MPhil / PhD Theses
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Item DEVOPS ADOPTION IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECTS(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Jayakody, J. A. V. M. K.The growing demand for fast, secure, and high-quality development cycles has driven the adoption of DevOps, alongside Agile methodology, in information systems development. However, challenges persist due to the impact on technical aspects and organizational culture. The lack of standardized definitions, documented experiences, and mature practices complicates adoption. Despite these hurdles, companies continue to pursue DevOps for its benefits, though achieving its full potential remains difficult due to the lack of a unified strategy. Focusing on this research gap and reported industry challenges for DevOps practices, the study identified critical success factors and capability factors for DevOps adoption and maturity. It followed a structured Design Science Research method, incorporating systematic literature reviews, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys to develop and validate frameworks. The literature review, conducted using PRISMA guidelines, gathered secondary qualitative data, while semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey provided primary qualitative and quantitative data. The survey data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS software, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance the study’s contributions. The research problem is confirmed by presenting twelve main challenges for DevOps adoption identified systematically. Moreover, it was reconfirmed by observing only four strategies practiced for overcoming these challenges. The study presents a DevOps adoption framework, grouping critical success factors into four areas: collaborative culture, proficient DevOps team, DevOps practices, and metrics and measurement to enhance DevOps benefits and reduce challenges, while integrating Agile practices. Furthermore, it proposes a new DevOps maturity framework with five levels and six key capability factors: transparency and sharing, continuous DevOps practices, automation, metrics and measurements, effective communication, and a proficient DevOps team, with each factor progressing from beginner to expert levels. Proposed frameworks offer structured guidance for IS development organizations to navigate DevOps challenges, facilitating effective adoption and maturity of DevOps principles. Future researchers can develop an application tool based on these frameworks to assess companies' readiness and maturity in DevOps. Also, studying the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning on DevOps can enhance automation and decision-making.Item CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOACTIVE MICROBIAL PIGMENTS AND SCREENING FOR THEIR POTENTIAL BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Weerasinghe, B. W. M. K. E.Colors significantly influence consumer choices and the marketability of products. While synthetic colorants are the preferred source, they are increasingly criticized for their adverse environmental and health impacts. In this context, microbial-mediated pigment production offers a promising alternative, with advantages for large-scale production. Microorganisms can produce a wide array of pigments, many of which possess bioactive properties making them highly attractive for future industrial applications. Therefore, the present study focused on the exploration of bioactive properties and potential industrial applications of microbial pigments extracted from S. marcescens KEGS1, K. flava PUTS1_3, H. rickii and Streptomyces sp. KRTA_1. The red and yellow pigments of KEGS1, and PUTS1_3 were extracted using the solvent extraction method, while the dark brown pigments of the H. rickii and KRTA_1 were precipitated using a modified acid precipitation method. The extracted pigments exhibited high stability under different pH, light, and temperature conditions. Purified pigments underwent different preliminary and instrument-based analyses. According to these data, the red pigment of KEGS1 was identified as prodigiosin, while the yellow pigments of PUTS1_3 were identified as carotenoids, including β-carotene. Both the dark brown pigments from H. rickii and KRTA_1 were identified as melanin-like pigments. The standard disk/well diffusion assays revealed the antibacterial properties of red and yellow pigments against Gram positive bacteria and the red pigment exhibited antibacterial activity against the Gram negative E. coli as well. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay was conducted to assess the antioxidant potentials and the red, yellow and dark brown pigment of H. rickii had IC50 values of 77.03±0.83 μg/ml, 181.95±4.57 μg/ml and ˃100 μg/ml, respectively. Further, photoprotective ability calculated using the Mansur mathematical equation revealed the impressive SPF values of dark brown pigments with 29.30 ± 0.14 (H. rickii), and 19.16 ± 0.01 (Streptomyces sp. KRTA_1) at 0.2 mg/ml concentration. Fabric dyeing experiments revealed the distinct dyeing performances of the pigments, with the red and yellow pigments showing good fastness properties to washing and pH stability tests, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Fabrics dyed with the dark brown pigments exhibited high UV stability. A mutation study was conducted to understand the ecological advantages of pigment production for survival of microorganisms. Mutants were generated through long-term incubation and UV exposure. A non-pigmented mutant, KEGS1_01, exhibited increased tolerance to stress conditions, while the UV mutant KEGS1_40 showed enhanced motility and biofilm production. Genomic and SNP analysis revealed mutations in stress response (KEGS1_01) and biofilm-related genes (KEGS1_40), but no mutations were found in the pigment biosynthetic (pig) gene clusters. In conclusion, this study suggests the potential of microbial pigments for future biotechnological applications, including use as functional fabric dyes and SPF enhancers. However, further research is recommended to fully understand their properties.Item ජනශ්රැතියේ නිරූපිත සාලිය-අශෝකමාලා ප්රේම වෘත්තාන්තය තුළ සැඟව ඇති සන්නිවේදනාර්ථ(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Wickrama, A. S. M.As lovers Saliya and Ashokamala are a unique pair of characters rooted in folklore, literature and history. Further, Saliya-Mala is the Sri Lankan symbol of immortal lovers of world literature like Rama-Sita, Radha-Krishna, Romeo-Juliet and Shah Jahan-Mumtaz, who are revered in world history. This becomes the most interesting royal story because Saliya is the son of King Dutugemunu, the hero of this country's history, and his lover Mala (Ashoka Mala) belongs to the lowest caste called Rodi (Sadol/Chandala). These two are also prominent figures in local art. In addition, this story has a significant place in the folklore of this country in terms of religion, social background, ancient irrigation system, agriculture, beliefs, ancient social system, medical system, governance and monarchy. According to the introductory story of the Mahavamsa, the most significant historical source in the country, Saliya and Mala were rejected by the royal family. Therefore, Mala is rooted in the society as a low caste woman. There are many legends about them, outside the Anuradhapura city. According to these stories, and other historical sources, there was another reason why Prince Saliya did not receive the kingship. It is a struggle regarding the acquisition of state power. On the other hand, Prince Saliya is not greedy for state power because he is a Bodhisathva figure. According to some factors, Mala is not a low-caste woman, but the standard story says that Prince Saliya lost his kingship because of fascinating Ashokamala. The aim of this research is to examine how the reality of this love story can be revealed through the meanings of communication revealed through the stories depicted in folklore. Data collection was done through 10 interviews of Purposive Sampling under the qualitative research method and data were analyzed using inter-analysis methods. Accordingly, it seems that this love story has other reasons beyond caste, including the power struggle of the royal family. A lot of information that has not been revealed so far was also collected from these stories.Item ජාතික අධ්යාපන විද්යාපීඨ පූර්වසේවා ගුරු අධ්යාපනයේ ප්රායෝගික ගුරු පුහුණුව සදහා මාර්ගගත ක්රමවේද භාවිතය භෞතික පන්ති කාමර ඉගෙනුම් ඉගැන්වීම් ක්රියාවලියට දක්වන දායකත්වය : සියනෑ ජාතික අධ්යාපන විද්යාපීඨයේ ගණිතය හා විද්යා පාඨමාලාවල ශික්ෂණලාභීන් සහ කථිකාචාර්යවරුන් ඇසුරින්(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Amunugama, J. H. N. D.The Pre-Service Teacher Development courses offered by the National Colleges of Education were transitioned to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the way of implementation of teaching practice through online and effects of it on the development of teaching skills of prospective teachers. The sample for this research comprised 245 prospective teachers specializing in Science and Mathematics enrolled in Sinhala and English medium courses during the academic period of 2018/2020, along with 47 lecturers. The research employed a Sequential Explanatory Mixed Method. Quantitative data obtained through administered questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative data derived from focused interviews underwent thematic analysis. The study revealed that the online delivery of educational content was a novel experience for educators and students. It was noticed that the lecturers needed formal training in evaluating online teaching practice. Despite the challenges of online evaluation, prospective teachers tried to convey theoretical and practical content online, and the use of evaluation applications facilitated evaluation processes. However, challenges were identified in maintaining teacher-student and student-student interactions and providing prospective teachers with essential laboratory experiences. While prospective teachers lacked real classroom exposure, skills acquired through online peer teaching proved beneficial during their internship teaching. The study also highlighted challenges from inadequate necessary infrastructure and unstable internet facilities. Applying the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model, it was determined that prospective teachers exhibited a higher level of Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), and lecturers demonstrated a superior Subject Content Knowledge (CK). However, both groups were found to need more Technological Knowledge (TK) for their educational responsibilities. A blended approach is more appropriate to fully achieve the intended objectives of pre-service teacher training programs.Item Academic study of Kohomba Yakkama and its musical use based on Bharatamuni Natyasastra(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Chaminda, H. P. M. D.Kohomba Yakkama is the main performance of the upland dance tradition and it is spreading mainly in Sat Korala, Satara Korala and Kandy. It is followed by many elaborate dramas, and music plays a prominent role in the performance of those dramas. Bharatamuni's Natyasastra contains a complete scholarly analysis of music and its practice, as well as the principles of applied science in drama. Accordingly, does the music used in Kohomba Yakkama reflect the inspiration of Bharatamuni's exquisite drama? The qualitative research examined Kohomba Yakkama's original music, using library use, field research, and interviews, analyzing results from Natyasastra's Shastra rules. In it, Kohomba Yakkama and its music were also compared with Natyasastra. According to that, it was confirmed that the features such as setting up the theater hall, worshiping theater deities, pre-theatrical effects, rasa siddhantas, drama professions and gestures are based on the Natyasastra. Kohomba Yakkama features instrumental music, with the gatabera being the main string instrument, influenced by stem size, leather choice, and drum weaving, the Shastra terms associated with the basic sound production, the use of the light instrument in the accentuation, the art effects to be played in the song and the gati pracharas. Similarly, the characteristics of an instrumentalist are also well aligned with the terms of dramaturgy. Therefore, it was confirmed in this research that the Kohomba Yakkama, the music used there and the creation of the gatabera as well as the instrumental effects contained in it are performed in accordance with the rules of drama.Item ENHANCING TEACHER TRAINEES’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE USE OF ENGLISH TENSES THROUGH PICTURES AND LANGUAGE GAMES(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Nawarathne, M. N.This study explores the effectiveness of language games and pictures in enhancing the active participation of teacher trainees in learning English tenses, addressing the need for English proficiency in the multilingual society of Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of teacher trainees who learned English as a second language at Hapittigam National College of Education, selected through random sampling method. The main objectives of the study were to assess the prevailing tense proficiency level, recognize the challenges in using English tense concepts, foster the learners’ understanding, apply the tenses in authentic situations, and find out the impact of these interactive games on enhancing the teacher trainees’ engagement and enjoyment. The hypothesis proposed that integrating pictures and interactive games in learning English tenses would increase active participation, motivation, and engagement more efficiently than using the conventional methods of teaching tenses. Data collection was done through testing, classroom observation, and student questionnaires. The test results highlighted the success of the interactive games and pictures in teaching tenses. Through the classroom observation, the trainees’ higher participation and their motivation during the learning were displayed. These findings reveal that picture-based activities and interactive language games foster active participation and engagement more enthusiastically while providing opportunities for practical application of the tense rules with deep understanding and retention. Incorporating pictures and language games enhances engagement and supports diverse learners. Game-based speaking activities develop communicative competence while professional development should emphasize gamification. Continuous evaluation, assessment, and feedback are vital for maintaining effective teaching methodologies.Item THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF SRI LANKAN ENGLISH IN LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT IN TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (TESL): TERTIARY LEVEL TEACHER ATTITUDES AND PERSPECTIVES(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Ekanayake, E. M. P. E.Even though language assessment (LA) is an educational practice in English language teaching (ELT) which deeply impacts students’ lives, basic premises of LA like language standards and proficiency are shaped by center-based ideologies on English. Thus, the World English (WE) scholarship suggests that local varieties of English like Sri Lankan English (SLE) should be adopted as the model/standard for LA. Set against this theoretical premise, the study aimed to investigate tertiary level teacher attitudes and perspectives on the role and function of SLE in LA in TESL. The study was exploratory in nature with an embedded research design. As such, data was collected through four qualitative methods (interviews with teachers, interviews with coordinators, document analysis, and focus group discussions) and one quantitative method (questionnaire). The study found that teachers accept SLE to a certain extent in LA. This is because teachers accept SLE as the model/standard for LA in the domain of EGP; there is a growing acceptance of SLE features/words/expressions amongst teachers; and teachers acknowledge SLE through LA policy. Yet, teachers’ acceptance of SLE is limited, and there are inconsistencies in teacher acceptance of SLE. According to the findings, these limitations and inconsistencies are due to conflicting language ideologies that teachers subscribe to, as well as teachers’ lack of awareness of SLE, the gap between WE theory and practical application, and lack of formal policy on SLE. Based on these findings, the study recommends raising teacher awareness of SLE, codifying and standardizing of SLE, and initiating a national dialogue on the status of SLE in ELT and LA in Sri Lanka.Item THE HUMOURAL THEORY IN TRADITIONAL MEDICAL SYSTEMS; GREEK MEDICINE AND AYURVEDA MEDICINE(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Randiwela , R. M. D. S.Greek medicine and Ayurveda medicine are two major traditional medical systems, both based on the concept of Humours. The Humoural theory, which identifies bodily liquids as the main constituents of living beings, is the basis for disease diagnosis and treatment. Its earliest roots can be traced back to the medical cult practices of Asclepius (700 BCE) and Hippocratic medicine (460 – 377 BCE) in Greece. In the East, the Humoural theory can be seen in Ayurveda as the concept of Tridosha. This study aims to examine the Humoural theory in Greek medicine and in Ayurveda medicine to have a similar approach to disease and treatments despite their apparent difference in identifying the Humours and their number. The research used qualitative research methodology alongside with Historic method which included reading, analyzing and interpreting of historical material in English and Sinhala translations as its main research design. The development of Humoural theories within each system showcased fascinating evolutionary journeys. In Greek medicine, the theory evolved over centuries, with Hippocrates laying the groundwork, later figures like Galen refining it and passing it to the Arabic Muslim world . Thus, this theory eventually bifurcated, with one branch influencing Western medicine and the other potentially contributing to Unani medicine. The dominance of Humoural theory in the West was exposed of its defects with the invention of the Germ theory in the 19th Century. However, it’s influence continued to be persisted. On the contrary, Ayurveda's Tridosha theory has been able to survive through the test of time and still survives as a major system of traditional medicine which is practiced apace with other medical systems. Thus, the Humoural theory wasn't a monolithic concept, but rather a framework that evolved and adapted within different cultural contexts. Understanding how these theories developed in Greece and Ayurveda facilitates the appreciation of the intellectual ferment of the ancient world and the diverse approaches to health and healing that emerged across civilizations. It also highlights the interconnectedness of these cultures, with potential cross-pollination of ideas through trade and travel. While modern medicine has embraced a more reductionist and scientific approach, the core concept of balance within the human body still holds relevance.Item An analytical study of the mathematical system of determining the length and width of a house; based on Manuśyālayacandrikā.(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Madhushani, A. M. G. R.Vāstuśastra is an ancient Indian science of architecture and design. It focuses on the design layout and spatial geometry and prosperity. It integrates principles of art, astronomy, astrology and science to harmonize living spaces with nature. The principles of Indian traditional architecture are analyzed in Sanskrit source works. In determining the measurement of a house, the sources of Southern and Northern schools present various methods. Among them, Manuśyālayacandrikā authored by Thirumangalat Nīlankanṭhan in the 16th century is one of the main treatises written in Sanskrit. A south Indian text, Manuśyālayacandrikā has studies and composed basic Vāstuśastra texts, and it is a summarization of basic principles of secular architecture. Manuśyālayacandrikā presents formal theories related to determining the length and width of a house. A perimeter-based scale determination process is presented here through the three mathematical methods of Padayoni, Iśṭadīrgha and Guṇāṁsha theories. In Sri Lankan secular architecture, the ‘Piṇḍacakra’ method is used to determine the length and width of a house. It is a process of calculating measurements based on area. But there is no unanimity among Sri Lankan architects regarding the determination of the length and width of a house. Evidence of ‘Piṇḍacakra’ system is found in the south Indian text Muhūrtachintāmani. It is evident that Sri Lankan arts have been influenced by Indian arts. Therefore, it was investigated whether the concept of Padayoni analyzed in Manuśyālayacandrikā can be used in Sri Lanka. This research was done through literature source analysis, field research method and mathematical formula analysis method. Accordingly, based on Padayoni concept in Manuśyālayacandrikā, it was possible to develop a mathematical method that can be used in the Piṇḍacakra method used in Sri Lankan architecture. Here, a new method of determing the length and width of a house can be established so that both the factors of perimeter and area are auspicious. That method will help not only the architects but also the advancement of this respective field.Item TRANSLATING SEXUAL TERMINOLOGY FROM ENGLISH INTO SINHALESE: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO E.L. JAMES’ ‘FIFTY SHADES OF GREY’ AND ITS SINHALESE TRANSLATION(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Sewwandi, K. L. S.Translating sexual language is an exceptional skill a literary translator has to master since the translator acts as a mediator between the cultural ethics of the source language and the target language while producing a final output incorporating linguistic elements adhering to translation theories. Notably, in Sinhalese-translated literature, there is a significant lack of translated erotica due to cultural and linguistic barriers. In a background as such, a controversial attempt has been made by translator Ranjith Kuruppu to translate E.L. James’ erotic trilogy ‘Fifty Shades Grey’ into Sinhalese, captivating a huge fanbase. Therefore, the present study, which followed a mixed research design, sought to investigate the translation techniques employed by the translator in translating the sexual terminology from English into Sinhalese included in the source text and to assess the quality of the translated sexual terminology in terms of accuracy, acceptability, and readability. Accordingly, the first part of the trilogy, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and its Sinhalese translation ‘ප්රේම සැඳෑවෝ’ were selected as primary sources. A diverse array of secondary sources related to research on translating sexual language and translation theories were referred to. The framework of translation techniques introduced by Molina and Albir (2002) and the Translation Quality Assessment Model introduced by Nababn et al. (2012) were employed as the research instruments in analysing the translation techniques and assessing the quality of the translated sexual terminology respectively. The findings revealed that the translator had favoured the technique Established Equivalent (40.42%) predominantly followed by other techniques, Amplification (26.59%), Substitution (11.7%), Description (5.32%), Literal Translation (4.26%), Adaptation (4.26%), Reduction (3.19%), Particularization (3.19%), and Borrowing (1.06%). The overall quality of the translated sexual terminology was moderate (less accurate, acceptable, and readable). It could be assumed that the challenge the translator has encountered in distinguishing between the types of euphemistic and orthophemistic sexual terminology, applying appropriate translation techniques for such terms, preserving uniformity, naturalness in translation, and the challenge of using readable Sinhalese equivalents had been instrumental in deeming the quality of the translation as moderate. The findings of this research are expected to enrich the translators interested in the erotic genre to understand the culture-specific nuanced nature of sexual language and how the application of translation techniques affects the quality of translation