IPRC - 2015

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/156

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Pornographic blogs spreading in Social network (With Special attention to Sinhala medium blogs)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) de Pasqual, M.K.
The history of the Internet begins with the development of electronic computers in the 1950s. Internet has a history of 40 years in media activities in the world. 40% of the world populations use the internet. It is 20% of the population in Sri Lanka. There are various types of information spreading models in the internet. Blog sites are special among other websites. A blog is a simple webpage which perform information or ideas of a person or a small group. Pornographic blogs, which are currently published in Sinhala medium, has a historical base in the whole world. They appear in many forms including sexuality, pornography and sensuality. Large numbers of Sinhala medium pornographic blogs are currently active in the internet. This study is based on a content analysis of Sinhala medium pornographic websites on the investigation poser whether any special characteristics in Sri Lankan pornographic 10 blog sites affect its subscriber attraction. Pornographic blogs have spread widely and also they are increasing their subscribers day by day. The reason is the media independence in social media. Blogs appear in various pornographic types. These free pornographic forms will be challenge in increasing of current social issues.
Use of Electronic Resources for Buddhist Studies: A Case Study
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sumana Thero, Bodagama
Electronic resources are two types. They are online e–resources and off line e–resources. An "electronic resource" is defined as any work encoded and made available for access through the use of a computer. It includes electronic data available by (1) remote access and (2) direct access (fixed media). In other words: Remote access (electronic resources) refers to the use of electronic resources via computer networks. (AACR2, 2002 edition; glossary) Off–line eresources are CD–Rom, Thipitaka –CD, Mettanet – CD, Dhammapada–CD, Diskettes, VCD/ DVD, e–card. Online e-resources are Institutional & Personal website, OPAC & web OPACS, Electronic Databases e–publications, e–books, e–journals, and e-prints, e–articles. There are Encyclopedias, full-text journals, Newspapers, company information, e-books economic data ―digital images" industry profiles, market, Research, dictionaries in electronic resources. This study is on how to use electronic resources for Buddhist Studies. We can find information on Buddhism from Chatta sangayana CD, Dammapada CD and other Dhamma CD. Today we have computer and internet facilities. Therefore, without books, we can study on Buddhism. As a web page, Buddha Net covers all Buddhist resources. There are Buddhist manuscripts, suttas, jathaka tales, online courses and rare books such as Vimukthimagga. E – Library concept on web helps to reader every time to find and search Buddhist sources. Pali Canon and other important Dhamma books are availble as PDF, e-books, and e- journals in web pages. Example: Buddhist studies virtual library, Pali text society and vipassana research institute. These Libraries provide access to a variety of electronic books, as well as the other printed works (such as essays, poems, or historical documents). Some of these electronic books and texts are part of large, searchable databases.
Effect of alum in combination with vacuum packaging in extending the shelf life of Embul banana
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siriwardana, H.L.S.; Abeywickrama, K.P.; Kannangara, S.; Jayawardena, B.
Crown rot disease is the major post harvest disease in Embul banana causing severe post harvest loss both in terms of quality and quantity. Due to hazardous effects of fungicides, use of eco-friendly methods of controlling crown rot disease are being investigated throughout the world. In this study, efficacy of alum (sodium aluminium sulphate) in combination with vacuum packaging was investigated in extending the shelf life of Embul banana at cold temperature. Approximately 85-day mature Embul banana hands were washed with 1% alum (w/v) solution and control was washed only in water. Treated and control fruits were packed in Low density polyethylene bags, air inside bags were removed using a vacuum and placed in fibre board cartons and stored in a cold room at 12-14 ºC. Each treatment comprised 8 replicate boxes each with 5 hands. In-package gases were analysed on initial day and every seven days thereafter up to 28 days of storage. Physicochemical and sensory properties and crown rot disease severity (CRS) were determined in ripened fruits after each storage period. Medium (50 kg) and large scale (100 kg) test marketing trials were conducted at fruit outlets in Dambulla and Kiribathgoda, Sri lanka by providing treated Embul banana samples to consumers and staff to obtain feedback on the quality of treated banana. Crown rot disease severity was low (CRS index < 1) in alum treated samples compared to control after 28 days. Physicochemical and sensory properties were unaffected by alum+vacuum packaging treatment. Oxygen within packages was maintained between 3.3 - 4.4 % while CO2 % varied between 3.9 - 4.0 %. In medium and large scale test marketing trials, treatment controlled crown rot disease to a fair extent and obtained higher score values from the customers and staff of fruit outlets for the sensory properties compared to control. Therefore, this eco-friendly treatment method could be adopted for effective control of crown rot disease and to extend shelf life of Embul banana up to one month.
Catalytic decarboxylation of rubber seed oil to produce hydrocarbons
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gamage, P.H.; Weliwegamage, U.S.K.; de Silva, H.I.C.; Gunatilake, S.R.; Karunaratne, D.G.G.P.
The rising of fuel prices and the contribution of fossil fuels towards global warming have been major global concerns during past few decades. Interest in renewable fuels has increased due to the above mentioned problems. Green Diesel (GD) has emerged as a promising solution to these issues. The objective of this research is to derive hydrocarbons from rubber seed oil. Rubber seeds are considered as a waste in our country. Therefore, oil of rubber seeds is a potential fatty acid source for GD production. Rubber seed oil was extracted using soxhelet method. Only a part of the exracted oil was hydrolyzed. Decarboxylation of both hydrolyzed, and non hydrolyzed oil were carried out in a especially designed glass apparatus with sodalime and alumina mixtures.The proportions of sodalime and alumina were varied in the catalyst mixture. Five non-hydrolyzed and three hydrolyzed samples were decarboxylated. The products were analyzed by GC-MS. The hydrocarbons in the range of C-11 to C-16 carbon chain length have been produced during the decarboxylation process. However, unsaturated hydrocarbons were observed, as rubber seed oil mainly consist of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Percentage peak area can be taken as an indicator to quantitatively compare the hydrocarbons.The highest percentage peak are of 57.61% was shown by 6-Dodecene, which was present in the non- hydrolyzed sample where 25% alumina was added. Apart from that, 5-Undecene (19.90% peak area) and Tridecane(12.03% peak area) showed their presence in the nonhydrolyzed decarboxylated samples. Hydrolyzed oil samples showed the presence of Tetradecane (4.46%), 2-Tetradecene (6.48%), 1-Hexadecene (0.41%),5-Tetradecene(2.39%), Pentadecane (7.90%) and 6- Tetradecyne(0.30%) which were not present in non-hydrolyzed samples. It can be seen that with the addition of alumina to the catalyst system, that there is an increase in the percentage peak area. These experiments indicate that decarboxylation of rubber seed oil in the presence of sodalime and alumina can be employed to produce hydrocarbons in the diesel range which is of C-10 to C-28 chain length. Future studies will be conducted to optimize pressure and temperature conditions based on these findings.
Factors Effect on Employee Turnover Intention: Evidence from Leasing Industry in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Wickramasinghe, A.I.N.K.; Abeywardhana, D.K.Y.
This study investigates the turnover of young and fresh employees in the leasing industry in Sri Lanka. Employee turnover has become a common phenomenon and it results in career changes and job mobility. Nevertheless, every single organization will have to deal with the turnover of employees. However, the turnover of desirable employees may have a significant impact on the organization, rather than the less productive ones. This research is based on the major factors that influence job satisfaction and in turn will reflect on an employee‘s intention to quit or not. Annual reports in the leasing industry show that the turnover ratio fluctuates from 8% to 25%. The key factors to be considered are, work-family life balance, career development opportunities, compensation and benefits, perceived supervisory support, employee performance management and job security. Previous researchers have focused on western countries aiming at all levels of employees. This study conducted is based on 14 leasing companies with a sample of 116 young employees. The qualitative research method was used where a questionnaire survey forms were handed over to the participant‘s age between 22 and 32 to fill, using simple random and snowball sampling technique. Correlations and regression tests were performed. The results indicate that the turnover intentions on particular variables were more complex than previously assumed. Main reasons for turnover intentions were the work-family life balance, career development opportunities and perceived supervisory support. Piecemeal investigations of this sector provide inadequate information; hence dearth of information on the finance sector in Sri Lanka is a major weakness.
Moderating and Mediating Contexts in Celebrity Endorsement on Brand Attitude: A Literature Review for Future Research Studies
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, R.; Wasantha, N.
Celebrity endorsements have been found in practice and studied in theories as a wider perspective. Celebrities provide endorsement as expert opinions, being a spokesperson for a product, or just being associated with a product (McCracken 1989; Seno and Lukas 2007). As per the published literature, it is about 25% of all television and print advertisements in the United States have featured celebrities (Erdogan, Baker & Tagg, 2001; Shimp, 2008), and endorsement contracts are estimated to be 10% to 25% of total advertising expenditures (Ding et al., 2010). Futher, Li (2011) said nearly $10 billion more to promote celebrity endorsements due to powerful effect it occupied on products being endorsed. But, it was said (Racula, 2012, Abdussalam, 2014) that celebrity‘s image does not guarantee success and it deals with advertising risks. The latest source argued that it is as an expensive source of communication and may generate conflicting messages when he or she endorses various brands. Karasiewicz & Martyna (2014). However, Till and Busler (1998, 2000) have examined attractiveness versus expertise as a match-up factor in celebrity endorsement, and found a general attractiveness effect on brand attitude and purchase intention. Further, Hung, Kineta (2014), justified links between entertainment motives and experiences influence endorsed brand attitude. Accordingly, it has a clear argument on the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement towards brand performance, particularly brand attitude and purchasing intention. Par with the said, via the reviewed literature sources, this study discusses how the relationships or impacts between celebrity endorsement and brand attitudes of the products endorsed could be mediated or moderated. Paper suggests how the future studies to be carried out with the gravity of newness contributing for the new knowledge and practice.
The Hunger Games: A Comparative Analysis of the Novel and the Adaptation-The Depiction the Theme of Power in the Two Media
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, S.M.N.
The critically and commercially recognized dystopian young adult novel, The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins is often read as a political tale in which the author examines the various political manifestations of Panem‘s government. President Snow‘s authoritarian rule manipulates hunger as a control mechanism to suppress the inhabitants in the outlying districts of Panem. The abundance and absence of food serve as a symbol of power vs. powerlessness. Fear is manipulated as a mode of exerting power and severe punishment methods including the annual Hunger Games pageant. Censored communication, the reality television phenomenon and unimaginable technology used in Capitol further augment the capacity of Capitol‘s authority. The Hunger Games was adapted into a feature film by the American Director, Gary Ross in 2012 which too was both critically and commercially acknowledged. Thus, this study evaluates the depiction of Panem‘s forms of exerting power in both the novel and its cinematic adaptation. Aspects of the Theory of Adaptation such as elision, addition of scenes, alteration, and cinematic techniques such as camera angles are incorporated to thoroughly analyse the film. Theories related to hunger and reality television are also taken into consideration during the content analysis of the two media. The findings proved that the adaptation has aptly portrayed the theme of power using a variety of camera techniques and alterations to the plot of the fictional effort. The additions of scenes and modifications in the cinematic version have enhanced the verbal demonstration of the theme of power in the source novel. The elision of certain incidents in the cinematic counterpart does not have an impact on the overall demonstration of the methods of power used by Panem to oppress the districts.
The concept of “Bhramara” in Hindi and Pali Literature
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Abeysundara, H.G.A.
The use of the ―Bhramara‖ concept can be seen both in ―Bhramar Geeth‖ in Hindi and in Pali literature. ―Bhramar Geeth‖ refers to a tradition of praise poetry that appears in Hindi poetry. The Hindi word ―Bhramar‖ means ―Bambara‖ (Humming bee in English) in Sinhala. The Sinhala meaning of ―Bhramar Geeth‖ is ―Bambara Gunjanaya‖ or ―Bambara Geethaya‖ (―The Humming Bees‘ Song‖ in English). The praise poem, ―Bhramar Geeth‖ is related to the romance between Radha and Krishna. The ―Bhramar Geeth‖ praise poem starts with the arrival of Uddav, a friend of Krishna who comes from the region of Mathura with a letter from Krishna, and meets Radha and other ―gopis‖ who are distressed because of Krishna‘s departure. Though critics like Dr. Ramachandra Shakul, Dr. Krishori Lal, and Dr. Dwarika Prasad Saksena have conducted numerous research studies on the ―Bhramar Geeth‖ in Hindi, there is a dearth of studies which offer a comprehensive analysis on whether the ―Bambara‖ concept that appears in the book is given the same meaning in other languages. However, it can be perceived that even in languages such as Pali and Sanskrit, the same ―Bambara‖ concept is employed. According to critics, the Hindi ―Bhramar Geeth‖ concept is created with the influence of Sanskrit poetry. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the ―Bambara‖ concept in the Hindi book is used with the same meaning in languages such as Sanskrit, Pali and Hindi.
The impact of gender in learning English as a Second Language; A case study in the faculty of Management at University of Ruhuna
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gunarathne, N.M.A.D.W.C.
The number of female students is rapidly increasing than male students in universities in Sri Lanka showing the contribution of women in future workforce. Entering to new life of university, equally both male and female students face many difficulties due to the adoption of English Language as the medium of subjects they are studying in their faculties. Nevertheless, analyzing their academic performances, it is significant the fact that the female students demonstrate better academic performances than male students. Being aware of the fact, hypnotising their gender has an impact learning the English Language, a survey was done taking 104 students (52 females and 52 males) from the faculty of management at the University of Ruhuna. In order to accumulate the necessary data both quantitative and qualititative methods were used. A test paper was given to the students and the test paper included vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures and reading comprehension. To ensure the effectiveness of the test, the paper was checked by several experienced English Instructors. Several students were randomly selected and interviewed to check their speaking abilities. As far as speaking skill is concerned, both female and male students seemed to be excited and they were ensured to have a casual chat about their everyday life by the interviewer (the researcher). Marking the papers gave the evidence that the girls achieved significantly better than boys, supporting the fact that the girls are more open to new forms of a new language. When speaking as well the girls showed better fluency than boys. Gathering more information on the subject, some other articles, journals and research papers which had been done on the same topic were read. More importantly, it is found that there is not a direct connection between gender and learning English language but it depends on the motivation, commitment, enthusiasm and social background they are living in which is different from the hypothesis. Moreover it is noticed that the girls‘ interaction is higher than boys in the class and in the society. Thus the reason behind why girls are more motivated than boys is that the girls‘ attitudes learning English, is very positive. Nevertheless, the previous researchers present that the results of doing such investigations are still controversial and what makes better learners is not the gender but the effective education. Therefore, the study concludes outlining some implications for the educational policy makers.
Gender sensitivity in Human security definition
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Nadeesha, H.M.L.
Human security is a relatively new concept that emerged to address the modern security threats that cannot be addressed via traditional security approaches. Narrow definition of human security address two main paradigms; Freedom from Fear and Freedom from Wants while broad sense discuss about livelihoods and food security, health, psychosocial wellbeing, enjoyment of civil and political rights and freedom from oppression, and personal safety, in addition to absence of conflict. The actors who are responsible for ensuring Human Security largely neglects gender issues; thus, women as adolescent children, widows, mothers and elderly women face number of difficulties and hardships several environments where protection of Human security becomes significant. The prime reason as believed by researcher is the absence of gender sensitivity of the Human Security Definition. This absence creates practical implementation and strategic policy of Human Security incomplete and ineffective. The aimed research intent to identify if Human security definition has underpinned and had addressed the importance of including gender sensitivity in Human security concerns thus vulnerability of women has been recognized to provide a better focus and sufficient security for women. The existing definitions of Human security will be analysed in order to understand the gender sensitivity of existing definitions. United Nations definitions, definitions from Academic papers, definitions of governments will be primary taken into the consideration. This will be an explanatory research that tries to identify reasons for absence of gender sensitivity in Human security, plus will be a constructive research as it will recommend how the definition needs to be improved. This study will broaden the definition of Human security, in order to include the gender sensitivity of the approach that will facilitates actors to implement Human security strategies in more effective manner. Also the intellectual mainstreaming of the concept will be enriched as it becomes more integrated and multifaceted with gender studies.
Development and Validation of e-Content on “Thermodynamics” to Instruct Engineering Physics to Undergraduates
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Pathiratne, S.
The present era is an era of academic globalization. Engineers of today and tomorrow are expected to be far more ingenious and innovative. Now a day with the tremendous developments in technology, possibilities are emerging to provide technical edification in an innovative way to meet ecumenical demands. With the avail of incipient kind of scholastic programmers, we can provide multidimensional and multi-disciplinary edifying experiences to the learners e-Contents are the puissant implement of inculcation. e-Content is the latest method of tutoring, which has magnetized more attention of educationists. Hence there is less possibility of incorporating technology to edify Engineering Subjects. And additionally there is no quality e-Contents were developed for Engineering Physics Subject. Hence the main objectives of this study is to A) To develop an e-Content on ―Thermodynamics‖. B) To validate the developed e-Content. C) To ascertain the efficacy of developed e-Content in edifying ―Thermodynamics‖ to first year Engineering Undergraduates. A pre-test, post-test two group experimental design was adopted. Sample of 60 First Year Engineering Undergraduates were exposed to different treatments such as edifying through e- Content and conventional method of edifying. The study was additionally fixated on ascertaining the consequential distinctions between control and experimental group of First Year Engineering Undergraduates in their academic achievement while learning ―Thermodynamics‖ with reference to gain scores. The achievement scores were analyzed utilizing different statistical techniques. It was found that the experimental group Undergraduates who were edified through e-Content material had better achievement scores than the control group Undergraduates in learning ―Thermodynamics‖. In conclusion, this present study pellucidly denotes that the developed e- content on ―Thermodynamics‖ is more efficacious and as recommendation can verbally express that Chalk and verbalize method of edifying Engineering Physics Subject should be reduced. More incipient instructional technologies utilizing e-Contents shall be introduced in Engineering Faculties.
Bio-Chemical Evaluation of Selected Sri Lankan Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Cultivars and Accessions for Production of Green Tea
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ranasinghe, H.P.P.; Rajathewa, R.M.A.S.N.; Kottawa-Arachchi, J.D.; Ranathunga, M.A.B.; Amarakoon, A.M.T.
Two major types of tea, ―green tea‖ and ―black tea‖ are produced from the young shoots of Camellia sinensis L. employing different processing methods. Sri Lanka traditionally produces black tea and the existing cultivars are more suitable for black tea production. However, due to the increased demand for green tea in certain countries, it could be economically advantageous for some Sri Lankan factories to produce green tea for niche markets. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential of using selected Sri Lankan tea cultivars and accessions for the production of green tea. Tender shoots (two leaves and the bud) from 35 cultivars/accessions from St. Coombs Estate, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle were steamed and dried to obtain green tea samples. Total polyphenol, catechin, free amino acid and caffeine content were determined by UV-vis spectrophotometric methods. Crude fiber content was determined according to ISO 5498. Three Chinese green tea samples were used as the controls. Crude fiber content was found to be < 16.5 %. Total polyphenol and catechin were found to be in the range of 9.55-26.19 % and 7.91-20.07 % respectively, while free amino acids and caffeine were found in the range of 0.83-5.31 % and 3.98-7.60 % respectively. According to the correlation matrix of different bio-chemical parameters, positive correlation was identified between catechin and total polyphenol content. Besides total polyphenol content had a significant negative correlation with amino acid content. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that, total polyphenols, amino acids and catechins are the main contributing characters. Based on the first three PCs, analyzed tea samples clustered into three main groups at an average distance of about 1.00. The group I comprised of fourteen cultivars/accessions. Eight cultivars/accessions were included in group II whereas group three represented sixteen cultivars/accessions. Comparatively high amino acid content (1.72- 5.06%), low total polyphenol (9.55-18.30%) and caffeine (4.08-5.80%) of cultivars/accessions in group II (CY 9, TRI 62/5, WHMOR, TRI 4079, PLLG 2 and DN) warrants them to be considered as potential cultivars/accessions for green tea production.
A Critical Evaluation of Pedophilia from a Biopsychosocial Perspective
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Wimaladhamma Thero, Koonkandawala
Child abuse is one of the most important and crucial topics not only in present Sri Lanka but also in whole world. Among the many forms of child abuse, sexual abuse holds a higher place. Sometimes, the victims of sexual abuses are killed. However, in Sri Lanka, number of sexual abuses of little children; both males and females has increased. Over 1500 cases related to children reported per year in Sri Lanka. In modern Psychology, sexual attraction to little children and interest to engage in sexual activities with little children (generally aged 13 or younger) is considered as an abnormal behavior. This abnormal or psychopathological behavior is a mental disorder which is named as ''pedophilia" or ''pedophilic disorder" in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V (DSM-V). The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has included ''pedophilia" as a mental disorder in its DSM since 1968. There are various types of pedophilias and various perspectives and approaches try to understand ''pedophilia" from their view points. Here, an attempt is made to understand and explain "pedophilia" from a biopsychosocial perspective. Here, with the newest findings of research studies about ''pedophilia," from biological, neurobiological environmental and psychological perspectives, the sufficient and necessary causes and facts about ''pedophilic disorder" will be discussed.
Malayalam Translations of the Qur’an: A Methodological Analysis
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Hudawi, M.S.H.; Muneer, K.M.
The question of translatability of the Qur‘an from its ‗unique‘ Arabic text into other languages is one of the most controversial and enduring themes of Qur‘anic Studies and continues to undergo scholarly disputes from the early Islamic centuries till the present. Numerous translations of the Qur‘an were mostly revolved around monolingual nations, depending upon the influence of some specific languages, societies and cultures. Thanks to the often multilingual populations, a nontrivial number of societies in India have developed different translations of the Qur‘an in their respective local languages. Malayalam, belonging to the Dravidian family of languages and predominantly spoken in the southwest Indian state of Kerala, is the richest Indian language in terms of the number of Qur‘anic translations. Spoken by some 38 million people, this language has more than thirty complete translations of the Qur‘an utilizing diverse exegetical and translational methodologies. Present paper comparatively and methodologically analyses selected Malayalam translations of the Qur‘an. In order to have a comprehensive analysis, the researchers have selected six Malayalam works with different approaches of Qur‘anic translation; namely, a. Traditional approach. b. Modern approach. c. Ahmadi approach. d. Literal approach. e. Conceptual approach. f. Poetic approach. The translation works of CN Ahmad Moulawi, KV Muhammad Musliyar, Muhammad Abul Wafa, Muhammad Amani Moulawi, Dr. Bahauddeen Muhammed Nadwi and KG Raghavan Nair respectively were analyzed for the implicational details of each method. The research relies on inductive, analytic, comparative and critical methodologies to reach the desired results. The study points out that Malayalam language has a distinctive range of Qur‘anic translations with different ideological and methodological backgrounds. It also recommends further studies concentrating on their methodology.
Recreating pre historic environment based on the spread of land snails and fresh water snails
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sumangala Thero, Pahiyangala
Sri Lanka has been positioned as a small island in right direction in the Indian subcontinent. There are three major climatic and environmental zones in Sri Lanka including wet zone, dry zone and intermediate zone. Remains of snails found from the pre historic excavations and remains of presently living snails are supportive to identify the climatic differences occurred in more than thousands years ago. Research question of this study are to identify what were the eco system and climatic conditions appeared in ancient Sri Lanka (35000 years before present) and to examine the possibility of recreation of the ancient environment through the excavated remains of the snails. Objective of the study is to identify that how was the basic structure of the ancient environment prevailed in the island in ancient times.Major research method of the study is field observation and the data were collected from the primary sources including field observations carried out at the pre historic sites such as Pahiyangala, Batadombalena and Pothana. Previous researches were also referred as the secondary sources during the research. Remains of land snails were used as the main environmental factors to recreate the ancient environment consisted in ancient Sri Lanka. These snails had been adopted according to the various vegetation types of the Island. It is reported that 253 of land snails species and 94 of fresh water snail species have been found in Sri Lanka. Among them 05 of land snails are endemic to the island. Habitation of the land snails and fresh water snails can be found in the various vegetation types such as low land rain forest, sub Montana / Montana rain forest, dry monsoon forest and cultivated habitats.It has been identified that the snails have been survived at the pre historic cave sites (Fa-hian Cave, Batadomba Cave and Belilena Cave) and open areas 43,000 before present.Living patterns or habitats of these snails are different according to the climatic zones. It is possible to recreate the prehistoric environment through the usage of bio indicator species which are relative to the snail species found in currently. As most of the evidences of the snail remains are recorded from the wet micro habitats, it can be identified that the environmental and climatic condition of the country had not been changed severely. Some of the snail species examined during the research are cyclophorus (land snails), plandomus (fresh water snails) etc.
Potential of using the Solar Chimney Dryer for Small Scale Industries in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayasinghe, J.U.K.; Sumathipala, H.H.
There have been many research work presenting various novel types of solar dryers that can be used for drying vegetables, fruits, and other agro-products etc. Solar chimney which consists of a large plate and a centered vertical chimney basically studied for electricity power generation using the draught through the chimney. In this study, it has been demonstrated by establishing a mini photo type chimney that the possibility of enhancing the drying process under the plate of a solar chimney. There is a great potential of using Solar Chimney dryer, drying for industrial, fishery and agro products or raw materials. The advantage is that drying can be done, with the similar efficiency of sun drying, under the rainy environment obviously with a law drying efficiency but without destroying quality and protecting them from environmental pollutants.
Determinants of Fertilizer Demand: Evidence from Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Rodrigo, C.; Abeysekera, L.
Many developing countries are faced with continual challenges in increasing their agricultural production. Concerns over food security have pushed governments to provide input subsidies. Among many input subsidy schemes implemented, subsidies for fertilizer have undoubtedly been a major agricultural intervention for many developing countries. As in many developing countries, subsidy of fertilizer represents a major agricultural policy in Sri Lanka, with the paddy sector being the chief recipient. There are concerns regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of the subsidy due to farmers‘ overuse of subsidized fertilizer as well as using it for crops other than paddy. Yet, in terms of establishing food security and reducing unemployment, the government is under constant pressure to continue with the subsidy program. Furthermore, the subsidy has become a politically sensitive issue in Sri Lanka, as paddy farmers comprise the majority voter base, a common experience for governments of most developing countries. However, to evaluate the effectiveness of the subsidy scheme implemented by the government of Sri Lanka, a clear understanding of the factors that determine the demand for fertilizer is necessary. The empirical form of the fertilizer demand function can be depicted as follows: In F = + + In Y + Σ In + Σ In + ………………….(1) In equation (1) F is the fertilizer usage based on the major paddy-producing area, Y is the paddy output, Z1 is the price of rice fertilizer, Z2 is the price of labor, Z3 is the price of seed paddy, W1 is the cost of machinery, W2 is the cost of materials, W3 is the cost of pesticides, Dc1 is the dummy variable to represent the subsidy years (subsidy dummy) and Dc2 is the dummy variable to represent commercial paddy-producing areas (area dummy). The α, β, γ, δ, and ϑ are estimated parameter coefficients and ε is the random error. A panel-data analysis (1990-2011) reveals that demand for fertilizer is negatively affected by the price of fertilizer and the price of seed paddy and positively by the price of labor. The own price elasticity of fertilizer is relatively inelastic which highlight the fact that there isn‘t a close substitute for chemical fertilizer. Despite strong demand for fertilizer in commercial paddy production, the impact of the subsidy on demand is low. Results indicate that mechanization will prevent overuse of fertilizer and a seed paddy subsidy will ensure selfsufficiency in rice production. Finally, we recommend that the fertilizer subsidy be removed in the long-term in a gradual manner. However, a short-term reduction (within the next 2-3 years) in the fertilizer subsidy can be implemented for non-commercial paddy-producing areas. Removal of the fertilizer subsidy from the commercial paddy producing areas can threaten the self-sufficiency of paddy production of the country. Therefore the removal of the subsidy from these areas has to be done gradually while introducing organic fertilizer as a substitute. Majority of non-commercial areas are working with traditional paddy varieties and these areas can be exposed to organic fertilizer much more easily and remove the fertilizer subsidy in the short run.
විදේශ වෙළදාම ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ දේශපාලන පසුබිමට බලපෑම් කල අන්දම
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sudharmawathie, J.M.
Literature as an inspiration for scientific thinking: An Investigation
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Silva, S.U.T.
Literature is defined as a body of written works. The name has traditionally been applied to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution. On the other hand, Science is a creative study that originates in mind before moving forward to experimentation and verification. Thus, a possibility of a relationship can be seen between these two domains; Literature and Science. The main objective of this paper is therefore to identify the impact of literature towards scientific thinking as a source of inspiration to bridge the gap between imagination and reality. Thus, the research problem that is intended to investigate through this study is ―How influential are the stories of science for youngsters to succeed themselves as scientists‖. This study was mainly conducted in three stages. In the initial stage of data collecting, primary methodology in focus is to delve in to the lives of 15 highly successful scientists from a wide range of subject fields including physics, biology, mathematics, engineering, astronomy and etc. Data about inspirational literature were extracted considering their statements made during public lectures, interviews as well as concerning the experiences mentioned in their own publications. Secondly, an attempt was taken to analyze all these scenarios and they were classified in to three main categories depending on the reason of persuasion of these scientists to pursue a carrier in science. These three main reasons were revealed as extreme curiosity, desire to serve humanity and the passion of challenging established perspectives. Finally, in the concluding stage, several conclusions were made based on a qualitative analysis while seeing the stimulation of literature on scientific thinking.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria (1970-2014)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Kumo, A.A.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been at the center stage as a phenomena of discussion amongst international cum development economists since the breakthrough made by Hymer‘s Thesis in 1960 which serves as a basic reference in subsequent study on the Multinational Corporations (MNC). Therefore, there has been a continuous growing concern on research in the area of FDI due to globalization of markets and companies emerging to be internationalized. Also, the existing liberal regulations in various countries give rise to the influx of companies across borders in an effort to engage in FDIs. The issue of FDI determinants remains relative and debatable owing to different results found empirically. Asiedu (2006) suggests that in Nigeria, FDI is determined by large local markets, natural resources, infrastructure and low inflation but to Bakare (2011) the major determinants of FDI are attributed to political cum macroeconomic instability; while Okafor (2012) conclude that the key FDI determinants are real gross domestic product (GDP), interest rate, and real exchange rate. Therefore, the problem of ascertaining the real FDI determinants in Nigeria is yet to be unanimously established and that calls for further research. In this study, we use time series data from 1970 to 2014 so as to enable us capture the FDI determinants in Nigeria up to date. We employ econometric techniques and estimated the FDI model with exchange rate, real gross domestic product, money supply, interest rate, international trade and expenditure on education as explanatory variables. The result shows that the model has a perfect fit at the same time GDP, money supply, international trade and interest rate increase FDI inflow. Furthermore, almost all the variables entered behave in accordance with a priori economic expectation. We conclude that government should intensify on such policies that are likely to attract FDI and vice versa.