IPRC - 2016

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The Accuracy of the Usage of the 'Subject and Verb Agreement' by the Learners of English as a Second Language
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasinghe, R.
Subject -verb agreement is a basic rule of English grammar which states that subjects and verbs must agree in person and number. Therefore, singular subjects need singular verbs whereas plural subjects need plural verbs. At tertiary level, Sinhala speaking ESL (English as a second a language) learners very often get confused with the nuances of the rules of subject -verb agreement. For example, compare, the jury (a collective noun) is walking to the courtroom and the jury (refers to many people as individuals) are discussing among themselves. According to Bock and Miller (1991), elicited sentence productions show that the occasional errors of subject-verb agreement that speakers make are more likely to occur when a singular head noun is followed by a plural as in The producer of adventure stories have arrived than when a plural head is followed by a plural (Nicol, Foster & Veres, 1997). The objective of this study is to analyze the tertiary level Sinhala-speaking ESL learners’ accuracy patterns of the usage of subject -verb agreement in their writing tasks in order to find out relevant methods to facilitate the teaching of subject -verb agreement in English Language. A sample of 50 first year undergraduates who are randomly selected from the University of Kelaniya participated in this study. The research tool of this experimental study is a sentence battery consisting of gapfilling tasks where the learners have to use the correct verb according to the given subject. Excel spread sheets and SPSS will be used for data analysis. Two way ANOVA will be run and the Post Hoc Tukey HSD Test will be computed to compare the significant differences in the accurate use of each sub rule of subject and verb agreement. Findings of these accuracy patterns can be applied to teach subject -verb agreement in the ESL classrooms more effectively. The findings of the study will also inform syllabus design, lesson materials and lesson plans on the use of tenses in English grammar.
Analysis of Cause and Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency in North-East Nigeria
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Baba, I.
This work analyzed the causes of Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria. It examined the effects of the insurgency in the same region of the country. The research was carried out with the use of library based documentation analysis, and with the use of secondary sources of data collection. Academic write-ups in journals, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, reading manuals as well as internet based information provided the data utilized in this research. The research found out that Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria was incubated and hatched by both remote and immediate causes. Remote causes of the insurgency as this research discovered include illiteracy, poverty and unemployment among the youth in the region. The research also found out that alleged extra judicial killings of some of the sect members and summary execution of its leader during its first combatant confrontation with the Nigerian government forces in Markas and other areas in Maiduguri the Borno state capital in July 2009, triggered a full blown insurgency in the North-East region of Nigeria. The rise in number the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as grave waste of lives and properties were some of the effects of the insurgency in this region of Nigeria. This research made a number of recommendations among which the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the establishment of an independent commission to rebuild the North-East region especially Borno and Yobe States which were the seriously affected states in the region.
An Analysis of Postcolonial Gender Constructions in Three Selected Texts
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarasooriya, T.
The paper focuses on the ways in which gender is constructed in selected postcolonial literary texts: The Quilt, Ten Rupees, and Mozelle. Gender construction is distinctive in some postcolonial texts. Colonial rule caused many social changes. In the postcolonial context, women were exposed to new opportunities mainly due to globalization. This exposure led women to resist and question their subaltern status. The study tries to explain the deviations from stereotypical gender roles in the postcolonial context. The Quilt by Ismat Chugtai highlights the oppression and negligence of female sexuality and desire. The narrative depicts how Begum suffers due to her subaltern status in marriage. Her frustration and sense of loneliness ultimately lead to an alternative relationship which gives her sexual pleasure. The narrative shows how a female character is empowered and given agency in a postcolonial literary text. Ten Rupees by Manto is the story of a girl called Sarita. In describing Sarita’s character, Manto emphasizes her innocence and delicacy. Manto’s description of Sarita tends to break away from stereotypical imagery of sex-workers and the reader shares Sarita’s joy. Hence, Sarita is portrayed in a positive way. Manto moves away from the traditional descriptions of a prostitute. He creates a new character who is full of dreams, fantasies, and wishes. It shows that gender construction in this text is different and it takes a new direction. Mozelle by Manto is woven around the relationship of a Jewish woman and a Sikh man. Mozelle is a Jewish woman living in Bombay. Trilochan, who is a Sikh, wants to marry her. Mozelle is portrayed as a very forward woman. Towards the end of the story Mozelle is portrayed as a “heroine”, because she rescues a Sikh woman and dies naked. The narrative is also used as evidence to show the diversity in postcolonial gender constructions. In the above postcolonial texts, gender, racial and caste boundaries, which were prominent in traditional society are discussed in a subtle way through operative characters. Hence, the purpose of the study is to show how the postcolonial gender constructions in some texts move away from traditional and stereotypical gender constructions.
An Analysis of Speech Competency of English as a Second Language among Students Who Learn in Mother Tongue Based Bilingual Education in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karunarathna, J.A.M.B.
Bilingual Education was introduced to the Sri Lankan education system in the recent past since 2001. Compared to other countries, the difference in bilingual education of Sri Lanka is that few selected subjects are taught in second language (L2). Other subjects are taught in first language (L1), which is either Sinhala or Tamil. Thus, it is identified as mother tongue based bilingual education. In the Sri Lankan context, students who learn under bilingual curriculum are considered more fluent in L2 than monolingual students. However, in class room observations, such considerations cannot be generalized, which of course is against the expectations of bilingual education programme in Sri Lanka. Hence, the objectives of the research are to find out the difficulties faced by bilingual students in speaking L2 and to investigate reasons related to the fluency of L2 among bilingual students. Accordingly, 68 students who learn under bilingual education curriculum in Grade 10 and 20 teachers who teach the subjects in English from 03 schools governed under provincial councils in Gampaha district were given questionnaires and the interviews to collect primary data. Book research was conducted to collect secondary data. Primary data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the descriptive data analysis method. Thus, the findings prove that the demotivating social factors, misconceptions of L2 among the students and deficiencies of pedagogical process in teaching English as a second language and bilingual education system have neglected the L2 spoken aspect.
An Analysis on Mnemonic Methods of Japanese Kanji Characters
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Balasooriya, B.M.U.S.
Kanji are ideographs which mean that the whole character conveys a meaning rather than just a sound as in the case of Hiragana and Katakana. Most of the Kanji characters were originally drawn as pictures from nature but gradually transformed to more generalized representations. There are 75,963 kanji currently encoded in Unicode available today. Kanji characters have become one of the main obstacles for students who learn Japanese in Sri Lanka, because there are a large number of Kanji characters to remember and the period of time is mostly too short to remember those characters, (for an example students have to remember around 2000 kanji characters within 2, 3 years of their Japanese language education) when compared with Japanese native students. Most of the students receive much better marks for Kanji character tests but their writing and reading skills are very poor. They especially make many errors when they write Kanji characters. So this study focuses on identifying mnemonic methods of Japanese Kanji characters. The data was collected by conducting a questionnaire survey for 2nd year students reading for a Japanese Language Special Degree at the University of Kelaniya. The findings highlight the fact that most of the students tend to memorize full Kanji characters by the radicals of each Kanji character. For example, the 「氵」 sign usually comes with Kanji characters which indicate liquids. Also students use the Chinese reading method to memorize Kanji characters in their syllabus.
An analytical study of characteristics, which should be included in an ideal Online Hindi Learner’s Dictionary
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Lansakara, R.N.
This paper will explore problematic areas of Online Hindi Learner’s Dictionaries, which have been launched to assist online Hindi learners through advanced means and ways. Since the teacher is not always an option or a well-chosen dictionary, the dictionary has been played a vital role in language learning and teaching for decades. As we are engaging in the process of language learning and teaching with plenty of complex necessities, it is difficult to carry traditional paper dictionaries with us all the time. Thus electronic dictionaries, unlike traditional papers, have been opened-up interesting and advanced methodologies with regard to vocabulary acquisition. Online Hindi Learner’s Dictionaries present distinct ways as well as developed new ways of defining words and providing introduction of words and phrases. Most of students, who learn Hindi as a foreign language, often have difficulties in finding the correct meaning for unfamiliar words or phrases in their dictionaries. So an effective Hindi Online Learner’s Dictionary should be included these characteristics - to make it easier for learners to identify and recognize the words' meanings; the language described is the usual, everyday variety preference is given to the quality of the treatment of words rather than to the quantity of words particular care is taken in the treatment of the more frequent words; the provision of information on the Grammar of words; the learner's dictionary should supply information about the contexts and environments in which words tend to appear most regularly. They give an account of what is typical, rather than describing what is simply possible; pronunciation is indicated by means of the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet); Pictorial representation of words; Culture and domain-specific words, inflected forms and discourse markers; requires knowledge of the conventional contexts and collocations surrounding a word. This paper makes an attempt to point-out the importance of using an Online Hindi learner’s Dictionaries for foreign students. Moreover, it will also give a possible idea about developing an ideal model of Online Hindi Learner’s Dictionary.
The Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka and its Externalities (with reference to Narammala Divisional Secretariet)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Nimeshika, G.A.T.; Hettiarachchi, H.A.T.
When Sri Lanka liberalized its economy in 1977, the country’s garment industry took off immediately. Initially quota‐ hopping East Asian garment exporters, attracted by the country’s liberal trade regime, relocated their already well‐ established garment businesses to Sri Lanka. This relocation encouraged local entrepreneurs to start their own garment enterprises to exploit markets guaranteed by quotas, assisted by the liberal trade regime and incentives granted by the Sri Lankan Government. Sri Lanka has since become a world class apparel manufacturer supplying to global super brands for over three decades. However, externalities have been created by the apparel industries. The objective of this study is to identify the significance of the apparel industry and its externalities to the economy of Sri Lanka. For the research primary and secondary data has been used. Primary data has been collected from interviews and questionnaires. 100 people who are living and working in Narammala divisional secretariat were selected by using multiple cluster sampling method. Secondary data collected from Internet & websites, journal articles and books. After the survey was completed, the data was processed in SPSS for statistical results. Line graphs, percentages, tables have been used to present the collected data. This research is based on the Descriptive Analysis. Two hypotheses were created for the research: H0: Apparel industry generated positive externalities than the negative externalities. H1: Apparel industry did not generate more positive externalities than negative externalities. According to the study, the positive and negative externalities could be identified. The negative externalities are water pollution with fabric dyes and massive water consumption in different steps of the process. The positive externalities are increasing the job opportunities, infrastructures facilities such as road development, transport. It can be concluded that positive and negative externalities have been created from the apparel industry, Positive externalities were greater than the negative externalities.
The Application and Practice of Group Activities in The Class of Oral Chinese Language Teaching
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Yu, Bo
In Second Language Teaching, skills training is generally divided into the five asplects of listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation. From the perspective of language communication, oral skills training is particularly important. However, the traditional oral teaching mode and teaching methods are not really different from other classes. The main problem of the traditional oral class is that the sentence practice is boring, the interaction between teachers and students is low, and the students' speaking rate is not good. Moreover, it is difficult for the students to get out of the frame of the textbook form in practical communication, and they cannot adapt to the flexibility and creativity of the language. In recent years, group activities are used as a teaching method by many languages. Compared with other forms of classroom teaching, group activities have many advantages. They will increase the degree of communicative training, improve the interaction between teachers and students and reduce the anxiety of students. At the same time, group activities can also improve the speech opening rate of students and stimulate students' learning motivation. At present, the use of group activities in the oral Chinese class is common, and group activities are considered to be an effective class teaching method with high interactivity. Group activities, including the role of reading and reciting the role of sub-text, role-playing, group games, topic discussions, improve language proficiency. There are debates, interviews, surveys, and live simulations, which are closer to real life situations. Students in group activities have shown a great deal of enthusiasm, and tension has been eased. The new language knowledge and communication functions of the activity have been clearly established. This study focuses on the design, implementation, evaluation and feedback of group activities from the perspective of a large number of oral classroom observations. The author further analyzes several factors that affect the success or failure of group activities and provides some reference-point for the teaching method of using group activities for oral Chinese teachers.
Application of Buddhist Middle Path for Mass Communication Process: A Phenomenological Approach
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Senarath, S.; Dissanayake, N.
The Middle Path (majjhimā paṭipadā) is the precious way to apply in solving every problem, including mass communication. According to the teaching of Lord Buddha, the Middle Path (majjhimā paṭipadā) is not a condition between two extremes like the Daoist yin and yang opposites or complements. It also different from the Aristotelian “The Golden Mean” and the “Confucian doctrine of the Mean”. The Middle Path is transcending both axes of extremes. The Buddhist middle path means the most effective way leading to the cessation of dukkha (un -satisfactoriness) that lies between the extremes of searching for happiness through the pleasures of the senses, and the other extreme searching for the same through self-mortification in different forms of asceticism. The West claims the credit for ‘inventing’ the social sciences, including communication, as disciplines (Gunaratne, 2015). Most of the research in communication studies show an Anglo- American bias. In this regards, this field needs revision with complementary research incorporating the Eastern phenomenological perspective (Gunaratne, 2015, Senarath, 2015, 2016). The time is ripe for the emergence of [a new] genre [of communication studies] based primarily on Buddhist principles (Gunaratne, 2015). Buddhist phenomenological approach could be one of the best way to uncover the universal problems which western based scientific method alone cannot explore (Gunaratne, 2015, Senarath, 2015, 2016).
Appraising The Difficulties Faced by Factory Workers of Agro-Inputs Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerakoon, W.R.W.M.A.P.; Mihirani, P.M.N.; Samaraweera, J.P.U.; Dharmawardhana, M.W.C.
This study assessed the status of workers at agro-inputs manufacturing factories in Sri Lanka, where the major objectives were to (1) assess the problems faced by workers at factories, and (2) assess the extent to which firms have identified and solved those problems. Data was collected from 180 workers of 10 companies during 2012 and 2015. Both qualitative and quantitative aspects were assessed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that factory workers were poorly paid where 78% of the women in factories were underpaid compared to men. Most employers haven’t yet identified the skills, knowledge and potential of workers. Over 85% of the workers experienced frequent job rotations without any foreseeable career path. Over 63% of the companies had not maintained proper training plans or employee records except the records on wages and simple workshops. Nearly 70% of the companies haven’t maintained occupational health and safety records of individuals. Although several standards were implemented, occupational safety, health training, and welfare weren’t among the top priorities. Although accidents were rare among women, occasional accidents among men indicate that the risks of calamities haven’t wholly curtailed. Cafeteria facilities, restrooms, sickrooms and sanitation were often below standards where first-aid or medical assistance weren’t readily available. Job insecurity, issues on family welfare such education and health of children were among the severe burdens that workers, especially women required support, but haven’t yet received. Participation in unions and raising complaints were limited among women due ignorance or lack of awareness. The study highlights the need of a national policy and a monitoring system to assure that basic needs of workers at factories are fulfilled with a cautious focus on health, nutrition, reverence, family welfare, work milieu, remuneration and career development with regard to both permanent and contract-based workers irrespective of the gender. Moreover, a mix of proper human resources functions is suggested with a robust involvement of the top level management where the burdening issues of workers are focused.
Assessing Potential Genotoxic Effects of Nano-Titanium Dioxide on Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) de Silva, P.; Pathiratne, A.
Due to widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) in many industrial applications, significant release of nano-TiO2 to the environment can occur which may eventually reach aquatic ecosystems. Hence biological impacts of nano-TiO2 to the aquatic fauna especially fish under chronic exposure need to be explored. Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus is used as a bioindicator for evaluating toxic effects to environmental substances in tropical waters. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential genotoxic effects of water-borne nano-TiO2 on Nile tilapia under chronic exposure conditions. Fish were exposed to a range of nano-TiO2 (<25 nm, anatase) concentrations viz 0.1 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L along with the controls for 21 days and genotoxic effects were evaluated weekly by micronucleus assay and Comet assay using peripheral erythrocytes. Even though micronuclei induction in the erythrocytes was higher in the fish exposed to the lowest nano-TiO2 concentration (0.1 mg/L) at 7 and 21 days of exposure, a statistically significant concentrationresponse pattern was not observed (P > 0.05). Comet assay revealed that DNA damage in erythrocytes of Nile tilapia could be induced by nano-TiO2 even at 0.1 mg/L level (P < 0.05) by 21 days of exposure. Compared to micronucleus assay, Comet assay was more effective in detecting genotoxic effects on Nile tilapia. The results indicate that nano-TiO2 exposure could lead to genotoxic hazards to the fish populations in the contaminated water bodies.
Assessment of artificial blood feeding methods and efficacy of different blood meal sources in mass rearing of Aedes aegypti for innovative vector controlling strategies
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Ranathunga, R.M.T.B.; Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L.; Abeyewickreme, W.
Background Mass rearing of vector mosquitoes of dengue is a crucial requirement for implementation of innovative vector controlling strategies such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) and transgenic mosquitoes. Selection of the artificial membrane-feeding technique and blood meal source have been recognized as key considerations in mass rearing of vectors. Methodology Three artificial membrane feeding techniques (Glass plate method, Metal plate and Hemotek membrane feeding method) and three blood sources (human, cattle and chicken) were evaluated based on feeding rates, fecundity and hatching rates of Ae. aegypti, under laboratory conditions. One-way ANOVA, cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOSIM) and principal coordinates (PCO) analysis, were used to investigate the significance in the variations among blood feeding. Results Feeding rates of Ae. aegypti significantly differed among the membrane feeding techniques as suggested by one-way ANOVA (p <0.05). The metal plate method was identified as the most efficient and cost effective feeding technique. Blood feeding rate of Ae. aegypti was higher with human blood followed by cattle and chicken blood, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed among mosquitoes fed with cattle blood and human blood, in terms of fecundity, oviposition rate and fertility. Conclusions Metal plate feeding technique could be recommended as the most effective membrane feeding technique for mass rearing of Ae. aegypti, due to its high feeding rate and cost effectiveness. Since, obtaining human blood for insectary colony maintenance is problematic due certain ethical issues, cattle blood could be recommended for mass rearing Ae. aegypti.
Assessment of Water Quality Status and Pollution Levels in Maduru Oya Reservoir in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kasthuriarachchi, T.D.W.; Wickramaarachchi, W.D.N.; Premaratne, W.A.P.J.
MaduruOya reservoir was constructed in 1983 under the Accelerated Mahaweli Program. The dam is located in North Central province and the reservoir extends to Eastern province and Uva provinces (between 7º 32' 42" to 7º 39' 57" North latitude and 81º 11' 35" to 81º 12' 21" East longitude). It is reported that high amount of nutrients and other chemical residues accumulate in water of the reservoir due to heavy use of agrochemicals in the catchment area. Fifteen locations were selected for sub-surface water sampling and analysis from February to July in 2016. Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Turbidity were measured in-situ. Ammonical nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, dissolved phosphate, and other chemical parameters such as alkalinity and hardness were also assessed. Water temperature of the reservoir varied from 29.7 ͦ C to 36 ͦ C while pH value was from 6.8 to 9.5. DO value was from 3.3 ppm to 9.4 ppm. EC varied from 94 μS cm-1 to 200 μS cm-1 and turbidity of water fluctuated from 0.96 NTU to 49.4 NTU. Ammonical nitrogen varied from 0.001 ppm to 0.652 ppm. Nitrite Nitrogen was from 0.001 ppm to 0.905 ppm and Nitrate Nitrogen was detected from 0.001 ppm to 1.131 ppm. The highest phosphate concentration was detected as 0.468 ppm near the dam site of the reservoir in July. Total hardness was from 21ppm to 68 ppm and alkalinity varied from 15 ppm to 190 ppm. The highest pH was recorded in June near the dam site of the reservoir and exceed the WHO standards for drinking water. The maximum nitrate and nitrite concentrations were recorded in June at the middle of reservoir and maximum ammoniacal nitrogen was also recorded in June and it was at the dam site. High accumulation of nutrients can lead to eutrophication in the reservoir and it causes the spreading of toxin producing algal species such as Microcystis affecting the ecosystem health and human livelihood.
Association between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among Hypertensive Patients Attending Medical Clinics Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karthijekan, K.; Kartheepan, K.
Overweight and obesity are known to be risk factors of hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index and blood pressure among HT patients who attending medical clinics, Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa. Descriptive cross sectional study carried out among 212 HT patients by using Simple random sampling. Data were collected with structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were measured by using appropriate measuring scales. Patient’s blood pressure readings were recorded manually using mercury sphygmomanometers. Patients who had the blood pressure more than 140/90 mmHg in last six consecutive readings were defined as Cases and the blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg in last six consecutive reading defined as Controls. Among the 212 patients’ controls and cases were 35.8% and 64.2% respectively. 37.7 % of them were male and 62.3 % were female. 63.7 % of them were Tamil, 26.8%, 9.0% and 0.5% were Muslims, Burgers and Sinhalese respectively. Among them uneducated, family history of HT, currently smoking and drinking habits were 18.9%, 44.3%, 9.0% and 16.5% respectively. Mean values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 136.95 ± 10.84 mmHg, 85.82 mmHg ± 07.87 mmHg respectively. Majority (70%) of the patients aged were more than 50 years. Among them underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity were 9.4%, 39.2%, 34.9% and 16.5% respectively. Overweight and obesity among the cases were 37.5%, 19.1%, and among controls 30.3% and 11.8% respectively. Central obesity among cases and controls were 35.3% and 31.6% respectively. Chi-square test was used to find out the association for selected variables. There was a significant association between hypertension and body mass index (P =0.019, X2=9.98) but not with central obesity (P =0.584, X2=0.3). In conclusion, among patients attending the hypertensive clinic, increased body mass index was positively associated with blood pressure.
Attitudes of the Villagers in the Post War, Special Reference to Mannar District
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Peiris, M.J.D.
In thirty years period of conflict became as main actor in Sri Lankan socio economic and political backgrounds. As the consequences of the conflict, Sri Lankan main streams had harmful damages. These damages directly affected to the development. North and Eastern province are the most conflict affected regions in Sri Lanka. North was the first conflict affected region. Eastern is the totally different from when comparing with North, conflict vulnerability totally wiped out from the Eastern province. Besides, this research is based on the study of the attitudes of people who had gone through the painful war happened in Sri Lanka. Hence, the main objective of this research is to identify the actual mental attitudes of the village folk and the improvement areas within the context of post war in North Sri Lanka. The universe and the sample are gathered from the area of Illuppaikadavai in Mannar district, Sri Lanka, an area where the war affected people lives. Both primary and secondary data were used to conduct this research. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with 35 participants. The study problem is to ascertain as to how be the thinking attitude and the views they hold in the post war context. Quantitative data were presented through the summary of the results for the statistical tests through charts and graphs when necessary. This study found that villages in Mannar district hold mental attitudes and they were lack in not only an educational knowledge but also in knowledge of social background. Hence the mentality of the public needs revamped in order to fulfill this task, mass media will have to play a major role. Affected people have reminiscences of the war situation. Action should be taken to change the mentality. Although the development work will not suffice thus, educational values and moral values should be given priority. At the same time, they should understand that all are Sri Lankans and must work as one family.
“Autocratic Patriarchs and Subversive Angels”: An Analysis of the Father-Daughter Relationship in Selected Shakespearean Plays
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardane, G.
Shakespearean plays, though varied on the basis of genre, thematic concerns and theatrical elements, generally dramatize familial relationships. One of the richest familial relationships dramatized among Shakespeare’s plays is the depiction of the father-daughter relationship. The seeming tensions that emerge from the subversive means used by Shakespearean daughters through which they appear to challenge the “conventional” patriarchal body invariably receive the attention of the reader and the audience. In most plays, Shakespeare destines the fatherdaughter bond to collapse where both parties ultimately fail in unification as “fathers and daughters”. Most of the father figures in the plays appear to be authoritarians who tend to regulate and confine the children, daughters in particular, to “conventional” ideological formations. On the contrary, most of the Shakespearean daughters, except for a few, are positioned as autonomous, rebellious figures who tend to challenge the norms that govern patriarchy. In fact, the fathers’ insistence and doggedness in upholding the conformist values of the Renaissance and Medieval society and the daughters’ challenging behaviours and their trangressive desires to challenge the strict structures of hegemonic patriarchy bring forth the central conflict in most father-daughter relationships in Shakespearean plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Merchant of Venice, King Lear, and Othello. Hence, this paper focuses on several father-daughter relationships such as “Jessica- Shylock”, “Goneril-Lear and Regan- Lear”, “Hermia- Egeus” and “Desdemona- Brabantio” that tend to challenge the “conventional” parental model. Thus the aim of this paper is to reflect on how the revolutionary and the challenging behaviours of the young daughters of the selected Shakespearean plays ruin the “expectations” of the father figures; how their subversive means and non-conformity appear to challenge and question the “masculinity” of both the nurturing father as well as the domineering and hegemonic father who symbolizes the state.
Background Levels of Heavy Metals in Moss Hyophila Involuta as A Bioindicator Using Four Strict Nature Reserves in Sri Lanka: Sinharaja Rainforest, Knuckles Mountain Range, Horton Plains National Park and Hakgala Mountain Forest
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayalath, J.I.K.G.; Deeyamulla, M.P.; de Silva, R.C.L.
Atmospheric deposition of six heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd) using the moss Hyophila involuta as a bioindicator was investigated to establish the background levels of heavy metals for different geographical and climatic zones of Sri Lanka. Moss sampling was carried out in four strict nature reserves in different geographical and climatic zones of Sri Lanka, namely Sinharaja rainforest (6°24′–6°27′ N, 80°24′–80°26′ E, 450– 500 m) from wet zone, Knuckles mountain range (7°31′ N, 80°43′ E , 1,000–1,300 m) from intermediate zone, Horton Plains National Park (6°46′–6°48′ N, 80°47′–80°49′ E, 2,000–2,200 m) and Hakgala mountain forest (6°55′ N, 80°48′ E, 1,700–1,800 m) from wet zone and Central highlands using about 10 sampling sites from each location within a month from October to November 2015. Concentrations of heavy metals in moss were analysed by using atomic absorption spectrometer. The atmospheric deposition of heavy metal concentrations in all sampling stations is given for dry weight of moss and the ranges of six elements around four strict nature reserves were 9.58– 65.68, 1.87–9.97, 1.20–10.56, 1.12–7.81, 1.20–10.60 and 0.05–0.36 μg/g for Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni Cr and Cd separately. According to the statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA , p < 0.05), accumulation of Cu, Cr and Cd in moss was not significantly change among four strict nature reserves and accumulation of Ni and Pb in moss was significantly higher around Hakgala mountain forest. Atmospheric deposition of Zn in moss was significantly higher around Knuckles mountain range area than other sampling locations. Therefore background levels of heavy metals in moss can be expressed as as 5.53 (±1.75), 7.23 (±2.11), 4.03 (±1.41), 6.61 (±2.58) and 0.17 (±0.06) μg/g for Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd respectively for the most of the geographical and climatic zones of Sri Lanka and background levels of Zn can be established as 30.62 (±8.11) and 47.42 (±12.31) μg/g for wet zone including Central highlands and intermediate zone of Sri Lanka respectively.
Beliefs and Rituals of the Sinhalese Associated with Rain and Drought
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kularathna, S.B.A.K.
It is a well-known fact that ever since the founding of the Sinhalese civilization, whose members to this day form the bulk of the island population, the main occupation of survival has been agriculture. Buddhism, the religion of plurality, was ushered into the island in 3rd century B.C. and has endured as the faith of the people shepherding their corporeal and incorporeal being and has additionally contributed remarkably towards the unique culture known as the Sinhala Buddhist culture. After the introduction of Buddhism the agrarian life of the island gained new life. People’s beliefs about nature are an amalgamation of the primitive cults and the newly introduced denomination. Based on the theme of Sinhalese Buddhist beliefs about rain and drought, this study attempts to analyze the data from the historical chronicles as well as folklore to gain insights into the gradual evolution of the belief system.
A Bibliometric study of Postgraduate Theses in Library and Information Science
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Angammana, S.
Bibliometrics is the statistical analysis of bibliographic information of research outputs and publications. It is observed that in the field of Library and Information Science this type of research is used more effectively to overcome problems faced by librarians such as selection and weeding out of information resources. Further, bibliometric analytical research demonstrates the impact of researches on researchers. These studies identify the emerging areas of research as well as strengths and weaknesses, top performing journals and researchers in a subject area and finally inform future research priorities too. Also, the rareness of this kind of researches, improve the significance of this study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the pattern of references in masters’ theses in the field of Library and Information Science. For this research study 50 Master’s of Library and Information Science (MLS) postgraduate theses submitted to University of Colombo during the period from 1999 to 2009 were analyzed. Citations were extracted from list of references, bibliographies and title pages. Data collected was cross-classified and tabulated according to research needs. Total of 3349 citations were found from 50 postgraduate theses. Out of those citations 3329(99.40%) were in English, 17(.51%) in Sinhala language 2 citations in French (0.06%) and only 1 (0.03%) in Tamil. Study revealed that journals were the most heavily used source of material with 41% of the citations. The second most heavily used source of material was books accounting for 34% of the citations. Most heavily used journal was “College and Research Libraries” while most heavily used book was the “Encyclopedia of Information and Library Science”. Among those citations, single author contribution accounts for 2162 citations (64%) and two authors contributions were 583 citations (17%) while three authors contribution of citations were 111(3%). More than three authors contribution accounts for only 28(1%) while corporate author contribution was 188(6%). Language-wise distribution of citations showed that the usage of Sinhala citations is negligible compared to English citations. It was concluded from the study, still the English journals are the most important reference of the Library and Information Science discipline in the Masters’ level. Recommendations were made to strengthen the quality of postgraduate research encouraging to use more current journal articles in the printed and electronic versions as well.
Building Relation Between Company and Consumers Through Co-Creation: European and Asian Context
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wiścicka, M.; Misiak-Kwit, S.
Building relations with stakeholders seems to be a standard behaviour in the companies that operate throughout the today’s markets. One of the forms of building relations is to invite a customer and other stakeholders to contribute to product creation, to assess the quality of the service or to share experiences that were gained while using the products. However, is it worth to open up for clients’ experiences? Maybe the clients are not interested in such issues? How this process looks like in different countries, taking account of different levels of market development and cultures? Those questions gave an impetus to conduct a research among clients from different countries, such as Poland, Germany, Romania, China, Georgia or Sri Lanka. The emphasis in this article is placed on presentation of research results from two countries: Poland (European culture, HDI 0,834) and China (Asian culture, HDI 0,834). The target group of the survey was young people which by virtue of their psycho-physical characteristics are more open to share their experience and engage in various activities. The aim of this article is to present similarities and differences in building relations through co-creation in China and Poland. The paper consist of two parts, theoretical and practical. Theoretical deliberations were devoted to the explanation of supporting the process of product creation. In this part also advantages of process of building relations with clients have been shown. Empirical part has been devoted to the presenting of results of studies showing the interest of young people in participation in co-creation in Poland and China.