ARS - 2013

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/171

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Accessing tertiary education: Rights and realities for students experiencing disabilities
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Hettiarachchi, S.; Daskon-Attanayake, L.; Das, A.; Jalil, I.; Chanaka, W.; Walisundara, D.; Ranaweera, M.; Rassool, R.
Although the right to higher education is ensured in the Education Acts of Sri Lanka, in practice, the challenges faced by persons with disabilities within the university system questions this assumed prerogative. Anecdotally, the provision of special recording devices has enabled students with particular disabilities such as visual impairment, to better access the curriculum, while others such as those experiencing hearing difficulties or dyslexia may have inadequate support. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to accessing higher education within two universities: the University of Kelaniya and the University of Sri Jayawardenepura. It aims to gather information via individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The data will be analysed qualitatively using key principles of Framework Analysis (Ritchie & Spencer, 1994). The findings will have important implications for policy and practice.
Adjunct Model of Language Instruction for collaboration between language and content with the onset of English medium instruction
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Cooray, M.
Knowledge of English is indispensable to present day undergraduates since English has become the medium of instruction in many disciplines. The undergraduates need support to cope with the requirements of English medium instruction. It has been frequently observed that though there are many English language proficiency courses available for the undergraduates most of the time they are not up to the expectations of the learner community. Smoke (1988, as cited in Kinsey, 2008) says that “ESL6 students … did not feel that their ESL classes had adequately prepared them for their academic content courses” (pp 5-6). According to research one of the main reasons for this dissatisfaction is the “artificial separation between language instruction and subject matter classes which exists in most educational settings” (Brinton, Snow& Wesche,1989 : 2). This study was conducted with the objective of bridging the gap between the language classroom and the content classroom through collaboration among English teachers and subject teachers. This collaboration was established through Adjunct Model of Language Instruction, a prototype form of Content Based Language Instruction. This study was conducted in relation to the first year under graduates in the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. A group of first year undergraduates with the lowest proficiency level of English was selected as the sample of the study. During this study questionnaires were administered among students, English teachers, and subject teachers to get their opinion on how to finetune the proficiency courses in English. An achievement test was administered to judge what students had achieved at the end of the course. A course evaluation was also conducted through questionnaires. The findings revealed that multi-disciplinary collaboration benefits the learner community and the facilitators.
Age related performance of Sinhala speaking normative hearing children on translated Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure (GASP)
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Chathurika, L.K.E.; Atapattu, A.D.S.
Introduction: Several test protocols are used in evaluating the progress of speech and language in children following cochlear implant surgery. However, in Sri Lanka, there are no such tests available in Sinhala. Objectives: To assess the performance of Sinhala speaking normative hearing children on translated (Sinhala) Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure (GASP). Methods: The 10 questions of GASP were translated into Sinhala by a professional linguist from the Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya. The translated version of GASP was piloted on twenty children comprising 10 boys and 10 girls in age groups; 4.01-5.0, 5.01-6.0, 6.01-7.0 and 7.01-8.0 years to determine socio-cultural appropriateness of the tool. The main study was then conducted with a randomly selected sample of 212 (101 male and 111 female) children of age groups similar to those used in the pilot study. Children with normal hearing were recruited for the study following analysis of their medical history, PTA (Pure Tone Audiometry), and immittance audiometry results. The translated GASP questions were administered to the recruited group of children. Results and Discussion: The results showed a significant change in the score as the age of the child increases. This was mainly noted in question 2 (“What colour are your shoes?” (P value = 0.048)), question 5 (“When is your birthday?” (P < 0.001)), question 6 (“What is the name of your teacher?” (P = 0.037)), question 7 (“What number comes after seven?” (P< 0.001)) and question 10 (“How old are you?” (P< 0.001)). Conclusion: The Sinhala translated GASP can be used to assess auditory skills of Sinhala speaking children aged ≥ 5.0years. It is recommended that a larger test sample would be necessary before using the test for children below five years of age.
An analysis of pronunciation difficulties encountered by visually impaired Tamil speakers in acquiring English as the second language in Northern Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Pushparajah, V.
This paper aims at updating the difficulties and problems encountered by the visually impaired in acquiring English pronunciation, with special reference to accommodating the phonological features of Tamil speakers in Northern Sri Lanka. Northern Sri Lanka, like many other sectors, is in the process of emerging from a devastating economic meltdown that left many schools without the basic teaching learning resources. Facilities that cater to learners with disabilities and other special educational needs are not readily available. Hence, it is instructive to analyze the learning difficulties in students with visual impairments and to identify the remedial actions that can be undertaken in this regard. Previous studies on Sri Lankan English have little reference to the impact of Tamil in the acquisition of English phonology and almost no attention paid to people with special needs. In the post-conflict context, it is mandatory to undertake a study to analyze the special features of English phonology in Tamil second language learners in the area of special needs education. Therefore, this paper attempts to document the views of both the teachers and the students in secondary education, in special needs education and their difficulties in teaching and learning the pronunciation of English. This study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data collection, but is rooted in a qualitative epistemological position that recognizes the importance of locating the research within a particular context. A questionnaire was administered and focus group discussions were held with 10 teachers and 25 students of secondary level schools. Thus, this paper hopes to depict a clear description of the English phonological features of the speakers with visual impairment (particularly the secondary level students) of the Northern region of Sri Lanka.
An analysis of the effectiveness of using L1 (Sinhala) to teach L2 (English)
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Peiris, A.E.
As English has become one of the major requirements at present, the majority of undergraduates reading for their degree in Sinhala, try hard to learn English. While teaching the first year undergraduates, the researcher realized that the level of English proficiency varies among the undergraduates. In this context, this study examines whether it is effective to use L1 (first lanaguage) as a teaching method in the English class, which will facilitate the level of comprehension of L2 (second language) reading passages. According to some educationists, the usage of L1 in ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms is inappropriate, as it lessens the exposure to L2. However, since the level of their L2 proficiency varies, the majority of the undergraduates fail to participate in L2 reading lessons. Thus this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using L1 to create an interactive ESL classroom. This research focuses on the response of 40 first year Social Science undergraduates in the University of Kelaniya. They have similar proficiency in terms of their L2 which was determined through a pre-test. The sample was divided into two groups consisting of 20 each. One group was taught with exclusive use of L2, while the other group was taught with both L1 and L2. After the intervention, they were given a questionnaire to find out their response to determine the effectiveness of using L1 to teach L2 with regard to reading comprehension. The results of the study will help develop more effective teaching/learning practices by considering the role played by L1 in an ESL classroom.
An approach to enhance intercultural competence in EFL classrooms of universities of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Li, M.; Rajapaksha, R.M.W.
This paper is an exploration of teaching intercultural competence in foreign language courses through the example of a pedagogical experience in local universities. Language research increasingly acknowledges the intercultural dimension of foreign language acquisition. Intercultural communicative competence can therefore be considered as one of the central aims of foreign language education, so that learners can successfully communicate with people from different linguistic and cultural domains. However, there have been few empirical studies which illustrate intercultural competence with a view towards assisting its integration into classrooms. The objective of this investigation is the increased understanding of practice of language competence along with intercultural competence as an educator, which entails the construction of an understanding of intercultural competence teaching and learning in the foreign language classroom. The study incorporates insights from critical pedagogy, critical multiculturalism, and intercultural competence theories and examines the ways in which the research process has influenced and reshaped classroom practice, paving the way for future improvements. During a classroom-based study over three academic semesters, an intercultural syllabus for an English writing course aimed at facilitating new understanding of cultural diversity contributed to the learners’ intercultural awareness. Qualitative data collection and analysis endeavored to answer the questions by investigating student perceptions of cultural diversity and assessing their response to the syllabus. By focusing on the enhancement of students’ intercultural competence, the study sought to identify successful strategies for teaching intercultural competence. The analysis reflects a more fluid and moderate understanding which acquires the cultural ‘other’ in more positive ways. In addition, deeper understanding of intercultural issues is evidenced with reflection on the concept of culture and increased cultural self-awareness.
Aromatic hydrocarbon degrading phyllosphere microorganisms
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Undugoda, L.J.S.; Kannangara, S.; Sirisena, D.M.
Pyrogenic nature of the most recalcitrant aromatic hydrocarbons elevates their persistency in the environment and rapid bioaccumulation in living organisms. Therefore, air pollution by aromatic hydrocarbons is one of the current concerns. It has been shown that utilization of phyllosphere microorganisms as bioremediators is an efficient means of remediating these air pollutants. This study was carried out to isolate aromatic hydrocarbon degrading phyllosphere fungi and bacteria from selected plants; Ixora sp., Hibiscus sp., Ervatamia sp., and Amaranth sp., which are highly abundant in roadsides around the oil refinery at Sapugaskanda and high traffic areas. Phenanthrene, naphthalene, xylene and toluene degradation ability of the isolated bacteria and fungi was then examined using plate assays and spectrophotometric analysis. The best degraders were selected for further identification and characterization. Phenanthrene, naphthalene, toluene and xylene utilization rates of identified phyllosphere fungi; Penicillium sp. Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. were comparatively higher than that of isolated phyllosphere bacterial species; Pseudomonas sp., Paracoccus sp., Klebsiella sp. and Alcaligenes sp. Penicillium janthinellum utilized more than 90% of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the medium during seven days’ incubation, but Pseudomonas sp. required 14 days of incubation to achieve that level. Moreover, the best toluene degrader Aspergillus niger degraded toluene very efficiently compared to Pseudomonas sp. The best xylene degrader Aspergilus flavus utilized only 57.35% of xylene in the medium in seven days, but 90% degradation was observed in 14 days. Therefore, xylene degradation ability of fungi was comparatively less but significantly higher than that of bacteria. Bioremediation is a very economically and environmentally friendly strategy used in cleaning of AH contaminated sites. According to the results, Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. could be considered as the best fungal candidates for bioremediation. Pseudomonas sp. was able to degrade all tested AHs at relatively high efficiencies. Therefore, it can be considered as a general AH degrader. Therefore, ability of these microorganisms to degrade AH while surviving under environmental stress makes them very suitable candidates for bioremediation.
Attitudes of L22 learning undergraduates towards CALL3
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Alahakoon, P.P.
The rapid development in language learning is interlinked with significant advances in ICT4. These advances provide the tools and assistance of teaching L2. In this context, CALL courseware becomes vital. Thus many institutions around the world have introduced CALL courseware in L2 classrooms as a way of providing supplementary resources in enhancing L2 acquisition of the students. This methodology is integrated in Sri Lankan university curricula due to its effectiveness, compared to traditional methods and techniques in teaching. Yet it is relatively new to the undergraduates and only few universities use this method. Though it is said to be advantageous, it is essential to know the attitudes of the undergraduates towards CALL as it is still to be surveyed. This research explores the attitudes of 25 undergraduates (ELTU 11032) in the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Kelaniya towards CALL, as a recent exposure for them in learning L2. Thereby it seeks to construe how the undergraduates perceive the role of CALL compared to classroom teaching in a traditional classroom setting. It also identifies the degree of their enthusiasm while discovering the difficulties they face in using CALL materials and the limitations (if any) of such courseware. The data were gathered by a questionnaire and interviews conducted with randomly selected undergraduates, and the results will be interpreted qualitatively. Through the questionnaire and interview data, this study examines the possibility of enhancing the usage of CALL courseware to upgrade the undergraduates’ language proficiency. This research concludes by highlighting some key factors to consider when integrating CALL into L2 courses and some suggestions for further study.
Better questions for better answers: A strategy to develop critical thinking and communicative skills among English as a Second Language Learners
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Pushparajah, A.
This paper describes the effects of a strategy aimed at helping students develop critical thinking and communicative skills by means of a program for guided reading of images, using the questioning technique in an English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning context. Many teachers are not prepared to encourage critical thinking as part of their curricular work. This has created a student population which is unable to think critically. This is a qualitative, descriptive research study carried out with first year undergraduates of the Faculties of Humanities and the Social Sciences from the University of Kelaniya. Field notes, artifacts, and questionnaires were used as data collection instruments. The study shows that the program activated participants’ mental processes to allow them to move from basic to higher levels of critical thinking while communicating their thoughts in English. This strategy could be used by teachers of different disciplines.
Cardiovagal autonomic functions in children with abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Karunanayake, A.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.
Background: About 12% of Sri Lankan children suffer from abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGD). Autonomic dysfunction is believed to be involved in the development of symptoms in patients with AP-FGD. The objective of this study is to assess the cardiovagal autonomic functions among children with AP-FGD. Methods: Twenty five children with AP-FGD age 5 – 12 years (mean age 8 years, SD 2.27 years) were part of the study. There were 12 girls and 13 boys. Autonomic dysfunction related symptoms were recorded using an interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire. Eleven autonomic parameters were obtained while subjecting children to four non invasive, bedside, autonomic function tests; assessment of blood pressure response to standing, heart rate response to standing, heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to Valsalva manoeuver. Results were compared with age, sex, and matched with twenty one healthy children’s autonomic values [mean 8.9 years, SD 1.8 years]. Results: Autonomic dysfunction related symptoms were found among 4 children with AP-FGD (16%). Resting heart rate (86b/min vs. 91b/min in controls), supine systolic blood pressure (111mmHg vs 97mmHg), supine diastolic blood pressure (70mmHg vs 61mmHg) were significantly higher in children with AP-FGD compared with controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The children with AP-FGD may have autonomic abnormalities restricted to sympathetic division of the autonomic system.
The characteristics and long term outcome of patients with ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) following Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Abeysuriya, V.; Kasturiratne, A.; Chandrasena, L.G.; Hettiarachchi, V.S.; Wicremasinghe, A.R.
Introduction &Aims: To determine the characteristics and long term outcome of patients who had STEMI and were treated with PTCA. Method: A retrospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and treated with PTCA in a private hospital in Colombo from 1st January 2009 to 1st November 2012. Details of patients were abstracted from medical records of patients and the survival status, cause of death and date of death where relevant, were obtained from records, patients themselves or close relatives. Results: 197 patients (153 men; 77.7%) were enrolled. More than 50% had a history of diabetes, dyslipidemia or hypertension. Among the patients who had a history of smoking and alcohol consumption, 98% were men. 82.7 % (95% CI: 77.9% - 90.5%) of patients survived for 3 years. Based on Cox Proportional Hazardous model, site of arterial occlusion (proximal vs distal segment of left anterior descending artery [LAD] [HR 10.98; 95% CI: 1.096-110.205] was significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients. Low ejection fraction, not on regular medication and delay of more than 3 hours between onset to door time were independently (unadjusted) associated with poor long term outcome of patents who had coronary artery involvement other than the LAD artery. Conclusion: A high proportion of patients had traditional risk factors. The three year survival of patients was 83%. Patients with proximal LAD occlusion were 11 times more likely to die within 3 years of PTCA as compared to those who had a distal LAD occlusion.
Charming the unseen snakes
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) de Zoysa, A.M.; Jayatunga, M.; Hettiarachchi, S.; Pathirana, H.; Gunesekera, M.
The initial documentation of sociolinguistic data of a remote discourse community of Tulu speakers is the essence of this paper. A pilot study to collect first hand experience of documenting evidence of discourse communities8 was conceptualized by a team of researchers converging from disciplines such as Language Studies, Linguistics, Musicology, Cultural Studies, Gender, and Disability Studies from the University of Kelaniya. Consultations and briefing with researchers who have worked with discourse communities and similar communities preceded the visit to the community of “Snake charmers”. De-briefing of data collection, critical analysis of literature produced so far on the Tulu language and contextualizing the ongoing research concluded the three day pilot study. The methodology for the study is the audiovisual recording of the initial meeting with a remote discourse community of the Telegu people. The Ahikuntaka community of Devagama, living in Aligambay in the Akkaraipattu District (Eastern Province) was visited over the Vesak weekend of 2013 to make initial contact and build rapport with the discourse community. This objective of this paper is to demonstrate the challenges of sociolinguistic or ethnographic research in the 21st century. It pinpoints some issues that are glossed over, or overlooked as being irrlevant to the topic when presenting facts in reports, because they have not been included in the research proposal. It will also record difficulties, disappointments and disenchantments when working in “exotic settings”. The paper highlights the difficulties of data collection with ‘researcher as observer’ in the context of ethical clearance. In terms of the discourse community, the results of the study show the sociolinguistic issues of identity under threat. The only educated villager calls herself a Tamil speaker and takes pains to hide her Telugu/Tulu roots. Similarly, the villagers identify themselves as Tamils in the official domain, as in filling out electoral register forms, and in claiming that the traditional occupations of snake charming and palmistry are no longer practiced, contrary to the general belief that these are the occupations of the Tulu speaking community.
A critical evaluation of Sri Lankan government school textbook series, Let’s Learn English
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Gunawardena, A.A.
At present, recognizing the importance of English, as the gateway to modern knowledge, English is taught from the primary grades onwards, within the Sri Lankan education system. Let’s Learn English is a series designed for primary grades; 3, 4, and 5, and lays the foundation for children’s formal English language learning process. Therefore, critical evaluation of this series could be considered vital to discover whether the students’ language requirements are satisfactorily fulfilled. Drawing on comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires and interviews from a study sample of ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers, instructors and students, this study seeks to investigate the extent to which the contents of the books meet the set objectives. Additionally, attempts are made to inspect how far the coursebooks are free from mistakes and errors. Also, the integration of all four language skills was analyzed to examine whether the communicative needs of students are met. The ultimate objective of the study is to identify strengths and weaknesses of the coursebooks and recommend improvements to them, with the aim of enhancing the quality of learning and teaching practices. The results of the study revealed that the Grade 5 coursebook of Let’s Learn English needs modifications, while the presentation of Grade 3 and 4 coursebooks requires slight modifications.
Derivation and application of a Stochastic Differential Equation (SDE) Model for cricket
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Weerasinghe, W.M.H.N.; Mallawa Arachchi, D.K.
Stochastic Differential Equations (SDE) can be used to model many dynamical systems in place of the Markov chain approach. In this research, the SDE model that accounts for the score of a limited over cricket match is formulated based on the assumption that the runs scored and the number of wickets fallen within a single delivery follow a stochastic process. The peculiarity of this model is that a discrete process is modeled by a continuous-time continuous-space stochastic process, which is called a SDE model. Numerical simulations are performed using Euler-Maruyama method. Parameter estimation is carried out using the data available online for teams and individual players. Parameters were estimated for the players in the Indian and Sri Lanka teams considering ten ODI and fifteen T20 matches played between 2009 and 2012. Simulated results give evidence to the validity of the model. Some statistical tests were used to investigate the significance of the results. The model may be used for forecasting purposes. It can also be used to find a suitable batting order that optimizes the total score. The model can also be improved by taking into consideration the other factors that affect the scoring of an innings. For example, the pitch, weather condition and home-ground advantage can be taken into consideration
Designing an Automatic Speech Recognition System to recognize frequently used sentences in Sinhala
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Samankula, W.G.D.M.; Dias, N.G.J.
There are millions of people with visual impairments as well as motor impairments caused by old age, sickness or accidents. These people have to face a lot of challenges in their day to day lives. Even at home, if these people want to do a simple task such as control the radio, refrigerator, or fan, it becomes a difficult task because they have to use a white cane or wheel chair to move or get assistance from others. The aim of this research is to develop a speaker independent continuous speech recognition system which is embedded with the capability of understanding human speech in Sinhala language rather than foreign languages because the majority of people in Sri Lanka speak Sinhalese. In order to achieve this goal, human speech signals have to be recognized and converted into effective commands to operate equipment. The Hidden Markov Model Toolkit (HTK) based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM), a statistical approach, is used to develop the system. HTK is used for data preparation, training, testing and analysis phases of the recognition process. Twenty five sentences consisting of 2, 3 or 4 words in Sinhala which are frequently used in day to day activities at home were prepared. Recording process has been done with 10 native speakers (5 females and 5 males) in a quiet environment. Eight hundred speech samples have been collected for training from 4 males and 4 females by speaking each sentence 4 times. The experimental results show 94.00% sentence level accuracy and a 97.85% word level accuracy using a mono-phone based acoustic model and, also a 99.00% sentence level accuracy and a 99.69% word level accuracy using a tri-phone based acoustic model.
Detection of pathogenic Leptospira species in rat blood samples by molecular-based assays
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Denipitiya, D.T.H.; Chandrasekharan, N.V.; Abeyewickreme, W.; Hapugoda, M.D.
Background: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection, caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. It was traditionally known as ‘rat fever’ in Sri Lanka, because rodents, especially rats, are considered to be the most important reservoirs or maintenance hosts of Leptospira. In 2012, the highest numbers of cases were reported in the District of Gampaha. The objective of this study is to detect pathogenic Leptospira species in rat blood samples by molecular based assays. Method: Rats (n=38) were trapped in a high risk area (Mirigama) in the District of Gampaha, from May 2012 to February 2013 by using live traps. Each rat was anesthetized by using diethyl ether and 2-3 ml sample of blood was collected from each rat. Blood samples collected from all rats were tested by molecular- based assays and a serological assay. Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), real time PCR and Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) were used as molecular-based assays which targetted conserved gene regions among pathogenic serovars of Leptospira species. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), the Gold Standard assay for detection of anti Leptospira antibody was used as a serological assay. Results and Discussion: Of the 38 rat blood samples, molecular-based assays confirmed Leptospira infection in 5% (2/38), 16% (6/38) and 11% (4/38) by qualitative PCR, real time PCR and LAMP assay respectively. None of the samples was positive by MAT. After first infection, some Leptospira species live in the host animal as commensal bacteria. Therefore, host does not stimulate antibody production further and that may be below the detection level of the antibody by MAT. Conclusions: Results of molecular based assays showed that Leptospira are circulating among the rats tested in this study, although at the time of collection, their antibody levels were too low to detect by MAT, which had the lowest detection limit of 1:800.
Developing a word list to assess articulation errors in Sinhala speaking children with Cleft Lip and Palate age 2.5 to 3.0 years
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Lokubalasuriya, L.B.T.C.; Rathnayake, S.P.
Background: Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) is a congenital abnormality and 0.79 per 1000 birth prevalence was observed in the Sri Lankan context. CLP affects the individual’s articulation and resonance; early intervention could prevent most of the articulation errors and identification can be done using language assessment. However, in the Sri Lankan context we have no standardized assessments to identify this condition, and developing a tool to identify the CLP articulation errors is a need in the field of Speech and Language Therapy in Sri Lanka. Objectives: 1. To identify test materials and vocabulary for the age range 2.5yrs to 3.0yrs using structured observation design. 2. Develop a word list to assess cleft type errors based on the norms to identify in objective 01 and evaluate the suitability of the identified words among typically developing children age 2.5 to 3.0 years Methodology: 18 typically developing children age 2.5 years to 3.0 years were selected via purposive sampling for objective one and, initially play-based structured observation was used to select the words for the tool and a pre-test was conducted. After modification the tool was administered for the 30 typically developing children age 2.5 years to 3.0 years for objective 02. Results: 95 words were identified as high frequency words from objective one and out of those, 24 high frequency words were selected for the tool. Except sound /s/ in word medial position all other sounds were produced in more than 75% cases, accurately. No male female production difference was observed. Conclusion: Except /s/ in medial position all other sounds could be used to assess children at the age range of 2.5-3.0 years. Recommendation: The tool should be administered among the affected population and validate the results to standardize the tool.
Development of Monosyllabic Trochee Polysyllabic (MTP) Test in Sinhala for Native Language Speakers in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Senanayake, S.M.A.I.
Development of Monosyllabic-Trochee-Polysyllabic (MTP) test in Sinhala aims to be used in measuring auditory performances such as identification and auditory discrimination in children who are audiological rehabilitated with their native language. The study employed a mixed study design, with simple random sampling and multistage sampling methods used to select the sample from the pre-school and school set up. The participants were chosen upon obtaining a written consent form to ensure their voluntary participation in the study. A Total number of two hundred forty (200) subjects were tested, which includes hundred and five (105) males and ninety five (95) females between the ages two (2) to eight (8) years which was then categorized into six (6) sub-groups according to their age. All participants had to be native Sinhala speakers with normal hearing with no audiological and otological problems, with normal speech and language development and of the same age. For this purpose, all participants were directed to a pre-test evaluation. Prior to administering the test, a pilot study was carried out. After that, the test was administered by using a formulated Sinhala MTP word list where the subject was asked to repeat or point out relevant pictures similar to the presented stimuli. Marks were allocated for each correct pattern identification and/or word identification. SPSS analyzing data indicated the MTP performance score was not affected by age group, gender, parental education level of the participants, communication opportunity, having or not having siblings and home environment. Through the study, except ‘kesel’, the rest of the words in Sinhala MTP test, was age appropriate and socio- culturally appropriate for Sinhala speaking children in Sri Lanka. Further, MTP lists can use as a clinical assessment tool for cochlear implantees and hearing aid users.
Development of suitable propagation systems for Tephrosia spp. and Flueggea leucopyrus in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Priyadarshan, A.I.S.; Senanayake, S.P.; Jayetilleke, M.P.; Rajapakse, R.G.S.C.
Different species of both genera Tephrosia and Flueggea are commonly used as ingredients in traditional therapeutic preparations. Due to the increasing popularity of these plants as ingredients in traditional therapeutic systems, production of planting materials for commercial cultivation is a timely requirement. This research was carried out to develop suitable propagation systems for T. purpurea, T. villosa, T. noctiflora, T. pumila and F. leucopyrus. Though Tephrosia spp. seeds have shown higher viability, low germination percentage was observed within a week on wet filter paper as well as in different six potting media. Six potting media were prepared using five raw materials namely coir dust, sand, top soil, cow dung and compost with different compositions to evaluate the seed germination and growth performance of Tephrosia species. Water impermeability of seed coats was identified as the reason for the seed dormancy in Tephroisa spp. and soaking in Con. H2SO4: H2O; 3:1 for 25 mins and rubbing on sandpaper for 2 mins were determined as suitable seed dormancy breaking methods. Variation was observed in the growth performance of Tephrosia spp. in six different potting media. Soil medium was determined as a more suitable medium compared to the hydroponic solution for all four Tephrosia species. Due to less seed production in F. leucopyrus, stem cutting propagation methods in three different potting media (Coir dust, Sand, Coir dust: Sand 1:1) were applied to evaluate the efficiency in propagation. Semi hardwood and hardwood cuttings of F. leucopyrus were well established within a period of a week in sand potting medium. These findings can be used to establish suitable propagation systems for genera Tephrosia and F. leucopyrus for commercial cultivation.
Dividend policy determinants and dividend stability
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Peter, P.L.S.; Fernando, V.
A key decision that a company is faced with is the timing and the size of the distribution of wealth it has created to its shareholders. The company has to choose between paying out dividends now, or reinvesting it and paying it out at a later date. This choice forms the background for the dividend policy decision. This study examines the corporate cash dividend policy behaviour in Sri Lankan listed companies in two different dimensions: the type of dividend policy and major determinants of the dividend decisions, incorporating both primary and secondary data. Furthermore, it investigates the role that dividend policy plays in Sri Lanka. Primary data were assimilated through a formal questionnaire sent to 41 listed companies to assess management belief on distribution of dividends and the most influential factors that shape dividend policy decisions of investors. The Lintner Model was used to assess the stability of the dividend payouts, using panel data methodology. Secondary data on dividend information and stock prices were assimilated from information available with the CSE (Colombo Stock Exchange) for a ten year period. The analysis revealed that the most significant factors that influence the dividend policy include level of current earnings, free cash flow, stability of earnings, firm’s liquidity and financial leverage. Compared to studies in developed markets, the companies are less conscious with lagged dividend and target payout ratio, which are the main signals of stability of one’s dividend policy. Supporting the findings, the fixed effects regression model also showed that the current dividend has positive but comparatively low relationship with lagged dividends. It was also revealed that mature companies are less stable in their dividend payout than the new companies. The research findings provide evidence that Sri Lankan companies have less stable dividend policies and are less aligned with signaling effect and clientele effect on dividends.