National Conference on Sinhala Studies (NCSS)

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Active reading, Lakshyartha and metaphor (A Study on the Poetry of Anuradha Nilmini, Nadun Yasitha Dasanayake and Lakshantha Athukorala)
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Gunarathne, Osanda
The relationship between the writer and the reader, is formed through the creation of meaning in a literary work. Criticizing poetic creations with special attention to the creation of meaning is a special feature of both Eastern and Western literary criticism. Wijayawardena (1967) who is engaged in an analysis of the various criticisms used for the criticism of Sanskrit literature, based on the ideas of Anandawardena's Dhvanyaloka, affirms the importance of the generation of meaning in the generation of rasa, which is the ultimate result of a literary work. Wijayawardena, who further shows the relationship between rasa and dhvani, also commented on the emergence of the meanings of Vachya, Lakshya and Vyangya respectively from the association of Abhidha, Lakshya and Vyanjana, which are the means of creating meaning. Citing the views of modern critics such as Stephen Dobbins, Ted Cohen and Edward Hirsch in his new work, Amarakirti (2016), highlights the importance of metaphor in modern Western literary criticism, emphasizing how much it influences the reader for active reading. It is the acceptance of Sanskrit poetic criticism that metaphor is an outgrowth of meaning. Accordingly, it is allowed to construct the hypothesis that the literary work user or friend is also used in building a relationship with the poetry. In a quantitative study of modern Sinhala literary criticism, this birth is more important because it appears that the modern Sinhala literary critic is motivated to consider the metaphor as a mere poetic expression, even if he only focuses on the literal and figurative meaning, but does not pay attention to the purpose. In this study, this hypothesis is researched through the poetic works of Lakshantha Athukorala, Nadun Yasitha Dasanayake and Anuradha Nilmini, who are notable poets of modern Sinhala literature. In selecting these poets the researcher was influenced with his personal preference as well as the fact that their work have been awarded during last decade. The research problem was to investigate how these writers have used metaphors to bring out the meaning in order to encourage the readership to actively enjoy the poetry, and the aim of the research was to confirm that modern poets not only use metaphors but also the creation of meaning through active readership. To collect data, the library and the internet were used through the qualitative research method and it was analyzed using the descriptive method.
An Analysis of the Existential Philosophy Reflected in Nandana Weerasinghe's Poetry
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Ranasinghe, R. A. Dhammika Manike
In the wider philosophical arena, Existentialism occupies a prominent figure. It quintessentially stands for the significance of the existence of an entity than its essence. While existentialists tend to question the meaning of treating human life with importance, they elucidate the ability to define a human through its existence as well. Abstract concepts like subjectivity, forlornness, anguish, and despair are closely bound with this philosophy. The research expects to explore and discuss the expression of such existentialist ideas that evolved through the literary works of Nandana Weerasinghe. He has been able to publish 12 books of poetry during his career. His two publications, "Chandra Bimba" and "Kshana Niyama", will be studied and incorporated to explore the influence of existentialist philosophical approaches on the current Sri Lankan poets. He is renowned for his experimenting with both Eastern and Western poetic traditions while displaying his identity to critically address various interactive social issues. His conventional poetry, short poems, narrative poems, essays, and several other translations demonstrate his experiments on conventional poetic elements, structural development, and language utilisation. The meaning added to every word in his poetic language, the intertextual characteristics involved with the work, and the incorporation of the philosophical viewpoints and ideas of Eastern and Western philosophers are evident throughout his recent literary works. Despite his works being widely discussed in the current Sri Lankan literary community, there is a lack of discussion on his most recent works that express his existentialist ideas. Information is expected to be taken from primary and secondary sources. While the key information will be taken into consideration, Nandana Weerasinghe's poetry and an interview to be held with five contemporary writers will be chosen as the primary sources. The interpretive framework will be developed according to the collected information. Certain modern concepts of literary criticism are expected to be utilised. The research will present an analytical, literary exploration related to the issue while maintaining the awareness of the Eastern and Western philosophical concepts that he supported in his poetry.
An Analytical Study of Indigenous Medicine as Reflected in Saddharmaratnavaliya: with Selected Stories
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Wijesundara, Kalyani; Dharmapriya, A.K.H.
Not only inscriptions, chronicles and legends, but also literary sources can be used when investigating information regarding local medicine in Sri Lanka in the past. Contemporary social information is evident from the continuous flow of literature since the Anuradhapura period. The aim of this research is to identify the information about the local medical science discussed in the Saddharmaratnavaliya written in the Dambadeni period. This research was conducted focusing on the research problem of whether Saddharmaratnavaliya is important as a literary source from which information can be obtained indirectly about the 'medical practice of ancient Sri Lanka'. Although this book written by Dharmasena Thero in the Dambadeni period is known as a literary book that gives Dharmopadesa, it discusses many social information, which was the main reason for focusing on this research. Among the important information that reveals the various aspects of the village society at that time, attention was paid to the information discussed about local medicine. According to the qualitative research method, the study was conducted by using the Saddharmaratnavaliya as the primary source and authentic works written on local medicine as the secondary source under the bibliography.In the story of 'Chakkhupala Therunge Kathawa', there are mentions of treatments such as nasya, body oiling etc. The use of poisonous medicine is mentioned in stories like Mattakundali, Kali Yakkhinni and Chakkupala Therunge Katha. There is also information on how to eliminate poisons with mantras and remedies like decoction, kalka and oil. Among the parables, rudhis and prastavas contained in the work, there are also expressions associated such as 'Semata uk sakuru kanna kanna se', 'Vandata beheth denna se', 'Hunata thiembara yahapathei'. It is said that after listening to Pirith and drinking Pirith wathura, childbirth became easier and that leafy foods were used for diseases. Thus it can be analysed that information is mentioned in the old literary books about local medicine. It is clear that this research gives evidence to conclude that the researches on indigenous medicine can get a lot of information not only from medical books but also from classic Sinhala literary books.
Analytical Study of the Oppressed Social Circumstances Depicted by Plays of Jayalath Manoratne (Through plays: Mahagiridamba, Kaneru Mal, Buruwa Mahattaya, Sellam Nirindu)
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Arachchi, Eranga Kaushalya Godakanda
Mr Jayalath Manoratne, a playwright who had commenced his productions in the 80th decade, made his contribution to upholding the drama industry. There are 12 plays which were solely composed by him, and out of those, Mahagiridamba (1980), Kaneru Mal (2000), Buruwa Mahattaya (2011) and Sellam Nirindu (2013) are a few plays which showed greater success traits. The objective of this research is to investigate the oppressed social circumstances depicted by the aforementioned plays. The research is significant as it distinguishes the approaches used by Manoratne to characterise the circumstances where different levels of society are oppressed. The main problem of this research focuses on identifying the playwright's definition of oppressed ideology and the extent to which the oppressed society is represented in aforesaid plays. Primary and secondary sources were used as the research methodology. The play scripts of Mahagiridamba, Kaneru Mal, Buruwa Mahattaya and Sellam Nirindu written by Jayalath Manoratne were used as primary sources while using few written sources related to the oppressed society and reviews related to Jayalath Manoratna's plays as secondary sources. Socio-economic difficulties faced by a young playwright is the subject matter of the play "Mahagiridamba" and the play "Kaneru Mal" signifies how the peasants of the country are oppressed mentally and physically. The tragic fate of labourers as well as their representative parties, are symbolised in "Buruwa Mahattaya" and the play "Sellam Nirindu" is based on the era of king Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe. This portrays how the foreign princess Sumithra, a queen of the king, is being oppressed because of her unfamiliar cultural background. The characters of the aforementioned plays had been oppressed for many reasons, such as social, cultural, economic and political. They tend to choose either death or struggle to get rid of the stress. This represents how physical and mental oppression rises despite the class gap. The attempt made by Jayalath Manoratne to illustrate the value of an unoppressed, fair society has been clearly identified by this research.
An Analytical Study on the Effect of Subtitling and Dubbing on Foreign Language Films and TV Series
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Piumantha, Oshan N.
Cinema has its own unique language. It is created by combining the two basic components of image and sound and can be studied through semiotic approaches. According to the country of the original production of a movie or a TV series, the language contained in it also changes. Although it is possible to understand the language of movie through semiology approaches, in order to understand the original spoken language contained in it, there must be an understanding of that language. Local audiences use methods such as cinemas, television or internet access (OTT) to enjoy foreign language productions. Subtitles downloaded and used from the internet cause several major problems. However, because the subtitles provided for many foreign productions are different from the linguistic meaning of the original production or are arranged in a way that does not match the meaning, problems arise in watching the original production's original meaning. It is also problematic to limit the time to pay full attention to the movie or the TV series by focusing on watching subtitles. Also, dubbing is an accepted method of screening and distribution of foreign language productions on television and OTT platforms. In this way, even if the audience understands the basic narrative of the creation, the ability to absorb its subtle cinematic components is lost. Before dubbing works, there is a problem of translating it into the relevant language and whether it is perfectly translated to the meaning of the original work. It is presented through this research paper that the basic expression of the original work is damaged in some way due to having to adjust the dialogue segments to suit the character's lip movements. Due to these reasons, when watching foreign productions, the audiences who are not close to those languages have an obstacle to enjoying the creations properly. The main purpose of the study is to analytically present that the application of subtitles and dubbing for foreign language productions is harmful to the main purpose of the production. Data is collected through a questionnaire to study the topic experimentally, and it is based on the works compiled on the subject, and the opinions of authentic scholars related to the subject are analysed.
An Anthropological Study of the Shiva – Parvathi Deity Concept
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Rathnayake, R. M. Thusitha Priyankara
Compared to Theravada Buddhism, popular Buddhism functions as a mechanism to build a civilized society. The concept of God found in popular Buddhism fulfills a pioneering mission “The Hindu tradition consists of several complex systems of thought and belief. Among them, the faith of Shiva, the faith of Vishnu, and the faith of Shakthi occupy a central place. ‘Beliefs related to sacred objects and pachithi Basalk are beliefs and pachim thart bind everyone into a single ethical society.’ This religion fits the systems of Hinduism in a way. In this connection.’’ The idea given by Professor Sathasivam surin is very important. This statement can be substituted for Sri Lankan society, which is based on Hindu tradition but nurtured by popular Buddhism Because Hindu gods are sacrificed under popular Buddhism Lord Shiva’s wife is Parvathi. The two children of these two are Skandha and Ganapathi. God Skandha and Ganapathi have a prominent position over the rest of God’s entourage Shiva, also known as ‘Mahadeva’ means ‘happiness’. This name is applied to him because he has more power than all the gods combined. The worship of this Shiva, Parvathi and their children are very popular among Sri Lankans. The purpose of this research is to study the worship of the prescient deity of Sri Lankan popular Buddhism and the closely related anthropomorphic values According to the qualitative research method, data was collected from literature sources, direct observations and interviews with devotees as well as temples. Crows. Some research also revealed that the Sri Lankans believe that Lord Shiva takes priority to giving birth to children and wearing a garland of red flowers is washed with milk and drinking their milk gives birth to children. People worship to God Ganapathi to achieve success in kids' educational activities this belief has existed among Sri Lankans for a long time and the collective worship of the deities brings anthropological values to it.
Authority Control of the Sinhala Personal Names in the Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) in Sri Lanka
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Wanigasooriy, Priyanwada
Personal names play a crucial role in finding library sources and identifying authors. Previous research has revealed that the most popular search path in library automation systems is searching under personal names. However, variations in personal names adversely affect the quality of information retrieval, the linking of related resources, and copyright management. When using Sinhala personal names, misspellings of names, use of the same author's name in several forms, and the presence of the same name for two authors make it impossible for computers to recognise the use of such names. Consequently, those entries are retrieved as two separate individuals. To this, libraries employ internationally accepted authority control files. In Sri Lanka, it is evident that many libraries adhere to name formatting patterns without giving due consideration to proper international authority formats. Establishing a suitable fully automated author name authority file is essential to minimise this confusion. Additionally, adopting appropriate transliteration processes is essential for effective authority control functions. The primary objective of this study was to develop an automated authority file for the accurate identification of books by their respective authors' names. The names of authors recorded in the OPACs of the National Library of Sri Lanka and the University of Moratuwa were used as a sample to identify name variation, and a statistical method was used to list them and identify patterns. To ascertain the utilisation of author name authority control in such occasions, OPACs of selected libraries were examined using the web survey method. This process included examining previous names, confirming relevant name headings, determining access points, determining the form of headings, and verifying whether the same individual appeared under various name forms. The study compiled a list for automatic recognition and retrieval of appropriate name forms for the well-known names of recognised authors, to reduce errors in searching author names identified during the study. It enables uniformity of personal names in a country by facilitating all libraries using a single authority file.
A Cinematographic Study on the Graphical Portrayal of the Influence of Natural Law on Human Being in the Film "Avatar: The Way of Water"
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Subashani, U.W.N.
The movie Avatar: The Way of Water, which was screened in the year 2022, is a cinematic discourse about the relationship between man and nature. James Cameron solidly portrays the correlation between the Navi civilians and the natural environment in this film. From the beginning to the end of the film, James Cameron succeeds in graphically explaining that man cannot overcome the laws of nature. The research aims to discover how the movie Avatar: The Way of Water reveals the mutual relationship between man and nature and the influence of nature's law on man. Accordingly, the research problem indicates how Avatar: The Way of Water portrays through film grammar that nature destroys the man who opposes nature. The research methodology follows the theories of literary criticism based on environmentalism. In the present research, the film is the primary source, and the written review articles and interviews are the secondary source materials. As the limitations of the research, it only focuses on the cases where graphical language is used in the movie Avatar: The Way of Water. Man is engaged in a competition to conquer time and distance by performing technical experiments. But James Cameron has figuratively tried to show in the movie Avatar: The Way of Water that the one who strived to exceed the laws of nature will be destroyed by it. It is clear that the director has succeeded in bringing the environmental beauty closer to the audience through 3D renderings while making it clear that man cannot live in isolation from nature. Hence, it is clear that Cameron brings his characters closer to the audience in a heart touching manner through the medium of cinematic imagery.
A Comparative Study on the Use of Meanings of Sinhalese Ablative Case and Locative Case in Written Tamil Language
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Dhammawimala Thero, Udagaladeniye
The term case (vibhakti) is defined as 'vibhatti' in Pāli and 'vibat' in Sinhalese. 'Vibhajīyantīti vibhattiyō', that is, case means 'division'. Vibhakti is a feminine participle formed by adding the participle suffix 'Ktin' (ti) to the root bhaj with 'vi' prefix. The author of the Sidat Saňgarawa said, 'namin para vä bedanu labanuyē vibat nam'; vibhakti is the suffix that helps a noun stem to divide its meaning into agent, objective, instrument, etc. Further, it has been analysed in Tamil texts that the change of grammatical function of the nouns in a sentence is called the case. Grammatical function refers to the sentence rule between the noun and the verb in a sentence. The Sinhala native speaker is constantly faced with the problem of how to use methods of using cases appropriately when learning Tamil as a second language. Accordingly, Sinhala Bhāshā Vyākaraṇaya written by Prof. W.S. Karunathilake and Aḍippaḍait Tamiḷ Ilakkaṇam (mbg;gilj; jkpo; ,yf;fzk;) by Professor M.A. Nuhman have been used as primary sources, and a comparative study of the use of meanings of Sinhala Ablative Case and Locative case in written Tamil was conducted. According to the results of this study, it can be pointed out that while there are two cases in Sinhalese that are Ablative and Locative case, the fact that a single case suffix is used to express the meanings of those two cases in Tamil, is a major factor affecting Sinhala native speakers who study Tamil as a second language. Moreover, it can be emphasised here that when Sinhala native speakers directly translate their ideas into the Tamil language, having a correct understanding of the use of Sinhala cases itself will assist in using and understanding the methods of using cases in Tamil accurately.
Contribution of Literature for the Development of Soft Skills of Students: Based on Children's Stories in the Primary Curriculum Currently Implemented in Schools
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Jayasinha, Nirmala
Education is a great support for the progress of the entire humanity. Thus, primary education, which is the first stage, is assisting in the overall development of the human beings. The student acquires hard skills as well as soft skills through formal and informal education. Soft skills are the qualities that a student needs to effectively use the knowledge gained from hard skills and to interact effectively and harmoniously in interpersonal communication. In Sri Lanka's education system, the national goals of education as well as the basic competencies have drawn attention to the development of soft skills. In the education of the 21st century as well, a special place has been given to the development of soft skills. Literature provides great support in imparting soft skills to the students through the accordingly prepared primary education curriculum. The primary education curriculum is also closely intertwined with literature. In this research, the opportunities provided for the development of soft skills of the students were examined in relation to the five children's stories included in the primary curriculum. Subject to qualitative research method, data were gathered through the analysis of children's stories included in the primary curriculum, interviews conducted with teachers and parents of the selected schools, and direct observation of student activities. The analysis of the collected data revealed that by including children's stories in primary education, assists in the development of students' tastefulness, creative skills, acting skills, communication skills, good attitude and critical and analytical skills as well as sociability, patience, leadership skills, and also the stories provide significant support for the development of soft skills such as social-emotional skills.
A critical study of Ruwan Bandujeewa's ability to recreate historical stories in a modernistic way (based on the poetry of Meelanga Meewitha)
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Bandaranayaka, P.S.
As a prominent feature of present Sinhala poetry, the theme of many of Ruwan Bandujeeva's poetic works takes a different form. The purpose of this study, which was conducted in connection with the poem 'Milanga Meevitha', was to engage in a critical study of Bandujiva's ability to recreate historical stories in a modernist manner. As a poet who correctly understood what is the ultimate responsibility of a poet, Ruwan Bandujeeva touches the deeper levels of social realities. In some cases, his poems, which are composed very briefly with three or four verses, are able to cover an area that has not been noticed so far in the society. It can be studied here how Bandujeewa attempts to recreate the social problem in a modernist manner by combining it with a historical story when he discusses a social problem. In this way, the poet is able to release his creation to the society more intensively. The remnants of historical incidents are taking place in society today and tomorrow. 'Kundalakesi' in Milanga Meewitha is one such story. In order to create the poem in a more fresh and surprising way, Bandujeeva sometimes mixes the core of the story, sometimes the characters, and sometimes the conceptual conditions arising from it with modern social events in this way. It is a very modernist imagination and although historical stories are used for poetry, it is a wonderful incident to intersect and present both the historical story and the modern social situation. How historical events coincide with certain events in the present day society can be well identified by several poems such as 'Salalihiniyo umbata kohoma sathutak athda?' , 'Menaka' , 'Bauddhaloka mawathe awukana anuruwa' , which are included in the Meelanga Meewitha. For this study, data is collected under qualitative method and Meelanga Meewitha poetry collection was used as a primary source. Accordingly, the main problem of this research was how those historical stories are recreated in Ruwan Bandujeewa's poems. In recreating an ancient story or phenomenon, how wonderfully Bandujeeva juxtaposes it with modernity can be studied in many poems in Meelanga Meewitha. It can be recognized that Ruwan Bandujeewa has a very high ability to present the burning issues of the society in a modernist way without looking at the traditional eyes using historical stories and it can be mentioned here as the results of this research.
A Critical Study on Gimmicks (of Women) in Femininity on Sringara Sataka of Bharthrihari
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Subashani, U.W.N.
Showing extreme modesty, shyness, pampering behaviour, and politeness are referred to as gimmicks of femininity. It is known that the poets of both Western and Eastern traditions tried to give various interpretations of female nature in their works. This is especially evident when focusing on works belonging to the Sanskrit poetic tradition. As a research problem, the kinds of female Gimmicks that are evident through Sringara sataka of Bharthrihari will be examined. The purpose of this research is to criticise the nature of Gimmicks of femininity by focusing on Sringara Sataka of Bharthrihari. Femininity is sometimes despised and sometimes glorified as supporting the existence of the world. It is expected here to study the nature of women based on the Gimmicks mentioned in the Sringara Sataka. The woman who is prominent in the Sringara Sataka is sometimes seen as pitiable, a stimulant of lustful feelings, a sublime human being, and sometimes as a creature to be dismissed with contempt. As the limitations, only the feminine effects that are evident in the Sringara sataka of Bharthrihari will be focused on. According to the qualitative research methods, the Sinhala edition of Ariyapala Gunasena's Sringara sataka will be focused as the primary source. Under the secondary sources, the theses of Indian professors and selected documents related to the field are used. In the examination of postgraduate studies that have been conducted so far, only the research on Sringara sataka of Bharthrihari and poetical methods has been discussed. But it must be said this research discusses the subtle uses of feminine effects and their aesthetic manifestations. It can be indicated that this research will give opportunities for researchers to study the unseen fields of Sringara sataka of Bharthrihari.
Disparities in Narrative styles Used by Sinhala Novelists: 1990 - 2020 (A study based on Liyanage Amaraparachchi, Eric Ilayapaarachchi, Keerthi walisarage and Saman Wickremarachchi's novels)
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Gamage, Thanuja
The novel has a unique place among other literature genres. It can be noted that the origin of the Sinhala novel took place at the beginning of the 20th century as a result of the gradual evolution of the classical storytelling in Sri Lanka, the inspiration of the western novel art and the academic revival that took place in Sri Lanka in the middle of the 19th century. Although the influence of various narrative styles of western literature started in the opening period, the use of Sinhala novelists in their creations, going slightly beyond the realistic method, is more noticeable with the group of novels that comment on the personal character from the 1950s. Siri Gunasinghe's novel Hewanella is a turning point here. Although the majority of Sinhala novels produced in the period of 1960-1990 can be considered as realistic works, the interest shown by novelists in the use of various narrative rules inspired by universal literature is notable in this era. The social and political upheavals and conflicts that took place in the country during the middle half of this period also affected the novel literature in the country. Accordingly, there was an impetus from the social environment itself to reject realism and a conversation about literature that exceeded realism was generated in the society. Western critical concepts or composition rules, which have been used to create Sinhala literature at an experimental level for a long time, seem to be widely used in novelization in the period of 1990 - 2020. The main objective of using novels published in this period as the field of study of this research was to study the impact of those concepts. Under that, the works of selected novelists Liyanage Amarakirthi, Eric Ilayaparachchi, Keerthi Welisarage, Saman Wickramarachchi are investigated in this study. The problem of this research is, what are the descriptive narrative rules depicted in the novels written in the period (1990-2020) to go Accordingly, attention is paid here to the differences in the design rules used by novelists as well as to the multiple narrative rules depicted through a single novel. The main purpose of the research is to identify the differences in the narrative rules and the Western literary influence that influenced the novels written in this period. Under the qualitative research methodology, the methods of using library books and literature survey were used and the research is done using the books of the a fore mentioned designers as the primary source and the critical books of the related criticisms as the secondary sources.
Economic Situation of Contemporary Society as Reflected in Sri Lankan Stories of Saddharmalankaraya (Based on Five Selected Stories)
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Sirisena, H.P.Susil
Saddharmalankara, believed to have been written by Rev. Sri Jayabahu Dharmakirti, belongs to the Gampola period of literature, which has associated the Pali Rasavahini. The author mentions that the purpose of writing Saddharmalankara is to make people who do not know that language to read Sri Saddharma which was in Pali and to develop their faith and intelligence. The content of Saddharmalankara consists of 28 categories and 150 stories. The stories included here can be divided into two main parts: Jambudvipotpanna stories and Lankadvipotpanna stories. Jambudvipotpanna stories contain stories originated in Dambadiva, and Lankadvipotpanna stories contain stories related to different environments and regions of Sri Lanka. The objective of this research paper is to provide an analytical commentary on the economic situation of contemporary society as revealed in the Sri Lankan stories of Saddharmalankara. Many of the old classics were based on events and characters that happened in Jambudvipa. There are only a few books written about experiences and environment related to Sri Lanka. Among them, Saddharmalankara holds a special place. Its Sri Lankan stories provide great support to know the behaviour patterns, life experiences, economic situation, political situation etc. of people who lived in contemporary society. The research problem here is the lack of studies on the economic information of contemporary society, as reflected by the stories of Saddharmalankara. For this purpose, correlation analysis was chosen as the research methodology. Accordingly, the data related to the economic information of contemporary society obtained by referring to the book Saddharmalankaraya and the books and documents written by various scholars about it will be subjected to analysis. Saddharmalankara includes more than sixty stories of Lankan origin. From that, Shraddha Sumana story of Bodhiraja category, Uttaroliya story of Arannaka category, Nakula story of Saliraja category, Thambasumana story of Thambasumana category and Nandivanija story of Sanghadatta category were based for research. The expected results of this research are the analytical information presented about the economic situation of the people in contemporary society, the economic situation of the country, the nature of trade, the condition of transportation, highways, and other infrastructure.
An Ethnographic Study of the Anuradhapura Sri Maha Bodhi; In Association with Daramiti Pohoya
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Sewwandi, R.S.S.
Since the southern branch of Sri Maha Bodhi was donated to Srilanka in the 3rd century BC, the devotees of this country worshipped it. To protect this bodhi tree planted in Anuradhapura from animal threats, the residents of that time made bonfires around the bodhi tree and chased away animals. Devotees who come every year to offer Bodhi make it a habit to bring a stick to light the bonfire. This happened especially on the occasion of the Nikini full moon Poyaday, so it is called 'DaramitiPohoya'. 'Daramiti Perahera' is a synonym for it. Even today, it is said that some people who come on the Esala month pilgrimage symbolically bring a small bundle of firewood and place it in a corner of the Bo tree. Accordingly, the background of this research is to collect the legendary facts determine the truth and falsity of it and conclude the importance of DaramitiPohoya.The objectives of this research were to judge the utility of the DaramitiPohoya dedicated to the Bo tree to cite the inherent characteristics and specialities of evolving since its origin and to preserve the intangible factors (folklore) due to social evolution and technological changes over time. The research problem is What DaramitiPohoya is and reveals it through the intangible factors. The limitation of the research is the study of the information that is documented and its utility and socio-cultural profile in the period from the beginning of the DaramitiPohoya dedicated to Sri Maha Bodhi. This research is based on the study of the literature sources related to the qualitative data analysis method. Going to the relevant field, collecting data through questionnaire methods, interviews and library methods, organising the data by analyzing the same facts through scholarly discussions, ideologies and literature sources, and presenting the results through summary and electronic methods. It is revealed in the data analysis that Daramiti Poya contributed to the protection of Bodhi in the past and the research findings are that the value of Daramiti Poya has been lost due to the technological development of modern society.
Existentialism Theory and Criticism of Novels: A critical Study
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Weerasinghe, W.M.N.D.
Analyzing human Existence, Jean Paul Sartre has presented the existentialism theory as a humanist study. In this contest the study is expected to analyze the impact of existentialism on modern novel focusing on the basic approaches of existentialism theory. The problem of the study is how the influence of the existentialism to interpret human thoughts in novel in humanistic way. The study launched through the analysis of Martin Wickramasinghe’s Viragaya, Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s Malagiya Etto, and Nawagattegama’s Sansaranyaye Dadayakkaraya. The objective of the study is to emphasize the need of existentialism method for a humanistic interpretation in novel criticism. Under the qualitative research method, the data collected through the literature study. Existentialism and psychoanalysis were the theoretical foundations of data analysis. This study based on Jean Paul Sartre’s existentialism, translated by Bernard Frechtmen. This study revealed that although activities of people emotions are formed by influence of external factors, in analyzing them, paying attention to the unique characteristics and essence of common humanity does justice of the characters. Man naturally tends to be open and close to toward situations like sex, curiosity, sociability. The need for humanistic criticism was emphasized by the characters of Aravinda and Devondara. Novels accustom the reader to a way of thinking that broadness of his critical outlook and mentality. These characters revealed that understanding of individual identities and dynamic that the novel touch on. Behavior that does not confirm to cultural norms is considered. This study signified that despite the expectation of an open life style, lack of focus on free thinking has led to regressive observation of human characters.
An Experimental Study of Traditional Botanical Decorations in Kandy Period
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Amarawansa Thero, Padiyathalawe
Trees, plants, vines, lotuses, petals of lotus, creeper designs, and tendril designs are used creatively to decorate a place or object are called botanical decorations. Sapumal, lilies, flowers, garlands, etc. can be known as decorations made from the natural environment. Kadupulmal, Seena Mal, Parasathumal, Kathiramal, etc. can be introduced as botanical decorations that are created imaginatively. Traditional Sinhala botanical decorations consist of both these parts. Designers use botanical decorations in paintings, sculptures, carvings, and architecture. Divine images and imaginary animal images indicate surprise and amazement. This research aims to examine what kind of communication is provided by botanical decorations, and the research problem is to investigate what the designer expected from the traditional botanical decorative designs in the paintings of Kandy period. The main objective of the research is to study the use of lines, creativity, purpose, and placement of botanical decorations in the art of botanical design. The sub-objectives of the research were to identify the colours, brushes, and techniques used. Primary data were collected through the field studies conducted in Kandy area, and printed and non-printed research books and research papers, and printed and electronic sources such as newspapers, magazines and videos, pictures, etc. were used to obtain secondary data. The hypothesis of the research is that ''In botanical decorations, attention has been paid to their shape, colour, shape and naturalness based on the enjoyment of the viewer". In the book 'Parani Sinhala Chitra Mosthara', first printed in 1940 by T. U. De Silva, Parasathumala and Kadupulmala are presented with images. However, no inquiry has been made about their values. Apart from this, books by L.T.P. Manju Sri, Nandadeva Wijesekara, Ananda Coomaraswamy, S.P. Charles, and other primary and secondary sources were utilised. The limitation of the research was trees, vines, and flower designs found only in the paintings of the Kandy period. In this era, the designer used botanical decorations taken from the natural environment, not to convey a didactic message. The designer has intended to create happiness in the viewer's mind with the botanical decorations. In addition, botanical decorations have been used as a strategy to fill the gaps in the main design and to bring Buddhist people to the temples.
A Folklore Study of Royal Legends (Based on Village Names in Matara)
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Kahandagamage, Sandhya
The Matara district comprises 16 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, and the number of village names related to each division exceeds five hundred and fifty. Divergent opinions exist among the populace concerning the origins of these village names. Various legends, deeply entrenched over time, are intertwined with the nomenclature of these settlements. Historical and socio-cultural insights regarding village names in Matara can be explored in books "Matara Grama Nama" and its companion, "Matara Grama Nama saha Ehi Vitti." However, it is worth noting that these narratives have yet to be approached from an ethnographic perspective. The research problem is to investigate which royal legends are known by Matara village names, and what is its nature. The primary objective of this study is to The aim is to identify the relationship between history and folklore. In this study, books written on the village names of Matara were used to gather primary data. Additionally, a data collection methodology based on random sampling, involving interviews, participant observation, and questionnaires were used as secondary sources. The present study primarily focuses on legends of royal origin associated with village names. Accordingly, King Valagamba, King Dutugemunu, King Kumaradasa, and King Minikirulu were found and among these kings are regional kings as well as powerful ones. A legendary is a semihistorical phenomenon that took place in the apparent past. Various variants and combinations of a legend belonging to Chola literature are also found. Some of these legends shed light on the support that the Matara region provided in maintaining Sri Lankan statehood. These narratives intertwine with tales of invasions, conspiracies, escapes, personal gatherings, defenses, battles, victories, construction of temples, treasure troves, friendly relations, and more. The village names reveal that the legend related to King Vijayaba, who was a powerful king of Polonnaruwa, is popular in Matara, while it is confirmed by the Panakaduwa Copper Sannasa. It can be concluded that these legends are preserved along with the village names, mixed with various other folk sources.
Folklore Study on Bali Shanthikarma in Katukeliyawa Village of Kadawat Korala
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Amarasinghe, R.D.A. Ishara Tharangani
The researcher’s interest in folklore, the fact that Katukeliyawa Village of Kadawth Korala where the researcher’s nearby village is located, and that a folklore study has not been done on omens of Bali Shanthikarma at Katukeliyawa Village in KadawathKorala so far prompted the present researcher to this study. Bali Shanthikarma is still seen today among the people of Katukeliyawa Village. Educated by the Buddha, these people tried to perform barahara sacrifices in the face of inhuman forces such as demons and ghosts. They expected peace from the offerings made to the spirits of gods and demons. The offerings of flowers and incense in Kadawth Korala are two types of propitiatory sacrifices. As well as flower sacrifice is used to alleviate planetary defects and three doshas. Mal Baliya is also known as ‘Mal Keliya’. Fruits, betel nuts, spices, sweets, butter and seven curries are required for the flower sacrifice. Thus, this shanti karma is preformed to ward off evils caused by the Navagrahas of Ravi, Chandra, Mars, Mercury, Guru, Venus, Shani, Rahu and Kethu. Ambunbali is also known as mahabali in Katukeliyawa Village. Hubas clay is used for ambumbali. It must be located North of the house. As re-arranged, from the evening to the respective day until the morning of the next day, the Aduro beat the drums in front of them, sang poems and performed the Bali Aduro dance by placing their feet accordingly. It is a common ritual to place a coconut in the middle of the couch prepared for this yoga to commemorate the pullayara mutt. Thus, Kaila fruit juice, attana leaf juice, palu bark and attikka bark, olive seeds and brick powder are used to colour the ground rice. A part form the twisted planet, these other Navagrahas are also drawn in the sacrifice itself to be embodied. Also, new leaves should be prepared for these Navagrahas. Then the sacrifice is coloured and the eyes are in the correct place. Meeting women, I heard that the person was covered with a clear mat the perform sethshanthi. In comparison, it was possible to confirm through oral generations that the Bali Shantikarma of the village of Katukeliyawa, which demonstrates the culture value, exists beyond the individual objective of removing planetary evils and also meeting the various needs of the social life and agricultural life.
How the Current Society, Culture and Economy have Deviated Due to the Deterioration of the Old Economic System by the Hela Caste Hierarchy
(Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Balasooriya, B.M. Anjana Iroshan
Lakdiwa, nicknamed the "Grainhouse of the East", has undergone an economic and social as well as a cultural overflow, which is currently being ridiculed in front of the global people. When we consider this in depth, the caste system in Hela, developed, strong self-sufficient economic and social ties, gradually declined due to the transformation of all factors culturally due to the decay of time. Like the invasions that took place in this country, the friendly migrations can be considered as the main factors that led to the breakdown of the caste system which was fundamentally strong. The amazing information revealed by the ancient archaeological excavations also implies that the economic, social and cultural cores were immeasurably developed based on the profession-based caste system that existed in this country. A review of history reveals that there was not only food and drink but also art, science, culture and civilized society in this country due to the formation of a self-sufficient economic pattern through a production process based on the caste system. The aims and objectives of highlighting the ability to adjust the structural changes of the hidden value systems that can affect the administration of a country to the present and the Sri Lankan caste system is not the social status of people, but their contribution to the economy and culture of the country.