Reviewing International Encounters (RIE - 2018)
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Item Productive Efficiency of Culture-based Fisheries Production in Village Irrigation Systems of Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Kularatne, M.G.; Wilson, C.; Robinson, T.; Pascoe, S.Over half of growing global aquaculture production being produced in freshwater ponds and tanks. Asia is the highest global consumer and epicenter of fresh water aquaculture production. Unique Inputs of fresh water fish production in Sri Lanka are multiple use of man-made Common property water bodies fixed in capacity, centralised fish breeding, group labour and collective agreements, natural organic feedings. The development of culture-based fisheries (CBFs) based on stocking fish fingerlings in village irrigation systems (VISs) has grown in popularity over the last three decades. CBF production has been given a high priority in Sri Lanka given fish are a cheap source of animal protein for rural low-income communities. Despite the growing popularity of CBFs associated with VISs, there is little knowledge about factors that influence productivity levels. Therefore, this is the first attempt to investigate on factors influence of technical efficiency of CBF production in Sri Lanka. Primary data from 325 fish farming groups in two districts (Kurunegala and Anuradhapura) are used to estimate a stochastic translog production frontier for CBF production. Analysis of these data indicates that technical efficiency in these irrigation systems is substantially lower than in other aquaculture production systems in a number of other Asian countries, suggesting that production can be increased substantially using existing technology. Removing subsidies, improving consultation with extension officials, and improving water user rights are found to be key means for improving efficiency. In particular, productivity could potentially be improved through the introduction of a transferable community quota system for water rights useItem Indigenous Medicine for Snake Bites in Palm Leaf Manuscripts in Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Abayarathne, A.H.M.H.Palm leaf manuscript culture in Sri Lanka has a long history. According to Sri Lankan chronicles which were composed around 5th century A.C.E. writing on palm leaves started in the 1st century B.C.E, as mentioned in those chronicles, during the reign of King Vaṭṭagāṃani Abhaya (89-77 B.C.E)' Buddhist monks used palm leaves to inscribe the doctrine of the Buddha. In the later periods, in addition to religious texts, secular subjects were also written on palm leaves, like indigenous medical practices, astrology, palmistry" literature and various kinds of black magic. Indigenous medical practices included medical treatments for human beings as well as animals. Ailments such as diarrhea, vomiting, snakebites, fever, and mental disorders were commonly treated using indigenous medicines. A large number of PLMSRL covers the treatments for snake bites. As an agricultural society even today there are a considerable number of deaths by snake bites. So the situation in the past was very serious. There are various methods for cure of snake bites using indigenous medicine of various kinds. The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka has established a Palm Leaf Manuscript Study and Research Library (PLMSRL) to preserve those manuscripts, especially to preserve manuscripts that are damaged due to various causes. Currently, there are more than 3000 (800,000 images) manuscripts preserved by this library. This research present study was carried out by using these manuscripts. The methodology used for this research is to examine those manuscripts thoroughly and the main objective is to recognize the major areas of the indigenous knowledge which prevailed for more than twenty centuries throughout the history of Sri Lanka.Item The Historical Evolution and the Present Usage of the Guard Stone in Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Manathunga, D.K.The guard stone is an essential feature found on either side of the entrance to the religious or royal buildings in ancient Sri Lanka. Other important features are the "Moonstone" and the "Wing stone". During the first phase of history of the guard stone it was simply a plain slab of stone and later on it was developed and made more beautiful by making fine carvings to these stones. Among those carving a prominent place was given to the figure of male the name guard stone. Other types of the carved guard stone are the full pot, human figures, devotees, dwarfs and the king cobra etc. The objective of this research paper is to identify and examine the historical evolution of the guard stone place at the entrance to the religious and royal building belongs to the Anuradhapura era of the ancient Sri Lanka and also their present types of usages. In this aspect a special attention has been given to the two dwarf guard stone named "Sanka" and "Padma" which found in the historical AbhayagiriyaVihara Complex which belongs to the ancient Anuradhapura era. The methodology of this research was mainly based on the usage of primary sources and field study of the archaeological excavation of the AbhayagiriyaViharaya. Among the findings of this research one is under the concept of "kuvera" the two dwafs who guarded the treasure of Kuvera have received the devoting by the people and even at present it was among the religious beliefs and practices among certain people. This has become clear by using these guard stones as places of swearing in affirming by some people.Item Factors Affecting Remittances and Its Usage in The Rural Communities: Special Reference to Rural-to-Urban Labour Migration in Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ranathunga, S.P.B.Remittances play a significant role in poverty reduction in rural sectors in developing nations. Labour movement from rural villages to cities can be viewed as a universal phenomenon of economic modernization. Despite abundant research on this topic, there is no clear consensus among researchers on the pattern of rural to urban labour migration, remittance inflows to rural sector and its usage. Although international labour migration has gained more attention than rural-to-urban labour migration in the recent debate on migration and development, migration practices and remittances have been considered as significant livelihood development strategies for many poor groups in developing countries across the world. Although rural-to-urban migration has contributed immensely to household poverty reduction and income diversification strategies in rural communities in Sri Lanka, there is dearth of attempt in the literature to identify and quantify these impacts. The research question address in this study here is what are the factors affecting remittance and its usage in the rural communities? Data for this analysis were obtained from a questionnaire based survey conducted by the author between January and April 2011 in Sri Lanka. The survey comprised 400 rural-to-urban migrant workers from 20 urban factories located in Gampaha District in Sri Lanka. The remittance data in this survey consists of both positive and zero values as usual, as migrants who remit and who do not remit were included in the sample. Due to the nature of this type of data (censored regression), a Tobit regression model was applied to identify the determinants of remittance in Sri Lanka. Tobit estimations have the limitation of making the signs of both the determinants of remittances and the magnitude of the remittances the same. Therefore, a probit model was also employed to examine the decision to remit. Consequently, probit estimations provided the factors influencing the decision to remit while Tobit estimates provided the simultaneous decisions of whether to remit or not and how much to remit The results indicate that the decision to remit depends on the purpose of using the remittance rather than the amount of wages or experience. Unmarried migrants are more likely to remit for daily expenses in their households of origin to support elderly people and/or parents who cannot work and do not have a proper income in the places of origin. Households with larger areas of farmlands are less likely to receive regular remittances for consumption purposes whereas they receive more remittances for farming purposes as an investment. Households with students are more likely to receive regular remittances for daily expenses. Migrants tend to remit for the purpose of education if there are students in the household of origin. This confirms that rural-to-urban migration and remittances are not only for consumptive purposes but also for investment purposes. Moreover, rural-to-urban migration contributes significantly to asset accumulation in the communities of originItem Price Volatility of Vegetable Farming in Sri Lanka: A Review of Causes and Effects of Up Country Vegetable Farming(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Henegedara, G.M.Fluctuation of vegetables price is one of the key issues in sustaining small farming agriculture in Sri Lanka. It affects greatly to the economy both in terms of producers’ income and consumers’ welfare i.e. farm income and food security of the nation. Thus, nearly 500,000 small farm families involve in vegetable farming in Sri Lanka and often they suffered from price fluctuations. Subsequently, vegetable production pattern and supply chain also change leading imbalance food consumption and government expenditure. The causes attributed to the issue are related with uncertainty, information asymmetry and lack of resources. Thus effects of the issue are related with low production, irregular supply, frequent price fluctuation and changing producers and consumer welfare. Thus, causes and effects become the prime issue of sustainable vegetable farming in Sri Lanka. Diagnostic and descriptive literature described causes and effects of price fluctuation. Thus Cobweb theorem has diagnosed three price fluctuation patterns such as constant, convergent and divergent fluctuations and tested empirically in several countries. This paper aims to review factors influenced in price fluctuation of vegetable farming in Sri Lanka in view of Cobweb theorem and to predict consequence effects. The methodology of the study was based on quantitative data analysis. Both survey data and secondary data were used for the analysis. The study findings accepted the facts of cobweb theorem indicating a convergent type of price fluctuation in up country vegetable production that determined sale prices on the prices of previous season. The study predicts consequence effects to be addressed by policy makers and recommends suitable policy options to minimize the price fluctuationItem The Fanaticism of Cricket Fans’ Impact on Brand Recall of Advertised Brand While Cricket Match Being Telecasted(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Senanayake, R.M.C.A.; Ramanayaka, A.R.N.D.; Sbeykoon, A.M.S.J.P.Cricket fans have a doubt when they sit in front of the TV to watch the game .It is about what actually are they watching either match or TV Commercials (TVC .)Therefore, this study was mainly focused to find the impact of “Fanaticism” (FAN) on “Brand Recall” (BR) of products which being telecasted during the cricket match subjectively with L shape (LS) vs Full Frame (FF)2 Secondly, to develop an empirical instrument to measure “fanaticism ”as a latent concept to confirm which type of TVC more impact on BR. This study was based to the hypothesis of FF TVC makes relatively more benefits in terms of BR than LS TVC does. First, exploratory factor analyses (EFA )procedure was used to reduce the dimension on the 58-items in questionnaire . We found statistical evidence to reduce the 58 items in to 43 items which have over 0.7 eigenvalue and over 0.75 Cronbach's Alpha value averagely . Second, data were collected by reduced questioner from 200 respondents who in boy’s hostel of the University. We used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA )approach using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM )procedure for parcel the items with minimum error in each measurement. The IFI (0.918 =FF, .725= LS) value and TLI (0.902=FF, 078= LS) value close to 1 indicates that goodness fit of the empirical model with conceptualized model. On the other hand, RMSEA value is less than 0.8 indicates that close fit of the model in relation to the degree of freedom. The estimated value of each hypothesized relationship of conceptualized models were statistically significant except the relationship between “Attitudinal Loyalty” and indicator called “Q19.5. There is a negative relationship between BR and FAN, on the other hand the negativity is grater with LS TVCs (-0.585) than FF TVCs (-0.472). According to the convergent validity is based on average variance extracted (AVE) and only one construct called “Attribute” is failed to establish as a good construct in the model. This results brake the common acceptation of marketers who pursue their marketing objectives via FF TVCs during the matchesItem LibQUAL Analysis of Library Services in University Libraries in Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Wanigasooriya, PriyanwadaCurrently, in an ‘open/service-oriented information society' technology has increased access to content by bringing up information resources to one's fingertips and the provision of such services are increasingly becoming the signifier of excellence of quality. Therefore, over the years, the role of conventional university libraries has led to sophisticated service centers superseding the traditional storehouse concept. Thus compared to the global situation, university libraries in Sri Lanka have attempted to provide overall best services for their targeted users. But, in the Sri Lankan context some questions such as what are the users’ right information desires, are these desires being fulfilled, what are the evaluation criteria for library quality, what are the reasons for the lack of frequent library usage and why do people gradually drop out from libraries, what steps have to be taken to provide better services and how to retain registered users while attracting new ones remain unanswered. For an understanding of these matters and how the existing shortcomings can be fixed, sound studies are vital. This study aimed to evaluate the user perception and overall quality of services at university libraries in Sri Lanka. It provided suggestions to overcome identified difficulties encountered during the reception of library services. As the first LibQUAL survey conducted in Sri Lanka, this survey helped to assess current service performance (perceived services), users’ minimum and maximum (desired services) expectations and service quality gaps (adequacy and superiority) of their main user groups. The study concluded that there were only seven (31%) propositions in the entire survey that the users' minimum expectations were met. They included giving users’ individual attention, employees’ knowledge to answer users’ questions and their caring fashion, remote accessibility of electronic resources, quiet comfortable and inviting location which inspires studying and learning. Comparing “library as place” and “effect of service”, “information control" dimension received lowest perceived performance level at the survey. In contrast, a number of user expectations on resources (printed/electronic), library website and information searching tools were fewer satisfaction areas. Users mostly complained on issues related to locating materials and the fact that, they were less aware about the resources and services that the libraries offered. Furthermore, the majority of users negatively responded on internet related matters, unavailability of sufficient books for their own field of study in Sinhala language, noisy environment since people can be loud, telephone conversations and user behaviors. From users’ views libraries could not meet minimum users’ expectations except in some cases. Finally, the examination of users’ minimum expectations showed that the proposition of “making information easily accessible for independent use” was most important and the proposition of “giving users individual attention” was relatively less important. This study mainly identified 15 service areas which were in need of improvement. Continuous formal and attractive online and offline user education programs, sufficient staff training to upgrade their professional knowledge and inculcate positive attitudes among them, the increment of the minimum staff requirements especially for IT related purposes, the renovation and proper maintenance of library buildings and repair of the equipment which were vital to providing effective services for users. In addition to that, frequent user survey is also essential for the better understanding of users ever-changing desires.Item Support from School Counseling Service to Overcome Mental Inconvenience in Schools: With Special Reference to Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Subasinghe, W.This paper focuses on school counseling and its effect on student’s educational efficiency. Counseling is an outside support that is given by the qualified person on professional counseling to encourage human life as quality way. Guidance and psychotherapy are other fields relates to counseling. All human being can be faced by the mental troublesomeness in complex social inter-relationships. It can be happened with children, young people, students, professionals, elders so on. Currently; students have high expectations in their life. On the other hand; parents force them to work hardly to reach to their expectations. Within this multifaceted inspirations and other social issues and problems make many inconveniences among the studentsItem A Study on Theoretical Aspects of Post War Peacebuilding(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Thalpawila, O.N.Post-conflict peacebuilding processes have received wide recognition in the last two decades since the escalation of a number of intrastate conflicts in different parts of the world. Though several countries have concluded peace accords to control the recurring violence, new conflicts keep cropping up across the globe now and then and therefore the issue is now drawing greater attention. In Sri Lanka the civil war ended in 2009 and still there are some critics on peacebuilding process. The objective of this paper is to examine the theoretical aspects of the post-conflict peacebuilding as a direction for ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka. The secondary data have been purely based for this study and they were collected from the UN publications as well as other scholarly published works. The failures of the current prevailing strategies compelled the UN to adjust its own strategies for consolidating peace. It has been generally agreed that the concept of post-conflict peacebuilding was popularised by the United Nations with the work of Boutros Ghali and further developed by following several UN documents. The UN approach on post-conflict peacebuilding, focus on several key areas such as security, political setup, development, humanitarian aspects and human rights etc. Later, while agreeing with the UN notion, several institutions and scholars also developed some new ideas on post-conflict peacebuilding according to their experiences and so modified and elaborated the concept. For instance, they added the concept of transitional justice, which looks into the issues of justice, truth telling and reconciliation, as these are considered essential elements of peacebuilding. This development could be seen when the great powers intervened in the state building of certain fragile states in the late 1990s. For instance, Ramsbotham, Miall and Woodhouse presented a post-war reconstruction/withdrawal matrix in 2011, which details several phases in security, law and order, government, economy, society and international intervention transition sectors. Finally, the study identifies some important characteristics of the concept. First, post-conflict peacebuilding is a significant long term process largely initiated in the context of negative peace, aiming to create positive peace in order to produce a sustainable peace. The post-conflict peacebuilding activities address two aspects of working areas. Firstly, it addresses the immediate outcomes of the war such as in the fields of the security sector, repatriation of refugees and resettlement of IDPs, physical reconstruction, etc., which connect to the humanitarian aspects. Secondly, it overcomes the structural violence and issues in the political, economic, and psycho/social areas by removing structural contradictions and injustice to achieve positive peace in conflict affected societiesItem Foreign Trade Relations in Sri Lanka in The Ancient Period: With Special Reference to The Period from 6th Century B.C to 16th Century A.D.(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Sudharmawathie, J.M.Foreign trade is one of the prominent feature of Sri Lankan economy from the ancient times. According to some views ancient Ceylon was inhabited by foreign traders who arrived the country from neighboring countries. According to the chronicles, Ceylon had been populated from the 6th Century B. C. The maritime trade of the Indian Ocean can be traced back to the dawn of civilization when as early as the third millennium B. C., the Hardpan merchants of India traded with Mesopotamia through the ports of the Persian Gulf. Up to the time of 8th century A. D. foreign trade activities in the Indian Ocean were carried out by various nations such as Persians, Ethiopians and Chinese and many others. After the 8th century B. C. most trade activities were conducted by Muslim trades in various Islamic Countries. Sri Lanka had been the central point for all these traders. It is apparent that Sri Lanka has engaged in trade with many countries from the ancient times. It includes Greece, Rome, Persia. India, South-East Asian countries and with China, the farthest country towards the east. Accordingly, Sri Lanka had been treated as the main land mark for foreign trade in the Indian Ocean. From ancient times Sri Lanka had been treated as the main meeting point of the traders bringing their goods from the East and the traders coming from the west though Persian bay and Red Sea. The main objective of this research is to investigate the factors contributed become Sri Lanka a popular trading center in international trade activities during the prescribed period under consideration. Primary and secondary sources including information from chronicles, inscriptions and archeological remains were adapted along with foreign documentation and reports. Geographical location of Sri Lanka has substantiated the possibility of maintaining trade relations with foreign countries. As the sea routes towards the east and west were located through Sri Lankan sea, this island had become a popular sea halt on foreign voyages. Sri Lanka had become so popular among international traders because of the fact that there were several harbors located around the island that can be anchored any vessels. The importance of harbors situated in Sri Lanka had subjected to remarkable charges from time. However, the significance of every harbor has remained unchanged at all times. The main harbor during the Anuradhapura period was Mahathiththa. It existed up to the 14th century. When Mahatiththa become out of use, the other harbors in the southern and western part of the island become prominent. According to the sources reveals another important factor is that Sri Lanka is situated very close to India. Another fact the foreign traders attracted towards this small island is that the enrichment of the country with many valuable natural resources such as pearls, gems, elephants, ivory, and spices namely cinnamon, pepper, clove including many other varieties which were high demand in international trade.Item Buddhist Revival in the 19th Century in Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Hewawasan, H.H.N.S.The British colonial administrators started to consider about Buddhism in Sri Lanka only after the conquest in 1815. In order to win the consent from the Buddhist monks and the Kandyan elite, the colonial administrators added one sentence regarding Buddhism in the 1815 treaty. Since the beginning of 1850's, the Christian priests attempted to adjust the religious policy of the colonial administration according to their wishes and beliefs. They were executing missions against Buddhism in Sri Lanka. At first, Buddhist monks were liberal about this. Yet, gradually they started to comment for the accusations made by the Christian priests. As a result, a revival in the Buddhism in Sri Lanka arose. There were several religious debates and out of them, "Pandurawadaya" became world famous. As a matter of fact, renowned Englishmen such as Colonel Sir Henry Steel Olcott came to Sri Lanka and became a Buddhist. Thereafter, several Buddhists schools were established in Sri Lanka to promote Buddhist education. Many Buddhists were given Sinhala names as substitutes for their Christian names. As a consequence, there was a Buddhist Revival in the 19th century in Sri Lanka. Thus, in this research, the objective is to analyses these challenges and threats. As for the methodology of the research, primary and secondary sources were used for reference. To conclude, it can be stated that, as a consequence of these challenges and threats faced by the Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the Buddhist layman as well as the Buddhist monks were united as one and built many Buddhist societies in Sri LankItem Chinese Soft Power Strategies Towards Sri Lanka and Its Implications on International Politics(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunasena, J.T.S.Chinese involvement in South Asia has been perceived as a threat by certain regional and extra regional powers such as India and the U.S.A. whereas China proclaimed it as a peaceful invitation for mutual co-existence with the rest of the world which was embraced by many smaller powers such as Sri Lanka. This attachment between China and Sri Lanka specially during latter’s post-conflict period since 2009 had created certain clashes of interests among above mentioned regional and extra regional powers whereas Sri Lanka provided the platform for these controversies which resulted even some negative implications on the conduct of Sri Lankan policies. The main focus of this study is to identify the impact of China’s soft power usage and the implication of it on the Sri Lankan external and internal relations. One objective is to identify strategies used by China in terms of trade and investments to influence Sri Lanka by means of soft power and another objective is to determine the implications of it on international politics. Content analysis has been used in order to analyse secondary data collected through data triangulation method available in different data sources such as government publications, books, interviews, historical records, speeches, and web. The content analysis evaluates document texts and test theoretical underpinnings of the particular issue to understand data more comprehensively. Soft power strategy used by China has been significant role in the form of investments, development grant, cultural donations, bilateral trade agreements and consolidation of diplomatic and political relations that has been remarkable feature in post- conflict period of Sri Lanka. During the previous government in Sri Lanka pro Chinese policies were strengthened due to the high interest of Rajapaksha government for bilateral loans, which came with no political strings and repayment period is negotiable and China tries to spread its power through bilateral loans to developing countries. This unexpected strategic presence of the China in Sri Lanka was much disturbing for the implementation of India-Sri Lanka relations and the U.S –Sri Lanka which were under anxiety. Chinese presence has been always seen as a vital threat by the international community since it’s so called peaceful development has identified as a smart strategy with hidden security goals. Both India and the U.S.A created difficulty for Sri Lanka in the form of human rights allegations during the conflict and even call for Security Council resolutions for an international investigation in to it. On the other hand, China's strategy of non-interference has implied that it has no ambition to interfere in to domestic political issues in Sri Lanka. China is highly concerned of the fact that if it can’t be the hegemon in South Asia, it won’t allow anybody else to do so. It is clear that China effectively used trade and investments compared to India and the U.S.A. But Sri Lanka has to be more cautious in maintaining balanced relationship with all the countries since China is not that much reliable partner in the light of rapidly changing international politicsItem Some Salient Points to be Considered in Designing and Developing Undergraduate Honors Curriculums: An Experience from BA Honors Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS) in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Weerasooriya, W.A.Designing and developing curriculum is more rigorous when the subject fields are too philosophical, theory bound and non-job focused. However, this situation is not there when the subject is job or professional oriented. The principal objective of this paper is to investigate the salient points to be considered when designing and developing honors curriculums, to examine the qualities like pragmatic value, appropriateness, suitability and the motivational factors impounded on the curriculum. Survey method adopted and content analysis, interviews, discussion and observation were commenced a few months back with the purpose of collecting primary data. Data and information related to the researcher’s experiences in designing and developing curriculums, and the exposure in pedagogy, advice, consultations, industry experience, interactive communication with the students and the major stakeholders were very useful for this research. There are some hard and soft points to be considered when designing curriculums. Soft points are more significance than the hard points. Some of the soft points are student’s skills, competencies, attitudinal and behavioral conducts, leadership, communication skills, perseverance etc. This factor has been validated by the views, pointed out by the key library employers. Experience of a job is another point and therefore the Industrial Training (IT) has been made as compulsory. Particular point here is that the students go three days to recognized library and information centers for the training while the other two days taking part for the lectures. Additionally, two to four hour period, the Academic Training Advisor of the Department holds Practical Training Discussion (PTD) with the students. For the evaluation purpose, the students are asked to submit an innovative training report, a project proposal for developing a new library, a library newsletter, report containing the duty list for library attendants, Assistants including Assistant Librarians and with curriculum vitae of the students. Both IT and PTD are targeted to develop the soft skills of the students. It was planned to inculcate and develop the five points like 1. Subject knowledge and practical exposure 2. Attitudes and behaviors 3. Skills and competencies 4. Mindset and vision, and 5 World of work and experience through the syllabus, classroom discussions, IT, PTD and so on. More attempts have to be made use the syllabus as well all through other strategies. These five sets are discussed in the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF) of UGC Sri Lanka. 7 independent assignments are embedded in the syllabus for group work and individual work for developing soft skills. Through stakeholder analysis, it has been found those points depicted are better to use when design and developing a curriculum.Item Occupational Inequalities and Job Satisfaction of Employees: A Comparison between Rural and Urban Sector in Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Menike, H.R.A.Labour has a dual role in the economic process. It is both an input to production and a source of income. The contribution of labour force on the productivity and development of a country depends on several factors, such as Job satisfaction, level of education, attitudes, health services, infrastructure facilities, communication, employee’s aspirations, income and savings etc. Occupation inequality greatly affects the socio-economic status of an individuals while the job satisfaction can make impact on the performance of employees in an organization. Hence, the main objective of this study is to identify the inequalities of employment and factors which influence the job satisfaction of employees in rural and urban sectors in Sri Lanka. This study is mainly based on primary data. Two districts: Colombo and Rathnapura were selected to represent the urban and the rural sector based on the development disparities. Pre tested questionnaire was managed to collect data from the sample units and descriptive statistical techniques were employed for data analysis. The study clearly shows that there are significant disparities of employment within rural and urban sectors. Nearly half of the rural population works as laborers, while majority of urban sector employees engage in professional jobs. Most of the people in the rural sector about 43 percent are engaged in temporary jobs with low salaries while about 12 percent in the urban sector. Moreover, few crucial factors have affected on the job satisfaction, which need serious attention of the planners and policymakers. The study reveals that job satisfaction of employees mostly depends on the job security, attractive salaries, recognition by the society and friendly environmentItem Beyond What We Seeing: An Inter Site Spatial Pattern of Megalithic Burial Complexes in Yan Oya Middle Basin (YOMB), Sri Lanka(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunathilaka, K.A.D.N.S.Though the classical archeological approach based on interpretation of archeological data such as structures, artifacts, and features has a long history, it is regarded as a singular approach for research. Amidst this context, this study tries to extend the methodological approach based on the Post-processual archeology which tries to understand the collective behavior of all above facts which gives an overall picture of the scenario. A burial considered as a land mark of an individual or of a society, exposes the historical information in its material sense while it could also be explained in its visual meaning. The burial complexes spread all over the Yan Oya basin becomes significant subjects to study the social contexts they were belongs to in the above sense. The objective of present study is to relate spatial distribution patterns of burials with their materials and architectural features, instead studying mire structures. Accordingly, the study strives to explain the depositional behavior of a burial through the principles of spatial archeology which enable to expose the socio-environmental contexts of the based communitiesItem Micro Credit Programs on Women Empowerment in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to Samurdhi Micro Credit Program(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri LankaKumari, J.A.P.2018.Micro Credit Programs on Women Empowerment in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to Samurdhi Micro Credit Program.Reviewing International Encounters 2018, The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. p08, 2018) Kumari, J.A.P.Micro credit is the lending of small amounts of loan at low interest to law income people to start their own business. Micro credit used as a key tool for reducing poverty in developing countries after the experience in Bangladesh Grameen Micro Credit Program. Women empowerment has been identified as a main determinant to alleviating poverty in poor households. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of micro credit programs on women empowerment in order to reducing poverty in Sri Lanka. Data gathered through conducting interviews with total of 200 women in Samurdhi Micro Finance programs in Colombo District Secondary data collected from books, articles, relevant websites and other relevant documents. Collected data analyzed by regression analysis and descriptive analysis. The study revealed that micro credit has being effectively used to social and economic empowerment of women beneficiaries through increase family income and household living condition and Samurdhi microcredit program giving strong contribution to enhance small scale business, small saving and investment. The research demonstrated several general issues of microcredit servicers to poor women such as it failed to reach poorest of the poor women, lack of repayment, lack of effectively serve to target groups and misallocation of the resources as the result of political interferenceItem The Use of Prohibited Substances in Playing Games: Special Reference to Asian Games(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Wickramaratne, P.D.V.C.Human being has participated in games mealy for enjoyment. In later times they have participated in games in order to select the strong person or to select the protector in times of war. In 1896 at the beginning of modern Olympics, the father of the Olympics Lord Pirre De Kubotin started that “Participation is more important in games than the victory” This statement is valid not only for Olympic Games, but also for all kind of sports events. But in modern times, that view has changed gaining the victory has been the greatest aim. The competition faced obtaining this victory has encouraged players not only to undergo training in sports, obtain more nutritious food engaging in the technological methods, but also to get addicted to taking prohibited substances. The aim of this research is to find out the tendency of usage of prohibited substances among the players (men and women) who participated in past 10 Asian games. This research is based on secondary data obtained from the past 10 years of Asian games held in the Asian countries. Data were analysed using descriptive research method. Players have used various stimulants to increase their talents at the Asian games and the usage has come down in the present days. The prohibited stimulants that have been named have changed time to time. Today wide range of tests have introduced to find whether players have used strong stimulantsItem Theory of Dependent Origination and Social Healing Approach Towards Post Conflict Reconciliation(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ven.Dhammananda, G.The reconciliation approach that is in use in post conflict reconciliation works in Sri Lanka is the existing models of reconciliation that identify the categories of victims, perpetrators and the bystanders. This very approach creates much deeper divisions and suspicions among the people rather than bringing them together. Further, this approach disconnects people from understanding the interconnectedness of everyone in different ways and in different degrees in the process of development of the conflict and in the same manner in the process of healing. The answer to this problem is developed based on the teaching of the theory of dependent origination and incorporating the practice of four sublime states. Through the theory of dependent origination, the interconnectedness of the whole gamut of story is seen and then the historical development of the problem also is understood. In this approach there is no clear cut divisions of victims, perpetrators and the bystanders. Instead it is understood as a connected whole. The healing is not seen as the healing of individuals or individual categories but healing of all and to understand the need of healing of all as a determining factor for the healing of individuals.Item Identify the Satisfaction of Travel Destination Attributes on International Tourists’ Revisit Intention: Special Reference to Arugambay Tourism Zone(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunarathna, K.M.L.M.M.International tourism market performs most prominent role in the economy of developed as well as developing countries including Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka entered to the international tourism market in 1960, presently tourism industry is considered as one of the major foreign currency earners in the local economy. However, as compared to the other South East Asian region, Sri Lanka has not yet tapped into its full potential in the global market. Hence, tourism industry should pay more attention to explore the reasons why people travel and what are the satisfaction level of each travel destination attributes and the re-visit of the tourists in order to increase the tourists’ arrivals, earnings and global market share and reduce the costs. Tourists’ satisfaction and revisit intention play an important role in marketing the travel destination attributes. Hence, understanding the revisit intention is one of the dominant issues because repeat visitors provide more revenue and minimize the cost. Usually, tourism industry requires high level of promotional costs. To reduce this promotional cost, it is necessity to identify the satisfaction level of the travel destination attributes for each destination and revisit intention of the international tourists. This assist to ascertain for tourism planners and marketers about the most and least important attributes in a destination in order to develop and maintain a better tourism destination by reducing the promotional costs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the satisfaction of travel destination attributes on international tourists’ revisit intention in Arugambay tourism zone. International tourists, who visited Arugambay, were the target population of this study. Primary data was collected through the structured questionnaires by using simple random sampling procedure to select the sample size of 100. Non-parametric analysis was used to achieve the objective of this study. According to the results, respondents rated high weather/climate, opportunity for adventure, relaxation and tourists’ activities offered in the area as attributes that affected them the most in visiting the Arugambay zone. On the other hand, culture and transportation were rated as the least significant attributes that affected their visitItem Academic Interactions with Foreign Institutions in 2017(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Manathunga, A.This presentation is a summary of my research papers presented in foreign universities in 2017. I have presented four research papers in India and one in China during this period. I have been invited to the Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala, Thiruvenathapuram, India in January for the Presidential address of the International Conference on Field Archaeology organized by that University. My presentation was on the Importance of Anthrofacts in Field Archaeology which contains an extension to hitherto considered Ecofacts and Artifacts in Archaeology. I presented two papers based on Sigiriya paintings, one at the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in February and the other one is at the Archaeological Directorate at Gauhati, Assam in November. In September I have been invited to Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida in India where I presented a paper on Padhanaghara monasteries. I have been appointed as the consultant of the Sanghai Archaeological Forum and invited for the International Conference on Water and Civilizations in December where I presented a paper on the Significance of Waterbodies in Cityscape in ancient Sri Lanka. In this presentation I summarize all these presentations with my academic contribution, experience obtain and future prospects of my foreign interactions in 2017.