Zen Philosophy is to transmit this realization from one mind to another. Buddhist monks named Eysai and Dogen have officially introduced the Zen concept to Japan in 12 – 13 A.D. Zen concept is based on a philosophy of ordinary life and not on deep analysis or logical theories and it means the human and the environment around him. There is no religion as Buddhism which has addressed and spoken of the environment. The concept of the environment in Buddhism is similar to the modern day concept in their basics. However, Buddhist understanding of this concept carries a deeper philosophy. The in-depth analysis of the concept given by the Buddha is more important than the concepts of modern environmental specialists for the development and protection of the environment. The environment in Buddhism has two aspects; mental and physical environment. Mental environment means the nature of human mentality and becomes the key factor of human existence. The physical environment is the nature. Many such advice appear in the Pali Canon. Zen philosophy represents both mental and physical environment. Satori is the essence and ultimate target of Zen philosophy. Zen cleanses the mind of a person. Unpolluted mindset develops a good mental environment which automatically develops a good society. Thus, Zen followers have created a society that appreciates the environment and art. Zen has directly influenced the Japanese lifestyle. The purpose of this research is to draw scholar’s attention towards the concept of Zen environment. Literature survey is used as the research method of this study. It is very important to pay attention to the concept of environment within Zen.
Including all: Perceptions of mainstream teachers on inclusive education in the Western Province of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettiarachchi, S.; Das, A.; Ranaweera, M.; Attanayake, L.D.; Walisundara, D.
The changes made to the local constitution (Parliament of Sri Lanka, 1997), the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN, 2005) in 2016 and the first World Report on Disability (WHO, 2011) support a new era for the education of children with disabilities in Sri Lanka. The emphasis of this legislation is the inclusion and full participation of students with disabilities in regular schools. It guarantees non-discrimination and removal of barriers, both physical and psychological or attitudinal; to facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities into regular schools. It urges policy makers, educators, parents and other service providers to consider the premise that special education should be seen not in the context of separate education but as an integral part of regular education. Arguably, the success of implementing a policy of inclusive education requires mainstream school teachers to understand, accept and be competent at supporting students with disabilities within the mainstream classroom context. To uncover perceptions of ‘inclusive education’ among mainstream teachers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 mainstream teachers from the Western Province using a topic guide. Thematic coding of the interview data was undertaken using the key principles of Framework Analysis (Ritchie & Spencer, 1994). The main themes to emerge were of incongruous conceptual understandings, fear of incompetence, limited training facilities and the lack of incentives. These findings will be discussed with regard to its implications for policy and practice. The results underpin the need to consider local teacher perceptions and to address these concerns within pre-service and in-service training in order to support the establishment of education reforms, which are relevant and sensitive to the cultural needs and cognizant of local realities.
An investigation on the felicity of “Buddhabana Prathyakshaya’’ in the course of identifying religious information during the Kandyan era
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasundara, B.
“Buddhabana Prathyakshaya” was a controversial prose composed in the Kandyan era. Fr. Jacome Goncalvez who arrived in the Ceylon in the year 1705 AD to promote catholic culture in this country was the author of this book. It was published with the intention of converting Buddhists into Catholicism which consisted of two main parts, namely “Prathyakshaya” and “Buddhakshethraya”. The first part is devoted to criticizing Buddhism and Lord Buddha’s character inexorably while the second part consisted of examining the origin of Buddhism and the manner in which it expanded in the countries such as China, Japan, Burma and Ceylon. However, many catholic erudite have stated that the above text does not contain any idea or opinion that causes pain of mind in any other religionist. Fr. Goncalvez has written this book in a fundamentalist background where all religions other than Catholicism are considered heretical religions. There are numerous analytical expressions scornfully demeaning the Buddhist teaching, Buddhist rituals, rites and observances causing severe pain of mind in Buddhists without knowing the essence of Buddhism as a religion. But, when considering the criticisms aimed by Fr. Goncalvez, impartially regarding the facts appearing in “Buddhabana Prathyakshaya” it explicitly materializes that certain allegations pointed out by Fr. Goncalvez reveals the real nature of Buddhist environment of the Kandyan era. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to explore the possibility of associating “Buddhabana Prathyakshaya”, a text composed against the other religious with opponent attitudes, as a rich source of identifying religious information of Kandyan era.
The effect of a bilingual model thematically related to nature and tourism on a group of undergraduates in the transition from the L1 medium to the English medium
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mahawattha, M.D.N.M.U.
It has been long observed that the first year undergraduates of Department of Tourism Management, Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka are less confident in acquiring English language (L2) in which the degree is offered. They have no choice of selecting the medium of instruction thus, a massive gap could be observed in their transition from the L1: either Sinhala or Tamil medium to the English medium. To discover L2 learning problems; a survey had been carried out among undergraduates and lecturers. Undergraduates identified their weaknesses in relation to communication skills in English whereas lecturers too identified the same linguistic problems but in a more professional way highlighting that the lack of learner autonomy is one major difficulty for the lack of L2 communication skills in the transition from the L1 medium to the English medium. This paper is focused on proposing a bilingual model thematically rich in relation to nature and tourism in par with globally successful bilingual models but carefully outlining the exclusive features which cater to the needs of the target group enhancing learner autonomy; assuming in return it will facilitate the transition; developing undergraduates’ communication skills in English. A series of skill based activities will be implemented within a semester with the help of two subject lecturers and an English lecturer, after getting them exposed to a training of handling a bilingual class. A qualitative analysis will be done so that observations and interviews will be systematically recorded to collect data. The findings will be analyzed in detail within the framework of latest and strong bilingual and second language learning theoretical data base to evaluate the research outcomes.
Social discrimination through language: A study on the discriminative usage of Sinhala
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Premaratna, C.D.H.M.
Language is a medium of human communication and it is used for different purposes. One of them is discrimination. Language discrimination refers to an unfair treatment through language found in any society. This may be categorized into several concepts such as ethnic discrimination, political discrimination, religious discrimination or environmental discrimination. It is manipulated in the style of speech, such as accent, lexicon or syntax, used by an individual and does not include discrimination based on individual’s appearance. This situation can be seen in all human languages. Sri Lanka is a multilingual (Sinhala, Tamil, English), multiethnic (Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim), and multi-religions (Buddhist, Hindus, Slam) country. Sri Lanka was also governed by the European (Portuguese, Dutch, English) rulers since 17 th century to middle of the 20 th century. As a result of that Sinhalese culture has undergone many changes. This social environment is reflected on Discriminative lexicon of Sinhala language. The aim of this study is to examine the present condition of the Sinhala Discriminative Lexicon and to see how that affects society, culture environment and politics. This problem is examined under the sociolinguistic theory and data have been collected through the day today conversation of the Sinhala speakers. It is found that Sinhala speakers use discriminative language referring to some social groups or individuals in different contexts.
A study on micro-verb phrases, quasi-verbs and compound verbs in middle Sinhalese language era with reference to the classical Sinhalese literary text "Buthsarana"
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerawardhana, V.
Historical linguistic studies are based on ancient written records. Sinhalese language is rich in two fold varieties of written records, namely, rock inscriptions and classical literary texts. Based on the linguistic and structural changes, Sinhalese language is classified into four major periods as Sinhalese prakrit era, Old Sinhalese language era, middle Sinhalese language era and modern Sinhalese era. In the middle Sinhalese era (8c AD- 13 c. AD) "Buthsarana" written by Vidya Chakravarthi is considered a significant literary text due to its language style and creativity. This study explores variations of special categories of verb system identified as micro verb phrases, quasai verbs and compound verbs in middle Sinhalese language era. The study is multidisciplinary as it employs the theories of historical linguistics, structural linguistics and traditional grammatical theories as methodology. Data were collected manually and analysis was done by applying morphology as a principal structural linguistic theory. Micro verb phrases are a grammatical category that consists of two verb roots. A base and a subsidiary root which help to expand the meaning of the base and emerges as a single semantic unit. Three major patterns can be analyzed regarding these phrases. Quasai verbs are the defective verbs with a limited paradigm. Compound verbs are formed by joining a noun stem and verb root a together. Noun stem and verb root are interlocked and occur in the language as a single unit. Limited compound verbs are found in Buthsarana. Findings of this research benefit both linguists and the researchers interested in language studies.
The film ‘Sakkarang’ and the success of Dharmasena Pathiraja as a film director
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Basnayaka, B.A.N.H.
Dharmasena pathiraja is a Director who has a special place in the history of films in Sri Lanka. Because, subject matter of films selected by him is very specific and identifiable. Dharmasena Pathiraja has not paid his attention to popularity and marketing in contrast to some of the other film directors. He directs his films based on his personal experiences with current political and social issues. There are a few films, directed by him as follows. Sathuro - short film (1969), Ahas gauwa (1974), Eya den loku lamayek (1977), Ponmani (1977), Bambaru Awith (1978), Paara dige (1980), Soldadu unnahe (1981), Mathu Yam Dawasa (2001). ‘Sakkarang’ is the latest film directed by Dharmasena Pathiraja based on the novel, Sakkarang written by Chamminda Welagedara. The script was written by Chamminda Welagedara. Sube who is a professional dancer and his family is the main theme of this film. They live in Malagammana which is one of the ten villages serving the Dalada Maligawa (the temple of the sacred tooth relic) as devotees. The problem is whether that particular identity of the films of Darmasena Pathiraja can be seen in Sakkarang. This Sakkarang film has been directed under the theme based on current political and social issues in an indirect way. In addition to that, the script and characterization were taken in to the attention here. So, there are two types of resources used. As the primary resource CDs of the films was studied. Also, articles and books regarding films written by academics/intellectuals in this regard were followed to get more academic data to prove the theme of the present study. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Dramasena Pathiraja is not successful in keeping his identity on the above mentioned area.
A study on the records of meritorious deeds (Punya Lekhana) of the Kandyan era
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasinghe, E.W.A.H.C.
Records of Meritorious Deeds (Punya Lekhana) were composed to declare all the religious activities carried out by the members of the families of the higher strata of the Kandyan society. However, there were instances where these documents were prepared by people from lower levels of the social strata too. Although Punya Lekhana tradition emerged during the Kandyan era, there is much evidence to indicate that the background to the tradition of keeping records for religious purposes has a long history. This was done based on the different believes of the people on Karma. The aim of this paper is to discuss the uniqueness of the tradition of Records of Meritorious Deeds (Punya Lekhana) of the Kandyan era by examining the written sources. It is highlighted that all the people including the king used to keep written records on their religious activities. Punya Lekhana were kept in temples as palm leaf books and they can be categorized according to different purposes of writing them. This written tradition can be recognized as a historical source on religion, politics, economy and society of the Kandyan era which was not given due recognition by historians up to now.