ARS - 2007

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    January Effect in the .Japanese Stock Market
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Pathirawasam, C.
    Extensive research finds that returns in January are substantially higher than returns in other months and this pattern of stock returns is known as the "January Effect". The January Effect has been studied in developed as well as developing stock markets. Gultekin and Gultekin ( 1983) studies January return patterns in 17 countries including the United States and finds that for all the countries January returns are higher than other months. Kato and Shallheim (1985) examine excess returns in January for the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). They use both Tokyo Price Index and Nikkei 225 from 1952 to 1980 for the study. W.M Gunaratne Bandara (200 1) finds that January Effect is not evident in the Colombo Stock Exchange. Objective of this study is to test whether the January Effect documented by the Kato and Shallheim ( 1985) is alive in the TSE. This study uses monthly return data of Nikkei 225 for the period from January 1950 to August 2007. To test the January effect, the following regression equation is used. 17. R, =a,+ LfJ,D; + v; { .. /. Where, a" is January average returns. D, is a Dummy variable for month i (February to December) and v; is an identically and independently distributed error term. The estimate of each fJ; represent the average difference in January and other months. The null hypothesis tested is that a" = 0 and fJ; = 0, that is there is no January effect. Findings of the test reveal that January average returns are positive and statistically significant and average differences in January returns from the other months (each other month returns minus January returns) are also negative and statistically significant for the total sample period from 1950 to 2007. However sub sample analysis shows more important evidences than the total sample. Positive January returns are statistically significant and average differences in January returns form the other months are also negative and those are statistically significant for half of the months for the sub samples of 1950 to 1964 and 1965 to 1981. This pattern has changed in the sub sample 1982 to 1995 and 1996 to 2007. In the both sub samples January returns are not statistically significant. In the sub sample 1982 to 1995 December returns slightly higher than the January returns. In the last sub sample average returns of March, June and November are higher than the January returns. Therefore it can be concluded that January anomaly has vanished in the Japanese market after 1980s.
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    Gem Mining and Environmental Degradation in Sri Lanka (with reference to Rathnapura District)
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Nawarathna Banda, H.M.
    Soil erosion, deforestation, and pollution of water and soil often occur as a result of gem mmmg. These impacts are relatively simple, easy to control, and nontoxic. Deforestation results from clearing land to mine; erosion and epidemic results from abandoned mining pits; and pollution is due mainly to washing schist near streams and scattering debris from the schist into soils. Implementation Df policies to control these problems is needed to control the degradation in Sri Lanka due to gem mining. The number of informal (unregistered) mines, pressure from unionized gem miners, lack of capital in the small mines, and a lack of cohesion in gem mining policies are the threat for controlling the environmental degradation due gem mining. Environmental agencies have begun to crack down on enforcing clean-up policies. The creation of a series of common washing sites for gem miners indicates that municipal government agencies are making some investments toward reducing pollution due to gem production. An environmental NGO should involve in environmental education for small miners and others in the gem production chain.
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    Validation of a Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Specific Screening Instrument for Epidemiological Purposes
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Amarasiri, W.A.D.L.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Ranasinha, C.; de Silva, H.J.
    Introduction: The prevalence of GERD is increasing worldwide: the community prevalence in Sri Lanka is not known. Objectives : To develop a practical clinical score to screen for GERD in the community and assess whether a score using both symptom frequency and severity correlates better to an objective measure of GERD than one using only symptom frequency. Methodology : 100 patients (endoscopy positive - which included patients with all grades of oesophagitis) and 150 controls (comparable in age and gender) faced a GERDspecific interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing seven upper gastro-intestinal symptoms. Each symptom was graded using Likert scales for frequency (4-items) and severity (5-items) and two scores were generated. Score 1 being the sum of frequency of symptoms while score 2 was the sum of products of frequency and severity of each. All patients then underwent 24-h ambulatory pHmetry. Both symptom scores were compared against 24-h pHmetry parameters as it is considered the gold standard to diagnose GERD. Cut-off values were determined by receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results : For both scores, mean scores of cases were significantly higher than controls (p=O.OOO). The cut-off score for score 1 was 2': 10.50 (sensitivity 92.0 %; specificity 78.7 %; area under the curve- 0.937). The cut-off score for score 2 was 2': 12.50 (sensitivity 90.0%; specificity 78.0%; area under the curve - 0.929). Both showed high reproducibility (Intra class correlation coefficient score1: 0.94 and score2: 0.82). There was good correlation between both symptom scores and 24-h pHmetry parameters (Spearman rank correlation, p=0.01), but score 2 showed a significantly better correlation. Conclusion: Our GERD questionnaire is valid, reproducible and showed better correlation with an objective test when both severity and frequency of symptoms were scored than frequency alone.
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    Consumer Characteristics and Supermarket Selection Criteria
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Shamil, M.; Gajanayake, R.
    In Sri Lanka. the intensity of competition among supermarket cl-iain stores has increased. But a vacuum exists on literature and research findings in this particular area of marketing in Sri Lanka. Therefore this study attempts to explore the relationship between consumer characteristics and Supermarket selection criteria in Sri Lanka. Since an abundance of global literature exists on various formats of stores, this study utilizes variables identified in such literature. Previous research has revealed a connection between demographic characteristics and choice of retail format (Carpenter and Moore. 2006 ). Arnold ( 1997) provided empirical evidence that the demographic profile of consumers who shop at the large format stores is different from the profile of the non-shoppers (Baltas and Papastathopoulou, 2003). A field study by Zeithaml (1985) to examine the effects of five demographic variables on supermarket variables revealed that changes in the family unit would drive changes in grocery patronage in the USA (Carpenter and Moore, 2006). Stone (1995) found that demographics of warehouse club members and supermarket shoppers differ significantly (Baltas and Papastathopoulou, 2003 ). Using consumer characteristics as an independent variable should increase our standing on shopper behavior and provide insight to marketers in this field. A questionnaire was developed based on the evidences of literature and undergraduates were used as researches to collect data from shoppers that visited supermarkets in Kiribathgoda between 4. 00 p.m. and 6. 00 p.m. during weekdays and weekends. Data were collected from 1 00 shoppers that visited supermarkets in Kiribathgoda and it reveals that significant demographic characteristics exist among shoppers visiting different supermarket stores.
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    Use of Gestures to Promote Speech in L2 Class
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Suwadarathna, D.
    In Sri Lanka, proficiency in the English language is a strength while non-proficiency in it is a weakness. As Sri Lankans consider error- free English as the hallmark of English proficiency, the learners avoid the language skills that expose them to errors. The learners' avoidance of speech, thus, is a strategy adopted to evade errors. In the light of research, this is absurd for errors exhibit a certain phase, namely "inter language phase" which is vital while acquiring a second language naturally. West likens these inter language specimens to "working hypotheses which permit the learner to approximate to the rules ofL2".(West, R 1992:17). The learners, however, are scared of "interlanguage" because of the stigma attached to errors. A technique which can avoid errors through scrutiny of their causes, is bound to dispel this fear significantly. The main cause of English errors of Sinhala learners is their inability to formulate questions which are more complex than the" inflectional ending" variety of Sinhala. The ignorance of TL linking devices, and the difficulty of recalling TL syntax at short notice to maintain conversational speed are the other sources of errors. The presenter designed a technique to overcome these problems. As its first step a few episodes were presented to the class through illustrations , highlighting the syntactic features intended to be taught. Subsequently these items were associated with simple gestures and consolidated later through diverse examples. Question patterns , discourse markers and lexical items were introduced in this manner. The simplicity of the gestures enabled the presenter to repeat them constantly and this repetition helped the learners to retain the data. With the passage of time they were able to recall these data promptly and use them for communication. (Tried out at the Department of Library science at the University of Kelaniya).
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    The Concept of the Child as Portrayed through La can 's Mirror Stage
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Harischandra, M.M.S.
    Frenchman Jacques Lacan can be considered one of the greatest psychologists of the second half of the 20 th century. His main research interest was the "re examination of Freud" Lacan's primary concepts focused on the 'imaginary', 'symbolic' and 'real' .The concept of 'imaginary' was concerned with a stage in childhood which is referred to as the mirror stage which is considered a psychological significant and revolutionary stage. According to Lacan the child enters the symbolic stage after the mirror stage via the oedipus era. The symbolic world is here ref~rred to as the world of language. Be improved his theories on the 'imaginary' through his observations of animal behavior patterns. Lacan's studies indicate that a child passes the mirror stage between 6 to 18 months. This stage is divided into three categories, and he explains here how the child perceives reality. In the first stage the child acts on the belief that the reflection he sees in the mirror are true. In the second stage the child realizes that his reflection is just a mirror image and not the truth, but does not realize that it is a reflection of himself, in the third stage the child realizes that the reflection in the mirror is his mirror image (reflection) and that it represents him. Lacan states that the child reaches a state of great happiness after realizing that the reflection in the mirror is that of his ov>n. Our relationship with the world and life commences after realizing this perception. Hence we see that the child reaches self realization after viewing his mirror reflection. Lacan further state that individuals "ego" or consciousness is formed during this stage. Through comparison with another image the childs forms his own sense of ego. Since the child realizes that the mirror reflection is none other than himself he equates the reflection and a perception of himself This research therefore is proof that Lacan is indeed one of the greatest psychologists of our time.
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    The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the Brand Loyalty:•A Case Study on Insurance Sector of Sri Lanka
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Dissanayake, D.M.R.; Jayawickramarathne, S.G.W.K.
    The insurance sector, involving in risk collection, is highly competitive due to the fact that aggressive marketing and sales promotions. The customer service and loyalty programs have become a must to retain the customers in this scenario.Insuarance companies promote their brand values and safety professionalism to attract and retain the customers proactively and reactively. The trend of the CSR contribution to the stakeholders like community development, environment concerned, ethical consideration and other general social welfare has become more significant in terms of the corporate values of the businesses. Then, this research studied the degree of impact of the companies' contribution to social responsibi,lity for making customers loyal to the brand.Here,the degree of awareness on CSR activities, perception towards the social benefits and the customers' attitude for the brand as a socially concerned entity were highly examined to determine the impact for the brand loyalty. Research was based on a sample of 60 respondents from Colombo and suburbs, and those interviewees were the existing customers for more than 5 years for the brand. Primary data were collected through the self-administered questionnaire that had some attitude testing scales too. Researches conducted few informal discussions with some customers and the companies to get a comprehensive insight. Statistical tools were used to analyze the primary data Study revealed that customers do not consider the CSR activities implemented by the insurance companies to perceive the brand values and to be the brand loyal.Futher, the awareness level of CSR activities among the existing customers was very low.However, high involvement business sector (B2B) customers had an average awareness, but they are also not significantly considering CSR practices to be brand loyal.Futher, study disclosed that there is higher degree of awareness on social welfare CSR practices among the customers and the frequency of communicating through the advertising had a direct impact for the awareness level too.
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    A Linguistics Study on Communication Disorders of the Children with Autism
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Perera, P.A.D.K.
    Speech is a verbal means of communicating or converging meaning. Communication disorders have traditionally, been classified as organic, non organic or combined in organic. The brain is the only primary organ in the body concerned with processing linguistic information. Therefore I consider that Nurolinguistic is a very important discipline in order to discuss the communication disorders of the children with Autism. Nurolinguistic is a science concerned with the human brain and its mechanisms. It involves the study of comprehension, production and abstract knowledge of language. By its nature an interdisciplinary endeavor, this field straddles the borders between Linguistics, Cognitive science, Neurobiology, Psycholinguistics, Clinical linguistics among others. Autism is an inherited prenatal development disturbance of the central nervous system. It is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder. The' Pervasive' part of the name implies that the disorder is serious or that it affects many areas of development. People with Autism may appear to daydream constantly or be unaware of people around them .The major symptoms of Autism included; .:. Social Interaction Problems .:. Repetitive Movements .:. Communication Problems The study found that communication problems in Autism, it aims to explain further the aspect of communication problem of those individuals. Who suffer from Autism? Phonological data collection from thirty autistic children will be analyzed in terms of speech production and will be compared with those of children of a target group. The speech of the Autistics children's should be recorded and described and findings, prove that their speech have limited sounds, words and utterances. Those children, whose speech abilities were normal initially, were disrupted with the symptoms of Autistics. This paper shows that Autistics is a crucial communication problem and that is different from person to person.
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    An Analysis of Syntactic Errors of the Undergraduates Who Study English as a Second Language
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Jayasinghe, R.R.
    The system of rules and categories that underlies sentence formation is called syntax. As Corder (1973: 167) noted: "Errors provide feedback to the teacher on effectiveness of the teaching material, teaching techniques and show what part of the syllabus has been inadequately learned or taught." In Error Analysis, samples of learner language are collected and errors are identified, described and classified according to their hypothesized reasons. In the Faculty of Commerce and Management of the University of Kelaniya, the first year students study English as a Second Language and they follow a course titled "English for Business Communication", which is compulsory to complete their degree. With fourteen years of experience in English language teaching, the researcher has noticed that there are some individual variances in sources of errors, indicated by students' performance in English language learning. Also it has been observed that the knowledge in syntax is crucial in their examinations and assignments. Therefore the analysis of errors of ESL students in the Faculty of Commerce and Management would be useful and worthwhile. The paper focuses on the syntactic errors of about 40 randomly selected first year Commerce and Management students and they were given a questionnaire to find out their difficulties in syntax of English language. The necessary data will be obtained by analyzing the students' errors in their written work. The descriptive method will be used and statistical analysis will follow to identify the sources of errors. At the conclusion of this investigation, remedial measures will be discussed, and some suggestions for teaching ESL will be proposed in this context.
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    'Response of Tsunami Victims to Post Disaster Reconstruction Efforts: A Study of Crucial Factors Affecting the Behavior of Tsunami victims'
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Mohan, D.U.
    The Tsunami resulted from an earthquake in Sumatra Island on 26th. of December 2004 was the history's most unforgettable hit that ever had that washed away around 31000 people in the costal belt of Sri Lanka within few minutes. The whole restructuring process after the miserable hit of Tsunami was moving at a very slow pace. One of the major challenges that the country had faced is to intensify the bottom level participation in the recent construction process. Since the responses of Tsunami affected people became more critical in expediting the reconstruction process, it was of high importance to identify the behavior of Tsunami affected people and the causes to such behavior, and eventually, this knowledge will greatly impact on the implementation of a proper disaster management strategies and tactics focused on reconstruction. This paper focused on studying behavior of Tsunami victims in Kalutara District in terms of four explaining behavior types: initiating, hard work, cooperative and economic behaviors at the stages of disaster management life cycle: disaster situation, life support, recovery, and development. For the study, ten groups of camp mates each including more than 10 camp mates were selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with these groups to collect data on independent variable that is 'causes to behavior'. And, questionnaire method was adopted to collect data on dependent variable-' behavior' from thirty camp mates in the selected ten groups. Data analysis was based more on qualitative analytical techniques such as data patterns and trend analysis and percentage analysis. It was found that people's major behavior and explaining behaviors were dependent and it was caused by their attitudes towards external reliance and values towards short term orientation and uncertainty avoidance. Further analysis found that social and psychological factors play an intervening role in determining the behavior of people. Finally, the research also sets some directions with respect to the policy decisions and plan implementations regarding natural disaster management in preparation of future such circumstances considering the dependency syndrome of people and causes of them with the identification of major Sri I _ankan cultural assumptions, especially in the costal belt of the country.
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    Evaluation of the Potential of Selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Inducing Xenobiotic Biotransformation Enzymes in Nile Tilapia
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Hemachandra, C.K.; Pathiratne, A.; Pathiratne, K.A.S.
    Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants of much ecotoxicological concern in the aquatic ecosystems. They can be biotransformed in fish liver by the phase 1 CYP1A1 dependent activation enzymes such as 7-ethoxyresorufin- 0-deethylase (EROD) and the phase II detoxification enzyme, Glutathione S-transferase (GST). The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of selected P AHs in the natural environment in inducing hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes viz. EROD and GST in Nile tilapia, a widely distributed food fish in freshwater ecosystems. The fish (n = 5-6) were treated with naphthalene (20 ~-tg/g) or phenanthrene (20 and 40 ~-tg/g) or fluoranthene ( 1, 5, and 20 11glg) or corn oil alone as the carrier (controls) and enzyme activities were determined at 1 day and 3 days after the treatment using standard methods. The results showed that the EROD activity of the fish was not affected significantly by the treatment of fish with 1 11g/g fluoranthene. However all the other PAH treatments significantly depressed the EROD activity of the fish in comparison to the controls. Hepatic GST activity of the fish was significantly increased (up to 2 folds) by the P AH treatments in a dose dependent manner. Liver somatic index of the fish was not affected by the P AH treatments. The results revealed that naphthalene, phenanthrene and fluoranthene lack the inducing ability of hepatic EROD which could produce damaging side effects through the formation of reactive intermediates that could bind covalently with cellular DNA, RNA and proteins.
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    Involvement of Personnel Endorsements for Building Brand Preference: A Study in FMCG Sector
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Weerasiri, R.A.S.; Dissanayake, D.M.R.
    The Fast moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Sri Lanka is rapidly growing and seems to be aggressively competitive among the both local and international brands. High frequency of purchasing, less involvement and number of varieties have made this sector a competitive one. Branding is the key determinant factor in the context of acquiring brand loyalty and the high involvement for the brand which are the results of brand preference at large. Marketing communication is the strategically important tool for celebrities developing the brand preference and both of above the line (ATL) and below the line (BTL) promotional tools use as an endorsement or testimonial to promote their brands.Therefor, the research focused to study the degree of involvement of those celebrity endorsements in the context of advertising. The study was confined to three variables namely expertness, populatity, matuarity and the trustworthiness of the celebrities used in the advertising. Researches used a 75 of randomly sample from the areas of Kelaniya, Gampaha, Jaela and Kadawatha. They were administered with a pre-prepared questionnaire. In addition, the secondary data were also collected to study the industry background. The research was confined to three categories of product namely foods, beverages and soaps. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant influence of celebrity endorsements for the food brands than the others.Futher, customers are highly attractive for the popularity of those celebrities to trust what they endorse. It was revealed that the celebrities of sport sector are more significant than the cinema and other fields in the context of celebrity endorsements. Trustworthiness was significantly considered in soap categories and cinema sector celebrities were prioritized in that segment only.
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    Identification and Quantification of Phenolic Antioxidants in Some Selected Traditional Sri Lankan Medicinal Oils
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Seneviratne, K.N.; Kotuwegedara, R.T.
    ABSTRACTSeveral medicinal properties of seed oils are known to originate from the nonsaponifiable compounds present in the oils. Among the nonsaponifiable compounds. phenolic fraction includes phenolic acids and flavonoids. These compounds are known to render several beneficial health effects. In the present study, phenolic compounds of the seed oils of Brassica juncea (Aba), Madhuca nerifolia (Mee), Sessamwn indicum (Thala), Calophyllum inophyllum (Dhomba), Canerium zeylanicum (Kekuna) and Ricinus calamus (Endaru) were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique and individual phenolic antioxidants were quantified by the integration of the signal areas of chromatograms. The results arc given in the Table 1. Table 1. Phenolic antioxidants in selected traditional Sri Lankan medicinal oils -- ---- -----·---- -··------ ··----- Phenolic compound HPLC Amount of phenolic compound (mg/ kg of oil) retention ----.. ---- time Do mba Aha Mee Kekuna Thala (min) 3,4- DHBA 12.8 0.43 ± 0.21 ± 1.29 ± 0.02 0.02 0.20 CH 14.4 1.82 ± 1.33 :1:: 1.24 ± 0.12 0.30 0.10 PHBA 16.6 0.10 ± 0.32 ± 1.04± 1.0 L 0.01 0.03 0.20 0.02 Vanillic 18.5 Caffeic acid 18.9 1.61 1 0.44 ± 0.83 + 0.10 0.04 0.03 Syringic acid 19.7 0.56 ± 0.06 Vanillin 21.3 0.24 ± 0.13 ± 0.31 ± 0.04 0.02 0.02 Ellagic acid 28.9 1.54 ± 2.12 L 1.55 ± 0.30 0.30 0.20 Cinnamic acid 37.9 1.93 ± 0.32 ± 0.20 0.02 Each data point represents the mean of three replicates± S.E Endaru 2.33 ± 0.30 0.90± 0.10 0.74 ± 0.04 1.30 ± 0.10 3, 4- DHBA - 3, 4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid PHBA - P-hydroxybenzoic acid CH -Catechin hydrate The results indicate that these medicinal oils contain several phenolic acids and lavonoids whose beneficial health effects and antioxidant properties are already known. Financial assistance of IFS E/3652-1 and NSF /RG/2005/ AGIO 1 grants is highly acknowledged.
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    Essential Oil Vapor Treatment to Control Post Harvest Diseases in Embul Banana (Mw.,•a Acuminate)
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Niharepola, D.A.; Jayawardena, B.
    Anthracnose and crown rot are very common post harvest diseases of banana. ;\nthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae result in the development of black circular to lenticular lesions during ripening. Crown rot is caused by Fusarium moniliforme, l_mioJiplodia theohromae, and colletotrichum musae. Antifungal properties of essential oils of Cinnamon are well documented. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in the use of these oils in controlling post harvest diseases of banana. In earlier studies banana were sprayed with an emulsion of the oil and stored at room temperature and l5°C up to 15 and 21 days respectively. Objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oil vapor treatment on post harvest diseases in embul banana. In the present study the banana \Vas exposed to essential oil vapor at 15"C and allowed to stand at room temp up to 21 days. The matured embul bananas were placed inside 3L polystyrene containers with snap on lids. Essential oil (Cinnamon leaf oil (Cinnamon zeylanicum) concentrations of 1170 ppm or 2340 ppm was applied to filter paper (5.5cm) and placed in each container for expose banana to vapor. Filter paper moistened with water was placed in each container, to maintain high relative humidity. The containers were then transferred to storage at 15°C in a cold room. Control samples were handled similarly with the exception of the volatile treatment. Banana samples were exposed to essential oil vapor for either I day (A) or 2 days (B) or 3 days(C). The exposed banana samples were placed at l5°C,and stored for an additional 21 days. After 21 days the banana samples were exposed to ethylene and were allowed to ripen. After the ripening severity of crown rot and anthracnose were recorded using a Standard Index. Data were analyzed statistically usmg one-way ANOVA. Oil vapor treated banana present low severity of both diseases compared to the control. The banana exposed for 2 days to a concentration of 2340 ppm (sample B) had the lowest incidence of the both diseases (Crown rot and Anthracnose). But it was not significantly different from the 3 days exposure (sample C). The banana exposed for 3 days (sample C) showed higher number of incidence of both diseases. During the 3 days exposure it was observed an increases in number of banana finger ripen. Therefore the fingers become more vulnerable to the both diseases.
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    Contraction of Sinhalese Legal System during the Rule of Western Invaders
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Sanjeewa, A.S.P.S.P.
    The inception and the development of the Sinhalese judiciary and legal system go back to the period of Sinhalese kings. As in India, at the beginning Sinhalese laws were not late down in writing. Even though at times certain laws were put into writing, basically the law existed as customs .One of the basic responsibilities of the ruling king was to look after and maintain existing laws and customs laid down by the previous kings. The king was counted as the ultimate source of law and the decision maker at crucial points. The Sinhalese laws were implemented and obeyed by the people throughout the country. The Sinhalese law affected even the foreigners. During times of many foreign rulers they had used Sinhalese laws to facilitate their rule. One clear example was king Elara. These laws were treated as the accepted laws in the country up to the time of the last king, Sri Wicrama Rajasingha. By this time Dutch invaders who were ruling the costal area had introduced some of their own laws in those areas. There is evidence to say the Dutch had tried to implement the Sinhalese laws, customs, and judiciary system in the areas under their rule. Anyway during the period of Dutch and British rulers they introduced separate laws for Muslims, and Tamils in Jaffna. The British declared that the Sinhalese laws will have no effect over the foreigners, Tamils, and the people from the low country who are living in the Kandyan kingdom. Due to these reasons finally the Sinhalese laws were limited to the so called Kandyan. Therefore the Sinhalese law or the Kandyan laws became a private law. My objective is to study the way in which the Sinhalese law became a private law.
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    Beware of Variations in Bile Duct and Arterial Anatomy During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy; An Intr-operative and Cadaveric Study
    (University of Kelaniya, 2007) Abeysuriya, V.; Deen, K.I.; Salgado, L.S.S.; Kumaragae, S.K.
    Introduction: Comprehensive knowledge, realization of the frequency and multiplicity of abnormalities of the extrahepatic biliary tree are requisites for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Material and methods: Descriptive-prospective cross sectional study W'\S performed in 200 patients, who underwent LC for symptomatic gall bladder (GB) disease and 60 dissected cadavers, to observe variations in GB, cystic duct (CD), cystic artery (CA) and Calot's triangle. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: No abnormality was seen in the gallbladder in 258 (99.2%). Two (1 %) Patients, had abnormalities in the gallbladder. Those were septate and bipolar. Four cadavers (6.6 %) had abnormalities of the cystic duct; 2 absent CD, 1 hepato-cystic duct, 2 with two cystic ducts. The cystic duct was seen to form a classical Calot's triangle in 249(96%). In 11, (5(0.25%) patients, 6(10%) cadavers) the CD was abnormal; 8(73%) had flathorizontal path and 3(27%) were parallel to CBD. The average length of the CD was 3 em in 47 cadavers. Short (<3cm) and long CD (>3cm) were found in 8/60(13.3 %) and 5/60(8.3 %) respectively. In 148(57 %) the right hepatic artery (RHA) was medial to the CHD. In 107(41 %), the RHA was in the triangle of Calot's and in 5(patients 2, cadaver 3) the RHA crossed over the CHD. 231(89%) Of the cystic arteries had no variations. In 29(11 %) (patients 17, cadavers 12) we found abnormalities; 13(5 %) had two cystic arteries, 13(5 %) cystic arteries were anterior to the CHD and 3(1 %) cystic arteries were anterior to cystic duct. Conclusion: The biliary and hepatic arteries had significant variations whilst gallbladder and cystic duct positions were relatively constant in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Awareness of the variations in the extra hepatic biliary system and related vasculature will prevent the iatrogenic injury. 143