Symposia & Conferences
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Item A Study on the Attitudes and Issues of the Undergraduates Who have Completed the Compulsory English Course for Humanities Students.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Keerthiwansha, N.W.B.S.The compulsory English course is designed to improve the English language knowledge of the undergraduates to assist them to continue their respective courses at the university. However, even after the completion of the course, the majority of the undergraduates show difficulties in basic grammar, academic writing and speaking. Therefore, this particular research is designed to identify the attitudes of the undergraduates who have already completed the compulsory course to make suggestions for further improvements. Twenty-five third year undergraduates were chosen to give a questionnaire to record their attitudes regarding the course before the commencement and after the completion of the course, the remaining language issues they have and their personal opinion regarding the course. Through the data analysis it was found that the course do not have a text book. The majority of 87% have stated that the time duration of 2 hours per week for 15 weeks is not enough for the course. More importantly, when their attitude regarding the course before the commencement of the course is noteworthy because the majority of 83% had expected that the course would solve some of their English language issues and 17% had thought that the course would solve all their English language issues. On the contrary, none of the participants stated that all their issues were solved after completing the course while the majority of 74% have stated that some of their issues were solved and the remaining 16% has stated that none of their issues was solved after the course. In addition, writing skills were not improved and the time allocation for listening and speaking was quite low. Majority of 63% has specifically stated that the focus on improving speaking skills was inadequate, which was the most critical language skill for the undergraduates. Thus, designing a textbook to cover all the necessary grammar rules, extending the duration of the course, focusing more on presentation skills, speaking and academic writing can be suggested to improve the quality of the course and to meet the language needs of the undergraduates.Item Usage, Attitudes and Issues of Cursive Handwriting faced by Learners using English as a Second Language in University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka(Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasinghe, H.S.; Keerthiwansha, N.W.B.S.; de Alwis, V.N.N.U.; Egodage, W.A.The research intends to focus on a less researched area and is designed to find the level of usage, the issues and attitudes of cursive writers and non- cursive writers using English as a second language in the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Moreover, when the history of research in the field of English language is considered, there have been various studies conducted on cursive handwriting on an international level focusing on the level of clarity, performance at examinations, teachers’ attitudes and writing speed. However, a study on cursive handwriting has not been conducted so far in Sri Lanka. Thus this is an initial step for further research. The results of the study prove that cursive writing mainly relies on personal interest and students are not encouraged to learn cursive handwriting at school. In addition, the majority prefers manuscript style in an examination and taking notes in a lecture. Moreover, the majority have stressed on the proper practice and proper format when writing cursive handwriting. Meanwhile, a majority admires the beauty of cursive script and they enjoy reading when they find a properly written piece of cursive writing. Significantly, certain individuals do not measure the intellectual level of the writer through cursive handwriting. Nevertheless, due to the lack of systematic training only a minority uses cursive writing. The number of difficulties faced by the Sri Lankan cursive users is quite high, and the issues identified need to be addressed cautiously for its improvement.Item Buddhist solutions for modern environmental issues(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kalurachchi, A.Most of the people in the present world have faced many environmental problems due to modernization and face problems due to natural disasters. Although, they have lost a proper place to dwell, human beings are not able to leave the world. Many environmental problems, such as earthquakes, floods, drought, tsunami, and wild-fire, have risen due to the unlimited usage of environment. These issues should be solved as soon as possible and in fact, findings solutions for such problems is a public responsibility. All the disasters have sprung up due to the influence of human activities. In investigating solutions for the above mentioned crises, some specified teachings of the Buddha can be suggested as solutions. According to Buddhist teachings, many positive attitudes and principles on the environment can be pointed out, such as use of natural recourses with responsibility and practice of loving kindness. When we go through the above points, it is possible to change the attitudes of the people to generate more awareness towards environment. Though Buddhism is not going to recommend environmental solutions, it is clear that the basic teachings in Buddhism indirectly stress the way to protect the environment. The intention of this paper is to reveal that predominant elements in Buddhism can be applied to solve the modern environmental issues.Item The importance of the study of the philosophy of religion in solving current religious issues(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Vijitha Thero, MoragaswewePhilosophy of religion is a branch of philosophy. Religious history is sometimes characterized as subjugation, terror and persecution. In that sense, it has become the main barrier to establish peace and harmony. Although religion contains a communal system for the coherence of society, it is misinterpreted and misrepresented in many societies. The main objective of philosophy of religion is not denouncing or justifying any religion. But it inquiries into the various rational questions in religion. It has historically been theistic. However, religious exclusivism has become the major issue in creating a better world. What the most of religious exclusivists maintain is certain religions are true whereas others are false. This definitely creates social unrest among the adherents of the major world religions. These religious exclusivists have to be more self-critical about their own beliefs. If they do not have such an approach, then the things would become serious and complex. To avoid such conflicts, philosophy of religion suggests the importance of the concept of religious diversity that has become one of the main branches of philosophy of religion. It is increasingly aware of the interactive with other religions where needs to revisit the religious beliefs. Therefore, the philosophy of religion should be involved in solving modern religious issues making a global platform to address the current religio-social issues beyond the religious scope taking into consideration both theistic and non-theistic religious traditions. If the religion needs to help the manifold challenges in society, it must be free from ignorance, prejudices and animosity. Religion must emphasize the collective progress of the entire world without taking any side. So that commitment of religion, it can bring the enormous benefits for the well-being of the world. Therefore, the philosophy of religion is vital to build a vibrant and democratic surrounding. This paper attempts to demystify the philosophy of religion in solving current religious issues.