Staff Development Center Research Forum

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Adoption of Green Supply Chain Practices in Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayarathna, B.C.P.
The concept of Green Supply Chain Management is being discussing by the researchers today more than ever before. It is because of environmental issues raised through the process of delivering the products to end user. It becomes one of the main sources of serious environmental problems. Therefore most of the organizations tend to accept the green practices as a concern to environmental sustainability. Therefore this study aims to identify the level of adoption of green supply chain practices of manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka and to identify the key derivers that influence to adopt green supply chain practices of manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka. For this purpose structured questionnaire is used to collect data from the sample of ISO 14000 certified manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka and structural equation model is used to analyze data. Theoretical scope of the study includes identifying external factors based on institutional theory and internal factors based on resource based view for adopting green supply chain practices while empirical scope is narrow down to the manufacturing companies of Sri Lanka. Identifying the trend that the world need to be changed for environmental aspects due to global issues, it is important to study the green supply chain management since it is one of the ways to reduce environmental impacts of firms’ operations and for sustainability. And also the findings of the study will be more contributed to enhance the adoption of green supply chain practices by manufacturers, suppliers and the government.
An Analytical Study on the Role of the Woman in Käma-Sütra
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardhana, K.B.
Käma-sütra (the science of sensual gratification) that is the principle of acquisition of trivarga such as dharma (Ethical behaviour), artha ( Acquisition of valuable things) and käma (Sense gratification) was compiled between 1st - 6th A.D. by Vätsyäyana, a great sage. Man as well as woman has the unavoidable responsibility to maintain the satisfaction of mundane life. People will instinctively try to obtain sensual gratification through food and sex. In this stage the woman has invaluable role that will ultimately lead to the transcendental level of complete freedom and unconditional happiness. All damsels should learn art of sex with 64 arts and other scriptures in order to develop skills that will help to bring prosperity to their home as well as get independent income in case of widowhood or financial difficulties of the husband or his family. Wife has different roles such as mother, sister, friend, chief organizer, monitor and psychologist of the house. Woman has been given due right to stand against injustice. She has command in home. Wife is the accountable character who should maintain the harmony and peace and responsible to retain husband form unconventional behavior. Six kinds of lady teachers who are major in related fields guide damsels. Although people believe that the profession of the gaëikä is ignoble, according to the käma-sütra woman who engage in this profession has been honored even by the kings, wise and ministers. Princes, Princesses and daughters of ministers have learnt under the supervision of those respected and well versed women. They provide services as musicians, artists and dancers.
Awareness of Sexual Education to Conceived Women and all through Enriching Dramatic Dance of ‘Sabaragamu Dola Upatha’ by Charmer
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Salgamuwa, D.W.
‘Sabaragamuwa Dola Upatha’ which is cited as an inspiring dramatic shanthikarma has been conducted in the Sabaramuwa Province of Sri Lanka for centuries. This provides counseling and awareness on issues and complications related to Sexual Education and pregnancy. Therefore, a valuable question arises is whether the society is aware about this Shanthikarma? Is this important to modern society? If so why is this so important? Therefore, this research attempts to provide an in-depth analysis of this cultural event that could make an impact to reduce mother and baby mortality ratio and raise sexual and academic education in society. According to the World Bank report 2014 and the UNDP report, Sri Lankan mortality ratio is high. Sexual education is not given due emphasis in the National curriculum of Sri Lanka. Though this Shanthikarma is limited only to the Sabaragamuwa Province, it is essential to expand it to all communities. The objectives of this research are to find how important the Sabaragamu Dola Upatha is to the present society to reduce the questions on sexual education. To achieve these objectives, primary data will be collected through questionnaires and secondary data will be collected through books, newspapers, Publications and ancient writings. Two hundred (200) questionnaires will be given randomly to selected groups like aged group interviews where live in Sabaragmu Province, professionals, students, husbands and youth. Outcome of this research will ensure the importance to expand this dramatic dance in island wide and make awareness among all. Counseling through a dramatic dance would be a better way to cogent and convince on sexual education simply through a Charmer.
Bile Reflux and Quality of Life after Retro gastric Retro colic Gastrojejunostomy in Whipple Procedure
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siriwardhana, R.
Introduction: Whipple surgery is a complex procedure done for pancreatic cancer. Main problem in long term survivors is delayed gastric emptying and bile reflux which is to cause chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, reflux oesophagitis and Barrett’s oesophagus As our preferred technique we have adapted a technique of performing retro colic posterior gastrojejunostomy over the last 2 years. In this technique the small bowel loop is anastomosed to the posterior wall of the stomach. Then the distal stomach with the gastro jejunostomy is pulled through a window in the transverse mesocolon and anchored. This study was designed to assess the macro and microscopic outcome. Methods: All patients who had undergone Whipple procedure from June 2012 to June 2014 will be included. Patients with recurrence, ones who had chemotherapy within last three months, and ones who have undergone the surgery within the last 3 months will be excluded. Informed written consent will be obtained All will undergo endoscopy observing the appearance of gastric mucosa and severity of bile reflux objectively. Five punch-biopsy specimens will be taken from the stomach in accordance to the recommended biopsy sites. Specimens will be fixed and stained in H & E and modified Giemsa stains. Bile reflux index (BRI) will be calculated using a standard formula. Severity of dyspeptic symptoms will be calculated with the “Nepean Dyspepsia Index- Short form (NDI-SF)” Questionnaire. Based on the findings we will be able to objectively evaluate the clinical and histological outcome of the procedure.
Categories of ancient Social Groups revealed by Batticaloa Brahmi Inscriptions
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Gowry, P.
Background of the study: The history of Batticaloa remains a closed chapter on the annals of Sri Lankan history. The discovery of majority of Brahmi Inscriptions in the archaeological researches undertaken by Prof.S.Paranavitana in the middle of the 20th Century Culminated in the revelation that on the basis of history, Batticaloa region to be considered as region of much importance. There had been no full comprehensive Studies relation to ancient Societies of Batticaloa region up to now, the Study seeks to discover the Social Groups found within 700 years from BC Third Century to AD fourth Century, on the basis of reliable and ancient Brahmi inscriptions. Aim: This study aims is to discover ancient social Groups through studying the Batticaloa Brahmi Inscriptions written from the BC Third century. Theoretical underpinning / Conceptual framework: Based on the research objectives and literature survey conceptual model has been constructed for this study as follow: Identify the ancient social groups, Pattern of the occupation. Proposed methodology: This study will be undertaken according to principles of historical methodology under competent guidance and in conformity with the principles of rational investigation and analytical examinations of the source materials. Expected outcomes: The findings of this study will be filling the gap of the knowledge about ancient society of the Batticaloa.
Characterization of the Temperate Phage vB_RleM_PPF1 and its Site-Specific Integration into the Genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum Strain F1
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Halmillawewa, A.P.; Restrepo-Córdoba, M.; Perry, B.J.; Yost, C.K.; Hynes, M.F.
The presence of prophages in a genome can contribute in increasing the bacterial fitness and ecological success in an environment that contains closely related phages. The temperate phage PPF1 was isolated from a lysogenized strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum F1. The complete genome sequence of Myoviridae phage PPF1 was determined using 454-Pyrosequencing technology. PPF1 is the first available complete genome sequence of a Rhizobium leguminosarum temperate phage (GenBank accession no: KJ746502) and the integration site and possible mechanism of integration of this phage has been identified. PPF1 is capable of efficiently lysogenizing the R. leguminosarum strain F1, and can be induced from its lysogenized host using UV irradiation. The genome of PPF1 is 54,506 bp in length with an average G+C content of 61.9%. The ORF predictions of the PPF1 genome revealed the presence of 94 putative proteinencoding genes and 74.5% of these predicted ORFs share homology at the protein level with previously reported sequences in the database. However, putative functions could only be assigned to 25.5% (24 ORFs) of the predicted genes. The site-specific recombination system of the phage targets an integration site that lies within a putative tRNA-Pro (CGG) gene in R. leguminosarum F1. Upon integration, the phage is capable of restoring the disrupted tRNA gene, owing to the 50 bp homologous sequence (att core region) it shares with its rhizobial host genome. The predicted att site of temperate phage PPF1 share a sequence similarity with the targeted att site of previously characterized Sinorhizobium meliloti phage 16-3. In spite of phage PPF1's propensity for lysogenizing host strains, including strains on which it does not form visible plaques, there has thus far been no evidence of the presence of similar phages integrated into completed genomes of R. leguminosarum and related phages. The site specificity of insertion of this phage could be used to create single copy integration vectors for genetic work in R. leguminosarum.
Clinical reasoning and its challenges at workplace: A qualitative study with novice medical graduates in Sri Lanka
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Karunaratne, W.C.D.; Chandratilake, M.B.N.; Marambe, K.
Background and rationale: Clinical reasoning is a major determinant of clinical competence among medical professionals (Barrows & Feltovich, 1987). However, even after 40 years of research, diverging opinions still persist on the diagnostic decision making process adopt by medical professionals proving the complexed nature of the phenomenon (Eva, 2004). Aim: This study aims to explore how novice medical graduates working at four main clinical specialties (medicine, surgery, paediatrics and obstetrics & gynaecology) learn and perform clinical reasoning during internship training and the challenges encountered. Theoretical underpinning: Theories of diagnostic decision making range from hypotheticodeductive reasoning described in 1970’s to the dual process theory, discussed recently in the medical education literature (Norman, 2005; Pelaccia, Tardif, Triby, & Charlin, 2011). Proposed methodology: Interpretive paradigm research using phenomenology will be conducted on novice medical graduates working in medicine, paediatric, surgery and obstetrics & gynaecology wards at the North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. The study will be conducted in two phases using purposive sampling (a combined total of 16) with gender balance and equal representation of specialties. During the study each participant will undergo three (3) interviews. The first interview will be on their experience of clinical reasoning as an intern and the challenges faced. The subsequent two interviews are based on audio-recorded patient encounters using the technique of stimulated recall. Two experts from each specialty will review the audio-recordings of patient encounters and determine the relevance of questions to the diagnosis. The interviews will be anonymised and transcribed verbatim. A coding framework will be developed using the five-stage process proposed by Ritchie &Spencer (Analyzing qualitative data, 1994). Thematic analysis of the data will be done using ATLASti. Expected outcomes: The study findings will provide meaningful insights in to organizing and re-structuring medical internship training to facilitate learning and on measures for improving clinical reasoning during undergraduate medical training.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Study of Sri Lankan Bank, Finance and Insurance Companies
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Kawshalya, P.
Corporate governance is a highly discussed topic which received the attention of corporate world during the last decade due to the paramount importance embodied within it for the company performance and stability. Basically corporate governance means the set of rules by which management of the company is directed and controlled. It attempts to ensure that managers and other insiders of an organization take measures or adopt mechanisms to safeguard the interest of stakeholders. With the global financial crisis which affected many of the world business giants, now companies are highly concerned to improve their corporate governance practices and therefore today researchers also have a great awareness to carry out researches in this area. However currently in Sri Lankan context less considerable of researches available in Corporate Governance. This study focuses on “Corporate Governance and Company Performance” considering all Bank, Finance and Insurance companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange as at December 2014. Data will be analyzed using the data of financial year 2013/14 using SPSS statistical software and hypothesis will be tested by performing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis for collected data.
Correlation of Ligand Donicity with Catalytic Activity in a Series of Gold (I) Carbene and Phosphine Complexes
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Mathota Arachchige, Y.L.N.; Slaughter, L.M.
Catalytic activities of transition metal complexes are influenced by both steric and electronic effects arising from ancillary ligands. In the case of linear gold (I) complexes, the available evidence suggests that ligand electronic effects are more important. However, available methods to investigate the donor abilities of ligands are not easily conducted with gold (I) complexes. In this study, the donor abilities of selected carbene ligands, including N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), abnormal N-heterocyclic carbenes (aNHCs), and acyclic diaminocarbenes (ADCs), as well as phosphine ligands, at a gold (I) center were studied. Methyl isocyanide adducts and 1,3- diisopropylbenzimidazolin-2-ylidene (i Pr2-bimy) adducts of a series of gold complexes were synthesized as IR probes and 13C NMR probes, respectively. The gold-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of alkynes, which is known to be accelerated by strong donor ligands, showed an inverse relationship between the Δν of the MeNC IR probe and the reaction rate. The same trend was observed with the 13C NMR probe, but the MeNC IR probes gave a better correlation with catalytic rates. Explanations of the observed donicity trends in terms of bonding effects will be discussed.
Critical analysis of elimination of ethical propositions of A. J Ayer and Carnap with reference to Buddhist ethics
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Chandaratana Thero, Dapane
In “Language truth and logic” A.J Ayer argues all the ethical statements are essentially meaningless and only expressions of emotive meaning and they are not based on empirical observation. All the statements are empirically or logically verifiable as having factual content are meaningful. The statements that are unable to verifiable as factual content are the expression of emotion and they are neither true nor false. So the normative statements are not essentially factual such as statement like “stealing money is wrong”. These kinds of statements are considered to be as ethical judgment or statement. The above statements are comprised with ethical words .These words do not express the literal meaning but expresses the emotive meanings which reinforce the emotions of the man to do only actions which considered to be good .Therefore according to A.J Ayer the ethical statements are meaningless. Carnp also stands in the similar notion on the ethical sentences. According to him philosophical investigations of what is good and what is evil, what is right to do and what is wrong to do, are pretended be factual investigations. The purpose of this philosophical or normative ethics is to state norms for human’s actions or judgment about moral values. For instance, the statement “do not kill” has grammatically the imperative forms and will therefore it does not consider as meaningful assertion. He moreover mentioned that someone might think that “If a person kills anybody,he will have feelings of remorse”. So,the sentence “killing is evil.”would be possible to verify through the remorse. But it is only emotional reactions of the person, so ethical statements are pseudo proportions. A.J Ayer and Carnap reject the normative ethics in order to the method of verification. Nevertheless their method of elimination of ethics can not be employed to reject the ethical statements made by the Buddha as its basis comprises with empirical content. The method adopted by the Buddha to verify the ethical statements is “inference by oneself” (attanan upamankatva). All the ethical statements made by the Buddha would be possible to verify through the above method such as very common statement for ethics is “killing is evil” can verify. Suppose, someone stabs you with purpose to kill you, but with the medical treatments you get cure. Now you have an experience on harmfulness as you experience the suffering .Then you should infer that if such an action is harmful to me, it is common to all other beings. In this way one can verify the meaningfulness of an ethical statement. Therefore, the method adopted by A.J Ayer and Carnap to eliminate the ethical statements as meaningless would not be possible to employed for the rejection of Buddhists ethics.
A Critical Inquiry into the Concept of Art
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Piyananda Thero, Wilgamuwe
Art is the medium of entertainment which should be experienced within an awaken mind. There are various forms of art including drama, poetry, music, sculpture, dance, literature, films etc. The modern day scholars have classified all these forms of art into numerous categories such as Visual Arts, Auditory Arts, Verbal Arts, Mix Arts, Fine Arts and Applied Arts. All these forms of art used for the same purpose, i.e. providing an aesthetic experience in order to heighten the wisdom. Various factors and incidences in society make contributions for a production of art to be made. Among them, people's life styles, beliefs, religion, the need to address the mental excitements of artists and environmental as well as geo-political factors are of enormous importance. Hence, it could be safely argued that a production of art is inevitable a property of the whole society and that such productions of art should address the conditions of the contemporary society. Since, art is one of the most important moving factors of culture, any study of the historical background of any country could not disregard art. Even though the primary purpose of art is to enlighten the mind, it appears that in the present society, it is primarily used only for personal satisfaction and entertainment. Given this background, the present study seeks to inquire into the phenomenon of art in a comprehensive way especially with regard to the functions and purpose of art and the ways in which forms of art could be used for the betterment of the society.
A Critical Inquiry into the Concept of Art
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Piyananda Thero, Wilgamuwe
Art is the medium of entertainment which should be experienced within an awaken mind. There are various forms of art including drama, poetry, music, sculpture, dance, literature, films etc. The modern day scholars have classified all these forms of art into numerous categories such as Visual Arts, Auditory Arts, Verbal Arts, Mix Arts, Fine Arts and Applied Arts. All these forms of art used for the same purpose, i.e. providing an aesthetic experience in order to heighten the wisdom. Various factors and incidences in society make contributions for a production of art to be made. Among them, people's life styles, beliefs, religion, the need to address the mental excitements of artists and environmental as well as geo-political factors are of enormous importance. Hence, it could be safely argued that a production of art is inevitable a property of the whole society and that such productions of art should address the conditions of the contemporary society. Since, art is one of the most important moving factors of culture, any study of the historical background of any country could not disregard art. Even though the primary purpose of art is to enlighten the mind, it appears that in the present society, it is primarily used only for personal satisfaction and entertainment. Given this background, the present study seeks to inquire into the phenomenon of art in a comprehensive way especially with regard to the functions and purpose of art and the ways in which forms of art could be used for the betterment of the society.
Culture in Translation: Shyam Selvadurei’s Funny Boy in Sinhala and French
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardena, H.S.M.M.
Shyam Selvadurei is one of the better known writers in English of the Sri Lankan Diaspora. Funny Boy, his first novel was translated in to French by Frédéric Limare and Susan Fox-Limare in 1998. The Sinhala translation was published later in 2002, translated by Sugathapala de Silva. Selvadurei’s style of writing is heavily influenced by the variety of English spoken in Sri Lanka, his mother tongue Tamil, Sinhala and Sri Lankan culture which explains the necessity of the glossary included in the novel. The object of the present paper is to examine how these cultural elements are translated in to two different languages. Both translations were analyzed to identify strategies and techniques used by the translators. The French translators targeted an audience who are familiar neither with the Sri Lankan context nor its languages where as the Sinhala translator has translated a novel, though written in English is placed in a more familiar context. The translators have chosen different strategies in their respective translations. The French translators have attempted to make certain cultural elements explicit to its target audience, by including a glossary, footnotes, and strategies such as adaptation. Equivalence was a strategy used in both translations, especially in translating idiomatic expressions and proverbs. The Sinhala translator has not provided footnotes, glossary or explanations. Many terms were not translated but were given in English in the Sinhala translation. The translation reflects the bilingualism practiced by Sri Lankans. As a strategy, it also highlights the dominance of the English language and the Western culture in the Sri Lankan context. The French and the Sinhala translators ‘domesticate’ their work and however, their strategies vary depending on the chosen target audience and its linguistic context.
The decline of Instrumental fields in music Education in Sri Lankan Universities
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Vaheesan, T.
Background: This survey is based on Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic studies. In university department of music subject like, Vocal music, Violin, Mruthangam and Veena are taught and special degree in the fine Arts is given in special (course) subjects and Bachelor of fine Arts degree is given to them. In these fields many students follow courses to these music fields about 70 to 80 students are admitted. Among them, most of the students choose vocal music instead of Violin, Miruthangam, Veena fields. When we consider the music field, the musical instruments also play a major role. Music is praised to be equal to God (PanchapakesaIyer, 1953) while considering Carnatic music, it not only includes Vocal music, it includes instrumental music as well. Any music which sanctifies it with swarams and varnams and give a pleasant feeling to the ear, is a sacred music (Ramanuja Iyangar, 1986)In today’s musical world instruments not only remain as helping instruments like veena and violin have become so popular as to conduct main music recitals Music is beyond language (Sundaraam1993). Its soul depends on composing music. Aim: Aim of this study is creating awareness among the students to take this subject as their main field and increasing number of students to select this field as well as Artist. Methodology: The first year music students who learn music at Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic students were selected for this research. The questionnaire was given to them and the answers got from them. Besides this discussions were conducted among them regarding the selection of subjects. Results: For this survey while having discussions with the students and giving questions to them and getting answers from them many students have showed their liking to select Instrumental music fields but while considering job opportunities they select vocal music even though it is against their course of study they expect to get jobs in vocal music fields. Conclusion: The Instrumental such as Violin, Miruthangam, veena subjects must be included in the school. That will be increase the Instrumental artists same as music artists.
Deep learned Visual Model for Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Kumarika, B.M.T.; Dias, N.G.J.
Background and rationale: The modern hand gesture recognition approaches can be classified as ‘contact’ and ‘vision’ based. Contact based approaches like Data Glove require a physical contact which can cause health issues and uncomfortable for some users. In contrast, users wear nothing in vision-based approaches where camera(s) capture the images of hands interacting with computers (Dan & Mohod, 2014).Therefore, vision-based approach is simple, natural and convenient. However, challenges to be addressed include illumination change, varying sizes of hand gestures, background clutters in visual patternidentification(Symonidis K,2000). Aim:Therefore, thepractical applicationof computer vision-based hand gesture recognition systems necessitates an efficient algorithm capable ofhandling those challenges. Theoretic al underpinning / Conceptual framework: As a solution to the complexity of the problem this research proposes Deep Neural Network (DNN) as robust, deep learned visual model. Deep learning attempts to model high-level abstractions (features) in data by using a biologically inspired model. In deep learning, the visual cortex of our brain is well-studied and shows a sequence of areas each of which contains a representation of the input, and signals flow from one to the next. Thus, each level of this feature hierarchy represents the input at a different level of abstraction, with more abstract features further up in the hierarchy, defined in terms of the lower-level ones where classification will be easy. Proposedmethodology:Created database of the hand gesture images is used for training and testing. Greedy layer-wise training is used to avoid the problems of training deep net in supervised fashion such as slow training, over fitting and unlabelled data. The results will be compared with test data which is a 15% of the data set.The results of the two tests oftraditional networksand deep network willalsobecompared. Expected outcomes: This will provide a robust Deep Neural Network as an efficient visual pattern recognition algorithm for real time hand gesture recognition.
Development and Standardization of Dichotic Speech Tests in Sinhala
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayasena, B.
Dichotic speech tests involve simultaneous presentation of auditory stimuli to both ears, with the stimulus presented to each ear being different. The stimuli utilized in dichotic speech tasks include digits, nonsense syllables, spondee words and sentences. Listeners may be required to repeat information being presented to both ears (binaural integration) or repeat the auditory message presented to one ear while ignoring the message presented to the other ear (binaural separation). Binaural integration and binaural separation are auditory processes that holds great importance in everyday listening conditions, especially for understanding spoken messages in noisy environments. These two processes are found to be dysfunctional in individuals having difficulties in processing auditory information in the central nervous system, namely Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD).Most often, CAPD coexist with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. CAPD are multiple in nature and often require a collection of tests to assess the dysfunctional auditory processes. In Sri Lanka, children with CAPD are most often missed or misdiagnosed as having peripheral hearing loss due to the scarcity of standardized assessment tools. The proposed study is aimed at developing a Dichotic Digit Test, a Dichotic Nonsense Syllable Test and a Synthetic Sentence Identification test with Contralateral Competing Message (SSI-CCM) to diagnose binaural integration and binaural separation deficits. It also aims at establishing norms for the above tests for children between 7- 12 years of age. The study will be beneficial to clinical audiologists in terms of access to valid and reliable assessment tools that would effectively diagnose those with deficits in auditory performance with competing acoustic signals. It will also help teachers, speech language therapists and other involved professionals in designing appropriate deficit-specific management strategies for affected individuals.
Devolution of Power, Gender and Female Representation in Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka: Special References with Southern Provincial Council
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Damayanthi, M.K.N.
Reduce or avoid gender based discrimination and gender issues, equity and high level of participation are some of key expectations of the power devolution. To fulfil the requirement of power devolution the Provincial Councils were established in 1987 in according to the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka. However, from the initial stage of the Provincial Councils, it shows that fewer number of female representatives were included in the nomination list and negligible number of females were elected. Major objective of this study is to examine the present scenario of the female representation in Provincial Council system and examine factors affecting on less female representation in Provincial Councils. This study limits to Southern Provincial Council election in 2014. Data collected through official sources of the Election Commissioner General, questionnaire survey on randomly selected voters in Gonapeenuwal Divisional Secretariat Division in Galle District and interviews with randomly selected politicians in Southern Provincial Council. Study results shows that, 9 percent of the female candidates were include in nomination lists of the number of parties and contest for the 2014 Provincial Council election in Southern Province. However, only 1.8 percent (01) female representative was selected as a member of Southern Provincial Council. As revealed by the field survey, proportional electoral system, political system, media campaign specially social media campaign, cultural and social barriers and image of the candidates were negatively influence in female representatives in Southern Provincial Council election in 2014.
The Effect of Germination on Quality of Protein of Selected Legumes
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Amarakoon, R.
Legumes are the major source of plant protein. The presence of anti-nutritional factors in legumes, limits the availability of nutrients. The aim of this study is primarily to find the best use of legumes to alleviate the problem of protein energy malnutrition, most prevalent in developing countries and fulfil the protein requirement of the global population. The quality of protein in cotyledons and radicles (shoot) was separately investigated in selected legumes, namely Pisum sativum (Terno, Xantos, Svit, Achat), Glycine max, Lupinus albus (Amiga), Pisum sativum var. arvense (Arkta), Faba vulgaris (Piestansky) after germinating for 48 hours and compared with the respective raw seeds. All samples were analysed for crude protein, amino acids with ion exchange chromatography with post column ninhydrin-based detection and in vitro protein digestibility. Crude protein content was ranged from 21.5-34.4% in raw seeds. It was increased in all cotyledons ranged from 23.1 to 48.0%, and in radicles 32.9 to 64.9% after germinating raw seeds for 48 hours. The highest content of amino acid in cotyledons and radicles were noted in P. sativum (Xantos) and its phenylalanine was the highest increased essential amino acid in radicles 7.4 g/16 g N with respective raw seeds 4.6 g/16 g N. The in vitro protein digestibility of cotyledons and radicles increased significantly (P < 0.05) of all legumes under study. It is ranged from 79.1% to 86.4% in cotyledons, 86.7% to 93.4% in radicles and 54.1% to 75.0% in respective raw seeds. Results revealed that all the legumes under study are a rich source of protein. The quality of protein in cotyledons and radicles obtained after germinating raw seeds for 48 hours increases significantly in comparison with their respective raw seeds of legumes under study. Germination is an inexpensive and simplest method of processing of legumes, in comparison with other methods of processing to improve the quality of protein of legumes.
Effectiveness of computer based accounting in business firms of eastern province
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Thayaraj, M.S.
Background: Accounting is an important part of every company thus; businesses are required to keep proper books of accounts.(Section 123 of the Companies Code (1963), Act 179). According to Omar, B (2009) Accounting refers to “The process of identifying, measuring and communicating economic information to permit informed and rational decisions”. Pacioli father of double entry book keeping system, today also his system still using. “Accounting can be divided into two basic categories: those which apply manual accounting and those which prefer Computer Based Accountings” (Weber, 2010). Aim: Therefore, this study aims is to evaluate the effectiveness of computer based accounting in business firms of eastern province Conceptual framework: the conceptual model proposes how effectiveness of computer based accounting in business firms impacts on performance. Accordingly, learning organization and organizational support influences to effectiveness of computer based accounting (CBA). The possibility theory is used to define the conceptual model. The contingency theory it hypothesized that organizational structure is function of context which context is simultaneously determined by the external environment, history and other organizational factors (Fiedler, 1964). Researchers have interpreted organizational structure to include the formal and informal information and decisionmaking methods that govern the allocation of organizational assets. The basic contingency framework consists of environment factors and firm-specific factors that affect to competitive strategy. The competitive strategy is effectiveness of computer based accounting (CBA) affected by learning organization and organizational support. Proposed methodology: This study considers the staff who worked under the department of accounts and information technology under the selected firms. 100 organisations are the sample size in the various districts in the eastern province. The Primary data will be collect through the questionnaire. The Secondary data collect through the sources of publications, company’s annual report and internet. Data analysis in this case was done quantitatively with statistical techniques such as the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). The use of table, frequencies and percentages was employed in the analysis so as to ensure accuracy, adequacy and completeness of the study. Expected outcomes: The findings of this study will be helpful to the various business organization for evaluate the effectiveness of computer based accounting.
Fostering Technological Capabilities in the Wind Power Sector of Sri Lanka via Effective Technology Transfer
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Withanaarachchi, A.S.
Globally, harnessing wind energy for electricity generation is one of the fastest growing technologies for the last decade or so and has become well developed and mature (REN21, 2012). The wind-mapping studies performed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that Sri Lanka has the potentiality of 2000 MW of wind power that could be absorbed gradually into the national grid over the period of time (Ratnasiri, 2008). However by the end of October 2012, the private sector has developed wind power plants around costal and central hill areas adding 74MW to the national grid. Further, power purchase agreements have been signed for another 31MW (Ceylon Electricity Board, 2013). Schnepp et al. define technology transfer as ‘a process by which expertise or knowledge related to some aspect of technology is passed from one user to another for the purpose of economic gain’’ (in Karakosta, Doukas, and Psarras, 2010: 1547). Although the deployment of technological goods is what matters to address climate change, the transfer of technological capabilities is indeed the key to developing countries obtaining a share of the green business pie. Technology capacity building begins with learning by doing followed by learning by adapting, aiming at augmenting productivity through efficient utilisation and adaptation of technologies at the shop floor (Lall, 1978). Accordingly the objective of this study is to evaluate the use of technology transfer and cooperation in strengthening the technological capabilities of the wind power sector of Sri Lanka. A qualitative approach will be taken to answer the research question. Thus the study will comprises with a comprehensive literature survey on technological capabilities, technology transfer, and wind power sector. Experts in the renewable energy sector of the country, wind power produces (IPPs), and scholars will be interviewed to answer the research question.