ARS - 2011

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Adversarial litigation practice in Sri Lanka: A mechanism for legal professionals to shine with disillusioned clients
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Munasinghe, K.
There are many instances in society, where people have certain disputes with one another, for example, conflicting claims or rights and an assertion of a right, claim, or demand on one side, met by contrary claims etc. on the other. In such cases, if the parties are unable to settle the dispute among themselves or by an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method they will straight away step into litigation. Sri Lanka as a country following the Common Law tradition, the applicable mode of litigation is adversarial. It has been described as being too confrontational, since the cases presented to courts as disputes and trials are regarded as contests of opposing interests. This study aims to analyze the current and future applicability and relevancy of the adversarial process in the Sri Lankan context, with special reference to whether this system is a really helpful process to secure the rights of the parties in dispute or if it is a system depending on talent, reputation and competence of the legal professionals. The sample data collection for the study was done by distributing a questionnaire among legal professionals, scholars and the general public from different social segments. The intended outcome of the sample data collection was to get participants‟ views on the technical and practical aspects of the system. The general public from different sections revealed the ideas prevalent in a non-legal background. The study further compared and analyzed different litigation practices in foreign jurisdictions with that of the Sri Lankan system. The findings of the study are that the adversarial system is highly criticized and discouraged in many jurisdictions, its benefits largely dependent on the capabilities of legal professionals, less creativity of the judiciary, absence of a reliable mechanism to measure the transparency of the process, and sometimes technical difficulties occurring in securing the rights of the innocent. Finally, the study suggests learning lessons from the Civil Law tradition‟s inquisitorial process to develop and correct the Sri Lankan litigation process for the protection of the rights of the citizens, mainly the poor, underprivileged, disadvantaged and marginalized.
“African drums become guitars”: Fado and Bachata and the traversal of national boundaries
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Uluwitiya, T.
This paper explores the relationship between the concepts of diaspora and hybrid identity and the complexities that arise as these concepts are challenged by the multiplicity of transnational relations in the 21st century. I examine the fluidity of cultural production and consumption in a transnational context through the genres of the Fado and the Bachata. The music by the Portuguese fadista Mariza from the album Transparente, and by the Dominican artists Juan Luis Guerra from the album Bachata Rosa are used to trace the movement of the two genres and the artists. Furthermore, the study foregrounds the diasporic and hybrid identities of both artists and the music that they produce. Stuart Hall‟s theory of identity as a “production” and Mary Joseph‟s view of identity as a performance of affiliations in a national and international arena, are utilized to examine the work of these two artists. The concept of Third Space as theorized by Homi K. Bhabha is also used to understand the “space” that is created as a result of multiple traversals of borders, both physical and imaginary by the artists and their music. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of understanding the complexity of relations between diaspora, hybrid identity and cultural production in terms of their transnational location, whereby the music and the artists inhabit and transcend multiple national affiliations and identities despite the rootedness of the musical genres.
Agro-agent: Exploitation of ICT in Sri Lankan farmer community to improve the transfer of expertise knowledge
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Cooray, K.K.H.; Pavitrani, A.D.S.; Sivatharshini, S.; Ekanayaka, A.Y.
As a developing country, it is vital for Sri Lanka to pay more attention to addressing the issues of the agriculture sector for the benefit of rural farmers as well as for the benefit of the whole Sri Lankan economy. During the past few years, taking advantage of considerable improvements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), various organizations have been able to offer a number of ICT models to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to address some problems in the agriculture sector. However, these ICT initiatives have hardly been able to help Sri Lankan farming communities due to the issues such as lack of access to ICT, lack of ICT literacy, lack of awareness and poor maintenance of those systems. This paper tries to identify the problems faced by Sri Lankan farmers, and evaluates the effectiveness of existing ICT models to the farming community through an empirical study and online desk research. It then proposes a web-based farmer advisory system which can be accessed through a “kiosk” located in a public place in the farmers‟ village. Considering human computer interaction factors for an ICT solution to the Sri Lankan farmer community, the pilot prototype is developed using icon-based, interactive interfaces and important but simple set of functions, mainly targeting computer illiterate farmers. The key contributions of this paper are the recommendations raised from the study to enlighten policy makers about the problem areas which need to be addressed with regard to the farmer community, and also regarding existing ICT models in order to offer more sustainable solutions on information delivery that can help farmers to do agricultural processes more effectively and efficiently to improve their livelihood. Furthermore, it sheds light on the human computer interaction factors to be considered when implementing an ICT system for a rural farmer community in Sri Lanka.
Analysis of common English errors found in the writing of the first year students at Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Rathnasena, U.; Senevirathne, C.
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology is a degree awarding institute. The majority of the first year undergraduates are Sinhalese, reading for degrees in Information Technology/Information Systems and Business Management. On admission, an English aptitude test is administered: this has revealed that the first year students English fluency is mediocre. Subsequently, they were grouped into three classes according to their marks. It is mandatory for all these undergraduates to follow the module called “Communication Skills 1 and 2” throughout the first year as their medium of instruction is English. All three groups follow the same text book while the lecturers pitch the material at the appropriate level. When marking written classroom assignments and the examination papers we identified some errors, repeatedly common to all three groups. Furthermore, fellow lecturers from other disciplines informed us of common language errors. All these factors prompted this study to be carried out at a systematic level. Therefore, end of semester papers and in-class assignments were taken as the sample of the research while questionnaires and informal interviews were employed as the methodology. As the scrutinizing process progressed, a pattern surfaced in the aftermath of in-depth analysis. The most dominant root cause of the errors was first language interference. Most of the learners exhibited a tendency to transfer the rules of their first language; in this case Sinhalese (L1), to express themselves in English (L2). Consequently, they produce erroneous structures deviating from the acceptable standards of English. Additionally, we identified several morphological errors as well. Thus this paper intends to identify and analyze such recurrent error patterns and their root causes. The findings of this research would be helpful in designing remedial measures to minimize the frequency of errors in future.
Analysis of Corporate Governance theories and their implications for Sri Lankan companies
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Mendis, T.
During the past 02 decades various scholars, researchers and investors have demonstrated a high degree of exigency to accentuate the importance of Corporate Governance in the private sector organizations. Recent corporate scandals such as World.Com that shook the economic foundations in those countries, have reiterated the importance of enacting sound Corporate Governance practices in the private sector companies. In Sri Lanka too, several corporate entities dramatically collapsed in the recent past due to poor Corporate Governance practices causing much amusement and disgust in the investor community and the stakeholders. With the competition becoming stiff and fierce around the world, introduction of sound Corporate Governance practices has become of paramount importance. Hence this research paper which examines the various established theories such as the agency theory, stewardship theory, stakeholder theory, theories of hegemony, legal theory, Anglo-US Model, the Cadbury Code etc., critically analyses and suggests implications especially focusing on the private sector companies in Sri Lanka. This paper adopts the theoretical normative perspective and is based on the theories related to Corporate Governance. The analysis reveals that a typology of Corporate Governance theories can be developed by using 03 dimensions evincing concern for shareholders, directors‟ duties and accountabilities and the managerial capabilities of the corporate management of a company. Critical analysis further unveiled that theories and codes that were evolved in the last decade paid greater emphasis towards “Directors” than the other two dimensions. The concepts and contents discussed in these theories can easily be executed in order to enhance the degree of Corporate Governance in quoted companies in Sri Lanka. A limitation of this paper is that it focuses only on the management perspective rather than on the financial perspective, and discusses only the established theories and codes.
Analysis of methodologies adopted in empirical Corporate Governance research: An exploratory effort to select the appropriate methodology for Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Mendis, T.
Identifying the components and measuring them to ascertain the effectiveness of Corporate Governance has been a phenomenal and perennial issue. A major reason for this is that recent literature suggests diverse dimensions of Corporate Governance such as ethics, transparency, accountability, directors‟ intellectual capital, auditor effectiveness, degree of democracy in the board, magnitude of the independence of the directors, etc. Measuring these elements poses a challenge to any researcher due to the abstract nature of the components and the complexity of the behavioural attributes of the directors. Hence this research paper is designed to critically analyse the different types of methodologies adopted by researchers in identifying and measuring the Corporate Governance construct. This research is exploratory in nature as it resorts to existing and available literature from given disciplines such as Corporate Governance, Strategic Management, Sustainability and Business Performance, etc. The analysis reveals that components of Corporate Governance have been identified mainly through triangulation that has been mapped out by validating the literature with practicing directors. The hypothetico deductive method has been the most commonly adopted research approach in Corporate Governance. Questionnaires designed to gather data have been on quantitative terms with a Scale of Likert to measure such components. Another revelation is that the companies that are active in the respective stock markets during the preceding 2-3 years have been selected for the sample. This paper focuses on the techniques used to identify the components of Corporate Governance and the methodologies adopted in empirical research to measure such components.
Analysis of suitability of Information Technology governance model for Sri Lankan universities
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Lankasena, N.; Karunarathna, D.; Ranasinghe, S.
This paper on “Information Technology Governance in Universities” is based on a literature review conducted to study and analyze the relevance and suitability of IT governance theories, concepts and frameworks in the context of Sri Lankan universities. IT is now widely used for various purposes in higher educational institutions, ranging from executive decision making systems to student information management. There has been a trend in the last few years to funnel more and more funds on ICT infrastructures. Funding for IT and its developments in both human resources and ICT infrastructure is hypothesized to create an environment for effective and efficient functioning of universities. However, there are no published results on investigations done to determine any correlation between such investments and its impact on performance improvement, especially in Sri Lankan University context. Good IT governance can make its greatest contribution to proper implementation of strategic planning in university education. Most of the IT governance frameworks have been developed for the private sector. There are various debates among researchers and practitioners and it is recognized that the frameworks developed for the private sector do not meet the requirements of universities. Sector differences of organizations (i.e. universities) have largely been ignored in the concepts and theories of IT governance. One of the main reasons why the IT governance systems are being implemented and maturing at a slower rate in universities may be the lack of own frameworks in the university environment. Researchers and practitioners have conducted various studies to define IT governance, measure performance of IT governance and its investments, derive mechanisms to implement IT governance and its alignment with organizational governance and strategies. This paper discusses specific factors identified as relevant to universities in the subject domain of IT governance. It also analyses previous studies on IT governance and its relevance to universities. Research gap relevant to universities and IT governance was identified and discussed with the aim of creating an effective Information Technology governance for universities.
Anatomical dimension of the Caudate lobe of the liver
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Widanagama, M.A.; Prabodha, L.B.L.; Palahepitiya, K.N.; Nanayakkara, B.G.; Ilayperuma, I.; Hasan, R.
On the posterior surface of the liver, the Caudate lobe lies between the inferior vena cava and the fissure for the ligamentum venosum. It is connected to the right lobe of the liver by the Caudate process. However, functionally it belongs to the left lobe. In left hepatic lobectomy, the left lobe together with most of the Caudate lobe is removed. Furthermore, the diameters of right lobe and Caudate lobe have been used to distinguish between the normal and cirrhotic livers. This study was carried out to establish the anatomical dimensions of the Caudate lobe in a group of adult Sri Lankans. A total of 26 apparently healthy livers obtained from formalin fixed cadavers were studied. The Caudate lobe was measured along its maximum antero-posterior and transverse diameters using a sliding caliper capable of measuring to the nearest 0.01 mm. Maximum transverse diameter of the right lobe of the liver was taken to compare the ratio between the right lobe and the Caudate lobe. The mean maximum antero-posterior and transverse diameters of the Caudate lobe was 51.6 ± 4.6 mm and 27.6 ± 4.5 mm respectively. The transverse diameter of the right lobe was 85.05± 13.2 mm. The mean ratio of the transverse diameter of the Caudate lobe to that of the right lobe was found to be 0.32 ± .06. The results of the study demonstrate the anatomical dimensions established for the Caudate lobe for a group of adult Sri Lankan population. These data will facilitate in improving the outcome of surgical procedures of the liver.
Anatomical dimensions of the portal vein: A cadaver study
(12th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, 2011) Pinsara, G.H.M.; Palahepitiya, K.N.; Nanayakkara, B.G.; Ilayperuma, I.; Hasan, R.
The portal vein is formed by union of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. It lies in front of the inferior vena cava and runs vertically upwards in the free edge of the lesser omentum finally reaching the porta hepatis. In liver transplantation and pancreatectomy, a length of portal vein is removed for anastomose with the recipient vessels. A complete knowledge of the anatomic variations in portal venous anatomy is an essential prerequisite for the outcome of these procedures. Despite the significance of the portal vein little is known about its dimensions in Sri Lankans. The present study was undertaken to investigate the diameter and length of portal vein in a group of adult Sri Lankan population and to compare the results with other published data. The characteristics of cadavers including age, gender, weight and height were recorded. A total of twenty four apparently healthy livers obtained from cadavers were utilized. The diameter of the portal vein at a predetermined sites and the length up to the porta hepatis were recorded. All measurements were taken using a sliding caliper capable of measuring to the nearest 0.01 mm. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Portal vein anatomy was normal and mono-pad in all cases studied. The mean diameter of the portal vein at the porta hepatis was found to be 8.96±1.26mm and the mean length was 8.28±2.33cm. The results indicated that in our study population, the portal veins are longer but their diameters were smaller than when compared with the reported measurements in the anatomy texts. These may be attributed to racial differences. Precise knowledge of the expected normal portal vein diameter at a given anatomic location is the first step towards developing a quantitative estimate of the severity of the portal vein abnormalities. This study provides a reference data set for adult Sri Lankans against which to compare the diameters of the portal vein in various pathological conditions.
An anatomical study of the tarsal tunnel: A cadaveric study
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Karunanayake, A.; Hasan, R.; Salgado, S.; Salvin, K.A.; Fernando, P.; Ranaweera, L.; de Alwis, R.P.; Herath, S.; Senadipathy, C.; Mahawaththa, T.; Fernado, E.; Ilayperuma, I.
Tarsal tunnel is a passage formed between the flexor retinaculum and the underlying tarsal bones. Tendons of tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus and the neurovascular bundle of the posterior compartment of the leg pass through this tunnel in separate fascial compartments. To relieve symptoms and signs of Tarsal tunnel syndrome, orthopedic surgeries and anesthetic nerve blocks are used. Therefore, knowing the anatomy of the tarsal tunnel is important to understand and manage conditions related to this region. The aim of this study, is to describe the morphology and its possible variations in a Sri Lankan population compared to what is described in standard anatomy text books. A descriptive study was carried out by dissecting 28 human cadavers available in the Department of Anatomy, University of Kelaniya. Typical anatomy was observed in 26 cadavers (92.85%) where tibialis posterior (TP), flexor digitorum longus (FDL),neurovascular bundle and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) were in separate compartments anterior to posterior respectively. In one cadaver (3.57%) FDL and FHL were in a single compartment. In another cadaver (3.57%) bifurcation of the tendon of flexor digitorum longus was observed passing through a separate compartment posterior to neurovascular bundle. Even though the majority of the results were in agreement with the typical description of the anatomy of the tarsal tunnel, a certain degree of variability was observed in this area. This knowledge will be of use to clinicians involved in procedures related to the tarsal tunnel.
Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in prequalifying contractors in decision making
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Ranasinghe, G.; Warusavitharana, E.
Planners and project managers are decision makers who carry out planning, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the project in a systematic way. These decision makers will face multi faceted problems in projects which are complex in nature as they are based on multiple criteria and multiple decision makers. In order to make the best decisions it is essential to identify and analyze the elements of problems and their inter relationship. Human value and judgment systems are integral elements in project related problems. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a decision making method which can be applied to quantify relative priorities for identified elements and human value and judgments of problems. The strength of this approach is that it organizes tangible and intangible factors in a systematic way and provides relatively simple solutions to the decision making problem. This paper presents decisions making of a project team using the AHP while briefly reviewing the concept and its applications on contract prequalification problems. The contractor prequalification is a very important factor to be considered when selecting suitable contractors. Selection of most appropriate qualified contractor is half the effort of the project. AHP is a potential decision making method which can be applied to select best contractors to perform the project by prioritizing prequalification criteria. A sensitivity analysis can be performed to check the sensitivity of the final decisions to minor changes in judgments. Finally, we hope that this study will encourage the application of AHP by decision makers such as project managers, and planners in their line of work.
Attitudes towards induced termination of pregnancy among Buddhist and Christian clergy compared to the lay population in the western province of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) de Silva, D.C.; Jayawardene, P.L.
Termination of pregnancies (TOP) is common in Sri Lanka despite it being illegal except when the mother‟s life is in danger. Most TOPs occur within marriage and for social reasons. Attempts to change the law to permit TOP following rape, incest and fetal anomalies have been rejected. Previous data from the Gampaha and Colombo districts among doctors and nurses has identified that religious belief was the most important determinant for disagreeing with TOP. Methodology of the study included a questionnaire survey. A pre-tested self administered questionnaire with 15 common reasons for abortion was completed by Buddhist and Christian clergy, teachers and executives in all three districts of the Western Province, Sri Lanka. There were 874 respondents consisting of Buddhist monks (216 – 24%), Christian [mainly Catholic] clergy (131-15%), teachers (303- 35%) and executives (230-26%). The respondents consisted of Buddhists 616 (70%) and Christians 221 [Catholics 181 (21%), other Christian denominations 40 (5%)] while Hindus and Muslims made up 30 (3%) of the respondents. Acceptance of TOP for social reasons was low [interruption to the mother‟s career (7%) or education (9%), pregnancy after completing family (12%) or insufficient spacing of children (18%)]. Family planning failure and financial problems were acceptable for 20% and 21% respectively. The majority considered TOP acceptable for mental retardation in the baby (56%), pregnancy following incest (57%), or rape (63%), maternal mental (62%) or physical health (75%) and for fetal anomalies incompatible with life (70%). Both groups of clergy were more willing to accept TOP for fetal or maternal reasons but the acceptance rates were significantly lower compared with their respective lay groups. The Christian clergy were more opposed to TOP for social reasons compared to the Buddhist clergy. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Buddhists and lay people were more willing to consider TOP for social reasons, while lay people were more likely to accept this for maternal health reasons and fetal abnormalities. There is a gradient of attitudes towards TOP with a degree of consensus emerging in favour of termination for maternal health reasons, severe fetal anomalies and for pregnancies resulting from rape and incest. This group of respondents was against abortion for social reasons.
Banking system of ancient Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
This study is an analysis of the monetary transactions in the Anurādhapura period, which runs from the 6th B.C. to 1017 A.C. It is obvious that Sri Lanka has experienced an open economic system in ancient times, and the rulers had given state patronage for trading whereby, trading had never been discouraged. As it had been the tradition in India, and also in that of Sri Lanka as well, the king had inherited ownership of state land and water resources. It is believed that in ancient Sri Lanka, there existed a system which is similar to that of the present day banking system in order to deposit money and grain, and this particular financial institution is introduced as “Niyamatana”. The inscriptions of Thonigala, Kaludiyapokuna, Labuatabedigala clearly provide further information, related to this particular practice. As these inscriptions are studied, it is understood that in this particular place, the practice of Niyamathana, not only with grain but also with money being deposited, and with the interest and deposits took place. A ceremony called Ariyawansa was conducted at the temples, as part of this system. During this period, the monasteries had the income, earned by their land, reservoirs, rivers, canals, and various types of donations, gifted by the devotees. As recounted in the Thonigala inscription, the interest taken from the grain, and kept at “Niyamathana” was utilized to perform the Ariyawansa function at the Yahiyapawasa monastery. During that time there were many employees who depended on the salary given out of the income of the monastery. As far as all the said details are taken into account, it could be understood that the traders, the rulers and the monks had been involved in monetary transactions in ancient Sri Lanka.
Bioactivities of ethyl acetate extracts isolated from endolichenic fungi Daldinia eschscholzii and Nigrospora sphaerica
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Rajapaksha, R.S.C.G.; Paranagama, P.A.; Kannangara, B.T.S.D.P.
Although numerous bioactive natural products occur in endolichenic fungi, only a limited number of secondary metabolites with a variety of bio-activities have been isolated during the past few years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of ethyl acetate extracts of endolichenic fungi Daldinia eschscholzii and Nigrospora sphaerica inhabiting the lichen, Usnea sp. from Hakgala montane forest using antifungal and insecticidal properties. Endolichenic fungi D. eschscholzii and N. sphaerica were extracted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) to obtain the secondary metabolites. Antifungal effects of these extracts were tested against Colletotrichum musae, which cause anthracnose disease in banana. Residual Film Bioassay (RFB), and Treated Seed Bioassay (TSB) were carried out to evaluate the insecticidal activity of the fungal extracts containing secondary metabolites against cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus. Since the EtOAc extracts of D. eschscholzii (671 mg) and N. sphaerica (503 mg) were bioactive against Colletotrichum musae and Callosobruchus maculatus, bioassay guided fractionations of hexane, chloroform and aqueous were conducted for the EtOAc extracts of these fungal species. The results revealed that chloroform fractions of both extracts showed higher insecticidal and antifungal activities. Therefore they were further purified using silica gel column chromatography. Three pure compounds CR/01/99/02, CR/01/100/01 and CR/01/100/06 were isolated from N. sphaerica and yielded 13 mg, 9 mg and 19 mg respectively. CR/01/94/06 (8 mg, 16%), CR/01/95/03 (11 mg, 16.4%) and CR/01/96/02 (21 mg, 48.8%) were the purified bioactive compounds isolated from D. eschscholzii. Antifungal activity against C. musae revealed that CR/01/100/06 showed higher inhibitory effects and the lowest MLC (80 μg) and MIC (50 μg) values. 100% mortality of C. maculatus was observed at the dose of 100 μg for the compound of CR/01/96/02. LD50 values for RFB and TSB for this compound were 37.4 μg and 41 μg respectively. These purified compounds will be identified using IR, NMR, mass spectroscopy, etc.
Biyagama South: Case study of the right bank of the Kelani River
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Perera, D.H.A.S.S.; Vasanthakumary, V.
Riparian buffers play an important role in balancing fluvial action and maintaining the equilibrium of the whole ecosystem beside the river banks. That is made up of trees, shrubs and grasses and those areas protect and enhance the aquatic environment and shading the water keeps it cooler, an essential condition for many desirable aquatic species. Increasing of anthropogenic activities adversely affects the riparian buffers. The Kelani River bank is one of the major buffer zones affected in Sri Lanka, and faces lots of environmental and social problems at present. The study area, Biyagama, is located in the Western Province at Gampaha District that margins Colombo District in Sri Lanka. The objectives of this study are to identify the distribution of flora and fauna, changes in landscape ecology, causes and consequences of landscape ecological changes. South bank of the Kelani River was used as a sample; and that included 2 km from Bandarawathtaha to Raggahawaththa. Data collection consists of both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected using observation and focus group discussions. The study found that landscape ecology of the study area has changed in several ways. About 30% of land was eroded as a result of unmanaged industrial development practices and sand mining activities, from 1981 to 2010. That directly affects the landscape ecology of the area and local community. Sensitive species like fishes and reptiles are gradually disappearing in the area; such as iguanas and tortoises and also they are losing their habitat in the aquatic environment. In the SE monsoon and first Inter monsoon period the impacts were high due to flooding. Reversely ecological changes affect the human activities such as bathing and domestic water supplies in the study area. Seven bathing places are not functioning out of 13 in the study area. Therefore, the study suggests that there is an imperative need for better planning to protect environmental sustainability of ecological landscape in the right bank of the Kelani River.
Challenges in translating humor
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Wanasinghe, W.M.S.P.K.
Throughout history, language has been playing a prominent role in the progress of human civilization and social development. There are nearly 6000 to 7000 languages in the world which differ from each other in their structure. Thus translations have become popular among people in order to make communication more effective. Translations can be simply explained as translating a text from the source languages to the target language. Translations can be categorized into various categories such as literary, legal, scientific, technical and religious translations. This research focuses its attention on the challenges in translating humor in literary translations. Translating a text consisting of humor is a challenging task. To transfer a joke from one language to another calls on the ability to “think outside the box”. Humor is a sense which is naturally generated in the mind of the reader. It is a natural outcome which no one can artificially force. A writer creates humor using words, symbols, characters, puns and concepts unique to his own culture and language. But it is a challenging task to translate the same set of emotions and meaning into another language and make them appear in the same way in the target language in a translation. Thus opportunities to translate comic or humorous verse or prose constitute an unusually provocative challenge. The researcher has analyzed many problems encountered by literary translators in translating humor from the source language to the target language. Data has been gathered through personal experience, practice, secondary sources, observations and interviews. Mastering the source language and the target language is not sufficient for translators to overcome these problems. Translators need to have common sense about the culture, society and the language in order to translate humor. Hence this research would provide an insight into recognizing and overcoming problems in translating humor enabling one to produce a successful outcome.
Characteristics and elements of judgment in scientific inquiry
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Isa, H.A.
Scientific method as a systematic and organized procedure of obtaining data placed more emphasis on how facts and truth emerged from rigorous observations and empirical studies of the real world. Its practical features or characteristics make it remain as the only rational process for deciding and agreeing upon which statement, hypothesis, theory or explanation is more adequate and suitable to describe, clarify, explicate or expound and analyse a situation, an event or a phenomenon in the natural as well as in the social world. The characteristics of scientific method- logic; determinism; specificity; parsimony; empiricism; intersubjectibity; objectivity; verifiability; factualism; reliability; and proportion allow the method to give much confidence to the producer of an explanation. The findings would be sustainable being feasible, possible, viable and practicable. The results would be equitable since they are impartial, justifiable, fair, rightful, and unbiased. Finally, the conclusion, verdict or theory would be transformable on the fact that, its standard or validity is adaptable and can be used to translate, alter, exchange, change, convert or transform the phenomenon. The logic behind the philosophy of science and scientific methodology springs from the general insecurity of human life. Security is obtained chronologically by knowing the fact and understanding the situation of the fact then elucidating and manipulating the situation to the advantage of the system or environment in general. Natural science studies natural and physical phenomena and variables which are prone to laboratory experimentations and tests. The applicability of experimentation method is limited in social sciences because of its complexities. Methodological standards therefore can be very technical, complex and discipline specific. Contrast is made between general methodological standards or principles governing inquiry in any scientific discipline, and discipline-specific standards or principles applicable to inquiry in a particular profession given its goals and focus, theories and traditions, and also variables and techniques. Social sciences were able to come up with other methods such as survey, phenomenology, ethnomethodology and others in order to complement the positivists‟ method. All methodological standards play a similar role in inquiry since scientific methods guide scientists in research by providing a systematic, precise and objective manner of obtaining knowledge and avoiding ignorance.
Chinese resurgence in world politics and its implications on South Asian region with special reference to Sino-Sri Lanka relations since the year 2000
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Samarakoon, A.K.
This paper explores China‟s external policy toward South Asia and its implications on the regional affairs using Sino-Sri Lanka relations as a case study. During the last two decades there has been a power transition in world politics with the rise of China. The economic success of China is being converted into political and military powers projecting it as a prospective great power in the Asian region and the international scene. China‟s rise certainly has global and regional implications for power politics and this study problematizes how Chinese resurgence affects the regional politics in South Asia which also includes the dominant presence of India. The dilemma that the small states in South Asia have faced in shifting their allegiances drives us to apply the theories of practical political cooperation in exchange for material gains. With the construction of marine power bases and expansion of trade and economic assistance, China has attracted several states in India‟s neighborhood like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The major theoretical problem of the study then becomes why states value more of the material gains from rising extra-regional powers than the existing regional balance of power in their own region. The study mainly touches the pragmatic issue of Chinese influence on South Asian states and its implications on regional politics. The study proposes an analytical and interpretative method in order to investigate the growing presence of China in South Asia and its impact on regional politics. The case of Sino-Sri Lanka relations provides an empirical basis for the study and will be looked at from a historical and analytical point of view.
Chronic arsenic toxicity among patients of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Jayasumana, M.A.C.S.; Paranagama, P.A.; Fonseka, S.I.; Amarasinghe, M.D.; Rajakaruna, L.; Wijewardena, C.
In recent years, a significant increase in patients of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been observed in some parts of Sri Lanka, especially in North Central Province. Uniqueness of this disease is that its victims do not share the same history as other kidney patients who have had it either due to diabetes, high blood pressure or glomerulonephritis. A reconnaissance survey was conducted in the 12 CKDu endemic villages, followed by a door-to-door visit for clinical assessment and biological sample collection of CKDu patients among the villagers (n=125). Control group (n=180) were selected from those individuals from the study area who had not been diagnosed to have CKDu and some of them were selected randomly from family members of CKDu patients. Hair and urine samples were collected from both CKDu patients and controls. The clinical assessment of patients and some individuals from control group had shown dermal manifestations of chronic arsenic (As) poisoning (CAP). 44.8% and 39.2%of the CKDu patients and 18.8% and 14.4% of the control group had hyper pigmentation of palms and soles respectively. 23.2% of the CKDu patients and 10.5% of the controls have shown keratosis of palms. In soles it was 17.6% and 8.3% respectively. Hair and urine samples from CKDu patients have shown presence of high amounts of As which exceed the toxic level. Generalized body weakness, headache, burning of eyes, nausea, mild to moderate hepatomegaly, epigastric pain and parasthesia, the other clinical symptoms of CAP were also observed among a significant proportion of CKDu patients in the sample but to a lesser extent among the individuals of the control group. Findings of the present study reveal that 52% of the CKDu patients and 14.4% of the subjects in the control group have shown symptoms required to be diagnosed CAP. Percentage CKDu patients who fulfill the requirements for CAP were greater than that among the control group. Observable CAP symptoms among individuals of the control group indicate that being inhabitants of the same area, consuming the same As-contaminated water, majority of the population has already bio-accumulated arsenic, nevertheless to a lesser extent than those who have been diagnosed as CKDu patients. This also implies that these individuals are of high risk in acquiring CKDu in the near future.
Cinema as a tool of reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2011) Waradas, T.; Karunanayake, D.
In the wake of the end of the conflict between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the country is confronted with the challenge of cultivating reconciliation between the Sinhala and Tamil communities which were hitherto separated and denied a chance for unison. The Government has acknowledged that reconciliation is effective when it occurs through economic and social mechanisms rather than political intervention. In creating a space where communities in conflict can come together in a common dialogue that is essential for post-war reconciliation, the role of cinema is of significant relevance. As a most effective audio-visual form of art, cinema has been utilized in reconciliation endeavours in many post-war environments around the world. However, as examined in this paper, the mainstream Sri Lankan cinema does not seem to play its much expected social role of reconciliation in the current post-war milieu. In considering the films produced following the end of the war in May 2010, both commercial and classical cinema seem to fail to bring the Sinhala and Tamil communities to a common platform. Instead, majority of the films show a tendency to romanticize the war, and its trauma and agony. Conversely, stories seem to be narrated from the point of view of the Sinhala Buddhist community characterized by an overwhelming notion of nationalism, while much of the duress experienced by Tamils is sidelined. It is crucial to examine why and how mainstream Sri Lankan cinema is so reluctant to play a prominent role in post-war reconciliation. This paper focuses on the four films: Ira Handa Yata by Bennet Rathnayake, Sinhawalokanaya by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa, Mahindagamanaya by Sanath Abeysekara, and Gamani by Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara. This paper intends to examine the reasons behind the films‟ failure to contribute to reconciliation attempts in a post-war environment. It will also illustrate the potential of Sri Lanka cinema to act as a powerful tool of reconciliation, and show how it should redefine its stance and transform itself, moving away from Sinhala Buddhist nationalism.