International Conference on Sri Lanka Studies (ICSLS)

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Irrigation in conflict Cross Boundary Water Management in a Context of Violent Conflict in East Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Gaasbeek, T.
The research project described in this paper is conducted in the Allai Extension Scheme in Trincomalee district. In this scheme, covering some 7,000 hectares in its present form, farmers from Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim background have been living together since the 1950s. During the conflict that has ravaged much of North-East Sri Lanka, the villages in the scheme have seen extensive death and destruction. However, despite all this, the relevant government agencies and the farmers have managed to keep the irrigation system functioning to a reasonable extent. The central objective of this study is to gain insight into how the actors involved managed to keep large-scale irrigation schemes in Sri Lanka functioning to a reasonable extent during the conflict, and into what the consequences of the possible return of peace will be for the relationships between the different stakeholders. A more theoretical perspective underlying the study is on conflict and co-operation between non-combatants in situations of violent (intra-state, ‘ethnic’) conflict. In much of the research done on violent conflicts, non-combatants receive relatively little attention. If they do, they are often treated as either a pretty non-distinct support base, or as victims (refugees, traumatised people, raped women). I have found virtually no literature on how non-combatants identified with opposing groups of combatants deal with each other. The research is mainly qualitative in nature, primarily consisting of informal interviews, with some quantitative analysis where required to support the thesis.
Estate Tamil: A New Variety of Tamil
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Wijeratne, W.M.
Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was under the British empire for about 150 years. The British brought about many changes. Linguistically, they are responsible for two major issues: firstly, they introduced English to Sri Lanka, secondly, they paved the path for the introduction of "Indian Tamil", a variety of Tamil spoken in Tamil Nadu. In Sri Lanka, "Indian Tamil" has been spoken mainly by the labourers, brought to Sri Lanka by the British planters (or by their agents), and their descendents. This, variety of Tamil was also called "Coolie Tamil" (Tamil spoken by the Coolies/labourers) as the users were labourers paid on a daily basis (who were Indian migrants). It was also named as 'toottat tamiL' (Estate Tamil, hereafter ET) and ‘malait tamil' (tea plantation Tamil). In Sri Lanka, over several decades, ET evolved independently. Therefore, it differs from Sri Lankan Tamil (SLT), spoken in northern and eastern parts of the country, as well as Tamil spoken in (South) India. The differences occur at every level of the language: phonology, morphology and syntax. SLT differs from Tamil spoken in Tamil Nadu (Indian Tamil) as it has retained several archaic features. Hence, obviously, IT contrasts with SLT. Yet, until recently ET and Tamil spoken in India were considered to be the same. As a result, the differences between ET and Indian Tamil were not noticed. Therefore, some considered these two varieties as the same. This paper is an attempt to exhibit some distinctive features in ET and show that ET and Indian Tamil are not identical. It discusses two main aspects of ET. First, it elaborates the sociolinguistic facts that caused the independent evolution of ET. Second, it discusses the distinctiveness of ET.
Study of the Changing Patterns of Religious Communication as Media Insights with Special Reference to Buddhist Concepts
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Mahendra, S.; Rajapaksha, C.
The intention of this study is to present some initial factors pertaining to the religious communication as reflected in media insights. In this direction, some concepts relating to Buddhism will be taken as the guiding model. These in turn will be examined in relation to the strengths, weaknesses and limitations in mass media channel such as the print the sound and the visual. Furthermore, the manner in which the religious communication was transferred from the traditional models to more modernistic mass media channels was also examined. This will be taken into consideration from the three mass media channels, the print, the sound and the visual. To what extent the impact of the religious message is disseminated and to what extent the socio -religious pattern of understanding to help elevate the masses in the field of ethics, morals and social upliftment into the recipient is the hypothesis of this study. The two ends of the study will consist of the communicator and the receiver as to the extent of the user orientation is moulded into a model will also be the extended study anticipating will be dealt as a research. In this study, a special emphasis is laid to gauge the intensity and the validity of religious studies with special reference to Buddhist teachings enabling us to promote a new model for mass media user. In this context, the present state of the mass media status will be examined empirically with a series of interviews with the user orientation techniques in communication studies. Followed by this, our observations and conclusions will be presented.
Why do some Investors prefer Fundamentally Weak Stocks?
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Weerakoon, Y.K.; Perera, C.
This study investigates ‘why do some investors prefer fundamentally weak stocks? The study about this matter is imperative and exciting because there are plenty of models to justify the investment in fundamentally strong stocks and at the same time those models debar the choice of fundamentally weak stocks. But among the stocks quoted in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) fundamentally weak stocks outperformed the market both in terms of liquidity as well as price boost. In order to discover the reasons, data have been gathered from a sample of active investors representing all categories of investors and analysed those using descriptive statistical tools. The pertinent secondary data compassionate to the hints and trends arising from the primary data gathered from the investors have used concurrently. A sample of stocks representing majority of the sectors in the CSE, whose trading volumes and number of transactions executed are among the highest in the market, were selected to study. The study finds that bulk of the investors consider fundamental variables of Net Asset Value, Price/Earnings Ratio and Dividend Yield. They also muscularly use the pattern of price movement for setting buying strategies. Majority of the investors are keen about their required rate of return, but pays very poor attention for the stock’s beta factor. Factors contain high degree of speculation such as trading on new information, react for improved quarterly results and high dividend expectation elevates the madness of investors to go after stocks. There is a strong correlation between the price of fundamentally weak stocks and number of trades. Investors desire fundamentally weak stocks because they are fundamentally weak. That is, the value of the stock is coming from other factors such as higher number of trades, availability of new information, improved quarterly results, high dividend expectations and the degree of foreign buying. That is why the stock price movement cannot be justified using fundamental approach. Moreover the low level of market values and the abnormal capital gains too responsible for the fondness of these stocks in excess of the fundamentally strong stocks.
The Decision Making Role of Women in the Public Sector of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Jayatilake, L.
In recent decades a widening of access of women to the employment has been recorded. However, the participation of women in decision-making at various levels in the public sector organizations is very low and the women in the highest management levels have increased only by twenty per cent. Therefore, this exploratory study locates women managers within the context of gender relations and managerial ideology in Sri Lanka. Further, an attempt has been made to identify how they have become dialectical in the arena of management. The questions to be answered in this research are: 1) How managerial positions in Sri Lanka’s public sector are distributed across male and female? 2) Are Sri Lankan public sector women managers distinctive in their managerial style? 3) How these managers have become dialectical with organizations in the process of acceding to top positions? and 4) How these managers have become dialectical with the family context in preserving such positions? This study, analyzes the experiences of twenty five Sri Lankan women who were holding senior-level management positions in five public sector organizations in the occupational categories of Education, Accountancy, Engineering, Medical Service, and Sri Lanka Administrative Service. In carrying out this study mainly the interpretive qualitative methodology and the feminist research approach have been adopted. The findings of this study reveal that Sri Lankan women have a non-traditional management style and they successfully manage the work-family interface. Accordingly, the majority of the married women managers lead successful marriage life. However, these women managers have pointed out two reasons as main dialectical with their organizations. They are stereotypical and traditional attitudes, employer’s ignorance and lack of enforcement of the regulations. According to this study, women still encounter obstacles to their advancement and the organizational constraints have thoroughly affected to the sex segregation in the managerial positions in their organizations. The sex segregation index value has been gradually increased in the last decade. This reveals that the job opportunities are not being equally distributed among males and females. Therefore, the policies and programmes have to be focused to promote equitable gender relations and division of labour within the household and the organization.
The Nature, Problems and Challenges of Handicraft Industry in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Masakorala, P.P.
There are varies develop met strategies, which have been tested to develop Sri Lanka. But still the country is in the category of poor countries. In the attempt of attaining development there are several problems. Therefore and alternative ways are needed to overcome those problems. One alternative is the development of small -scale industries. In this study the possibility of handicraft industry as a small -scale industry as a solution to the present development problems is the focus. The scope is this study is to identify the problems and challenges of handicraft industry so that it can be integrated into the development process in such a way that it can be a partial solution to the present development problem. In this study five handicraft are selected. Marks making and woodcarving are wood based industries while handloom, lace and batik are textile- based industries of which the nature, problems and the challenges are studied. Under the nature of handicraft industries the raw material and the tools and equipments use, the nature of the labour, how they are finance and marketer, the social economic nature of the craftsmen is studied. Beside the handicraft related institutions and their role are also discussed. Under the problem of these industries the problems of access to raw materials, problems of labour attraction, problems of technology and finance and the marketing problems, the problems of institutions are identified. What craftsmen suggest to overcome those problems? However there are unique problems to each handicraft industry and there are common problems as well. Among the challenges of handicraft industry the scarcity and depletion of natural stocks of raw materials, the timely availability of raw materials and the finance, the discontinuity of craft skills, poor social recognitions of handicraft, poor income, migration to other jobs, reluctance to use new technology, inability to afford to by new technology, competition of imported substitute, high cost of production, the bureaucracy and the lack of extension programs of the institutions and the challenges of middle men are most important. When the current nature and the problems of handicraft industry are concern, in some aspect it can be a solution to the present development problem but not a perfect solution. These industries are less attractive to youth and they are closed to the cities. Therefore handicraft industry may not be a solution for the unemployment in the rural areas. The handicraft industry can be developed if the tourist industry grows. The government intervention is needed to promote the local market for handicraft. There are some potential, which can be utilize to improve handicraft industry.
The Impact of the Proportional Representation System on Presidential Powers in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Ragunadan, K.
The executive presidential system and the proportional representation (PR) are the cardinal aspects of the Second Republican Constitution (1978) of Sri Lanka. In the 1977 parliamentary general election, the UNP came to power with a huge five sixth majority and brought about drastic changes in the previous constitution (1972), under the leadership of J.R. Jayewardene. He emphasized that the Executive presidential system and the proportional representation (PR) are very essential to maintain political stability and to further the economic development of the country. These reasons were particularly put forward for the introduction of the executive presidential system and the PR. However, political parties and individuals had strongly criticized the UNP government when they effected these changes. The main criticism against the changes was that the presidential system would create a situation where all powers would be vested with one individual at the expense of parliamentary sovereignty. Also they were of the view that these changes have given more weigh to JR’s personal interests as well as to his arbitrary decisions. This dissatisfaction continued even after two decades of the working of the existing constitution. As far as the PR system is concerned, the UNP was of the view that the PR system would rectify the demerits of the previous election method of the First – Past –the Post – System (FPP) that was followed up to 1978 in Sri Lanka. However, this system also has inherent deficiencies. They are the creation of a weaker parliament, unstable government, violation and interruption in the use of presidential powers etc are the major drawbacks in the electoral system that need rectification to maintain a healthy democracy. As a result of the drawbacks of the PR and the executive presidential power, there was no consistency in political development in Sri Lanka. Particularly the function of parliament has been affected by its weaker position. Political instability and confrontational politics have been the two major issues in the recent past and also in the present situation. As a result, political parties, scholars as well as the majority of the public have opted for changes in these particular aspects of the existing constitution. The main argument in this context is whether the successive Sri Lanka presidents are enjoying their actual powers, even though they have enormous powers according to the constitution. To date experience shows that the parliamentary strength also influences the presidential powers in practice. In the light of these facts the purpose of the study is to examine: how far the electoral system is making an impact on the presidential powers and whether the PR electoral system consistently or inconsistently helps in the implementation of the presidential powers. The remedy to these will be pursued in the method of investigation, which will give more weight to empirical analysis. However, descriptive aspects are also necessary to strengthen the arguments of this study.
Human Resource Function in the Strategy Process: A Case for Convergence
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Wickramasinghe, V.
The future of human resource management (HRM) as a discipline and a profession is closely linked to the role played by the HR function in the organisational strategy process. Though the debate on HRM and HR function continues, some important issues have not been given the adequate attention they deserve. First, the credibility of management idea is partly determined by its diffusion across the world; such credibility will be enhanced if the idea is viewed to be applicable in various contexts. This issue led to raise the first research question: (a) to what extent does HR function plays a significant role in the organizational strategy process in Sri Lankan companies? The second issue pertains to how (if at all) modern approaches associated to HRM manage to find their way to Sri Lanka. Here, the debate on convergence versus divergence in management practices and the role of Multinational Companies (MNCs) and other drivers of globalisation are explored. Thus, (b) to what extent MNCs and other drivers of globalization can be attributed to play a part in the convergence of HRM practices? The research is also guided by four hypotheses. The answers to the two questions were sought from a sample of 78 HR managers in three categories of Sri Lankan manufacturing companies. The findings of the investigation led to argue that the transfer of HRM practices and philosophies cannot be solely attributed to MNCs and other drivers of globalization such as efficient communication systems, information technology, ISO standards, and international and professional institutions. The strength of the current local management practices and cohesion of institutions in Sri Lanka, which is arguably due to the colonial legacy and the beginning of unequal interactions with the West, have also played a major role.
An Analysis of the Prevailing Statistics Education in Sri Lanka and Feasible Solutions to Uplift it
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Wickramasinghe, R.I.P.; Indralingm, M.
Teaching statistics has not been an easy task in comparison with other disciplines. This is the common complain made by most of the teachers at all levels who teach statistics in Sri Lanka. Though the situation is such, it seems that no concrete steps have been taken to change the acute situation. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to analyze the prevailing difficulties in statistics education in Sri Lanka and to find feasible solutions to improve the situation to a higher level. As the entire statistics education is a broad one, and the preliminary statistics education has a direct impact on other levels of statistics education, in this paper the attention is given to discuss the preliminary statistics education in Sri Lanka. The initial attempt is to discuss and analyze the ongoing statistics education system in Sri Lanka. Those colonial methods of teaching that does not improve the level of the statistics education are also identified. The next step is to identify some strategies that are affordable as well as feasible. The aim of these new strategies is to create active teaching and active learning participation which cannot be seen in the colonial statistics education system. Non-technological strategies and new technological strategies are discussed and suitable arrangements are made to alter those technological strategies to suit Sri Lankan education system. Among the new technological strategies, an attention is given to introduce web media, multimedia and other techniques such as computer animations in this teaching process. In addition to those solutions, it is also suggested to eliminate the language barrier which is a one of the main obstacle to improve the level of statistics education in Sri Lanka.
Socio-economic Consequences of the Ageing of the Population in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Siddhisena, K.A.P.
This paper attempts to probe the status of population ageing in Sri Lanka and its social and economic consequences. The study uses secondary and primary level data, drawn from the censuses, vital registration and Demographic Survey, 1994 and from a purposive sample of 731 elderly people aged 60 years and over in several districts in 2003 respectively. Mostly the cross sectional approach is used to analyse the data. Sri Lanka is continuously experiencing one of the fastest ageing populations in the developing world due to gradual change of fertility and mortality with prolongation of longevity. The proportion of old population aged 60 and over has been increased over the decades and the age structure is conspicuously changed from young to old population. The rapidity of ageing has commenced since last two decades whilst its acceleration could be expected more in future decades. The doubling proportion of old persons is sooner in future. Socio-economic consequences were generated by the changing of age structure with the transformation of family systems, living arrangements, co-residence patterns and socio-economic situation of the country. The economic and social support and care of the elderly are changing in view of breaking up of traditional family systems, changing life styles and activity patterns of youth adult children. The strengthening of social security benefits for the elderly by using several policy options is so beneficial as the present coverage and the benefits are inadequate for the survival of the elderly people with their longevity. The elderly people those were in the private and unorganized sector, unemployed, those who are in agricultural and casual work under uncertain or low wages should be seriously concern to provide them some form of social security benefits and socioeconomic empowerment to the family to care for better health and fair diet. Though there are such numerous policy options could be considered, the most pragmatic and sustainable policy options, programmes and strategies to be taken vigorously and momentously to meet the challenges due to rapid population ageing in Sri Lanka. These all policy implications will lead to mediate the problems associated with ageing in future and thereby brings the elderly as so healthier and productive group of people in the Sri Lankan society.
The level of match between the learning styles of students and the teaching styles of lecturers of Universities in the field of Management. (One university as a case study)
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) de Alwis, W.P.G.; Sridharan, U.
There is an unemployment problem of graduate in Sri Lanka, because of low demand for graduate from business sector. Industry perception views that the Management education is somewhat cognitive and conceptual in approach and lacking in sufficient practice bias and skill orientation. In other words the argument is that the Management education in the universities is still has the features of colonial and traditional era and not match with the current complex changing environment. Keeping in view the criticisms of management education and the competence required for being an effective graduate, this study attempted to explore the learning preferences of the management undergraduates and the teaching methodology in relation to the demand of the field of management. The total sample consists of 100 final year Management and B.com students, 40 lecturers consist of assistant lecturers, lecturers and senior lecturers drowning from a university. The index of learning style- the instrument was developed by Richard M. Felder and Barbara A. Soloman of North Carolina State University was used to measure the four learning styles of students. To assess the perception of the students about the course, another questionnaire was used in this study. Based on the learning styles questionnaire to assess the teaching methods and congruence between the learning style and teaching methodology the researchers used the questionnaire designed by Luciano Mariani, Milan.This study found that most of the management students are active, sensing, visual and sequential learners. This indicates there is a shift of students learning style from traditional to modern except one style of learning. This pattern is common irrespective of race and religious differences, but there is a significant difference found in terms of sex. Although both sex groups show the modern learning styles, females are more conservative than males. Males are end oriented rather than mean oriented. It was found there is a disparity between management students’ style of learning and the teaching methods and styles, in terms of the rate of change. In other words the changing of learning styles of students towards the modern is faster than the changing of teaching methods.
Indigenous Management & Buddhism: The role Buddhism to Indigenous Management Practices in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Galahitiyawe, N.W.K.
The concept ‘change’ has been subject to much discussion among scholars and practitioners in the discipline of contemporary management. Though change is a wellaccepted phenomenon, Taylorism still prevails dominant both in the west and East for hundreds of years. Once reflecting upon Sri Lankan history and legacy, it provides evidence with regard to the existence of a strong resource management system. Yet, the country is labeled as underdeveloped well over one century, and the reason behind this is not the lack of funds or resources, but the mismanagement of both. Thus, it is commonly argued that a localized management system, which resembles the socio – cultural requirements of the country is an urgent need. “Use foreign theories as base; test before apply and adjust them; if necessary re-conceptualize them and localize”. The objective of this paper is to critically evaluate the divergence of the existing management practices and to identify the appropriate indigenous management practices based on Buddhist ideology, which would suit the Sri Lankan context. The empirical data for the survey was collected from 10 Managers (Sinhala- Buddhist) and 20 Employees in two Sri Lankan organizations. Questionnaire and informal interviews have been used as the methods of data collection. The paper presents a model, which focuses on managing Sri Lankan employees and decision-making with a set of recommendations. The research concludes that the employee moral conducts are deep-rooted in the religion, beliefs and values, while 70% of managers are seeking for social power through power distance. Buddhism largely complies with postmodernism and therefore, requires to state past in new forms, because people rarely go against their traditions.
Gender Equity Interventions on Access in a Sri Lankan University
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Bulumulle, K.
The university statistics reveal that women are well-represented in higher education (UGC Statistics Handbook 2001). It is noted that most women are enrolled in the Arts oriented disciplines while lowest percentages of women are enrolled in technical courses such as engineering, computer and IT studies. At the decision-making levels in universities, women’s representation is much lower than that of men. The objective of this paper is to address the issue of initiatives taken with regard to improving access to higher education concentrating especially on the two affirmative actions of:1) District quota 2) Mahapola scholarships, and to see to what extent these interventions have contributed towards bringing about gender Equity in Higher Education in the University. The research site access here is defined not merely as gaining admission, but opportunity to actively participate in all areas of higher education. Data was collected using qualitative methods such as interviews and observations. Documented data was also analysed. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 21, including students, policy-makers and staff members. Observations of five classrooms and of three faculty Board meetings were conducted The findings revealed that even though District Quotas and Mahapola Scholarships had facilitated the entry and retention of the women students, especially from the rural and underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds, they had not given women any substantial advantage in gaining access to non-traditional, more prestigious courses of study. Women also concentrate on gaining excellence in achievement as Epstein et. al. (1998) referred to as feminization of learning. Data also revealed that women students were often reluctant to cross over the stipulated gender boundaries due to fear of being stigmatized as non-conformist. This attitude of the women students have led to the exclusion of women from most other areas of achievement other than academic, that is, politics, decision-making and other social activities of the university life even at higher levels.
Environmental values for Decision Making: A Review of Travel Cost Method Applications in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Kularathne, M.A.T.R.; Gunawardena, U.A.D.P.
The travel cost method places a money value on recreational sites by estimating the costs of consuming the services of that place. Almost all the parks and protected areas of the country have been subjected to travel cost valuation exercises. However, majority of these studies lacks fundamental considerations of the method leading to questions on the validity of the provided estimates. The present paper reviews different applications of travel cost method in Sri Lanka and with a view of improving the accuracy of the estimates. For the review, the available travel cost studies have been screened with a view to identify the common problems inherent to these studies. After comparing 12 studies, the following has been recognized as the main problems: limited variables in the travel cost function, low R2 values and different consumer surpluses for similar recreational sites. The present review then selected five applications of travel cost method and compared the methodology adopted, statistical and analytical approaches, in detail against the state of the art. Travel cost studies of Hakkgala Botanical Garden, Sinharaja World Heritage site, Yala National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Udawaththekele Royal National Park have been used for the analysis. Results of the study showed that most of studies have not considered issues and biases that are common in the information gathering (time period, language, visitor type), defining and estimation of total travel cost, opportunity cost of time. Statistical validities of the estimated equations have given only low priority. Majority of the studies failed to address the most common shortcomings of the method. The presence of such problems means that the estimated values are either under or over estimates of the correct values of the recreational sites. It is recommended therefore to include a sensitivity analysis which includes the possible changes of the final estimates with regards to the variables mentioned above. However, it was obvious that errors could have been minimized if the proper sampling and the standard guidelines of the method had been adopted. If the consumer surplus values of recreational sites to be used in guiding decision making, it is extremely important that correct addressing of such issues and a set of guidelines regarding such issues are followed in order to improve the validity of the estimates.
Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka Fifty Years after Western Colonization: Impacts, Trends and Future Perspectives
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Mudalige, U.J.; Somarathne, M.
Until western colonial powers impacted on Sri Lanka about five hundred years ago, it was considered as a subsistence agriculture-based economy with paddy as the major agricultural crop. The structure of the agricultural sector has, however, been changed during the period of colonization (1510 – 1948) and afterwards, i.e. post-colonization (1948 to date) with the introduction of plantation crops and severe structural changes took place in other sectors relatively faster that contribute much to the overall production, employment, and trade etc. in the country. The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the impact of so-called changes occurred in the agricultural and other sectors under the western colonial powers, especially under the British rule (1815 – 1948), on the overall national development of the country in the post-colonization era. It used the hypotheses made by Myint (1977) to develop the empirical model for analysis, i.e., agriculture sector of a country can promote its economic development by five distinct ways: (1) increasing the supply of food available for domestic consumption (food security); (2) releasing its labour for industrial development; (3) enlarging the size of the domestic market for the industrial sector; (4) increasing the supply of domestic savings from agriculture, and (5) providing the foreign exchange earned by agricultural exports. Using the secondary data for the period covering 1970 to 2003, a multiple regression analysis was carried out with appropriate variables to express these phenomena. The results suggest that there exists a significant impact of these factors on overall economic development of the country, especially in the areas of household food security, labor mobility, capital formulation, and marketing and trade of agricultural products. The results suggest that although the relative contribution of agriculture sector to overall economic development has been reduced over time, it is imperative to taking into account these trends and impacts that take place in agricultural sector extensively in the processes of developing appropriate policies, as it is the most sensitive sector in terms of the political economy of the country.
Is A Strong Economy Important For A Small Neighbouring Open Economy?
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Huang, K.H.
As China has significantly grasped the most important market in the world, India is the second biggest market in the world. How about the effect of such a powerful economy to the neighbouring small economies? Is it a threat or an opportunity for its neighbouring small economies? Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea have shared the growth of Japan in 1970s-80s and China in 1990s-2000s, mainly underpinned by the previous colonial linkage and historical common cultural background. How about the effect of India upon the development of Sri Lanka? We will examine the extent that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka in terms of economic integration? Is there factors making such a difference from Chinese economies? Diversified cultural difference and unique colonial background could have certain effects.
Model for Tourism Forecasting and Policy in Complex Situations
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Cooray, T.M.J.A.
Information about the current and forecast levels of tourism and its contribution to the economy is important for policymaking by businesses and governments. Traditional forecasting methods can provide reasonable forecasts in the context of predicable changes. However, forecasting becomes problematic in the context of both predictable changes and less predictable domestic or international shocks. This paper demonstrates the ways in which an integrated model, combining traditional forecasting methods and quantifiable scenario forecasts, can be used to examine complex combinations of events. The model is applied to Sri Lanka’s tourism indicators, which provide a picture of tourism in the Sri Lankan economy, with traditional forecasting methods and quantifiable scenario forecasts. Results are provided for a combination of changes in relative exchange rates, income of major origin countries and a positive shock to tourism demand, to demonstrate the integrated model's ability to take account of the complex multiple events that affect tourism destinations.
The Role of Civil Society Organizations and Politicians in Disaster Management in Sri Lanka: A Study of Post-tsunami Rehabilitation Work
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Ranaweera Banda, R.M.; Aberathne, U.; Abeywarna, S.
The tsunami that hit the coasts of Sri Lanka on 26th December 2004 made a massive devastation to human, physical and natural resources in thirteen out of the twenty-five districts of the island. The percentage of the coastal population affected range from less than 20 per cent in the southern coast, up to 78 to 80 per cent in the east coast. Apart from loss of life of about 40,000 people, nearly half a million of persons were displaced. The estimated damage to private properties and infrastructure was about US$ 480 million. As the state alone was unable to respond to a disaster of this magnitude, it sought assistance of NGOs, international donors and private-sector to assist the rehabilitation and, reconstruction process. In this scenario, the role of civil society organizations became vital as the donors believe that their ability to reach the real victims is much more higher than the government machinery and delivery of aid can be done in an effective manner. Thus, many international donors channelled their aids through national and local NGOs by creating a barrier to work patron –client relations in aid delivery. This mechanism adopted in the aid delivery was seen by some, particularly local politicians, as a corrupt method of practice. In fact, some of the politicians thus began to ally with NGOs in the delivery of emergency relief aid and post-tsunami rehabilitation work. This novel tendency that could be observed in the south coast is the point of argument of this study. It attempts to investigate what socio-economic factors or processors have been influenced in shifting the conventional role of the politicians to a different role played by civil society organizations. The present study argues that the Sri Lankan civil society organizations do not engage in a project of empowerment of people, but they too are sharing the same role of politicians. Such a situation had arisen because those politicians lost a space to engage in patron-client politics due to various pressures from structural adjustment policies adopted that limited or made a constraint to their role in economic management.
Archaeology: The Three Savants in the Field of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monastic Architecture
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Gunawardhana, P.
The Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya was established in 1979. Serving the department were three Professors, namely Abhaya Ariyasinghe, Senake Bandaranayake and H.T Basnayake, serving at different times, whose contributions have received national and international acclaim. There is no doubt that we can class them as savants in the field of archaeology. Architectural remains of Buddhist monasteries, in terms of size and number, constitute the most significant branch of archaeology. The specialization area or the doctoral research of these Professors was Buddhist monasticism in Sri Lanka. This paper is intended to examine the approaches of these Professors in the field of Buddhist monastic architecture. It can be seen that there are two approaches to the study, the first is a historical approach and the second is a social approach. Abhaya Ariyasinghe and H. T. Basnayake attempted to recognize a considerable number of details pertaining to particulars of monastic units as mentioned in the ancient chronicles. The publication of all existing remains of Buddhist monasteries under architecture would be a valuable record in order to study the historical context of the subject. Therefore, it can be said that Ariyasinghe and Basnayake developed the forms and concepts in the context of the historical approach (Gunawardhana, 2003). However, the decade of 1970 marks a turning point when there were two significant lines of development in archaeology (Trigger, 1989). First, the critical analysis of literary sources and inscriptional evidence that constituted the initial framework. Secondly, the research components as initiated by other disciplines of theoretical studies and other analytical methods in examining the Buddhist monasteries. The scholar who has engaged himself in Buddhist monastic scholarship in systematically analyzing the various types of these institutions, the individual building units and the theoretical framework of the monasteries is Senake Bandaranayake, who developed the social approach.
Some thoughts on the Spatial and Architectural Impacts
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Gunaratne, L.
A different economy with an emphasis on the spice trade was introduced by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. With military suppression, a new system of towns, transport routes and some changes in land use resulted in the maritime region of Sri Lanka. These spatial transformations were more noticeable in the Wet Zone lowlands. Colombo, a new fortress settlement created by them, emerged as the main city of naval, military and commercial importance. The new intrusion of military technology in the form of cannons and firearms brought in its wake a new type of urban fortifications and related structures. These structures were planned by Portuguese military designers. They were built by Portuguese craftsmen and African slaves for the hard unskilled labour, all of whom were usually sent from Goa. The materials in general, were local. Perhaps, the most important and prominent exogenous building type to be introduced was the Christian church. The Portuguese period is one noted for its unusual violence. At least eight momentous events in the destruction of local cities of economic, military and cultural significance to the indigenous population are identified in this paper. Also a large number of major building sites of very special cultural and religious importance were destroyed and at least five of them are identified and briefly discussed. No places of worship sacred to the local population survived the Portuguese in the relatively large extent of territory they held. Often churches were built in the locations where Buddhist temples and Hindu kovils were destroyed. Several of these sites are also identified. It has also to be recognized that the Portuguese building methods made a substantial and positive impact on the vernacular architectural tradition of Sri Lanka, a tradition which still survives even today though somewhat diminished by other subsequent influences.