IPRC - 2017

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Usage of Computer and Internet among Undergraduates: Knowledge, Awareness, and Concentration on Privacy and Security Management and Internet among Undergraduates: Knowledge, Awareness, and Concentration on Privacy and Security Management.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Nalaka, G.P.S.; Diunugala, H.P.
Today, in twenty first century information technology plays a vital role of every aspect of human life, especially in process of education. Significantly, the usage of computer and Internet is expanding among undergraduates. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, awareness and concentration on privacy and security management of computer and Internet usage among undergraduates. 420 undergraduates from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were selected randomly for the survey. A web and paper based questionnaire was used to collect data. Summary measures and data presenting tools were used under descriptive analysis. Usage knowledge of computer and Internet is consisted two components as the computer literacy and the digital literacy. Composite indices were constructed to measure the computer literacy, digital literacy, awareness, and concentration on privacy and security management which were monitored through Likert scale statements. Cronbach‘s alpha, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy tests and the Bartlett's test of sphericity were used to diagnose the feasibility of the data reduction. With respect to the composite indices, the level of computer literacy among undergraduates is 83.83% and it is a good sign. The level of digital literacy among undergraduates is 61.23% but is not much higher as computer literacy. There is lack of security awareness among undergraduates since the average level is 51.23%. The level of security management among undergraduates is 68.81% while the level of privacy concentration among undergraduates is 69.62%. As the results of one sample t-tests, except security awareness, other indices are over the level of 60% significantly. Therefore, the levels of computer literacy, digital literacy, security management and privacy concentration are in higher level among the undergraduates. However, the awareness about security should be empowered among undergraduates. Also, it is important to improve the digital literacy among undergraduates. Therefore, seminars and workshops should be organized to emphasis knowledge so that the individuals will learn to use computer and Internet properly.
Health Rights of Estate Workers Provided by Health Policy of Sri Lanka: A Study Conducted in Madampe Estate
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Somarathna, D.H.A.S.
It has been universally accepted that Health and Human Rights are reinforced and interconnected. If a man is to enjoy Human Rights, he must have a healthy life. Due to this reason, health rights have been given a focal concern in human rights. In contemporary world, all most all governments including Sri Lanka when formulating public policies have given a primary attention to rights of various segments of the society. During the last two decades, successive government of Sri Lanka that was inspired by millennium and sustainable development discourses have contributed to a different extent to promulgate and operationalize health policies to enhance the living condition of estate workers while ensuring their enjoyment of health rights. Despite such a situation, one of the major social criticisms, targeted the state policies was the not ensuring the conducive legal backdrops for these people to enjoy their full right to access to the healthy life in their areas. The aim of this study was to explore these puzzling situation pertaining to the health rights of state workers provided by the health policy in Sri Lanka by paying particular attention to Madampe estate. Hence, the objectives of the study are to examine the legal impediments to protect the health rights of estate labourers, their economic protection. By applying qualitative research methodology, 35 employees from Madampe Estate and 5 health officers were interviewed to collect primary data while referencing letters, reports, documents and e-sources to obtain secondary data. The descriptive method was used to analysis data to come up with explanatory findings for answering the research questions. One of the main findings derived was that health rights of state employees are not adequately secured both by legal provisions as well as operational routines. Some of the notable reasons that were encountered were the lack of sufficient sanitary facilities, lack of modern medical services and hospital facilities, amateur medical officials, lack of health clinics and health education programmes in the areas. For the protection of space for health facilities of estate people, synergic endeavour need to be take by state, private sector and community level actors. Reconsideration of legal provisions and practical actions should be done with comprehensive frame in order to cover up the entire community.
Butchering Practices of Veddah; the Indigenous People of Sri Lanka
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Weliange, W.S.; Dandeniya, A.S.; Dewage, D.; Algiriya, A.K.P.P.
The Veddah are an ethnic group of people living in Sri Lanka whose population is limited to around 5000 people according to cense carried out in 2011. They live in several villagers adjacent to their original homeland forests. Seligman brothers have reported in 1911 that Veddah have used the arrow head for butchering. In this study state of art of butchering of the modern day Veddah was studied. The study was done in Rathugala in Batticaloa District where a Veddah community lives in Rathugala village adjacent to their original homeland; Nilgala forest. A monthly field visits were done to Rathugala village during 2010 and 2011. Totally 10 field visits were made and 45 days and nights were spent in the forest with Veddah ascertaining the practices related to the hunting. The interviews were done while in the forest, figures and illustrations of the muscular anatomy and skeletal anatomy of common animals were shown initially to familiarise and to acclimatise Veddah for a long run of study. Observations were made on how a monkey was butchered to produces 13 major meat portions and 8 byproducts. Each major meat portions and byproducts have terminologies in their language. Obtaining primal cuts are exactly similar to the modern method of butchering. The Veddah are still skillful butchers. One specific tool with a sharpen edge and a point is sufficient for successful butchering. During prehistoric period people have used similar methods in butchering. The findings are useful in re-creating prehistoric life style of people. Purpose driven ethnographic studies help gather information, deepen the understanding about the indigenous groups like Veddah, increase the weight of the cultural identity and help understand the lifestyle of prehistoric man.
Duties of Directors in Relation to Corporate Governance in Sri Lanka: Its Adequacies and Weaknesses.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017). Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Thilakarathna, K.A.A.N.
The concept of corporate governance can be defined simply as how companies should be managed. The Companies Act No 07 of 2007 made significant changes to the then existing company law legislation and departed from the roots of the English Law that was the basis of our company law up to then. With the introduction of new Companies Act, the legislators were able to encapsulate the conceptual framework to have in place a better mechanism for having a good system of corporate governance. This helped to better facilitate the growth of corporate governance. With regard to corporate governance, the board of directors plays a vital role. They are responsible for the management of the company. They are entrusted with the capital of the shareholders. As there is a division between the ownership of the assets and its management the concept of corporate governance helps to balance out the conflicting interest that the parties may have. The Act has recognized recognized many duties and obligations, which were not recognized under earlier laws and specially those relating to solvency and serious loss of capital. To further emphasize the matter listed rules that applies for a listed company in the stock exchange, corporate governance is made mandatory on an apply or explain basis. However, there are still shortcoming in the system as well. Since a company has got the opportunity to give an explanation as to why it has been unable carry out any aspect of corporate governance the adequacy of such explanations may be problematic as there is no guideline to measure the suitability of the explanation. Further, since the compliance is restricted to clicking the box the actual value of the corporate governance is not directly show in account and figures of a company and since it has been found that the share price and the corporate governance does not have much relationship with one another, the value of corporate governance is not emphasized to the potential investors. This articles examines how the newly imposed duties and obligations of the directors in the Companies Act of 2007 helps in establishing a better system of corporate governance and the adequacies and the inadequacies of the system.
The Impact of Labour Constrains on Productivity: A Study Based on Handloom Industry in Western Province.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Mayadunne, V.; Weerakkody, W.A.S.
Human factors are the very critical factors concern with other resources which can be contributed for the production process. Due to considerable amount of labors have been employed at the weaving industry in Sri Lanka, the rate of Human Resources (HR) related issues are high in this sector. A few studies have been done in this particular sector, but no one address of the HR issues. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of labour constrains on productivity in weaving industry in Sri Lanka. Basically this is a qualitative study. Three hypothesis were developed based on three main labour constrains. Variables are neither manipulated nor controlled for the study. Hence, the study was conducted in a non-contrived setting. As the data for this study was collected at a single point in time, the study was cross sectional in time horizon. Measures of the study had possessed sufficient validity and reliability. Structured questionnaire was given for the weaving workers and the unit of analysis was individual. The sample was selected based on Western Province, one weaving center in each district. The gathered data was analyzed by using descriptive statistic such as mean and standard deviation. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20 software. The data analysis included the univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. The research revealed that, there are no relationships between wages, and working conditions and productivity of weaving workers. Employee skills positively, but weakly correlate with productivity. Hence, it is concluded that there is a positive and relatively weak relationship between only employee skills and the productivity of the weaving workers in Western province.
Optimization of Critical Threshold Values for Aedes Mosquitoes based on Breteau Index in Kandy District of Sri Lanka.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L.; Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Iqbal, M.C.M.; Kusumawathie, P.H.D.; Abeyewickreme, W.
Many countries, including Sri Lanka, mainly depend upon Stegomyia indices,such as Premise Index (PI), Breteau Index (BI),Container Index (CI), and Pupal Index (PI) for routine entomological surveillance of dengue. Among them, BI remain as the most widely used larval index for vector management prior to and during epidemic incidences. Properly defined threshold values for BI are of essence, to assist the prediction of dengue epidemics and as a leading indicator for vector control. However, Sri Lanka still lacks effective thresholds for BI to initiate and drive dengue vector management activities. Hence, the present study attempts to define threshold values for BI based on an empirical modelling approach for the Kandy District of Sri Lanka.
Historical Novels as a Source in Constructing History of Sri Lanka
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Nanayakkara, N.I.
Historians as a rule hesitate or do not prefer to use soft sources viz; novels, short stories as those are not considered as more than literary pieces. In the nineteenth century it was highly accepted historical inquiry should be based on official documents. Nevertheless with the spring up of new directions in the twentieth century, there was an expansion of using primary sources in historical inquiry. Historical novels have proved that fiction can be a valuable adjunct to the work of historians in their discipline. Historical inquiries done in Sri Lanka mostly depended on primary sources mainly they are considered as official records. Novels can be as accurate as a history in telling what happened, when, how and where. The aim of the research is to understand the historical phenomena through novels while expanding the scientific methodology in historical inquiry. Library research has done in collecting data which covered both the primary and secondary sources. Particularly the research has analyzed the novels of Cristine Wilson‘s ‗Bitter Berry‘, Lenard Wolf‘s ‗Village in the Jungle‘‘ and Mayaranjan‘s Digāmadulle Ashcharya‘ in investigating the colonial and postcolonial periods of Sri Lanka. The research unsurprisingly suggests analyzing historical novels other than chronicles and official documents delineated the socio-cultural-economic structure of Sri Lanka. Primarily Bitter Berry portrayed the formation of social context and life style in the colonial period. Digamadulle Ashcharya is a novel encompassed the regional area of Digamadulla in the mid twentieth century which delineated the ethnic identities and the formation of the village. The analysis of the novels questioned and deconstructed the popular consciousness which hold up racial identities and social context in the colonial power of Ceylon. Using novels as primary sources give alternative approaches in history writings.
A Study on the Human Embryology as Depicted in the Yogācāra School
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Sumanasara thero, Kalugahakole
Literally, the science of the embryo is called ‗Embryology‘. On the other hand, it is a branch of science concerned with the study of embryos and the structure and development of the embryo of a particular organism. However, it is dealt with commencing with the union of male and female gametes, development of an organism, covering of an egg or within the body of the mother, metamorphosis, hatching or birth etc (Patten, 1953 : 01). Though, the Buddhism is based on the final emancipation of human beings, we can find some embryological teachings also in the teachings of the Buddha (Majjhima-nikāya, 2006 : 622 & Wickremagamage, 2006 : 152). There are well known four philosophical schools in Buddhism as follow; Sarvāstivāda or Vaibhāṣika, Sautrāntika, Mādhyamaka and Yogācāra or Vijñānavāda (Yogācārabhūmiṡāstra, 1999 : Introduction).Yogācāryabhūmiṡāstra or Yogacaryābhūmiṡāstra is the masterpiece of the Yogācāra tradition. It is attributed to the venerable Asaṅga who was a renowned teacher and the pioneer of that tradition. However, many embryological teachings can be seen especially in the second chapter as named Manobhūmi of Yogācārabhūmiṡāstra, under the topics of Antarābhavaḥ, Garbhāvakrāntiḥ (Bīja doṣa and Karma doṣa), Pritisandhiḥ and Garbhāvasthā. (Bhattacharya, 1957 : 11-72) Not only in the Yogācāra tradition of Mahāyāna (Literally, the great vehicle) but also in the Theravāda (Literally, the doctrine of Theras) or Hīnayāna (Literally, the inferior vehicle) tradition is seen some teachings under the topic mentioned above (Vidusaraṇī, 2010 : 31-44). Though, my ambition on this research paper is to discuss, find some special features, comparing with other traditions etc, regarding to the human embryology with special reference to the Yogācāra School.
Past Tense Errors of Undergraduates in Learning Tamil as a Second Language: A Case Study
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Sujitha, S.
Undergraduates who have been learning Tamil as a second Language for years, their written compositions have proved inability to perform correct grammatical features in the appropriate function. The purpose of this study is to identify the common grammatical errors of the past tense verbs in spoken Tamil and the causes for this situation. It describes and pin-points the areas of difficulty that the speakers of Sinhalese language have in learning Tamil as a Second Language. There are number of regional and social dialects existing in both Tamil and Sinhala. However, the Tamil data represent the author‘s own dialect, the Jaffna Tamil which is a socio-regional sub-dialect of Sri Lankan Tamil. The Sinhala data represent the Colombo dialect of Sinhala. The fifty students were selected for this present study are the students who are following first and second year Translation studies of the Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya and the First Language of the above students is Sinhalese. Due to the interference of their First Language students tend to perform many errors in Tenses. The data was collected by studying the answer scripts of the above students. Fifty answer scripts were analyzed using the theory of error analysis. This study involves the methodology of contrastive and descriptive analysis of morphological structure of past tense verbs in Tamil and Sinhala, in order to establish the facts that there are similarities and dissimilarities in the two languages. It is believed that this study of this kind would facilitate the teachers‘ task of preparing teaching materials and to identify students‘ difficulties in learning Tamil as a second language. Further, it will reduce the students‘ burden of learning Tamil as a second language. Furthermore, this study will encourage other scholars to undertake more research work in this field.
A Study on Superstition on Black Magic among People in Sri Lanka
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Ranaweera, K. G. N. U.; Gamage, T. C. R.
Black Magic (BM) referred to the usage of supernatural powers for evil purposes. There are many myths and believes related to BM all over the world with different names. The origin of the BM goes to the primitive societies in the ancient era. Supernatural powers of the nature and the cosmic were being consider as living things and there was a belief that some people could take this powers to their own hand and control while using them for evil purposes. Although the integration of economic, political and social cultures created globalization with the progressive transition from a 'pre-modern' or 'traditional' to a 'modern' society, the beliefs of BM had been continued up to now as the exact way of they were. In Sri Lankan context, belief of the BM has been existed before the dawn of civilization. Sri Lankan tribes had been used these BM for evil and selfish purposes. After rooting caste system there was a special caste which contained the ability of BM. Rodi was one of them. Although the caste system had fade away from Sri Lanka, there are number of people who are being supplied BM with the business purposes while a group of people are being demanded BM. The main objective of the study was to examine the reasons on Superstition on BM among people in Sri Lanka with special reference to southern province. Purposive sample of 10 BM centers were selected according to paper advertisement from Southern Province Sri Lanka and data were collected by using semi structured interviews and observation from randomly selected 100 clients of the BM centers. An explorative analysis was carried out by using books, e journals and internet as secondary data sources to gain relevant literature on BM. Family conflicts, politics, education and the problems of the work place had made frustrated. People used to get rid of their frustration by doing BM. They believe in revenge from the other party who feel jealous and don‘t want to see them happy. At the same time research revealed that people take salvation from the stress by doing BM. Although the education and wealth considered as the motive power of development and modernization it had not affect in usage of BM. These superstitions revealed that the human has gone back from the mind while going forward in physically. Selfishness and suspicions among people has been increased. Media, newspaper advertisements, Television shows, Dramas and Films plays a vital role in promoting BM. At the same time media could be recognize as a great source to spread awareness about the danger and harm of BM which is has been rooted in our society before becoming very important and obligatory.
The Variations of Spatial Distribution of the Schools in Colombo District: A GIS Based Approach
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Withanage, N.
The education provides the life blood for human being. In Sri Lankan context Education Zone (EZ) is supervised the large numbers of schools in the specific area. Due to lack of application the Information Communication Technology (ICT) in education many problems can be identified in school management process. Especially there is a high potentiality to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for education management and administration. Even most of the schools do not cover the GIS part in their curriculum. Now a day‘s popular schools gained more competition in the process of grade one student selection. Thus the schools used manual distance calculation system using hard copy of the area map, no common computerized system. And also there is a contrastive difference between Colombo urban schools and schools in the outskirt of Colombo. Within the Colombo metropolitan area the number of 1AB schools are higher than the other areas of the country as well as the outer core of Colombo. There are 36 National Schools and totally 405 government schools are situated in the district of Colombo. Moreover 16 out of 36 National schools are located in the Colombo metropolitan area. The study has been devoted to discuss what factors have been contributed towards the variations in spatial distribution of schools in the Colombo District. Identifying the spatial variation of school distribution in the district and determining the school catchment areas were among specific objectives. The school system can be used the GIS for distance calculation within the specific proximity area. In the study different GIS techniques like proximity analysis and Thiessen Polygon tools were being facilitated to identify threshold within a school clusters. This study tried to identify schools clusters by using Spatial Autocorrelation and Multi-Distance Spatial Cluster Analysis (Ripley's K Function) tools. The study had proven the schools in Colombo District are spatially distributed as clusters.According to the analysis main school clusters located in the western coastal area which having high density of schools. Excluded the core schools in clusters are being changed the level of schools. The results will be able to imply in the decision making in bottom level to top level especially in education zone.
The Implementation of Management Information System and its Impact on Performance Management of Employees: With Special Reference to Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Pitigala, P.K.G.C.
Performance Management (PM) is an assessment of efficiency of a worker by the respective persons in the organization or providing an accurate and relevant rating of an employee performance as compared to pre-established criteria.All most all organizations included to the Apparel Industry tend to measure the level of performance of an employee as it is a major criteria for salary increments or any other perquisites. However the managers facing a critical situation as majority of employee grievances are regarding injustice of PM. Thereby the general objective of this study is to suggest some ways to the management to enhance the quality and the transparency of PM through effective implementation of Management Information System (MIS) that enable sound awareness of information to all levels of employees as well as for the managers. Criterions of effectiveness of PM is with whether the system generate accurate outcomes, generating quick reports, employees can see overall performance, evaluation status and performance evaluation discussions. The unit of analysis was at individual employees. The target population of the study was consist of employees both managerial and non-managerial who have worked with the similar organization since the organization not experiencing the MIS in PM. The study selected 150 employees by stratified random sampling technique from a particular organization included to the apparel industry of Sri Lanka. This study has proceeded with the questionnaire to collect data as primary data. Descriptive analysis, and chi-square analysis were used to analyze data with the limitation of considering the effect of implementation of MIS only on one management practice. As the results indicated according to the comparison made before and after implementing the MIS to the particular organization there is a significant reduction in grievances from employees regarding PM procedure. Similarly the employees are satisfied towards PM as the dissemination of information relevant to PM of each employee is transparent. Thereby the PM practices that measured with the effectiveness of timeliness, appropriate content, system quality, format and other benefits of using MIS as an administrative tool have been accomplished by the organization after the execution of MIS for PM.
Factors Effect on the Customer Perspective towards the Usage of Online Banking in Sri Lanka
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Embuldeniya, A.
The evolution of information technology has brought extensive changes in the means of service delivery in the banking sector as internet is the thrust behind online banking that conducts and process transactions in one click. Competition among rivals and compatible with the revolutionary components of the electronic marketplace, Sri Lankan banks have actively developed online banking services recently in Sri Lanka. The customers are not substantially perceive any increment in use of online banking respectively to the development of online banking services by the banks. Thereby the study is increasingly interested in finding the factors effect on the customer‘s attitudes towards the usage of online banking in Sri Lanka. The study consists of eight hypotheses that developed on the basis of attitudes of trust, usefulness and ease to use towards online banking. The target population of the study was consist of customers who have bank account for last year in Colombo district of Western Province, Sri Lanka. The study selected 250 customers by random sampling technique from Homagama divisional secretariat included to Colombo district. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive analysis, and chi-square analysis were used to analyze data. The results indicated that daily usage of online banking of females are higher than the male customers while majority of female and male are using their personal computers and smart phones to use online banking services respectively. All the customers are aware about the facilities such as balance inquiry, viewing transaction history, bill payments, and managing credit cards online while some customers are not aware about opening a fixed deposit, and opening savings accounts, and make investments by online. The study concludes that privacy, security and the responsiveness from the bank are the most significant factors towards usage of online banking while convenience and service quality included to the attitude of usefulness towards online banking as well as accessibility and speed included to the attitude of ease to use are also plays a significant role. However the impact of bank performance, image and user friendliness of the website is negligible.
Physicochemical Analysis of Ground Water Quality and Soil in Ja-Ela Area in Sri Lanka.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Premaratne, W.A.P.J.; Anuruddha, I.G.G.U.
Water pollution has become a common problem with the reduction of the availability of drinking fresh water resources. Hydrochemical parameters of groundwater and soil play a significant role in classifying and assessing the water quality. The objective of the present study is to ascertain the major ion chemistry of groundwater and soil in the Ja-Ela, Indiwita area in Sri Lanka. Water and soil samples were collected from 12 drinking water wells between 7 04‘ 29‖ to 7 04‘ 39‖ latitude and 79 53‘ 01‖ to 80 53‘ 04‖ longitude in the JaEla area. Each drinking water well was analysed six times within six months for pH, specific conductance, COD, hardness, and metals (using AAS method) including Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg and Na. The observed physicochemical parameters of ground water were compared with World Health Organization Standards (WHO). According to the experimental results, all the ground water samples were appeared brownish colour with an odour. The observed pH values of all the water samples were ranged from 7.0 to 8.3. Aluminium content in the water samples was not in the detectable limits (<0.05 mg L-1) and the maximum iron content observed was 5.3 mg L-1. The maximum manganese content observed was 0.3 mg L- 1. Total magnesium and calcium contents were ranged from 42 to 581 as CaCO3 mg L-1. The majority water type in the study area was found to be Na-bicarbonate water type. Groundwater soil samples were analysed for pH, specific conductance, cation exchange capacity organic matters, mineral phases, and metals including Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg and Na. Manganese content in soil was from 1.7 to 70.5 mg kg-1. Experimental data revealed that groundwater in studied area was not in the limits of WHO standards for drinking water parameters except the pH value and conductivity.
Analysis of Photo - degradation Behavior of Poly Vinyl Chloride Based Products.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Alahapperuma, K.G.; Samarasekara, A.M.P.B.
Polymers are organic materials composed of large molecules and made of many repeating units. Polymers are widely used in industrial applications today. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of thermoplastic which is used in various industries all over the world today. It exhibits the highest sensitivity towards UV radiation when exposed to natural weathering. PVC material deteriorates its properties with time under UV environment. The effect of UV rays on the bahaviour of PVC is methodically investigated to obtain a better understanding and control the degradation process especially in the outdoor applications. The objective of this research is to analyse the photodegradation of PVC based products by varying the UV exposure time. Commercially available 63 mm uPVC pipes were selected for this analysis. Initially, original tensile strength, percentage elongation, hardness and water absorption properties were measured. After that, the prepared samples were subjected to the UV exposure test under the standard conditions. Seven set of samples were removed from the UV chamber at different time intervals (after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 120 hours, 144 hours and 168 hours). Tensile strength, percentage elongation, hardness, water absorption properties and visual inspection tests were performed after the UV treatment. Obtained properties were compared with the properties of original (reference) set of samples. Experiment results showed that gradual slightly reduction of tensile strength, percentage elongation and hardness of samples with increase of UV exposed time. There were no significant color changes observed after the UV exposure test for all samples. 168 hours UV treated samples showed the maximum water absorption (0.03%). Original samples showed the hardness of 81.6 Shore D. Percent hardness property retention after 168 hours exposure to UV was 97.2%. Percent property retention for tensile strength and percentage elongation after 168 hours exposure to UV showed as 97% and 96.2% respectively. According to the experimental results, it can be concluded that the tested samples did not show significant property variation after the photodegradation. Therefore, these products are in safe condition to use for required applications.
The Relationship between Transfer of Training and Three Predictors: Training Design, Trainee Characteristics and Work Environment in Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Anuja, R.; Madagamage, G.T.
In recent years‘ organizations invested huge amounts of money on training and development to achieve employees‘ full potential and face future challenges effectively. To enhance employees‘ job performance or success, the literature recommends that transfer of training plays an important role in the success of employees in the work environment. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between transfer of training and the three types of predictors namely, training design factors (transfer design and content validity), trainee characteristics (self - efficacy and training retention) and work environment factors (supervisor support and peer support) of Commercial bank employees in Trincomalee District. With a thorough review of the literature, conceptual model was developed. The study developed validated research instruments. The model was empirically tested by collecting data from Commercial bank employees‘ in Trincomalee District. A total of 150 Commercial bank employees were selected for the study using the stratified random sampling technique and 137 usable questionnaires were returned. To validate the items, internal consistency reliability, content validity and convergent validity was tested. Hypotheses were developed and to test hypotheses, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was used. The findings revealed that training design factors such as transfer design and content validity have a moderate and significant positive relationship on transfer of training. Likewise, trainee characteristics, self-efficacy have a moderate significant positive relationship, however the training retention have a strong relationship on transfer of training. The work environment factors that supervisor support and peer support have a very strong positive relationship on transfer of training. Further, this study provided implications of the results and future direction for further research.
Practicality of Interpretation Practices to Enhance the Skills of Undergraduates Who Learn Hindi in Sri Lanka
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Hirimuthugoda, H.D.
Interpretation can be identified as an oral or verbal form of translation. An interpreter generally needs to have an exhaustive grasp of both source and target languages, excellent verbal communication skills, satisfactory knowledge about the contexts on which the conversations are based on, good interpersonal skills and a very high level of concentration. Interpretation can be simultaneous as well as consecutive and also there are moral characteristics needed for the profession. Undergraduates, being the learners of knowledge and practice to become professionals later, have to enhance their soft skills as well as their knowledge. Education of Hindi as a foreign language in university level has offered academic knowledge to proceed in classical studies as well as to maintain Indo-Sri Lanka cultural, political and economic relations. The objective of this research is to assess the practicality of interpretation practices to enhance knowledge and soft skills of undergraduates, focusing on the improvement of lexical usage in fields where interpretation of Hindi is needed in Sri Lanka. This research was done based on the responses of a sample of B. A. (Special) undergraduates of Hindi, prior to the theoretical and practical lessons of interpretation and later. Recent speeches made in Hindi by few national leaders of India in International summits were used for practical lessons. It was discovered that undergraduates who merely knew about interpretation and its practice were confident that they can improve their lexical knowledge, general knowledge and soft skills through practices of interpretation. This research is significant for the sustainability of language practices of Hindi as a foreign language in Sri Lanka.
Analysis of Water and Sediment in Attanagalu Oya in Sri Lanka: Pollution Levels and Effects
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Premaratne, W.A.P.J.; Perera, H.S.M.
The Attanagalu Oya plays a major role in national water supply since it contains four major national water supply and drainage board intakes. This study intends to investigate the water quality variation and pollution levelin Attanagalu Oya in Gampaha municipal council area.Sampling was conducted for a period of six months from November 2016 to April 2017 at nine locations situated between 7° 05' 33.8" to 7° 05' 53.1’’N latitude and 79° 58' 15.6"to 79° 59' 32.5"E longitude along the main river. Both water and sediment samples in the river were collected and tested for physical and chemical parameters. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, titratable acidity, total hardness, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and metal ions content (Fe, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cu) were analyzed in water samples. EC, pH, organic matter content and soil texture were analyzed in sediment samples. Experimental results were ascertained to find out the quality and pollution level of water and sediment by comparing with the standards levels given by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) in Sri Lanka and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. According to the experimental results, average pH values of water in the river was from 7.1 to 7.6 and did not exceed the proposed ambient water quality standards for fish and aquatic life. EC values ranged from 81.9 to 91.7 μS/cm and conductivity shows a drastic increment due to dry season. Titratable acidity, total hardness and metal ions content in water samples were not in the limits of CEA and WHO standards for drinking water parameters. COD values of water samples exceeded the maximum CEA standards during the sampling period. Sediment analysis indicated that physical and chemical parameters are not in the limits of CEA standards. Therefore, this study shows that the river is polluted and the effects being significant in the urban areas.
The Impact of L1 on L2 Writing Style
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Dilshani, W.S.M.
In a multi-lingual society, native speakers tend to learn second languages (L2). Phonological features of the first language (L1) affect the second language acquisition (James E Flege,1980 & Ucheoma Owhoeli,2011). Sri Lanka is a multi-lingual society with Sinhala and Tamil as the dominant languages and English as the linking language. Thus, Sinhala natives tend to learn Tamil language while the Tamil natives tend to learn Sinhala language as L2. This research investigated how the phonemic system of first language affects the writing style of a second language. The target languages were Tamil as the first language and Sinhala as the second language. Few qualitative and quantitative methods were used as the research methodology. In the first step, data were collected from 10 participants whose first language was Tamil while the second language was Sinhala. All the participants were studying Sinhala language as L2 in structured as well as in non-structured purposes. A structured paper with 30 sentences was prepared on the basis of phonemic systems of the above two languages and recommanded the participants of the selected sample to translate the given sentences in Tamil language (L1) into Sinhala language (L2). In the second step, written compositions of the participants were the instrument for data collection. Finally, the data were analyzed with the phonemic system of the Sinhala language (L2). The findings of the data analysis yielded categories viz phonemic differences, insertion of vowels/consonants between word clusters and omission/wrong use of rules of concord. With the results of the research, it was revealed that the phonemic system of the first language directly affects for the writing style of the second language. Specially, the writing style differs according to the sounds available in the first language and it highly affects for the accuracy of the writing. Thus this opens up new research avenues to investigate the impact of the first language on the phonological structures of the second language on the basis of different languages.
Syntactic Difficulties Encountered by Sinhala Native Speakers in Learning German as a Foreign Language
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Danansooriya, D.M.H.M.
When the attention is focused on learning German as a Foreign Language as a beginner in the first year at University of Kelaniya it has been observed that the learners who do not have any knowledge in German before the university entrance find it difficult to comprehend the syntactic patterns in German language. Particularly due to the influence of the mother tongue Sinhala, in which the syntactic pattern is different, the students find it confusing at the initial stage of learning the language. Furthermore, when constructing sentences, the students have the tendency to translate word by word following the syntactic rules of their first language. The word order in declarative sentences the verb should be in the second position in German. Second position does not mean the second word. It means the second element in a sentence. However, the majority of the students merely count words when they make sentences and thus construct grammatically incorrect structures. As the data collecting methods researcher analysed the answers written by the students in their written work including continuous assessments, class tests and end of course examinations. Furthermore, face to face interviews with the lecturers in German, questionnaire reviews, student performance analysis and classroom observation were also done in order to gather data. This study focuses on common areas of syntactic difficulty for a larger number of students at beginner level. In conclusion, the study helped to find out the common errors done by the students in learning syntactic patterns and develop teaching strategies that can minimize the number of difficulties encountered by the first year students in learning the syntactic patterns. Research sample of this study limited to 50 students at beginner level, University of Kelaniya, interviews with five teachers at other institutions revealed that the difficulties encountered in grasping the syntactic patterns are common among the learners. Thus, it is envisaged through this study that the learners as well as teachers of German as a Foreign Language in Sri Lanka will have an insight into areas of difficulty in syntax faced by students of German that need more attention when designing lessons at beginner level.