IPRC - 2018
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/19163
Browse
Item “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 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 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 The Impact of Shrimp Farming on the Diversity of Mangroves in Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunathilaka, M.D.K.L.Mangroves are one of the most threatened ecosystems dominated along the periphery of lagoons and estuaries while these are the prime areas for aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming. Therefore, the encroachment of shrimp farms towards the densely grown mangrove forests had become tragic. At first, shrimp farming started in the northwestern western coast pioneering the Chilaw lagoon, sequentially expanded up to the Puttalam lagoon area. The Puttalam lagoon is the second largest lagoon having densely grown mangrove vegetation in Kala Oya estuary. With the expansion of shrimp farming, mangroves were the most threatened and disturbed. Hence, the study was aimed to ascertain the impact of shrimp farming on the diversity of mangrove species in Puttalam lagoon. A total of 30 quadrant samples consists of a 5m ᵡ 5m area were selected for the mangrove vegetation survey. Randomly selected 300 individuals along the periphery of the lagoon have interviewed to find out the existing sustainable shrimp farming methods. Shannon-wiener diversity index calculated for the mangrove diversity. Statistical and Inverse Distant Weighted (IDW) interpolation in ArcGIS software package with MS excel version were used for the analysis of data. Google Earth satellite image used to digitize shrimp ponds in the area. Interviewed information was applied to the thematic content analysis. Results showed that the mangrove cover has been reduced into a patchy distribution where the active shrimp ponds were significant. Mangrove diversity ranged from 0 to1.5 indicating comparatively a lower diversity of mangroves. Particular floral composition could be identified among shrimp pond areas including rare and very rare mangrove species; Aegiceras corniculata and Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Avicennia officinalis and Avicennia marina were the common true mangrove species while Suaeda maritima was the abandoned associate species found in shrimp pond areas. Diversity hotspots were identified within the abandoned shrimp pond areas indicating natural succession act as a passive approach. Apart from shrimp farming, salt pans and crab fattening also identified as increasing threats on the diversity of mangrove species. Active restoration with standard technical knowledge identified as an immediate action to restore mangroves in abandoned shrimp ponds before becoming an ecological disaster. The earthen mounds and integrated mangrove farming and fish/crab culture models identified as suitable methods for a win-win approach for both aquaculture and mangrove ecosystem. It is timely important to restore abandoned shrimp ponds to rejuvenate the species diversity of mangrovesItem 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 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 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 Musical Trends of the Songs Created by Sunil Shantha(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Nilupama, L.The origin of music has occurred with the intellectual development of the human revolution. Song is the major tool of distributing the taste of music among the people. Sunil Shantha can be identified as a pioneer musician who lead to turn the Sinhala music path in to new direction (marasingh ,2007). Sunil Shantha had a clear, systematic and philosophical idea about music education and local form of music (eiriyagolla,1983). As a result of that he was able to create new sinhala song tradition with the new set of characteristics such as simple melody with limited notes(swara), Use of limited instruments related to hindusthani and local musical tradition, creative melody, attractive rhythms and fascinating singing style. These creations subjected to develop a new genre of Sinhala songs. The basic objective of this research is to identify the musical trends of the songs created by Sunil Shantha. This study tries to analyze the musical forms of selected songs created by Sunil Shantha. Content analysis method, Interviews with the expertise in musical field and literature such as books written by Sunil Shantha, biography and reminiscence, were used to collect qualitative data. The multicultural music influences such as western music, North Indian hindusthani music, church music and Sri Lankan folk music could be identified in the creations created by Sunil Shantha. Using above various traditions of music he was able to create his own musical pattern with the set of unique features. Through this study researcher was able to identify the impact of above mentioned song creations on developing local unique song traditionItem 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 The Use of Commercial Videos as Authentic Materials in Improving the Practice of Intercultural Skills of Foreign Language Learners(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Cooray, B.M.S.“The combination of moving picture and sound can present language more comprehensively than any other teaching medium and a video sequence watched in class, makes students more ready to communicate in the target language” Stempleski and Tomalin (1990) “The language teachers can use different commercials for different levels of groups in the same class, or they can use the same commercial, but then focus on different linguistic or cultural elements which would help the students to understand the cultural aspects of the target language country, where access to native speakers and authentic language is limited”. Mori and Young (2010) Although previous research has investigated the use of commercial videos in teaching English as a second language, research based on improving the intercultural skills of Sri Lankan German language learners, using commercial videos, is not yet being conducted. Therefore, this research seeks to identify, how pertinent it is to use commercial videos, as authentic materials, in teaching cultural aspects of the target language country, for Sri Lankan learners, learning German as a foreign language at the Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya. The research sample consisted of first year special degree students and the research was conducted in two teaching sessions, where one session was conducted using a printed reading comprehension text followed by guided questions and the other was conducted using commercial videos based on the same topic. A semi structured interview was arranged with the learners, to identify what cultural aspects of the target language country were identified in each session. The findings of the research revealed, that in contrast to the printed materials, the use of commercial videos have shown a significant effect on word-acquisition, where certain catchy words and phrases repeated in the commercials are easily remembered by the learners. The symbolic use of humor, sarcasm, stereotypes and the messages conveyed indirectly, through both verbal and nonverbal communication in commercials, have being encountered by learners as interesting and helpful in visualizing the real life situations in a more memorable way. Furthermore, the authentic communication situations in commercials have attracted the learner’s attention, where some were reported to be shocked and have experienced certain cultural aspects of the target language country for the first time, in a realistic setting. The interactive activities conducted at the second teaching session have proven, that the use of television commercials, has not only improved the learners’ vocabulary, but also their oral and presentation skills and have assisted them to acquire a broader understanding about the cultural norms, ethics, values and day today life experiences of the native speakers in a more realistic scenarioItem Identifying Motivational Factors Affecting Adventure Sports with Reference to the “Kithulgala Adventure Base Camp, White Water Rafting(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunawardhana, D.S.R.E.S.; Ramanayaka, A.R.N.D.; Dompelage, P.T.This study focuses to identify the motivational factors which can effect on white water rafting as an adventure sports. The literature review facilitated to find fifteen motivational factors which effect on the participation of outdoor recreation and adventure tourism such as relaxation, being able to view special and different places, being able to discover new cultures and swim, being able to feel rush, having passion for adventure and feeling of fear or enjoyment of risk. These factors were further developed based on field notification by a pilot study. A sample of 300 customers randomly selected from the Kitulgala adventure place and they have distributed a questionnaire to collect data. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method was used as an analytical method to extract the motivation factors of white water rafting as an adventure sport in Sri Lanka. The result facilitated to confirm seven motivational factors of white water rafting as latent factors which refer to the Sri Lanka context. They were thrill, nature, place identity, place dependence, revisit intention, perceived risk and word-of-mouth. The cumulative variance explained by the factors derived was 81.25%. Each factors are reliable (α=0.71 & KMO = 0.734) to use for further study in this particular as an empirical survey toolItem Attitudes towards Sri Lankan English: An Attitudinal Survey in a University Context(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Karunanayake, S.Sri Lankan English makes sense for anyone who had resided in Sri Lanka. In the words of Michael Meyler, "Sri Lankan English is the language spoken and understood by those Sri Lankans who speak English as their first language, and/or who are bilingual in English and Sinhala or Tamil." In other words, those are the heavily localized words and phrases used by Sri Lankans when expressing themselves in English. Although there are a significant number of Sri Lankans who use English as their first language, the establishment of Sri Lankan English as a separate variety has not been realized so far. Presumably, part of the problem has always been with reference to the attitudes towards Sri Lankan English (SLE). Hence, this research aims at investigating the attitudes towards Sri Lankan English. Thereby, the researcher anticipates to find some implication regarding the variety status of Sri Lankan English. The population selected for the study was the second year undergraduates of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, those who use English as their second language. Sample selected was 100 undergraduates representing four faculties. It was drawn using simple random sampling so that each person had the chance of getting selected. A questionnaire was used as the main tool of primary data collection which was a combination of both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The secondary data was gathered using related journals, newspapers, theses and online sources. As the sample has been selected to represent four faculties of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, the undergraduates displayed an attitudinal difference towards Sri Lankan English in accordance with the specific disciplines that are being followed by them. The results of the questionnaire suggested that for most of the undergraduates, the term “Sri Lankan English” carried connotations of ‘broken English’ or something ‘substandard’ and ‘inferior’. They believed that Sri Lankan English is used by those who are uneducated and are not quite familiar with English. A majority of undergraduates aspired to speak ‘British English’ and nothing less. Despite their specific disciplines, most of the participants declared that they speak British English or the Queen’s English and they are of the perception that Sri Lankans speak British English. Interestingly, although there were few undergraduates who were generally positive in their attitude towards Sri Lankan English, they remained relatively unaware of what exactly it consists of and how it differs from Standard EnglishItem Cross-cultural Identity Research of Foreign Language Teachers' - A Case Study of Chinese Teacher Volunteers in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) BO, Y.This study attempts to explore the positioning of "Chinese Teacher Volunteers" social identity and cultural identity on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels from the perspective of novice volunteers, and the construction of their identity through social interaction in cross-cultural contexts. The cross-cultural adaptation of volunteers provides some help and also provides new ideas for volunteer training institutions. This study uses qualitative research methods to achieve the above objectives. Ten graduate students in "Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages"(TCSOL) were selected as research subjects. They went to Sri Lanka as a Chinese teacher volunteer for a one-year teaching internship. This study describes and explains their identity status overseas by conducting qualitative interviews with them. The study found that the social identity of volunteers is reflected in the identification of two social roles: “volunteers” and “Chinese teachers”. The “Volunteer” role highlights the “national mission” and puts pressure and motivation on them; the “Chinese Teacher” role motivates them to work hard to improve themselves to meet the expectations of this professional role. In the constant social interaction, the volunteers were transformed from passive “foreign language assistants” to active “cultural communicators”, and the “national mission” of “language and cultural communication” was finally implemented from concept to action. The cross-cultural environment influences volunteers at a deeper level. In the face of different cultures, the volunteers' thoughts, feelings, and actions have their own imprints of their own culture, and are inevitably influenced by different cultures. By comparing the two cultures, the volunteers have a deeper understanding and reflection on their own culture, and they are more convinced of the cultural identity of their "Chinese." In the process, cultural shocks have brought challenges to their cultural identity. They feel that they are lonely and confused "foreigners", their inner ups and downs, negative psychology, but at the same time, it also breeds an opportunity to transcend the original cultural identity. As a cultural communicator, volunteers still have a broad room for improvement in their identity. On the one hand, volunteers need to expand their understanding of “communication” and “culture”, strengthen their initiative and creativity as a subject of communication, and enhance their reflection and openness to culture; On the other hand, volunteer training institutions can take certain measures in the selection, training and management stages. Through the efforts of both parties, we will continue to expand the connotation of the social and cultural identity of Chinese teacher volunteers, so that they can carry out their mission on a broader stageItem Sri Lankan Women and Sexual Harassments at Workplaces: In Search of Law Reforms(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Pathiraja, P.M.A.S.Greater participation of women in employment is a common practice in 21st century and it is important for their economic maintenance and sustainability. In the era of rights based approach, the right to work is an essential right of every person and it was noticed that the women are the most vulnerable group of victims under sexual harassment at workplaces. Sexual Harassment generally refers to any act (physical, verbal, gestural, visual, tacit or written) that inflicts physical, mental or other harm or annoyance based on another person’s gender and/or sexuality and it can be recognized as a violation of human rights and human dignity, which undermines the equal opportunities and treatment between men and women. In the domestic scenario, workplace sexual Harassment often goes unreported and women employees who experience the sexual harassment has failed to report the harassing behavior or to file a complaint because of the social or professional retaliation. According to the reported statistics, throughout the last two decades Sri Lanka has been experiencing high rate of increasing incidents regarding the sexual harassments towards the women at workplaces regardless of their social, economic or educational position. The problems at workplace, discourage women to continue working and it has become a significant threat to the working women in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, this paper aims to discuss the problem of protecting women from sexual harassments at workplaces by exploring the inadequacy of laws available in Sri Lanka in terms of both domestic and international obligations and set a policy framework for establishing a legal, institutional and social infrastructure by analyzing the effectiveness of existing laws and regulations. This research will mainly follow a qualitative research method based on a literature review and carried out by the reference of primary and secondary sources. Furthermore, the research was enhanced with the data collected through the interviews with State Department and relevant stakeholders in relation to protect women from sexual harassment at workplace. Amending the provisions of some existing legislations, making the employer vicariously liable for sexual harassment occur in workplaces, adopting relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) standards to domestic laws and public awareness are some recommendations on this matter. Moreover, this research examines successful lessons from India for the purpose of analysing the inadequacy of existing laws in Sri Lanka and offers suggestions to enhance prevailing legal framework to protect women from sexual harassments at workplaces in Sri LankaItem Second Language Interference on Pronunciation in Learning German as a Foreign Language(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Danansooriya, D.M.H.M.When a second language or a foreign language is learnt, four skills of the target language should be improved. These skills are listening, speaking, reading and writing. The native speaker acquires these four skills with ease. In the context of first language acquisition, the four skills are most often acquired in the order of listening first, speaking then reading and writing. A second or a foreign language learner has to acquire these skills with extra effort. Among these four skills when the attention is focused on speaking and listening, speech sounds (phonetics and phonology) are very important for a successful communication. When a foreign language is learnt it is influenced by the knowledge of either the mother tongue or a second language. Language interferences can either be positive or negative. English is taught as a second language in schools in Sri Lanka. German as a foreign language acquisition is needed for employment, education and other purposes. German and English two languages are linguistic siblings as they have the same roots. These both languages belong to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family. Although they have the same roots some speech sounds show difference between English and German languages. This paper mainly focuses on common pronunciation errors done by the students due to English as a second language interference, who are following the foundations in language learning unit at beginners’ level at university of Kelaniya. As the data collecting methods of this research oral tests of the first year students, class room observations, interviews with the German language lecturers at university of Kelaniya were conducted. Phonetic and phonological errors are categorized under pronunciation errors in language learning. Language learners commit pronunciation errors when they have to pronounce sounds that are not found in their mother tongue or second language. German and English both languages have the same alphabet apart from the umlauts (ä, ö, ü) and ß. Therefore, the students have the tendency to substitute the speech sounds of English with German speech sounds. As results of this study the students have the interference of written English when some consonants and consonant clusters are pronounced. As an example [ts] or [tzt] pronounced as [z], the fricative [v] is pronounced as [w]. Therefore, the teachers of German as a foreign language should anticipate learners making more errors with sounds in foreign languages that are absent in their first or second language. They must identify the pronunciation difficulties of the bilingual language learners due to the influence of their second language and need to pay more attention when designing lessons at beginner’ level. Teachers can do more phonetic exercises and listening exercises of the conversations of native speakers regularly in the classroom to overcome the second language interference on pronunciation in learning German as a foreign languageItem The Role of Social Media with Regard to ‘Time- Space Compression: With Special Reference to the Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Latheef, F.S.Ethnic conflict is one of the biggest problems in the modern era. Since the World War II the history has showed us how media can be directly involved in ethnic conflicts. Sudan, Rwanda, Yugoslavia, UK-Northern Ireland, Spain, Chechnya, Turkey and Sri Lanka are current examples of these conflicts. The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka showed a new dimension of conflicts that crippled the whole nation for a long time. In Sri Lanka, an un-armed conflict between major communities has caused mass human rights violations and loss of human lives and; strained the economy and damaged the environment. In this study, basically the following points will be examined: 1) what are the connections between ethnic conflict and the media; 2) how do Sri Lankan Social media framed the ethnic conflict; 3) what role do the Social media can play to prevent/resolve ethnic conflicts. The study also includes comparison of fundamental approaches of peace journalism, war journalism and reconciliation towards the Ethnic conflict. Although most of the examples brought by the literature review that shows what role the social media played in ethnic conflicts are negative. According to Preliminary data, in today’s conflicts media have a pivotal role to play, as an arena and as an actor in the political system. Influence of the media is closely related to the conflict dimensions pertaining to the communication of attitudes and perceptions that influence legitimacy and credibility in any political system. Social media operates on virtual world and given that it is not easy to control their usage due to its anonymity; we can only deal with the root causes. The root causes of ethnic hatred are historical injustices, lack of media objectivity in coverage, politics based on ethnic blocks, and economic injustices that exclude members of certain ethnic groups (KHRC REPORT, 2008). Some control policies can also be employed at secondary level to achieve some control, especially those that come at times of crisis. For example, closing up of all accounts (Such as Facebook accounts) disseminating ethnic hatred through the web hosts can safe a great deal. Social media violence can intensify and translate to physical war in future if not controlled. It can also be used to fuel already erupted violence and this can result to prolonged violence if not checked. Also from time to time, social media has created new dynamics in relation to ethnic conflict is Sri Lanka. Therefore, the author of this paper attempts to identify those dynamics. In the study will be conclude that the Social media can play a major effective, positive role to prevent or reconcile ethnic conflicts and to contribute to the post conflict resolution, reconciliation and peace building