Recent Submissions
Item type: Item , INTEGRATING BUDDHIST ETHICAL TEACHINGS ON EXPRESSION INTO MODERN MEDIA LAWS AND ETHICS(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Rajapaksha, S.; Nandasiri, A. U.; Sajeewani, H. W. K.Media laws and ethics provide guidance on protecting the rights of both media professionals and the public, while also regulating media activities. In addition, they establish limits and standards for obtaining information from sources, systematically preparing information, and distributing it through communication channels. However, despite the existence of legal and ethical frameworks related to the media in Sri Lanka, violations of media laws and ethics continue to be reported. It is, therefore, a timely need to apply the ethical teachings of Buddhism in the expression of ideas to minimize such violations. The problem of this study was to examine how the ethical teachings of Buddhism on expression of ideas can be used to strengthen and enrich modern media laws and ethics. The aim of this study was to investigate how Buddhist ethical principles can be integrated into modern media laws and ethics to promote responsible communication. During this study, Buddhist suttas such as Saccavibhanga, Kakacūpama, Aranavibhanga, Ambalatthika Rāhulōvāda, Sīhanāda, Kītāgiri, Cullahatthipadōpama, Sõnadanda, Vassakāra, Vērāňjaka, and Kandaraka, etc. were analyzed and the information such obtained was subject to comparative self-analysis. The content of these suttas was analyzed through qualitative content analysis method. Buddhism upholds the freedom of the communicator, the freedom of the message, and the freedom of the receiver in the expression of ideas. The content of a message is prepared on an ethical basis to ensure that the receiver is not adversely affected. Accordingly, in preparing messages as per the Buddhist teachings, the communicator focuses on both the truthfulness and effectiveness of the message. The Buddhist approach to the expression of ideas emphasizes that any idea promoting merit and reducing demerit is worthy of expression. Just as one does not wish to be subjected to physical, mental, or verbal harm, the ethical foundation of Buddhist communication insists that no one should inflict such harm upon others through words, actions, or messages.Item type: Item , THE PHENOMENON OF MIGRATION IN ROMANIA(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2025) Ioana, D. A.This article presents the theoretical framework and the results of a secondary research about the phenomenon of migration in Romania, using data from the National Institute of Statistics. The main objective of the study aims to identify the factors that determine the migration of Romanians to other countries. According to the results, the top countries most attractive for Romanians as a destination are members of the European Union, which offers a series of advantages in the areas of: health, cumulative work experience, social protection. From the analysis of the secondary research data it appears that the satisfaction of physiological needs in the case of migrants determines accessing the higher level, that of security. In Romania, the main investments chosen by emigrants upon returning to the country are: investing in home improvement; improving living conditions; buying a home; purchasing a car and investing in children's education.Item type: Item , THE CONTRIBUTION OF BUDDHIST MONKS IN THE PREPARATION OF PALM LEAF MANUSCRIPTS(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Nishanthi, M.; Chandani, J. G.In the past, writing on palm leaf manuscripts has been a rich and enduring tradition in Sri Lanka, and these manuscripts are among the country's foremost historical sources. However, natural palm leaves are not suitable for scribing, and it is a challenging task to make them suitable for writing. Several steps must be taken to writing a palm leaf manuscript, from marking the palm tree for palm leaves to writing on the palm leaf using a steel point and blackening it. The contribution of Buddhist monks in this respect has been very high since ancient times, from the first century B.C. The leaf was the normal material on which Sri Lankan books were written. However, a review of investigations, research articles, and surveys on the subject showed that there was no discussion of Buddhist monks' potential contributions to many aspects of the process of creating palm leaf manuscripts. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate in detail the contribution of Buddhist monks to the preparation of palm leaf manuscripts. Sources such as books, journal articles, conference papers, websites and case studies published on palm leaf manuscripts were used to conduct this literature review. All literature selected for research was analysed based on the process of preparing palm leaf manuscripts. After the Tripitaka was written completely in the text on the palm leaves in the first century BC at Aluvihara (also known as Alokavihara in Pali), many palm leaf manuscripts were prepared and spread throughout the island. In Sri Lanka, a lot of Tipitaka manuscripts are written in the Pali language using Sinhalese characters. It is evident from the analytical literature that both laypeople and priests worked at the temple to prepare the palm leaf manuscripts. However, the study revealed that Buddhist monks have made significant contributions to the writing of palm leaf manuscripts in Sri Lanka and that the preparation of palm leaf manuscripts is a Buddhist religious activity. Large-scale religious writing first appeared in the country when Ven. Buddhaghosa composed the Atthakathā (commentaries) in the fifth century AD. The Buddhist manuscripts such as Chullavaggaya and Visuddhimaggațīkā, Mahāsatipatthāna-suttha, Abhidhammapițaka, Dhammapada atthakatha, Dhammapada, Dighanikaya, Theragāthā and Vimānavatthu show that the Buddhist monks have contributed to the creation of Buddhist manuscripts by widely using palm leaves.Item type: Item , A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL TRENDS AND NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY REFERENCE SERVICES RESEARCH (2020-2024)(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Tharuka, M. G. P.; Somananda, B.Reference services in academic libraries are essential for meeting the dynamic information needs of students, faculty, and researchers. These services range from traditional in-person assistance to digital and virtual interactions, supported by personalized guidance and evolving technologies. In recent years, rapid technological advancements, changing user expectations, and global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have driven significant shifts in service delivery, including the increased use of virtual reference models and artificial intelligence (AI). This bibliometric study investigates global trends and national contributions in academic library reference service research from 2020 to 2024. A total of 427 publications were retrieved using Google Scholar via the Publish or Perish software. Data visualization tools such as VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel were used to identify publication patterns, thematic clusters, and emerging research areas. The analysis reveals a steady increase in research output, peaking in 2024 with 117 publications (27% of the total), reflecting the sector's rapid adaptation to post-pandemic digital needs. India leads in national contributions with 103 publications (24%), followed by the United States (81; 19%) and Nigeria (51; 12%), indicating a blend of established and emerging research hubs. University libraries are the most studied institutions, contributing 269 publications (63%), while scholarly journals dominate as the primary publication source (333 articles; 78%). Thematic analysis highlights four key areas: traditional reference services, virtual/electronic services, AI-driven transformation (including ChatGPT), and broader technology integration. Emerging research hotspots include virtual service delivery models, user satisfaction assessment, institutional technology adoption, and the role of AI chatbots in information services. This study offers a comprehensive overview of current developments and provides a foundation for future research on academic library reference services in a digitally evolving, AI-influenced landscape.Item type: Item , ANALYSIS OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (WPV) AGAINST WOMEN IN LIBRARIES(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Wanigasooriya, P.Workplace violence against women is a widespread phenomenon affecting various service sectors across the globe. Although libraries are traditionally regarded as calm and quiet spaces, incidents of workplace violence, particularly against women have increasingly come to light. This study aims to explore the nature, causes, and preventive strategies related to workplace violence against women in library settings, both locally and globally. Using a systematic review methodology, 27 research papers were selected from diverse geographic contexts, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, India, Africa, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. The analysis explored the different forms of violence experienced by women in libraries, identified those responsible for the incidents, highlighted the specific areas within library premises where such occurrences are most common, examined the underlying causes, and reviewed suggested strategies for prevention. The findings revealed that verbal abuse is the most prevalent form of violence in libraries, typically occurring in public areas and perpetrated by users. In contrast, incidents of physical, psychological, and sexual harassment tend to take place in more isolated parts of the library, often involving staff members or known individuals. Such acts of violence have significant consequences, leading to psychological distress among female library staff and a decrease in job satisfaction and motivation. To mitigate workplace violence, several strategies are recommended, including the installation of security systems such as CCTV cameras, the deployment of trained security personnel, and the introduction of volunteer reader programs to monitor and deter inappropriate behavior. The study underscores the urgent need for institutional policies and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of women working in library environments.