IPRC - 2018
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/19163
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Item An Analysis of Writing Errors of the Korean Language Learners in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Diddeniya, C.V.At present, the number of foreigners who learn Korean language is rapidly increasing. There is no exception in Sri Lanka. Students who prefer to learn Korean language are gradually increasing every year. The main goal of conducting Korean language classes is to improve the students’ communication skills. Among the four skills of language learning (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening), writing is the most difficult aspect. Therefore, it is very essential to develop a suitable methodology to teach Korean language writing in systematical way. The aim of this research is to clarify the writing errors done by Sri Lankan native students, when studying the Korean Language. For this purpose, a research was conducted in the form of a survey among 30 students. A sample of students was chosen from the University of Kelaniya, who study Korean Language as a major subject (2nd year - 15 students, 3rd year -15 students). To identify the errors, an error analysis on survey data has been done. The analysis was divided in to two parts, the word dimension and the sentence dimension. According to survey, more errors occurred in sentence dimension than word dimension. Word dimension was subdivided in to three major categories and sentence dimension was subdivided in to nine major categories. By analyzing answers of survey the most occurring writing errors in Sri Lankan native students have been identified. Moreover, by applying the proposed method in teaching environment, I expect improvement in Korean language writing education and also hope to contribute in developing learner's Korean language skill. One of the significant benefits of this study is that it attempts to investigate the students’ errors in their Korean writing. I strongly believe that the results of this study will facilitate the teaching and learning processItem “Shadows of the Hidden Dragon”; A Case Study of ESL Writing Anxiety at the Tertiary Level(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Karunarathna, J.A.M.B.Studies related to English as a second language which are taken place in the Sri Lankan tertiary education context show that, out of four language skills among the undergraduates, the weakest skill is writing. Second language writing is strategically, rhetorically and linguistically different from first language writing because specifically at the tertiary level, students have different writing experiences, different aptitudes and different motivation levels in second language writing. Varying metacognitive knowledge in first language and second language, different experiences in using the first language and the second language and different individual characteristics affect writing skills in a second language. However, since the medium of instruction and medium of assessment at the tertiary level of the Sri Lankan context, is in English, writing in English becomes a decisive factor. Hence, the aim of the present study is to determine the extent of writing anxiety in English and to find out the underlying causes for writing anxiety. As the method of data collection, questionnaires adopted from Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) (Cheng, 2004), Second Language Writing Anxiety Reasons Scale (SLWARS) (Kara, 2013) were utilized among 90 first year undergraduates representing approximately 30 each from three different degree programmes, at the University of Vocational Technology. The study reveals that the majority of the students, irrespective of the nature of the degree programme that they follow, experience high or average level of writing anxiety towards writing tasks in academic purposesItem Quality of Life in Dementia Patients: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Sinhala version of Dementia Specific Quality of Life (DEMQOL) in Sri Lanka.(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Jayakody, S.; Arambepola, C.Dementia has become a public health priority along with population ageing worldwide. Owing to its chronic progressive nature in the absence of a cure, maintaining the best possible quality of life (QOL) have become the desired outcome for people with dementia. In the absence of valid tools to measure QOL, its current status is not known in the Sri Lankan setting. The current study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Sinhala version of DEMQOL and DEMQOL-proxy in Sri Lankan setting. DEMQOL and DEMQOL-proxy tools were initially translated, culturally adapted using modified Delphi process with a panel of experts, and tested for judgmental validity. Its construct validity was assessed by conducting a validation study among 100 patient-primary caregiver dyads attending state hospital psychiatry clinics in Gampaha District, by performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was assessed using test-retest method and internal consistency. Mean age of patients with dementia was 72 years (SD=7.6) with a female preponderance (63.3%). Majority had studied up to ordinary level (68.3%). Dementia severity was assessed using mini mental state examination (MMSE) and only mild to moderate patients were included (mean MMSE score=17.32) in the study. Majority of the caregivers were female (73.3%) with a mean age of 55 years (SD=14) and 51% had studied up to advanced level. During CFA, the original four-factor model emerged with DEMQOL validation data, whereas a five-factor model was best fitted with DEMQOL-proxy validation data. Internal consistency and test re-test reliability of DEMQOL (Cronbach’s alpha=0.87; correlation coefficient=0.864) and DEMQOL-proxy (Cronbach’s alpha=0.874; correlation coefficient=0.834) were satisfactory. Sinhala version of the DEMQOL and DEMQOL-proxy scales are valid and reliable tools to assess the QOL of dementia patients of mild-moderate severity in Sri Lanka. Patients can successfully rate their own QOL.Item A Descriptive Analysis on Political Motivation for Illegal Migration in Post War Period (A Case Study on Illegal Immigration to Australia)(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Edirisinghe, S.L.; Samarasinghe, K.N.; Rukshan, D.G.R.N.Illegal migration is a growing trend everywhere in the world than ever before. Migration takes place from one place to another for the different purposes. Illegal immigration can be occurred in various circumstances. Illegal migration is the main sub field of migration. Thus A non-citizen who enters a country without legal documents is considered as illegal immigrant. Illegal immigration is inspired by several factors through which political factor is playing a key role to encourage such illegal entrance to Australia. Political factor is inevitable in this sense it has been an influential factor last few years to motivate illegal immigration. Hereby Political turmoil can be a leading factor which complicates whole system of governance. Presently Sri Lanka has become a premier and ideal state for discussion about illegal immigration. In this study main objective is to explore political factors caused to Sri Lankans’ immigration to Australia. Research question in this study is why people migrate to Australia through illegal means. In order to answer this question, the qualitative methodology was applied. Other than the secondary data collected from written sources, 10 case studies migrants who migrated illegally to Australia were undertaken where the in depth interviews were done by using open ended and unstructured questions. Data was analyzed by applying discourse analysis and phenomenological data analysis tools. In-depth interviews were carried out for getting information about illegal migration. Southern province and Northern Province have been selected as a research area, because these specific areas are higher illegal immigration to Australia than other provinces. With using purposive sampling method 10 of people are selected as the research sample that arrested by Sri Lankan Navy. Finding of this study are as following changing regime, lack of performance of government in the particular areas, inequality of political opportunities, dissatisfaction on government’s activities, political interference, and fear of political revenge have been main political causes for illegal immigration to Australia. In order to controlling such illegal immigration both counties should work together for discouragement of people those who attempt to migrate Australia through illegal meansItem Social Work Intervention for Women Empowerment through Self-Employment(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Karandawala, K.“End poverty in all its forms everywhere’ is the first goal of the world 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Poverty is one of the greatest global challenges in contemporary world. It has been recognized that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions is required for sensible and appropriate society. Eradicating poverty is also aims to ensure social protection for poor and vulnerable communities. In current Sri Lankan society there are many poor males headed families without sufficient income for family expenses as well as to access to basic services. Women in such low income families should have the opportunity to assist their family income without violating their freedom as well as duties and responsibilities. This research expects to find out how Social Work Intervention is required in women empowerment for poverty eradication through Self-employment. The objectives of this research are to identify the opportunities and barriers for self employment of women in low income families as well as to identify the social work intervention for such barriers in order to step into poverty eradication. This study has been conducted using mix method. A questionnaire, in-depth interview methods were used for data collection. The results of the research indicated that some women run very small self-employments at their houses without knowing those are self-employments which can develop further with suitable advices, recourses as well as motivation to improve such employments. Study further revealed that many women are unaware of the opportunities as well as some women are reluctant to find out opportunities due to their family, social and economic barriers. It is important to empower them to determine opportunities by social work interventions through community and religious leaders etc for self employment for better lifeItem The Effects of Working Capital Management on the Profitability of Plantation and Power Energy Sector in Sri Lanka(. 19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Kankanamge, C.A.This study seeks to establish the influence of Working Capital Management (WCM) towards the profitability of Sri Lanka’s Plantation and Power energy firms. Plantation, Power and energy sectors are the sectors which showed more working capital problems due to the highly volatile cash flows. Even though there are studies conduct on this topic on developed market context, studies on this topic on emerging market setting like Sri Lanka is on spare. Thus this study may contribute to the literature on this area specially as emerging market evidences. This study was done on 30 companies registered in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), which covered the period of 2015 – 2017 with a total observation of 60 firms/years. The independent variables to measure working capital management include working capital turnover ratio (WCTR), current ratio (CR), cash conversion cycle (CCC), inventory days (ID), receivables days (ARD) and payables days (APD) while, the dependent variable used are Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE). This study adopted explanatory research design. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive means, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regressions via E-Views. Multiple linear regressions are implied in this research in order to analyze the significance between working capital management on profitability. The independent variables used are WCTR, CR, CCC, ID, ARD and APD and the dependent variables are the ROA and ROCE. Every independent variable is found significant and had influence the profitability except for inventory days on ROA and ROCE and payable days on ROCE. Hence, the insignificant relationship between both variables is concluded that these variables are not a factor in determining the effect of working capital management in the plantation, power/ energy sector in Sri Lanka.Item Impact of Banking Services on Deposit Mobilization in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunasekara, K.D.H.Deposit mobilization is the main function of financial institutions, where it is dominated by the banks. It is a process of collecting cash from public through their current, savings and fixed accounts and other specialized schemes, by financial institutes. Generally acknowledged that banks are service oriented organizations and the quality service delivery can affect all the activities that a bank performs. The quality of banking services mainly depends on several factors as, Branching Policy: the expansion of banking facilities and when providing facilities, accessibility is also an important factor, innovative approaches, interest rate policy, more incentives to depositors, more incentives to bank employees when achieving targets on deposit mobilization, training for bank employees and expansion of infrastructure ensure the quality service. Therefore, to assess the impact of banking services on deposit mobilization, the study was employed descriptive statistics, comparison of means and regression analysis. There were 120 respondents have been selected as the sample, by following stratified random sampling method, where Dutugemunu Street-Dehiwala (urban area), Mandawala-kirindiwela (rural area) and Ihala Biyanwila-Kadawatha (semi-urban area) were selected as the sample areas. The research was mainly based on primary data and questionnaires were carried out to obtain primary data. Banking services factor was measured by employing four sub-factors and Likert Scale Five Model has been used to rank the importance of the sub-factors. The study indicates that there is a positive strong correlation between two variables (0.899) and. ꞵ value of the independent variable is 2408.73 and it further indicates, any type of banking service improvement affects to increase deposit amount (Dependent Variable) by Rs. 2408.73 and it is significant by the 5% significant level. Among demographic variables, gender, occupation, education level, income, living area significantly affect for the deposit mobilization (P< 0.05). According to the mean comparison, respondents in both rural and semi-urban area believe that low service charges is the most important sub factor and respondents in urban areas, rank the sub factor: (24x7) service and anywhere connectivity as the most important. According to the analysis, it shows that there is a positive and significant impact of banking services on deposit mobilization decisions of people. Also the residence area is a decisive factor which affects the deposit mobilization decisions of banking customers in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is useful to consider highly about the quality of the banking services and residential area when implementing strategies to increase deposit mobilizationItem The Effectiveness of the Modulation of Lessons for the Sri Lankan ESL Learning Undergraduates at a State University based on Content-Based Language Teaching in ESL Teaching and Learning(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunasinghe, M.P.D.Content-based instruction (CBI) is a significant approach in language education (Brinton, Snow, & Wesche, 1989), designed to provide second-language learners instruction in content and language (hence it is also called content-based language teaching; CBLT). It is considered to be more practical since it uses the learner’s knowledge as a subject matter to teach a language. Language teaching should cater to all four aspects of the language: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The samples for this research are thirty undergraduates who were selected randomly from the Faculty of Commerce and Management representing each department (Finance, Accountancy, HRM and B-com) at the University of Kelaniya and the fifteen DELT lecturers who teach these particular lessons. Their one year English course which is designed by the Department of English Language Teaching at the University of Kelanya is completely based on their main subject areas, hence, it is named as “English for Business Communication”. The course mainly includes lessons on academic writing, business report writing, facing interviews and interviewing, public speaking etc. along with the grammar lessons. The data was collected by distributing two questionnaires for the lecturers and the selected sample of students and the quality and the effectiveness of the lessons were evaluated through their opinion. From the collected data, 65% state that these lessons are effective as it fulfills the English needs of the Commerce faculty students. 43% of the lecturers state the lessons should focus more on speaking. Around 58% of the students mentioned that they need more focus on grammar and vocabulary. However, the overall view is that the CBL method is successful in teaching and learning process. Taking the data into consideration, it is evident that the lessons need an improvement in several areas such as grammar and speaking. Further, the integration of CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) to the lessons would help the lecturers to create a more learner friendly environment within the classroomItem Macronutrients Management of CKD Patients and Effect on Biochemical Parameters and the Clinical Outcome(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Hettigedara, S.N.M.S.Macro nutrients are the Carbohydrate, protein and lipid which are essential for the energy production and metabolism. The requirement of these macronutrients varied according to the CKD stage and the other comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity etc. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60mL/min/1.73 m2 for 3 months or more. If the condition prevails untreated, CKD patients reach End–Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and majority succumb to death before require renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to cardiovascular morbidity. Dyslipidemia is directly associated with this condition. Thus it is essential to maintain the nutrition balance in diet of a renal impaired person. Therefore, dietitians’ role is necessary to address the underlying cause of CKD patient and develop an individualized, evidence –based nutrition plan to improve patients’ quality of life. This study was conducted at Sri Lanka Police Hospital. Ethical approval was obtained from the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubovila. Sample size was 98. This was a retrospective descriptive study. Both male (n=54) and female (n=44) pre -dialysis CKD patients who were in stage I –V were included. Patients who were undergoing dialysis and over 80 years were excluded. All the patients were under the pharmacological therapy. The CKD patients were given dietary and life -style modifications and reviewed and monitored at regular intervals by registered dietitian nutritionist based on evidence –based nutrition and approved guidelines. Biochemical data was recorded in a monitoring chart at every visit. Calculated amounts of macro nutrients were given as a portion size. Carbohydrate amount and type were given according to the blood sugar level (45-55% of daily energy intake). Dietary proteins were restricted up to 0.6- 0.9g/kg/body weight based on CKD stage, GFR, and Serum creatinine level. Physically refined coconut oil used as a source of fat (25%- 35% of energy) based on previous research. Data were retrieved from monitoring chart for analysis. Serum creatinine eGFR and lipid profile of CKD patients were analyzed after 1 year of interval. There was a significant decrease in serum creatinine level in 85% (p < 0.05) of the sample and significant increase in e GFR level in 90% (p<0.05) of the sample with compared to the initial levels. Following the intervention 90 % (p < 0.05) of the sample had total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) within the normal range. The HDL level of 60% (p < 0.05) and of sample was also within the normal range. Improvement of other parameters of lipid profile (LDL) was not significant (p>0.05). Providing a balance diet of with calculated amounts of macronutrients through dietitian nutritionist was effective in management of biochemical parameters of CKD patients. There is no adverse effect of consumption of physically refined coconut oil in appropriate amounts, on the lipid profile of subjectsItem Electrodeposited ZnS Thin Films for NO2 Gas Sensing Applications(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Wickramathilaka, P.A.K.Y.; Namawardana, D.G.K.K.; Atapattu, H.Y.R; De Silva, D.S.M.Sensors are becoming a consequential part in human’s daily life. Typically, they are classified based on the physical parameter sensed itself namely; thermal, mechanical, magnetic, chemical, and optical. Gas sensors are chemical sensors that can be fabricated as metal-oxide or metal-sulfide semiconductor materials viz.; TiO2, ZnO, CdS and ZnS etc. Among these materials ZnS is a highly abundant and non-toxic material and can be easily adopted for gas sensing applications. Electrodeposition can be identified as an ideal fabrication method owing to its simplicity and low cost in production amid various fabrication methods that have been employed for developing ZnS thin films. This study focuses on the growth of ZnS thin films for gas sensing applications using the technique of electrodeposition. A three electrode electrolytic system consists of an Ag/AgCl reference electrode, FTO glass substrate (1×3 cm2) working electrode and high purity carbon counter electrode was used in electrodepositing ZnS material in an aqueous electrolyte containing ZnCl2 (0.10 - 0.05 mol/L) and Na2S2O3 (0.01 - 0.05 mol/L) precursors. The ZnS depositions were carried out in the cathodic deposition potential (CDP) range of 0.70 - 1.10 V and pH range of 4.0 - 3.5 at temperature of 30 °C for 90 minutes. After deposition, samples were annealed at 300 °C for 10 minutes and characterized for their crystalline structure, surface morphology and elemental composition using the techniques of X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy respectively. The sample grown at CDP of 1.05 V at pH of 3.7 were found to have notable material properties and shown 2 Ω average change in resistance with respect to the initial average resistance of 26.2 Ω while exposing to NO2 gas at 3× 104 Pa and 30 °C within a time interval of 2-3 minutesItem Effect of Maternal Condition on Autism Spectrum Disorde (ASD): In Sri Lankan Context(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Serasinghe, H.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spread problem of whole the countries and it was estimated that the global prevalence of ASD to be one child in 160, which accounts 0.3% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization- WHO, 2013). ‘‘The diagnosis of autism indicates that qualitative impairments in communication, social skills, and range of interests and activities exist. As no medical test can be performed to indicate the presence of autism, the diagnosis is based upon the presence or absence of specific behavior’’ (DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000). Children who are suffering from ASD experience various complication including minimal social, emotional and social accomplishment, rough cognitive development and dysfunctional behaviors (Meirsschaut et al., 2010) and have hard comprehension (Wing 1981, 1992) with utilize explain nonverbal social and causal idea (Ehlers and Gillberg 1993; Gillberg and Gillberg 1989; Szatmari et al. 1989). The aim of the study is to evaluate how maternal condition affect on Autism Spectrum Disorder. To achieve the purpose of the research, 44 questionnaires were distributed to mothers who have ASD children. The sample was selected randomly from Reach beyond autism and child development centre which has good reputation for treatment of ASD children in Sri Lanka. Further, Descriptive statistical tools have been employed to analyze the quantitative data. Besides, this study used the Diagnostic and Statical Manual of mental disorder, 4th edition (DSM-iv) definition of ASD where ASD comprehend of Autistic Disorder. Furthermore, maternal condition has been identified based on the literature review. According to data, mothers who live in urban areas, their monthly income above 80 000 and mothers who had experience of uncomfortable sleep during their pregnancy indicate high percentage of total sample and it is more than 80%. Further, more than 45% mothers who have ASD child had a degree rather than other educational qualification. Thus, mothers who experienced mental disorder (stress) and severe frustration during their pregnancy period present more than 18% of total sample and minimum percentage indicate the physical disease, unmanageable stress, getting trauma experience during their pregnancy period is less than 13% of total sample. In addition, according to the research there are considerable results have been shown that factors affecting for the ASDs during their pregnancy period and researcher identified that maternal condition directly affect for the child to be growth from ASD in the futureItem Rural Tourism and Rural Household Economic Development in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Perera, I.G.A.N.Nowadays Tourism plays a leading role in economic development process, as one of the most human sensible industries in the global market. Rural tourism is one of the crucial determinants which mostly deal with rural life patterns to identify significance of tourism industry on economic development. The reliability and correlation of the relationship between contribution of rural tourism activities and rural household economic development was tested by this study to remark the significance of contribution of rural tourism on rural household economic development in Sri Lanka. The research area was selected as the Hiriwadunna grama niladhari division in the Anuradhapura district among a few numbers of villages which conduct rural tourism activities in a regular basis as one of their main livelihood. Basically the study used both primary and secondary data and the research sample included both, villagers from Hiriwadunna grama niladhari division and tourists including both local and foreign who had come to visit Hiriwadunna village within a given period of time. The sample was selected using simple random sampling and strategic sampling methods. The data was collected through structured interviews using two separate questionnaires for villagers and tourists. Collected data was organized using the software as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using correlation co-efficient, reliability tests and the regression analysis. The analysis addressed five research questions as contribution of rural tourism activities as one of their important livelihood (income source), effects of demand for rural tourism activities on households’ income, impact of intermediaries on income changes of rural households, overall contribution of rural tourism activities to develop rural household economy and how to improve and to make contribution of rural tourism more efficient as an economic development strategy in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Five hypotheses constructed and tested to identify significance of relationship between two variables in each research question. Though the derived results revealed that rural tourism significantly influenced on economic development of rural households in Sri Lanka, impact of intermediaries, less intervention of the government, lack of formal organizations or a national policy framework have affected negatively on contribution of rural tourism activities on rural household economic development in Sri Lanka. Hence the study suggests that elimination of these drawbacks with a proper guidance of both public and private sectors will be able to enhance the significance of rural tourism as an efficient strategy of developing rural household economy in Sri LankaItem The Role of Youth Participation in Community Development(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) De Thabrew, C.K.; silva, N.Youth participation in community development has been viewed as one of the most effective methods for promoting young people’s active engagement with social services. However, in rural communities of Sri Lanka, young people’s participation is most commonly related to their labour contribution. The core components of participation such as decisions, choices, and management are rarely seen. Addressing these issues this research, from a qualitative research method, aims to contribute to local understandings about youth participation in development. With a focus on Agalawatta rural area, it explores the grounded experiences of two youth groups in order to offer considerations for social practice, programme implementations and further studies. The research involved in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations with youth, village heads, NGO staff, religious leader, a school teacher and young people’s parents in Mathugama Grama Niladhari divisions. Both Quantitative and Qualitative data were collected using semi structure questioner, focus group discussions and observations. The respondents considered charitable contributions of youth as their primary form of active participation, including educational awareness and campaigns in the community. There are some positive outcomes from youth engagement; one of the influential aspects is contributed by local partnerships. This substantial contribution stimulates interactions between key local members and youth so they can work together for positive change in the community. This research suggests that young people do need support from key local groups or recognized agents to assist them in initiating participation in terms of forming groups, and providing training and coaching to open new possibilities and strengthen youth’s initiatives. These include religion and development, power relations, and women’s leadership. This research suggests that these factors either motivate youth participation because of social norms and cultural acceptanceItem Computational Investigation of Pesticide Induced Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on the Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu)(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Deshan, T.M.V.; Pandithavidana, D.R.The chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been a major health issue in Sri Lanka within the last three decades. It has been a burden problem mainly for the rural agricultural community. Many investigative efforts have been carried out to identify its unknown origin and several risk factors which have been associated. But levels of any of the pollutants or conditions reported have not been consistent or correlated with the prevalence of the disease as it is named (as the sole cause of CKDu). A possible link between oxidative stress and the progression of the disease has been identified. The environmental factors which favor the development of oxidative stress are prevalent in those affected areas. The study of “pesticide induced oxidative stress” has been a topic of research interest. Alterations in the balance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defenses were recognized as one of the main causes. The secondary interactions between small ligands and macromolecules were computationally investigated using AutoDock molecular docking program. In this computational study, four major pesticides were docked with different enzymes which directly related to mechanisms in generating oxidative stress. The strength of the binding of the pesticide in the binding site of the corresponding enzyme was used to emphasize its potential interaction with the enzyme. According to molecular docking investigations, it was evident that three organophospahates; Profenofos, Diazinon and Chlrofyrifos possessed relatively similar binding energies at the active site compared to the inducer for Cytochrome P450 A34 enzyme. Profenofos showed the lowest Gibbs binding energy among three. The computational studies predicted that these pesticides might serve as potent inducers or substrates for the enzyme. Imidacloprid was not metabolized by the enzyme as it didn’t show any interactions at the active site. None of the pesticides would act as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme. Further, computational simulations revealed that these organophosphates behaved as potent enzyme inducers as well as substrates which involved in bio activation. These computed results directed to a feasible mechanism to disclose how reactive oxygen species were generated to cause oxidative stress. The location of binding pocket and the strength of binding at the active site of the enzyme were important parameters used to generate these predictions. This computational study has been utilized to predict mechanistic steps related to the “pesticide induced oxidative stress” which is a causative factor for the multi factorial origin of CKDu.Item North Indian Classical Vocal Music for the Class Rooms(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Mallikarathna, S.W.This article comes up with the facts that will accept music educators to absorb North Indian Classical vocal music in to a multi cultural music education system. Hindustani music is mainly vocal-centric with the musical forms planned to increase vocal performance and many instruments had been designed to imitate the voice. The theories in Classical vocal music is much deeper than general conditions. Obstructions to teaching North Indian Classical vocal music are accepted including lack of acquaintance with the cultural/structural elements and challengers in teaching ear training and improvisation. Possible solutions to these challengers and practical lesson plans are provided. Class room ideas include practical activities and projects to familiarize students with Indian culture and audiovisual performances to teach the structural pieces. This research focuses the students of ages between 10-13 in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this is teachers have to enclose practical lessons, techniques, methods of training, oral training, oral imitation and improvisation, manual movement and simple improvisation and gradually increasing to greater complexity while setting guidelinesItem Impact of Provincial Councils of Service Delivery within the Intergovernmental Relations: With Reference to Decentralization In Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Mudalige, P.Decentralization has developed into an increasingly familiar theme in administrative theory and democratic practices in the global context. Countries have indicated different types of decentralization such as political, administrative, and fiscal for various reasons. The democratization of countries also leads to more decentralization. There were 69 democratic countries in 1989, which raised to 125 by 2014. According to Piccone (2016), 2.28 billion people lived in democratic countries in 1989 that increased to 4.18 billion by 2014. A growing number of countries are introducing decentralization mechanism to promote more efficient service delivery, advance democratic reform, encourage economic growth, and reduce poverty. The meaning of decentralization transmits some part of the central government's powers to sub-national level. The passage into the law of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Provincial Councils Act No. 42 of 1987 to satisfy that demand hailed as the most controversial codification of the 20th century in Sri Lanka. The Provincial Councils established in Sri Lanka function under the supervision of the central government, and a new service delivery system was established under the Provincial Council system to ensure widespread administrative, political, and economic transformation in Sri Lanka. The primary objective of this study is to examine the autonomy of Provincial Councils to provide a better service delivery under the intergovernmental relations in Sri Lanka. The research problem aims to identify the reason(s) for conflicts between devolved subjects in the central government and Provincial Councils, and it emphasises how that result influences the provincial level service delivery system in Sri Lanka. The study used a broad range of secondary sources and textual sources such as reports of the finance commission, central bank reports, official reports of Provincial Councils, and other government legal documents in Sri Lanka. This is a study based on period of 1988 to 2016. The results reveal that decentralization without political, administrative, and fiscal autonomy will not be successful at regional and local levels. Every Provincial Council has financial dehydration, a power struggle with the elected executive and the central government and the appointed executive, and the central government has not yet devolved the Provincial Councils on several subjects. Besides, problems have arisen over the administrative and financial management due to the intervention of the central government for Provincial Council activities. Evidently, Sri Lanka's inter-government relations fail to provide a better service delivery system, and the decentralization process in the country has revealed signs of re-centralization after the establishment of Provincial CouncilsItem The Moderating Effect of Ethnicity on Relationship between Role Demands and Work-Life Balance among Women Lecturers in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Welmilla, I.Women lecturers participate in various work and life roles, which can create challenges when trying to balance the pressures and responsibilities associated with each role. This study is particularly relevant for women in the teaching profession specially for the university lecturers. The current study seeks to argue that the constructs of role demands and ethnicity have been neglected in the work-life balance literature in Sri Lankan context. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effect of ethnicity on role demand and the work-life balance of women lecturers in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the study examines the relationship between two aspects of role demands (work and family) and work-life balance among women lecturers in Sri Lanka as well as the role of ethnic identity as a moderator of the relationship. First, to investigate the direct relationship, two exogenous constructs; work demand and family demand and two endogenous constructs namely work satisfaction, family satisfaction were identified. Next, the study was to decide whether the relationship between role demands and work-life balance among women lecturers in Sri Lanka differ on the basis of ethnicity. To test this, ethnicity used as moderating variable and considered the two major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka namely, Sinhala and Tamil. The sample has been selected through random sampling and quantitative research approach has been applied. A questionnaire survey was used to gather data from women lecturers in state universities in Sri Lanka. There were 265 responses were obtained. The structural equation model was used in analyzing the data. First, the result of the study demonstrates that the significant negative relationship between role demands and work-life balance, and it fills a gap in the literature by validating the associations between role demands and work-life balance dimensions. Finally, the study shows that the relationship between role demands and work-life balance is not moderated by ethnic identity. This result is remarkable as this is the first study that presented the outcome of relationships between role demands and work-life balance among women lecturers’ in Sri Lanka as not differing on the basis of ethnicity. This study recognized that women lecturers can improve work life balance by balancing work and family role demands. Furthermore, it was implied that when living under the same economic and social system different ethnic groups gain similar perceptions.Item The Conceptualization of “Escape” as a Benefit of Recreational Consumption(2018) Abeykoon, A.M.S.J.P.; Ramanayaka, A.R.N.D.; Senanayaka, R.M.C.A.This research focuses to conceptualize “escape” as an of recreation consumption. Recreation provides range of benefits. Visitors have their expected level of benefit based the perceived benefit of consumption. As literature shown in the fields of study, visitors expect more “escape” especially when they visit outdoor recreation places. On the other hand, green concept of the natural environment gets more public attention. Management in the field of outdoor recreation has no empirical tools were developed to measure the visiting benefits like “escape” especially in Sri Lankan context. The qualitative approach has been done with thematic analysis to answer the research question. The content of each selected 20 journal articles were coded based on the themes to identify the latent idea of the phenomenon. The analysis of this research revealed the conceptualization of “escape” as a benefit of recreational consumption. These findings reveal that several factors influence for escape. According to that the most influential factors are autonomy, enjoying nature, introspection, social escape and physical escape. Apart from that the factors like self-expression, intellectuality, novelty, reducing tension, sensual enjoyment, cognitive stimulation and relaxation also could be affected. Finally, the paper concludes with suggestion for further research. Accordingly, Escape is a recreation benefit. It is a symptom of psychological pleasure. This can be used to measure SEAPI scale. But this scale is not measured. Accordingly, this research suggests that further How to measure “escape” as a benefit and what are the outdoor recreation consumption indexItem Isolation of a Potential Microbial Agent for Controlling Dengue Vector Mosquitoes in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Induwara, R.; Fernando, M.; Ranathunge, T.; Parakrama, G.; Hapugoda, M.Controlling dengue vector mosquito is the most appropriate controlling method for dengue in the absence of an effective drug or a vaccine for dengue viruses. Vector control can be performed using variety of approaches such as environmental management, chemical and biological control etc.; which have been used in recent vector control activities. Due to the development of resistant varieties against chemical insecticides, the present study attempted to identify larvicidal activity of bacteria collected from the natural environment, as an ideal environmental friendly and effective strategy for controlling Aedesaegypti (Linnaeus), a dengue vector mosquito species. Zero dengue infection was reported in Pudumurippu area in the District of Kilinochchi, Northern Province of Sri Lanka in a preliminary survey. Spore forming microbes were isolated through spread plate technique using water and sediment samples collected from a reservoir in Pudumurippu. Larvicidal activity of each isolate was tested by Ae. aegypti third instar Larvae (L3) in vitro. The highest larvicidal activity was observed in an isolated bacterium from a reservoir water sample under laboratory and field conditions. This bacterium was presumptively identified and subjected to 16s-rRNA sequence analysis. Larvicidal activity of this bacterium was compared with a currently used Bacillus thuringiensisisraelensis (Bti). As well as optimum physiological characteristic features of isolated strain was determined by growing the bacteria strain on nutrient agar supplemented with different NaCl concentrations and different pH values. Isolated bacterium was confirmed as a new strain of Bacillus cereus (SL001; MG827268). This bacterial strain showed the highest larvicidal activity at 5% (1×105 CFU/ml), with mean cumulative mortality rate 92±4.1% and 84.2 ±5.3% at 48 hours’ post challenged under laboratory and field conditions respectively. When compared with Bti, this novel strain showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) larvicidal activity. B. cereus (SL001) displayed high growth rate while tolerating wide range of salinity (0-30gL-1) and pH (6-10). Based on the findings, B. cereus (SL001) with the highest larvicide efficiencies could be an ideal candidate for biological controlling of Ae. aegypti dengue vector mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. Further analysis of this bacterium is on going at present.Item Impact of Banking Services on Deposit Mobilization in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunasekara, K.D.H.Deposit mobilization is the main function of financial institutions, where it is dominated by the banks. It is a process of collecting cash from public through their current, savings and fixed accounts and other specialized schemes, by financial institutes. Generally acknowledged that banks are service oriented organizations and the quality service delivery can affect all the activities that a bank performs. The quality of banking services mainly depends on several factors as, Branching Policy: the expansion of banking facilities and when providing facilities, accessibility is also an important factor, innovative approaches, interest rate policy, more incentives to depositors, more incentives to bank employees when achieving targets on deposit mobilization, training for bank employees and expansion of infrastructure ensure the quality service. Therefore, to assess the impact of banking services on deposit mobilization, the study was employed descriptive statistics, comparison of means and regression analysis. There were 120 respondents have been selected as the sample, by following stratified random sampling method, where Dutugemunu Street-Dehiwala (urban area), Mandawala-kirindiwela (rural area) and Ihala Biyanwila-Kadawatha (semi-urban area) were selected as the sample areas. The research was mainly based on primary data and questionnaires were carried out to obtain primary data. Banking services factor was measured by employing four sub-factors and Likert Scale Five Model has been used to rank the importance of the sub-factors. The study indicates that there is a positive strong correlation between two variables (0.899) and. ꞵ value of the independent variable is 2408.73 and it further indicates, any type of banking service improvement affects to increase deposit amount (Dependent Variable) by Rs. 2408.73 and it is significant by the 5% significant level. Among demographic variables, gender, occupation, education level, income, living area significantly affect for the deposit mobilization (P< 0.05). According to the mean comparison, respondents in both rural and semi-urban area believe that low service charges is the most important sub factor and respondents in urban areas, rank the sub factor: (24x7) service and anywhere connectivity as the most important. According to the analysis, it shows that there is a positive and significant impact of banking services on deposit mobilization decisions of people. Also the residence area is a decisive factor which affects the deposit mobilization decisions of banking customers in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is useful to consider highly about the quality of the banking services and residential area when implementing strategies to increase deposit mobilization