ARS - 2009

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3 Phase Thermodynamic Fat Oxidizer. High-potency, fat oxidizing complex, Body-shredding fat –loss technology, Improved Focus and Energy
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Jinadasa, WW Manoj Pushpakumara
The Objective of this study is to find out the impact of media communication on psychiatric conditions and mental disorders. Case studies selected from Sri Lanka are the sample. Hypothesis is that, media can induce psychiatric conditions and mental disorders. The research problem of this study is to examine if media messages have the potential to create psychiatric disorders. Media effects can be influenced in two ways, first is media effects can be stimulated indirectly for the existing genetic mental disorders immediately while, the second is media effects can be directly influenced at human beings by creating psycho-social problems related to mental disorders. In Sri Lanka, there are several reported cases where, exposure to media has caused psychiatric conditions. But Medical theory argues differently. Mental disorders can be caused by DNA rather by social impact. But some illnesses have immerged due to high media exposure and powerful media impact upon vulnerable group. In this study, I have found that some patients, who had been severely addicted to media icons, images and personalities, are imitating and identifying with them. Today, such behavior patterns have become serious enough to warrant hospitalization and/or treatment.
Acquisition of the English article system by Sri Lankan second language learners of English
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Kumarasiri, E.A.
Many second language learners of English have trouble using the English article system properly. The primary causes for this phenomenon remain unclear. My research attempted to address this problem by examining the metalinguistic knowledge the learners employ when selecting articles in a given situation. This study attempted to understand better the process of making sense of the English article system by learners who are at different stages in their interlanguage development. Ninety Sri Lankan students with varying levels of proficiency following the Extension Courses in English at the University of Colombo participated. On the basis of an existing classification of English articles [a(n), the, 0], data on article usage were obtained The qualitative and quantitative analyses reveal a number of conceptual differences with regard to their considerations of the hearer’s knowledge, specific reference, cultural use etc., the influence of which causes errors in article use across different proficiency groups. The study revealed that the subjects, in spite of there being differences in the accuracy rates due to the proficiency levels, used the articles with confidence and accuracy when making specific reference. The cultural as well as generic reference of them remained problematic to the majority of the participants. In terms of the articles, a(n), seems to have been acquired more easily than the contradicting the view that the emerges early and a(n) later, preventing the “flooding” phenomenon usually experienced by L2 learners. Lowability level participants’ interlanguage teems with the zero article.
The analysis of motives pressure on SME networking in Sri Lanka
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Thrikawala, S.S.
The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered as an essential component of economic growth and they are spanned as the largest number of enterprises throughout the country. Although they are playing an important role in the economic development they are confronted with many problems such as inadequate access to obtain capital and finance, inadequate industrial infrastructure, lack of market base information, obsolete technology, lack of modern management skills and lack of labour training. In this context, researches have identified number of traditional and non traditional factors which obstruct the growth of SMEs. As such, networking among SMEs is a considerable reason compared to other reasons that determine the sustainability of SMEs. Besides, the SMEs in many countries have not thrived to gain the advantages of economies of scale due to the fact that these business units operate in isolation. Therefore, they need support and resources from the other firms, institutes, relatives and friends to overcome their own barriers. In this setting, most of the researchers have accepted that trust, commitment, selection, intermediary, information technology and external environment are essential motives that make pressure on the SME networking. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the causes which are highly influence on networking among SMEs in Sri Lanka. This study was carried out based on 100 manufacturing SMEs in Gampaha District selected by employing the purposive non probability sampling technique. The findings revealed that the trust and commitment were more considerable than the selection, intermediary, information technology and external environment for the formation of networking among SME in Sri Lanka. Thus, it is recommended that government should intertwine to build up the trust and commitment to form networks among SME owner/managers.
An analysis of sound parameters for prosodic modeling in Sinhala text to speech synthesis
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Dias, N.G.J.; Kumara, K.H.; Dolawattha, D.D.M.
Speech synthesis is the artificial production of human speech. A computer system used for this purpose is called a speech synthesizer, and can be implemented in software and/or hardware. Text-to-Speech (TTS) is one of the speech synthesis technologies. Before a synthesizer can produce an utterance, several steps have to be completed. Among them, after computing the basic pronunciation from authographic text, prosody annotation should be performed. Finding correct intonation, stress, and duration from written text is the most challenging problem for most of the natural languages. These features together are called prosodic or suprasegmental features and may be considered as the melody, rhythm, and emphasis of the speech at the perceptual level. Unfortunately, written text usually contains very little information of these features and some of them change dynamically during speech. However, with some specific control characters this information must be given (at least some extend) to the speech synthesizer to produce enough natural speech of the target language. On the other hand timing at sentence level or grouping of words into phrases correctly is difficult; in many languages, prosodic phrasing is not always marked in text by punctuation, and phrasal accentuation is almost never marked. If there is no breath pauses in speech or if they are in wrong places, the speech may sound very unnatural or even the meaning of the sentence may be misunderstood. As an example, in Sinhala, the input string " wïu wdjo@ ” " can be spoken as three different ways changing the intonation patterns as angry, sadness and sarcastic; giving three different meanings to the listener. Here intonation means how the pitch pattern or fundamental frequency changes during speech. The prosody of continuous speech depends on many separate aspects, it may be twice as high as with male voice and with children it may be even three, such as the meaning of the sentence and the speaker characteristics and emotions. Therefore it is clear that prosody plays a major role in speech synthesis, and a deeper treatment of prosody is a must in any kind of speech synthesis. In this work, in order to develop generic models for prosodic synthesis in speech synthesis, we selected 150 possible sentences in Sinhala Language and recorded them according to the above three intonation patterns (i.e. angry, sadness and sarcastic) with a female native speaker who is a well trained person in Drama and Theater. Then we computed various speech parameters for above 150X3 sentences using PRAAT speech processing tool developed by www.praat.org. Hence we found that for all above 150 sentences there is an incremental pattern in the duration from Angry to Sarcastic. No regular pattern in Median, Mean, Standard Deviation, Minimum, and Maximum values of the Pitch parameter. Regarding the pulses, we computed the Number of pulses, Number of periods, Mean period, Standard deviation of period for each of the above sound files and we observed that there is no regular pattern in the parameter Pulses. For voicing parameter we computed the Fraction of locally unvoiced frames, Number of voice breaks and Degree of voice breaks. However for this parameter there were not regular patterns too. Then we computed the Harmonicity values as Mean autocorrelation, Mean noise-to-harmonics ratio, Mean harmonics-to-noise ratio and found that there is no regular pattern. After computing the mean-energy intensity of each sentences, we found that there is an incremental pattern in the Intensity by concerning the order Angry, Sarcastic and Sadness. Finally we computed the formant values as First formant, First Bandwidth, Second Formant, Second Bandwidth, Third formant, Third Bandwidth, fourth formant and forth bandwidth and found that there is no regular pattern in different formant parameters. Although there are no regular patterns in most of the above speech parameters, in order to develop a more natural sounding speech synthesizer, however these parameters should be annotated with basic pronunciation computed from the authograpich text in speech synthesis. Therefore in future we hope to develop more generic probabilistic models based on this analysis to model above speech parameters for Sinhala speech synthesis.
Anatomical variations of the superficial palmar arch in Sri Lankans – A cadaveric study
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Salgado, S.; Fernando, E.D.P.S.; Anuradha, W.K.; Nishantha, M.P.
Vasculature of the hand is one of the complex areas having a high degree of anatomical variations. It is very important to have an adequate knowledge of the arterial supply to the hand in this era of modern medical technology, as a significant number of surgical procedures such as radial arterial cannulation, radial forearm flap, and radial artery conduits in coronary artery grafting are carried out. Improvement of microsurgical techniques in reconstructive hand surgery also have made a necessity for better understanding of the vasculature of the hand. The superficial palmar arch provides the major blood supply to the hand along with the deep palmar arch and represents an important anastomosis between the ulnar and radial arteries. Objective: To study the variations of the superficial palmar arch in Sri Lankans compared to the classical description given in standard text books. Methodology: Eighteen hands from formalin preserved cadavers, both males and females of the ages between 30 to 80 years were dissected. Special attention was paid to trace the blood vessels supplying the thumb. Results: The superficial palmar arch is mainly formed by ulnar artery and some contribution from the radial artery. Two types of superficial palmar arches were described, as complete and incomplete. The classic superficial palmar arch was described as the direct continuity between the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of radial artery which is considered as the sub group of complete type. In the incomplete type superficial palmar arch is formed only by the ulnar artery with some communications from the deeper palmar arch . According to the previous literature, complete type ranges from 80% to 90%. In our study 16 hands (89%) were with complete type and 02 (12%) were with incomplete type. However the anastomosis between radial and ulnar arteries were seen in all the specimens of our study. Classical palmar arch having a direct continuity between the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of radial artery was found in 10 (55%) hands, in contrast to the 10% in the literature. Palmar type of median artery was noticed in 2 (12%) hands contributing to form the superficial palmar arch, in contrast to the 20% in literature. Although the sole blood supply to the thumb is by the princeps pollicis according to the standard text books, in our study it was found only in 6 (33%) specimens. The classical picture of the superficial palmar arch, with the princeps pollicis supplying the thumb was not seen in any of the specimens. Conclusion: Variations in the terminations of the radial and ulnar arteries are common. Since there are anastomoses between radial and ulnar arteries it may be safe to sacrifice any of the main arteries when performing surgical and medical interventions of the hand in the absence of vascular diseases.
Application of PRA tool to study fish diversity variations due to small tank renovation - A case study from Galgamuwa D.S Division
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Nishantha, K.P.L.; Najim, M.M.M.; Dangalla, N.K.
Small tank renovation has been practiced with the intention of improving agricultural productivity and alleviation of rural poverty in Sri Lanka since the independence. Small tank renovation process influences changes in aquatic habitat that could have impacts on the fauna and flora in the tank systems. Small tank renovation process does not consider the possible changes that could take place on aquatic fauna and flora. This study was conducted to assess the variations that took place in bird diversity in the small tanks due to tank renovation utilizing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and questionnaire survey. Twelve small tanks from Galgamuwa D.S. Division that were renovated within last 15 years were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Randomly selected 150 farmers responded to the questionnaire survey while 400 farmers were engaged in the 12 PRA surveys conducted to cover the 12 study tanks. Results from the questionnaire and PRA surveys were used to assess the presence and abundance of fish before and after tank renovation. Tank renovation has changed the living environment of the fish and brought in some changes in the fish population. The population of carnivores has decreased due to tank renovation according to the statistical analysis. This could be due to silt deposition on gills and eggs of those species during the renovation process. The population of the omnivores has increased while fish like barbs has also increased due to reduction of the predators.
Archeological remains from Doranagoda vicinity in Gampaha District
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Indika, M.K.A.
This paper is based on a preliminary archaeological survey which covered four villages of Minuwangoda regional secretary division of Gampaha district including Doranagoda, Korase, Vatumulla and Asgiriya. Literary survey, field survey and interviews were carried out to understand ancient human activities of the relevant area. Archaeological remains of the area belong to a large chronological range from early historic period to the British period, which comprises inscriptions, coins, pottery, structural remains, caves with drip ledges and small scale tanks. Most of the artifacts are still unpublished and one inscription and two fragmentary inscriptions are among them. Largest hoard of the punch mark coins in Sri Lanka is the most important archaeological finding of the area. In comparison with that numismatic evidence, some literary evidence suggests to understand a possible historical background of the well developed mercantile activities of the area in early historic period. An palm leaf manuscript belonging to the category of ‘Vitti pota’ ,Which describes the history of the genealogy of prince Sumitta, who is the legendary founder of Doranagoda village and some selected events of Doranagoda raja maha vihara is an important historical source. But its authenticity and reliability can not be established due to the lack of other sources.
The association between respiratory symptoms and gastro-oesophageal reflux events
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Amarasiri, W.A.D.L.; de Silva, H.J.; Ranasinha, C.
Introduction: The oesophagus and the airways have a common origin. Abnormal gastroooesophageal reflux (GOR) may predispose to genesis of respiratory symptoms. This association has not been reported previously in Sri Lanka. Aims: To describe the association between reflux events and respiratory symptoms in a cohort of adult asthmatics in Sri Lanka. Methods: 30 stable, mild asthmatics (American Thoracic Society criteria) underwent dual-sensor oesophageal pH monitoring. Respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness) experienced during monitoring were recorded. Respiratory symptoms were correlated with reflux events by reviewing diary events and oesophageal pH tracings. A reflux episode was defined as a drop in pH to values <4 lasting> 4 seconds. A respiratory symptom was considered as associated with a reflux episode if it occurred 2 minutes prior to or after a reflux episode. Results: 50% of the asthmatics complained of one or more respiratory symptoms during the 24- hour recording period. Of 102 respiratory symptoms recorded, 73 were cough, 23 were wheezing and 5 were episodes of chest tightness. None experienced difficulty in breathing. 93% of coughs, 81 % of wheezes and all episodes of chest tightness were reflux-associated. In most cases reflux episodes preceded respiratory symptoms. There was no statistically significant difference in any oesophageal monitoring parameter between asthmatics with and without respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Asthmatics experience respira~ory symptoms during reflux events. The deve:lopment of respiratory symptoms during an episode of acid reflux or within 2 minutes thereafter suggests that it is probably GOR that triggers asthma.
Audit on quality of care given to the patients who attended the professorial surgical clinic
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Ariyaratne, M.H.J.; Perera, W.A.T.M.N.; Wanigasekera, H.L.A.C.R.
INTRODUCTION The large number of patents attending the professorial surgical clinic overwhelms the facilities available. An audit was designed to evaluate the quality of care given to the patients. The parameters assessed were, treatment given, drugs given, dose appropriateness and whether unnecessary treatment was administered. METHODOLOGY Every 3rd patient (N=112) who attended the clinic of University Surgical Unit, NCTH, Ragama was included in the study, from June 2009 to August 2009. Each patient was assessed by a single examiner (a senior registrar), and a pre tested profoma was completed. RESULTS Majority was females 68(60.7%). 78(69.65%) were due to variety of diseases including breast pathology. 34(30.35%) were due to thyroid pathology. 76(67.85%) have received a diagnosis card. 108(96.42%) have got the correct treatment. 4(3.57%) have received unnecessary drugs, in 12(10.71%)the dosage of the drugs were not appropriate. 8(7.14%) patients could be discharged from the clinic. CONCLUSION Overall care given in the professorial surgical unit was satisfactory. A few people were receiving unnecessary drugs, improper dosage. Some have not received a diagnosis card and there were few unnecessary follow-ups. We should make the doctors aware of those issues to improve the quality of care given to the patients.
Bird diversity variation due to small tank renovation in dry zone of Sri Lanka – A case study from Galgamuwa D.S Division
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Nishantha, K.P.L.; Najim, M.M.M.; Dangalla, N.K.
Tank renovation programs implemented in Sri Lanka were intended to increase agricultural productivity but did not take into account the possible impacts on the fauna living in the tank environment. Tank renovation programs in Sri Lanka might have influenced changes in avian fauna inhabited around a tank environment. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the variations that took place in bird diversity in and around the tanks due to tank renovation. Twelve small tanks from Galgamuwa D.S. Division were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Randomly selected 150 farmers responded to the questionnaire survey while 400 farmers were engaged in the 12 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) surveys conducted to cover the 12 study tanks. Results from questionnaire and PRA surveys were used to assess the presence and abundance of birds before and after the tank renovation. Questionnaire survey identified that Cormorant species population has increased with the tank renovation. Fifty nine percent of farmers said that Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) could be seen rarely before the renovation but 85% of them reported that there is an increase of the Cormorant population after the renovation. Removal of tank vegetation has given them a favorable environment to catch their pray. The White-breasted Water hen (Amauronis phoenicurus) and Purple Swamp (Porphyrio porphyrio) that used the tank vegetation as the habitat and breeding site are reduced due to tank renovation. This has reduced the environment suitable for egg laying. PRA analysis identified an increase of Lesser Whistling Teal (Dendrocygna javanica) in some tanks and a decrease in some other. This study showed that tank renovation could influence the presence of different bird species due to the changes that take place in and around tank environments due to the tank renovation programs.
Brans – Dicke theory and Mach’s Principle
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Herath, H.M.T.M.; de Silva, Nalin
Buddha as a guardian of the harvest: new interpretation on a spatial model of the image houses on pillars in Gampaha District
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Indika, M.K.A.
Ten image houses on pillars are remained in Gampaha district, which can be assigned from 17th to 20th century A.D. These monuments have an immense importance in studying religious, social, economical, technological and aesthetic status of the contemporary society. It is noteworthy that all the buildings were designed to be placed towards the nearby paddy fields, except one instance. This means that the Buddha statues of the image houses are facing to the paddy fields. But facing directions of those buildings are varied to each other. When that phenomenon is analyzed in a border sense with geographical and environmental factors, location of paddy fields, economic status of the period, religious concepts, agrarian rituals and plan of the image houses on pillars, it becomes clear that was a conscious intentional action. Rural economy of the relevant area in that period was based on wet rice cultivation. This area belong to the low land wet Zone of the country, which hasn’t suitable environmental conditions for rice cultivation due to high rainfall, damages of insects and weeds. Colonial administrative policies and new tax amendments, struggles between the Kandian kingdom and colonial powers caused to worsen the hardships confronted by the farmers. In the circumstances, they may have intended to get blessings of Buddha to protect their harvest from environmental factors and other elements as well. This was architecturally symbolized by being placed image houses on pillars of the area towards nearby paddy fields.
Capital structure change announcement effect and market efficiency – Evidence from the Sri Lankan stock market
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Peter, P.L.S; Perera, K.J.I
An efficient market is one in which prices fully reflect available information. Market efficiency depends on the ability of traders to devote time and resources to gather and disseminate information and the ability of market participants to absorb new information. Investors care about market efficiency because stock price movements affect their wealth. The overall aim of this study is to test the Sri Lankan stock market efficiency. Announcements regarding capital structure changes are used as the basis. Capital structure changes are a common occurrence on any investment markets, via companies try to find out different ways to find out the finance support they need for investments. This paper uses event study methodology to verify the effects of announcements on significant capital structure changes on stock returns. This study analyses 37 cases which carried significant (more than 10%) capital structure changes. To determine the reaction of stock price to capital structure changes, market adjusted returns are calculated for the sample for 31 day event window. Market adjusted abnormal return to a firm is calculated compared to pure play company assuming that the pure play company will control the other macro economic changes in the market. The results finds significant positive and negative stock reaction to capital structure changes, before and after the event date. Information leakage that a firm will do a capital structure change, can explain the significant returns prior to the event day. Post event changes signify that even after 2 weeks of the event which reflects still the prices have not fully absorbed this information. These findings, consistent with theories, would appear to suggest that Sri Lankan capital market is not much efficient in absorbing capital structure changes information. As future research, an investigation of change in the value of a firm at the time financing decisions are disclosed to the market is to be conducted.
A case study of how Sinhala influences first year undergraduates learning English
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Wanasinghe, W.M.S.P.K.
Throughout history it is obvious that many scholars have discussed theories about first language acquisition and second language learning. Specially learning a second language means not only gaining knowledge but also the development of skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. So the input as well as the output is very important in this process. But what I personally experienced was that the second language learning process may be difficult due to the interference of one’s first language. Thus the aim of this paper is to examine the influence of Sinhala language on learning English as a second language and the problems encountered by the first year undergraduates during this process. Acquiring competence in English has become a great need of Sri Lankan University students. The majority of these students have a sound knowledge of Sinhala as it is their first language. Sometimes this causes certain contradictions in identifying the syntactic and semantic differences between Sinhala and English Languages. Thus many students have a tendency to follow Sinhala word order in written and spoken English. As a result, students face various problems in learning English. In this paper, such problems are identified by examining 40 randomly chosen first year students who are undergoing their degree program in the English medium from the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Business Studies and Finance, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Further, this study is based on assignments, tests and relevant activities given to the students.
Changes in amphibian and reptile species living around tank environments due to r enovation of small tanks in the dry zone of Sri Lanka – A case study from Galgamuwa D.S Division
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Nishantha, K.P.L.; Najim, M.M.M.; Dangalla, N.K.
Small tank renovation programs were implemented in Sri Lanka to increase the land area under cultivation. The renovation activities could have positive and negative impacts. The environmental impacts due to tank renovation have not been studied in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the changes that took place in amphibian and reptile species living in and around the tanks due to tank renovation. Twelve small tanks from Galgamuwa D.S. Division were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Randomly selected 150 farmers responded to the questionnaire survey while 400 farmers were engaged in the 12 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) surveys conducted to cover the 12 study tanks. Results from questionnaire and PRA surveys were used to assess the presence and abundance of amphibians and reptiles before and after tank renovation. Some amphibians and reptiles lived in the tank environment have either reduced in population or disappeared after the renovation. Significance testing at 95% confidence level revealed that tortoise and water monitor populations have reduced after the tank renovation. Eighty seven percent (87%) and 72% of the farmers responded that tortoises and monitors were abundant before the tank renovation, respectively in the tank environment while only 47% and 42% agree to it, respectively after the tank renovation. According to the PRA analysis, before the tank renovation, the monitor was the second abundant but it has reduced to the sixth most abundant species after the tank renovation. Bulnawa tank was identified as the tank with the highest population of reptile species before the renovation process but after the renovation Medawachchiya and Mahagalkadawala showed higher populations. This study showed a decrease in the population of reptiles after the renovation but the amphibians do not show any variation in population
Compilation and linguistic analysis of a dedicated corpus for the Applied Sciences.
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Kumara, M.D.S.S.
“Linguists have always used the word corpus to describe a collection of naturally occurring examples of language, consisting of anything from a few sentences to a set of written texts or tape recordings which have been collected for linguistic study” (Susan Hunston, 2002). A ‘Dedicated Corpus’ or a ‘Specialized Corpus” is a corpus made up of specialized texts. With the development of Computational Linguistics, corpus access software programs, or concordancers, are used to access electronic corpora in order to make linguistic observations of various kinds. Objectives of this research are to compile a corpus of the spoken academic discourse of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and to make a linguistic analysis of the compiled corpus using an online concordancer in order to recognize the most frequent lexis and structures, which can be incorporated into the syllabus and teaching of the target English language teaching situation. For the purposes of the present research, a representative sample of the lectures delivered by the lecturers of the four disciplines of Applied Sciences offered by the faculty was video recorded and the recordings were transcribed and, then, the transcripts were analyzed using the online concordancing program, ‘Compleat Lexical Tutor’. The analysis of the compiled Rajarata Corpus of Academic English (RACAE) (2009) through six of the tools of the concordancer, viz. VocabProfile, Frequency, Range, KeyWords, N-Gram, and Concordance, shows that the lexis and structures of the Applied Sciences spoken academic discourse are more ‘general’ rather than being ‘specialized’, as emphasized in the target English language teaching program. The results also reveal that the realization of the structures for ‘definitions’, ‘classifications’, and ‘exemplifications’, in the spoken academic discourse is different from those prescribed in the English language teaching text books.
Consumers’ perceptions towards UHT milk in Tetra Pak through food quality dimensions
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Hemarathne, E.M.; Wickramarachchi, A.P.R.
Although fresh milk is considered to be the most heavily consumed beverage in the world, level of consumption of which in Sri Lanka is considerably low. Also per capita liquid milk consumption level is one of a criterion to measure the nutritional level. The objectives of this study were to evaluate consumer attitudes on UHT milk in Tetra Pak based on dimensions of quality and to determine the relationship between attitudes and demographic variables of the consumers. A conceptual model was derived mainly through Garvin‟s dimensions of product quality. Two parameters, namely “Mean Attributes Score” and “Index of Overall Perception” were developed to evaluate individual attitude on this product. A structured questionnaire was developed to describe quality dimensions and to probe demographic variables. Results based on the “Mean Attribute Score” indicate that age group between 15 to 25 years was much concerned in using UHT milk in Tetra Pak. Also, consumption level of this product and the level of education of each consumer showed a strong relationship. The statistical outcome showed that consumer‟s education level had a significant effect on positive attitude on UHT milk in Tetra Pak. However gender, household income and age had not shown a significant impact on this behaviour. Quality dimensions namely “Durability”, “Features”, “Performance” and “Aesthetics” make consumer loyal to UHT milk in Tetra Pak. “Safety” and “Reliability” of this product were not accepted by consumers. Based on analysis of results it could be recommended that consumption of UHT milk could be promoted mainly using Reliability, Conformance and Serviceability dimensions.
Contribution of the school in improving oral communication skills of Advanced Level students
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Ranaweera, R.A.D.H.
In this thesis I plan to analyze the contribution of school in improving oral communication skills of the students with the help of critical explanation. The purpose of this study is to unveil the problems pertaining to oral communication. Individual differences in communicating in English are evident in different types of schools. I have personally experienced that the primary purpose of classroom communication has become a pedagogic one. Those who speak well at the pedagogic level find it difficult to produce spontaneous interactive language skills outside the classroom. There is a high degree of communicative value in English as a link language for contact with linguistic minority groups to build up of a national harmony. Jane Ravell (1979) suggests that communication stems from necessity is highly applicable in seeing English as a skill for employment and a vehicle for reaching out to the external world. The present school curriculum has failed to produce individuals with good communicative skills. With 21,984 teachers of English in approximately 9714 schools with regular English classes from grade 3 upwards the average child leaves school without being able to speak in English. Sample population of seventy students and twenty five teachers are taken from nine selected schools in the Moratuwa division. I have used the descriptive method to collect data by giving questionnaires to the students. Unstructured interviews on appointments are used for principals where as the semi structured and structured interviews are used for teachers and students respectively. Data has been collected at the program for the training of teachers of English in the delivery of communicative English skill to students as a participant observer. Observation technique is used to capture the reality of the setting in the system as a non-participant observer. My principal observations on the basis of an analysis of the research findings suggest that if more opportunities are provided to use real language practically students will improve their communication skill. It is recommended to convert the available English activity rooms to language laboratories as an integrative motivation to communicate with a degree of spontaneity.
Cost - benefit analysis of female labour migration in Sri Lanka
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Gamage, B.
Foreign employment opportunities and remittance earnings from foreign employees help to boost the rising economy of Sri Lanka. Due the fact of this economic advantage, migrant workers abroad are treated as a worthwhile factor in the economy. Since 1970, as a result of various economical, political and social aspects, labor migration recorded a sharp increase in number. And during the second half of 1980s, Middle East came to forefront with an impressive demand for female housemaids. Most of these workers were poor in skill potential and were from less income generating families. Since today this demand has reached such exponential proportions and impacted the economy significantly. Latest statistics reveal that the inflow of private remittances has tripled from about US $ 1 billion ten years ago to about US $2.9 billion as at the end of 2008. This growth is faster than the growth rates of export earnings, FDIs and tourism earning. While private remittances from housemaids continue to help buoy the country’s balance of payment position, this fast growing private remittances show that Sri Lanka is not capable enough in creating better job opportunities for its people. On the other hand, the government has to take several steps and bear large sum of money to increase the welfare of female domestic workers and their families despite economic advantages. The purpose of the study is to analyze the economic benefits gained from female migrants and make a comparative evaluation between expenditures borne by the government and its economic benefits. the expenditures or benefits. The problem of the study is if the process of female migration to Middle East brings expected economic advantage to the country in long-run. Concerning the methodology qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. Also semi-structured and structured interviews and questionnaires were undertaken. The main findings of the research are that current female labour migration results a long run inflow of unskilled work force in sri lanka and to minimize social issues in female migrants’ households they should be given incentives to start a self employment. The conclusion of the study is that remittance or economic benefits to the female workers to the country is not significant when comparing with social expenditures the government should bear in long run.
A critical study of the identification of the place in Sri Lanka where the Tripitaka was committed to writing
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Banda, G.R.G.
Though there are canonical and non canonical texts of ancient Buddhism in some languages, it is only in the Pali language that we have a complete Tripitaka which belongs to the Theravada. Hence in respect of history of Buddhism it is very important for the Buddhist world, the Orient and the Occident, to identify the sacred place where this short term greatest book writing project of the world implemented in the reign of Valagamba in Sri Lanka. (1st century B.C.) Many Sri Lankans and foreigners who are not well versed in ancient sources, traditionally believe that this event occurred at Aluvihara near Matale. Our greatest historian and archaeologist, Prof. Paranavitana who was well versed in earlier sources had written in the “University History of Ceylon (p. 172) that earlier sources do not connect Aluvihare with this event. Historical writings refer Alulena in Dakkhina Malaya (South / South west hills) as the place connected to this event. Some present historians (in Sabaragamuwa Vamsa Kata) state that Matula Alulena view is more acceptable than Aluvihare view. Hence controversial issue has arisen. I attempt in my research with about 30 evidences to prove that the place mentioned in earlier sources is Alulena in Matula (Attanagoda) near Kegalle and not Aluvihare in Uttara Malaya (north hill country) As matters are such, state affiliated institutions like universities ministries of education, cultural affairs, Buddhist affairs, NIE, tourist board, archaeology dept. are seemed lethargic to find a solution to this dilemma which affect the whole Buddhist world. So a recognized research thesis written in an international language (English) is felt essential to awaken the eyes of the Sri Lankan state and the World Buddhist Association to do a fair justice to Alulena, the source of Buddhist literature and result in change of misconceptions around Aluvihare.