International Conference on Social Sciences 2013

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A bibliographical survey of the palm leaf manuscripts in Ridiviharaya in Kurunegala District & Aluthepola Ganekanda temple, Gampaha District
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Piyarathana L
This research was undertaken with the aim of studying the bibliographical features of palm leaf manuscripts in Sri Lanka. Two temples namely, Ridiviharaya and Aluthepola which possess these manuscripts were selected as samples of the study, and the selection was done on the basis of their geographical location and historical chronology. Ridiviharaya in Kurunegala District dates back to Anuradapura era while Aluthepola in Gampaha District is thought to have come into existence in the 18th century. Thus, the samples selected for the research can be considered as justifiable representations of the palm leaf manuscripts in the country in terms of geographical location and chronological significance. In addition to identifying the subject areas dealt with in the samples, an effort was made to study their bibliographical features as well. Having access to these manuscripts was considerably difficult due to non-availability of bibliographies. Non?existence of a standard criterion or guidelines which specify steps and measures necessary for palm leaf manuscript analysis aggravated this problem. In view of the above problems, this research formulated a bibliography incorporating the data necessary to analyse palm leaf manuscripts. The manner in which in the data should be arranged and the methods suitable to prioritize bibliographic data were also discussed in it. The research also traced the history and the expansion of the art of palm leaf manuscripts in the country. The evidence collected suggests the existence of a bibliographical tradition specific to the country in the past. The data helped to identify character styles, numerical patterns and structural feature of that tradition as well. It is felt that the manuscripts found in the temples were deteriorating in quality gradually, and therefore measures are necessary to conserve them.
A comparative study of religious teachings for a successful family life
(Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) de Silva, D.D.R.
The society is formed by a basic element which is known as the family and emerges with the marriage. Therefore, the family cannot be interpreted without marriage as it has strong linkage with the latter. Even in a religious context, different religious discourses of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam have instructions on successful family life. The objective of this study is to comparatively identify how different teachings of four main religions have directed and ensured the very survival of a successful family life. In addition, much emphasis given by these different religious teachings to identify the family construct with social dynamics is another objective at this study. For this research, both primary and secondary data have been used for this study. Primary data was collected from employees? interview schedule, observation for this study. Secondary data was collected from books, magazines and relevant reports on religious teachings.Accodindly, different religious discourses have comparatively identified some good qualities such as mutual-trust, openness, admiration, mutual- friendship, altruism, dedication, etc. which are necessarily required for a successful family life. In conclusion the four main religions give much emphasis on the necessity successful family life.
A medical geographical study on epidemic and diseases ecology in Sri Lanka: case study in Colombo district
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Rathnasekara S R L S
Medical geography is an area which is rapidly developing amongst in the main geography scheme. It is discovered on diseases ecology, diseases diffusion, diseases diffusion patterns, impact of diseases spread, medical services, health care and delivery etc. Health is an important fact of the medical geographical study. Diseases are the main cause for bad health. The purpose of this paper is to identify what the disease ecological factors, which lead to high incidence of epidemic in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. In this study, Dengue had been selected as epidemic according to 2012 data. As a study area, three Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Areas were selected as focused sub research area from Colombo District according to the number of patients as recorded to 2012 data. The methods adopted in the study consists of primary data which were collected from 100 patient by field observations, interviews with patients and participatory mapping techniques that were used for analysis of the factors which influenced in the high effect of the Dengue in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. The study concludes, that Dengue incident marks an increase in rainy seasons. But human traditional factors are affected for epidemic than physical factors. 67% patients were living in apartment and flats in Kolonnawa MOH area. Apart from that, living condition of different ethnic groups, negative attitudes and behaviors of people and building landscape was the outstanding problems among this sample. 71% people had face mosquito attack in their own houses and others outside. Health disasters have been generated by changes of human ecological conditions apart from changes of physical activities.
A socio - psychological study of the reasons for the high stress level among Advanced Level students in Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Fernando, K.D.
The advanced level (A/L) examination is the university entrance selection examination in Sri Lanka. From an educationalist?s point of view this examination is the most competitive examination in Sri Lanka. Therefore it is a stressful life event for the students who face this exam. Because of this, it affects their mental, physical and social health. The objective of this study is to examine the stress level and stress factors of A/L students. For this purpose 108 advanced level students were selected. Data was collected by using a questionnaire and interviews. This is a qualitative and quantitative research. The study shows that higher percentage of A/L students suffer from a developing stress level. The competition of the examination is the major reason for this; moreover, social problems also help to increase the stress level among them. The basic factor to develop the competition of this examination among the students is the limitation of the university entrance opportunities in Sri Lanka. A/L students use various methods to release stress that they feel.
A sociological study on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in the North Central province, Sri Lanka (with special reference to the Padawiya area)
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Subasinghe, Wasantha
Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem. It is also known as chronic renal disease or chronic renal failure, which is a degenerative, progressive condition marked by the gradual loss of kidney function. The experience is traumatic not only for the patients but also for their families who are frequently unable to provide the medical services needed due to the high cost of treatment. Optimally, CKD is treated with dialysis or kidney transplant. A chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology has emerged as a major health care problem in the North - Central Province of Sri Lanka during the last few decades. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of kidney disease and to identify the responsibility of the government and other authorities regarding solving this burning issue. The research problem is the Socio - economic impact of CKD in North central province. A survey was conducted to identify the research problem and data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group interviews. The research area was Padawiya in the Padawiya Divisional Secretariat. In developed countries, the most common symptoms of CKD are obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. But in Sri Lankan context there is a significantly high rate of kidney patients in the North Central province. A number of research has been conducted to identify the causes and effects of the disease. Different researchers have identified different causes including insecticides, fluoride water, poisons, arsenic, dehydration, drugs, smoking, hard metals etc. Research findings including spreading rate, sex ratio, geographical and environmental relations, food patterns, livelihood patterns, water resources have created new avenues for scholarly discussion on these issues.
A sociological study on the influence of foreign employment on family
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Amarathunga, K.M.G.C.K.
The Research Problem of this study was the effects, changes and influences caused in the family due to foreign employment of parents. Since the introduction of the open economy, international labor migration has widely expanded. Employment of the father, or the mother, and sometimes both of them in foreign countries, has caused deterioration and conflicts in the family as never experienced before. Therefore, it has become necessary to study and research the resultant changed caused by foreign employment of parents. Wennappuwa in Puttlam district was selected as the research area. High level of migration from this area to Italy has earned the title ?little Italy? to Wennappuwa. In this study, the methods used for collection and assimilation of data were, observation, questionnaire, interviews and case studies. On analyzing data, it became clear that foreign employment of parents has directly and decisively results in negation and deterioration of the very foundation of the family. These negative effects brake down the bindings trust and faith that makes the foundation of the traditional family. Each individual feels and suffers these negative effects. The inference is that the emigration of parents for foreign employment is definitely destructive more than productive to the family as an institution, and also to its members.
A study on paintings at Pokunuwita Kithsirimewan Rajamaha Viharaya
(Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Embuldeniya, P.
Pokunuwita Kithsirimewan Rajamaha Viharaya is a protected monument which has great significance from historical and archaeological aspects. It is located in the Pokunuwita village, Horana division (Kalutara District, Western Province). The ancient image house which has paintings is of great significance throughout archaeological remains at this temple. This ancient image house dates to the last part of Kandyan period based the architecture, sculptures and paintings. Inside the sanctum (Garbha gruhaya) of image house is a seated sculpture of Lord Buddha, two standing sculptures of Lord Buddha, standing sculptures of God Vishnu and God Sumana Saman and paintings of Buddhist monks, God Gambhara and God Katharagama. Also there are paintings of unclear human figures. The outer walls of the sanctum (Garbha gruhaya) of this image house has painting of Suvisi vivaranaya (Twenty-four vivaranas), Thelapaththa jathakaya and Vine motifs (Liyawela). Apart from that there are some paintings at the wooden door of this image house, Further there are paintings of traditional Sinhala decorative motifs related to the part of floral motifs (Udbidha) and geometric motifs (Nirjeewa). This study is based on field research method and library survey method. Therefore the field research method is highly emphasized to record the paintings. In the present day the paintings at this temple are highly weathered and some parts cannot be identified. So in this paper an attempt is made to describe the importance of the conservation of this painting, colours, lines and other features of these paintings.
A study on relationship between rural poverty and education
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Werake S
Poverty in Sri Lanka continues to be a growing problem. Poverty is the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money. Otherwise poverty is a denial of choice and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society. Poverty is two ways. Those are absolute poverty and relative poverty. Most of the people who live in rural areas are vulnerable for poverty. Therefore, rural poverty is higher than the other sectors of poverty in Sri Lanka. Rural poverty refers to poverty found in rural areas, including factors of rural society, rural economy and rural political system that give rise to the poverty found there. There is a clear relationship between the poverty and education. Educational attainment universally considered a pre-condition for better living. There is an inverse relationship between education and poverty. So that education level affects to increase unemployment in rural society. This research has a number of objectives. Identifying rural poverty and reason for poverty, relationship between poverty and education, solution for poverty are among them. This research uses both primary and secondary data. One hundred families were used as a random sample in Kegalle district. Indirect observations, interviews, questionnaires were the main sources of primary data and books, magazines, newspaper articles, internet websites were secondary data sources. Findings of the research suggest that rural poverty is decreasing with higher education and provide basis for planners, policy makers and government officials to give high priority for developing rural education.
A study on the economy of the urbanized, less facilitated colonies and their behavioral pattern
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Rathnayaka R M R B
The speedy development of the less facilitated colonies, due to present urbanization, is a special Characteristic in Sri Lanka. The economical activities of this dysfunctional urbanized sector cover a vast area. Various economical activities of this dysfunctional urbanized sector can be seen even in Colombo, and people who represent less facilitated colonies play a major role in this context. A random sample of so families in Lunu Pokuna Grama Niladari division has been participation to this study. It should be organized that whether, these less facilitated colonies and the activities of the people who live there influence / impact on urban rules, urban economy, urban society as well as urban environment. It support to unfold the fact that whether their contribution for the economy is optimistic or pessimistic. Moreover the study focus on researching the particular characteristics of the behavior due to those economical activities. Primary and secondary data were collected and statistical and non-statistical methods were used to present and analyze data. The dysfunctional economical activities of the people who live in less facilitated colonies, decide every factors in the city. This was the final discovery of the study. Dysfunctional, economical activities and careers directly influence in urban rule, urban economy, urban society as well as urban environment. Educational background and age group decide the career. Yet, the national problems of the unemployment of educated elite was not so severe in Colombo, when compare with other areas. Especially men did a main role in job activities as well as other economical activities. People who get less revenue became a part of services, was common in Colombo. Analyze exposed the fact that, these services were decisive for the process and continuation of other economical activities. Moreover, these economical activities are essential and if it is reduced or destroyed in will influence on the whole degradation of economical system.
Adaptation puzzle of war widows: the social risk of becoming a (fe)/male
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Edirisinghe, E.A.D.A.
The study examines the social impact of a by-product of the civil conflict existed in Sri Lanka for over 30 years. The problem of war widowers/widows is a common phenomenon in countries with armed-conflicts. The conflict not only condensed the national development of Sri Lanka, but created social costs including displacement of people, child abuse and war widows. War widows, the spouses of fallen members of security forces (Army, Navy, Air force, Police) at war front, are exposed to different socio-psychological issues of which adaptation is a critical; The male?s (female?s) role in the family and the society is performed by the female (male) during the widowhood, the adaptation puzzle. The study uses a purposive sample of two hundred fifty wives of fallen security personnel in thirty divisional secretaries in Sri Lanka. The study finds that the transitioning role leads violence. It spreads over family and society. After widowhood, women have confronted problems in their adaptation process. The research reveals that not-managed adaptation causes social risks in day today life of widows and the society. Effective adaptation is associated with better finance management, education and religion. Accordingly, the study draws attention of policy makers in managing risk of social systems, eliminating the possible violence and social conflicts in the society by managing adaptation.
An assessment of the Community Forest Management Project for rural development: case study related to Kendahena GND
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Senarathna S P D R
This research is an assessment of Rural Development through a Community Forest Management Project (CFMP) which is being conducted by the Forest Department, Sri Lanka considering on a Community Forest Management Project related to Kendahena GND. The objective of this research is assessing whether a rural development had taken place through this project. Primary data for the research were gathered through observations, interviews, conducted with the officers of the Regional Forest Office, Kurunegala and the discussions held with a selected group of the villagers. Moreover 50% out of 193 Households were randomly selected and primary data were gathered basically by giving them questionnaires. Secondary data were collected from books, magazines, journals, Internet and various other sources. The information gathered was simplified, classified and summarized. Percentage Method, Preference Ranking Method, Direct Metric Ranking Method were used as data analyzing methods. The analyzed data were displayed by charts, tables, maps and diagrams. Inefficiency of officers, lack of proper management and weak involvement into the affairs of villages were the major weak points of this project. About half of the villagers participated in this project actively while the rest were only aware of this project normally. The contribution received from the level of household units towards family development and housing development is relatively at a lower standard. It could be observed that the general infrastructure facilities are in a very satisfactory condition.
An empirical study on access to finance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Perera W K T C; Semasinghe W M
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in any economy through a number of channels such as contributing to the growth of GDP, providing employment opportunities, generating foreign earnings, reducing regional imbalances and alleviating poverty. SMEs perform a strategic role in Sri Lankan economy, too. As data reveals vast majority of Sri Lankan industries are included in this sector. Shortage of capital or access to finance is identified as the single largest constraint, among others, for the development of SME sector in Sri Lanka. Although banking sector of the country has introduced a range of financing facilities for SMEs, as evidence shows, these facilities are not adequately accessed. Hence, the focus of this study is why SMEs do not access adequately these facilities in order to fulfill their financial requirements? The main objective of this study is to examine the causes for inadequate access of SMEs to the formal financial sector. To achieve the assigned objectives, primary as well as secondary data were used. Primary data were collected from 50 manufacturing SMEs in Kalutara Divisional Secretariat Division by administering a questionnaire survey and conducting brief interviews with the entrepreneurs. As the main focus was to examine the causes for inadequate access of SMEs to the formal financial sector, ?Accessibility? was employed as the dependant variable while six other variables namely Education level, Experience, Attitude about the interest rates, and Collateral needs, Finance knowledge of the entrepreneur and perception regarding the procedures of the formal sector were employed and tested as independent variables. Since the variables are nominal scale, cross tabulations were used to assess the relationship between the dependant variable and the independent variables. Four independent variables namely Education level, Experience, Attitude about the interest rates and Collaterals of the entrepreneurs depicted a significant relationship with Accessibility while other two variables did not reveal a significant relationship.
An investigation on the origin of the concept of ?God Natha? in Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Dilhani, A.
The main distinction between the Mahayana and the Theravadhi Buddhism is the homage paid to Bodhisattva veneration by the devotees of the Mahayana Buddhism. According to the Theravadhi Buddhist traditions, there had been seven Bodhisattvas namely, Vipassi, Sikhi, Vessabhu, Kakusanda, Konagama, Kassapa and Gauthama in the past. In the beliefs of the Mahayana Buddhisam, there are numerous Bodhisattvas out of whom, Avaloketheeshwara Bodhisattva is revered the most. The most common Bodhisattva in the Mahayana and the Theravadhi religion sectors is Maithree Bodhisattva. But the Mahayana Buddhist devotees offer more preference to Avaloketheeshwara Bodhisattva than to Maithree Bodhisattva in their veneration. There are eight morphological figures in Avaloketheeshwara Bodhisattva and the suffix ?Natha? is added to the endings of the names. It is believed by the present day society that the suffix ?Natha? is a substitution attributed to Maithree Bodhisattva. It is also denoted in many sources that god ?Natha? will be enlightened as Lord Buddha in the future. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to investigate into the factual sources in order to ascertain the identity of ?God Natha? and as to how the concept of ?God Natha? was deep rooted in Sri Lanka, by way of associating primary and secondary sources and analyzing the data comparatively. Although, a number of images of Avaloketheeshwara Bohisatva were recovered from various parts of Sri Lanka since the Anuradhapura era, the conception of ?God Natha? came to light the most commencing from the 14th century. The concept of ?God Natha? which developed during the period of Gampola Kingdom was declined in the Kotte period and re-emerged within the Kandyan regime uprising up to the present times, transforming Avaloketheeshwara Bodhisattva as a ?God of wish? in the name of ?Natha? venerating with royal attribution.
Are online assessment schemes of English skills successful? : A comparative analysis of the UTEL national assessment scheme and the Pre-orientation program (POP)
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Senaratne, C D W
The present paper proposes to compare and analyze the results of the University Test of English Language (UTEL) national assessment scheme conducted at the University of Kelaniya in 2012 and the results of the Pre-orientation Program conducted island wide in 2011. The UTEL and the POP are national assessments developed by the Ministry of Higher Education in collaboration with the HETC project. Both assessments are offered to students in Sri Lankan universities. The two tests are different in format, structure and the benchmarks on which they are designed. The UTEL covers all the benchmarks from 0 to 9 while the objective of the POP test was to identify students below, above and at benchmark 4 The paper will present an introduction and an overview to the UTEL and the POP, the designing, implementing and the deploying of the online assessments to measure English skills and finally the results. The UTEL comprised of two online components based on Reading and Listening skills. The productive skills were designed to test suing traditional testing methods in the universities. The POP comprised of four components based on Reading, Grammar, Writing, Listening and used the online method to test all of them. This paper will discuss the results of UTEL conducted at the University of Kelaniya for the first year undergraduates and the results of the POP conducted for the new entrants to all the universities in Sri Lanka. Though the target population is different, the objective of the paper is to analyze the success of the techniques used and the structure of the assessment schemes. The tests were conducted using a learning management system. This paper sums up the experiences gathered in conducting the evaluation of a large group of students. It will also discuss the suitability of the techniques employed. The findings will enhance the understanding of conducting online assessments to assess English language skills and help develop the method further in Sri Lanka.
Attributes and issues of tourism development in Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Gunarathna, Manjula; Janice, L.H.N.G.A.; Lian Chan, J.K.
The paper presents interesting comparison between attributes and issues of Sri Lankan tourism as a development strategy using quantitative data and empirical evidences. Numerous previous studies have highlighted that Sri Lanka has many attributes and issues related to the tourism industry. At present, tourism industry in Sri Lanka is stimulated as a one of key instrument of economic development. However, there is no adequate linkage between attributes and issues regarding tourism development. This study explores the issue whether tourism development could contribute the economic development in Sri Lanka and how can tourism exploit its attributes against the potential issues. The main postulation of this study is several issues can be solved via tourism development strategies and attributes can be utilized to minimize the issues and develop the economy. The key objective of this study is to identify the main issues and attributes regarding Sri Lankan tourism. The paper reveals that lopsided tourism development has created additional issues on economy. Findings of this study alleged that tourism in Sri Lanka did not entirely exploit its attributes. Conversely, the lack of correlation between attributes and issues has affected towards pattern of income distribution, rural backwardness, seasonal variations, resources utilization, sectoral integration, lopsided development and job security. Therefore we suggest that strategic tourism development plan needs for sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka.
Changing terms of trade of small farming sector in Sri Lanka: with special reference to paddy, vegetable and fruit cultivation
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Henegedara, G.M.
Decline of relative farm prices in relation to prices of farm inputs and consumer food items has become a core factor of losing farm income of small farmers in Sri Lanka, particularly in the paddy, vegetable and fruit cultivation. Though the losing farm income is a common problem in many agricultural countries, its impact is very crucial for a small country like Sri Lanka where nearly 30 percent of labour force is occupying directly or indirectly in agricultural activities. Despite the GDP contribution of the agriculture sector has declined around 10 percent today, any impact in small farming sector would also influence to the majority of consumers in the non-agricultural sector. According to Statistical reports of the Department of Census and Statistics, farmers have to pay nearly 2 kilo of paddy for purchasing a one pound of bread in 2012 instead one kilo in 1984. Required paddy amount for receiving one kilo of sugar has fluctuated between 3.53 in 1999 and 3.57 in 2012. Similarly required paddy for receiving one packet of milk powder (450gram) has increased from 7.03 in 1984 to 10.2 in 2012. Since many of these items were imports, there is no income redistribution to non-farm sectors at least to offset the situation Sri Lanka as a country that follow economy wide policies, links to the world economy through exports and imports and influenced by the global economic and market forces frequently due to changes of global market. Therefore, losing farm income is not simply a matter related to domestic production factors; it also linked with international market by importing agricultural inputs i.e. fertilizer, chemicals and seeds and exporting farm outputs as agricultural and finished products. According to past records, values of TOT and BOP have deteriorated continually in Sri Lanka indicating more imports than the exports done by the country. Thus the main objective of the paper is to review factors influenced in changing TOT of small farming sector and assessing its impact on the economy. The methodology was based on deductive method and the paper would be based on both primary and secondary sources of information.
Contribution of paddy cultivation to domestic consumption of rural people
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Kumari P P D N
Rural sector accounts for majority of the total Sri Lankan population. Their main source of income and consumption is paddy cultivation. Despite various policies implemented by the government to develop the paddy cultivation of the rural people, today the rural sector contributes majority to overall poverty. The productivity of the rural economy and the consumption level of farmers have come down significantly and as a result the government has to bear an increased cost which affects economic growth. The problem of study; is the domestic paddy cultivation adequate to fulfill the domestic consumption needs in the rural sector. The main objective of the study is to identify the adequacy of the contribution of domestic paddy cultivation to fulfill the domestic consumption needs of the rural sector. If this contribution proves to be inadequate, identifying reasons for that and identifying solution for increasing farmer?s income are sub objectives in this study. A sample of 50 families was selected from Dimbulagala Secretarial Division in Polonnaruwa District using simple random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data was used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the study. It was revealed form the study that the income from paddy cultivation has a direct impact on the consumption of the farmers but it is not adequate to fulfill all their needs. Hence, most of the farmers obtain loans from the formal and informal sectors in fulfilling their needs. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the continuous increase in their debts led to an increase in rural poverty. Therefore it can be recommended that improve of paddy cultivation and farmer?s income.
Current University Education and Challenges faced by Sri Lankan Undergraduates
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Upamali M D I
As a pioneer on Sri Lankan economic development, higher education has to play a vital role. Global knowledge on all economic activities is compulsory to win challenges of globalization on entire world as well as individual countries. Higher education is expected to produce public administrative officers, managers, experts and researchers for the development of a country. In current economic setting, employment structure has been diversified unprecedentedly with compare to last several decades. All countries have been integrated to a common market with rapid technological development. Innovative minds are needed for a country to have gradual technological development in order to face future challenges. In achieving this objective, university education has the right potential. Economy can be energized by the use of innovative thinking, activities, effective communication skills and the technology. Accordingly, Sri Lanka needs a higher education system that can create graduates with efficient and innovative. The main objective of this study is to identify the academic issues faced by the undergraduates during their university life. The study used primary and secondary data. The sample consists of 100 university students and 30 currently employed graduates on random basis. Primary data of the study was collected from questionnaires and interviews. In this study descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study revealed that university students face many difficulties. Such as lack of resources including reading materials, lack of guidance, lack of career training, finance issues and accommodation.
Devolution of power in Sri Lanka and good governance: a study on the contribution of Provincial Councils
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Mudalige P
This paper examines devolution of power and good governance in Sri Lanka. Good governance is seen by many as a nebulous concept, which can be interpreted to mean almost anything. However, the board of independent advocacy project has defined good governance as a political and institutional environmental based on respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, human rights and the participation of civil society. Good governance allows responsible economic and financial management of public and natural resources, for the purpose of economic growth, social development and poverty reduction in an equitable and sustainable manner. It encourages the use of clear participatory procedures for public decision making, transparent and accountable institution, primacy of law in the management and distribution of resources. With this there will be effective measures to prevent and combat corruption, support for leadership development, and devolution of power and empower men and women. Since the year 1988 the provincial councilsin Sri Lanka were functioning as agents of central government & during this period the provincial councils became an instrument for people to exercise their sovereignty through universal franchise. Both primary and secondary data are used in the study. Primary data have been collected through methods such as questionnaire survey, rapid appraisal, key informant interview and focus group interview. Sources of secondary information include project reports, official documents and published research reports. The Study was done with reference to Uwa and Western provinces.
Disasters in Sri Lanka: not popular yet impact is enormous
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Sri Lanka is prone to both natural and manmade disasters as other countries. Floods, cyclones, landsides and droughts have been considered as the major natural disasters in the country. Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No 13 of 2005 has identified twenty one (21) types of natural and manmade disasters. Except disasters consider as major, others are not popular among policy makers, planners, general public and other groups of relevant parties. But, the impacts of unpopular disasters in the list listed in the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act are enormous in terms of several facets. And also, there are many other incidents that influence Sri Lanka are not still included into the national list of disasters and disaster management strategies. The broad objective of this paper is to discuss the reason or reasons for the dilemma on different levels of popularity among disasters in Sri Lanka. Literature survey and case studies employed to gather data. Both basic quantitative and qualitative methods used to analyze data. Problems relating to disaster management policy in Sri Lanka can be considered as key reason of grouping disasters into major or minor category. Other than this definition of the term ?disaster?, level of awareness on the impacts of disasters, intensity of the problems of basic needs, visions of politicians, nature of relationships among institutions and scientists and interest of mass media are the other reasons to be a disaster as popular or unpopular. Identifying the real impact of disasters that exist in the country would help to categories disasters ensuring the future goals of sustainable development in Sri Lanka.