International Conference on Social Sciences 2013

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An assessment of the Community Forest Management Project for rural development: case study related to Kendahena GND
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Senarathna S P D R
This research is an assessment of Rural Development through a Community Forest Management Project (CFMP) which is being conducted by the Forest Department, Sri Lanka considering on a Community Forest Management Project related to Kendahena GND. The objective of this research is assessing whether a rural development had taken place through this project. Primary data for the research were gathered through observations, interviews, conducted with the officers of the Regional Forest Office, Kurunegala and the discussions held with a selected group of the villagers. Moreover 50% out of 193 Households were randomly selected and primary data were gathered basically by giving them questionnaires. Secondary data were collected from books, magazines, journals, Internet and various other sources. The information gathered was simplified, classified and summarized. Percentage Method, Preference Ranking Method, Direct Metric Ranking Method were used as data analyzing methods. The analyzed data were displayed by charts, tables, maps and diagrams. Inefficiency of officers, lack of proper management and weak involvement into the affairs of villages were the major weak points of this project. About half of the villagers participated in this project actively while the rest were only aware of this project normally. The contribution received from the level of household units towards family development and housing development is relatively at a lower standard. It could be observed that the general infrastructure facilities are in a very satisfactory condition.
A study on paintings at Pokunuwita Kithsirimewan Rajamaha Viharaya
(Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Embuldeniya, P.
Pokunuwita Kithsirimewan Rajamaha Viharaya is a protected monument which has great significance from historical and archaeological aspects. It is located in the Pokunuwita village, Horana division (Kalutara District, Western Province). The ancient image house which has paintings is of great significance throughout archaeological remains at this temple. This ancient image house dates to the last part of Kandyan period based the architecture, sculptures and paintings. Inside the sanctum (Garbha gruhaya) of image house is a seated sculpture of Lord Buddha, two standing sculptures of Lord Buddha, standing sculptures of God Vishnu and God Sumana Saman and paintings of Buddhist monks, God Gambhara and God Katharagama. Also there are paintings of unclear human figures. The outer walls of the sanctum (Garbha gruhaya) of this image house has painting of Suvisi vivaranaya (Twenty-four vivaranas), Thelapaththa jathakaya and Vine motifs (Liyawela). Apart from that there are some paintings at the wooden door of this image house, Further there are paintings of traditional Sinhala decorative motifs related to the part of floral motifs (Udbidha) and geometric motifs (Nirjeewa). This study is based on field research method and library survey method. Therefore the field research method is highly emphasized to record the paintings. In the present day the paintings at this temple are highly weathered and some parts cannot be identified. So in this paper an attempt is made to describe the importance of the conservation of this painting, colours, lines and other features of these paintings.
Sustainability of participatory development projects in local government areas of Sri Lanka: the cases of Community Governance Projects in Nikaweratiya and Navithanvelli Divisional councils
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Sakalasooriya N
Today, the development scientists of all over the world have to pay their attention about the sustainability of the development projects in various levels and the scales of development process. Approaches of Inclusiveness and participatory methods have been practiced commonly in developed and developing world with many arguments. Participatory development approaches and the methodologies are not new to Sri Lanka. Traditionally and historically participation for decision making process in human-wellbeing was inherited for Sri Lankans. In the hydrologic civilization which has developed by with Buddhist philosophy, people?s participation is natural and common habits of the ancient people of the country. The sustainability of the infrastructure facilities which built by people are highly assured for many generations through many centuries with high efficiency and high productivity. The tank (wewa) systems and the other irrigation systems in Sri Lanka are the best examples. This great sustainable process has been collapsed by colonization process under Europeans especially British. In the recent past, especially after independence, Through the IRDP reintroduced participatory development approach to Sri Lanka. Due to many reasons it was failed. After, some NGOs have been practicing these approaches to local level development in many districts. Under the Gami Diriya Rural Development Program, the present government has also tried to reintroduce the participatory approach to assure the sustainability of Development process. This paper examines relationship between the sustainability and participatory approach of Community Governance. This is a five year community governance project from 2009 to 2013 cofounded by the Eruption Union (EU) and implemented by Practical Action and Divisional Councils of Nikaweratiya in Kurunegala District and Navithanvelli in Ampara District. The few concept and approach are commonly referring with the subject on community participation in deferent levels. Among them Community governance is a leading concept for create the local level platform among the community, local authorities and other stakeholders. This approach is giving opportunities community to get take part on their development requirements in all the stages of the project cycle. The community governance approach is creating an opportunity to local planner and development actors to get active community participation in local development for future sustainability of projects? outcome. Also the community governance approach is creating a native platform on decision making in local authorities.
A sociological study on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in the North Central province, Sri Lanka (with special reference to the Padawiya area)
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Subasinghe, Wasantha
Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem. It is also known as chronic renal disease or chronic renal failure, which is a degenerative, progressive condition marked by the gradual loss of kidney function. The experience is traumatic not only for the patients but also for their families who are frequently unable to provide the medical services needed due to the high cost of treatment. Optimally, CKD is treated with dialysis or kidney transplant. A chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology has emerged as a major health care problem in the North - Central Province of Sri Lanka during the last few decades. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of kidney disease and to identify the responsibility of the government and other authorities regarding solving this burning issue. The research problem is the Socio - economic impact of CKD in North central province. A survey was conducted to identify the research problem and data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group interviews. The research area was Padawiya in the Padawiya Divisional Secretariat. In developed countries, the most common symptoms of CKD are obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. But in Sri Lankan context there is a significantly high rate of kidney patients in the North Central province. A number of research has been conducted to identify the causes and effects of the disease. Different researchers have identified different causes including insecticides, fluoride water, poisons, arsenic, dehydration, drugs, smoking, hard metals etc. Research findings including spreading rate, sex ratio, geographical and environmental relations, food patterns, livelihood patterns, water resources have created new avenues for scholarly discussion on these issues.
Semiotics of the language used in Commercials
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Liyanage D
Here we study regarding the semiotics contained in the language of advertising. An advertisement is a marketing tool which has rapid increase within present commercial world. In that the television is a media which advertises more and more advertisements in this study we try to study regarding the semiotics in the language of television advertisements. Also we try to study the behaviors of consumers in the bind process and television. Also we try to study the behaviors of consumers in the bind process and television advertisement. In that we draw our attention towards the thinking process of a consumer using his or her unconscious taste and their ideologies. There fore we draw our attention towards the semiotics contained in the language of advertisement while studying the taste, dislikes of the target group with a study of the behaviors of cultural discourse, Personal discourse and social discourse and execution of cultural ideology, economical ideology and social of colours, backgrounds, music, live animations, special tricks, costumes, use of voice. Also we study about the specialties of the language of advertising in a cultural and inter cultural perspective. We used the method of content analysis in this study. This study was based on 18 selected advertisements from telecommunication companies such as Lankabell, Mobitel, Dialog and Airtell in the year of 2011 in our analysis. Collected data from 100 number of data contributors under random sample method. The analysis was based on quantitative and qualitative methods. Additionally we collected data using interviews. The main conclusion of this study is that the semiotics in the language of advertisements has a strong impact in the attraction of consumers. We need to draw our attention to the words we use in advertisements. We can use the language of advertisements in the development of attitudes. This will have another benefit of social assistance from advertising.
A study on relationship between rural poverty and education
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Werake S
Poverty in Sri Lanka continues to be a growing problem. Poverty is the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money. Otherwise poverty is a denial of choice and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society. Poverty is two ways. Those are absolute poverty and relative poverty. Most of the people who live in rural areas are vulnerable for poverty. Therefore, rural poverty is higher than the other sectors of poverty in Sri Lanka. Rural poverty refers to poverty found in rural areas, including factors of rural society, rural economy and rural political system that give rise to the poverty found there. There is a clear relationship between the poverty and education. Educational attainment universally considered a pre-condition for better living. There is an inverse relationship between education and poverty. So that education level affects to increase unemployment in rural society. This research has a number of objectives. Identifying rural poverty and reason for poverty, relationship between poverty and education, solution for poverty are among them. This research uses both primary and secondary data. One hundred families were used as a random sample in Kegalle district. Indirect observations, interviews, questionnaires were the main sources of primary data and books, magazines, newspaper articles, internet websites were secondary data sources. Findings of the research suggest that rural poverty is decreasing with higher education and provide basis for planners, policy makers and government officials to give high priority for developing rural education.
Some esoteric writing methods of demonological manuscripts
(Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Embuldeniya, P.
This paper is concerned with some esoteric writing methods of demonological manuscripts related to the Anhettuwela Yakaduru generation and the importance of using esoteric writing methods in demonology. Demonology obtains a notable place throughout the history of rituals and beliefs. Demonology is a component of Ayurvedic medicine. In Sri Lankan culture various traditions of demonology can be seen. Apart from that, there are yak thovil, deva yaga and special yaga associated with protected magic. The Anhettuwela Yakaduru generation is connected to the Benthara tradition which is a part of Sri Lankan demonology. This Yakaduru generation is mainly engaged with black magic. The present day Anhettuwela Yakaduru generation has mostly given up their demonological activities. Demonology has impenetrable surroundings according to the black magic activities and white magic activities. Mostly demonological activities and knowledge is passed down through the generations. In the past various writing methods were used to protect this demonological data, such as using various languages, symbols, digits and etc. Therefore, these esoteric writing methods can be considered as a part of intangible heritage in Sri Lanka. This study is mainly based on personal communications as well as library survey method. Therefore, manuscripts related to Anhettuwela Yakaduru generation have been highly emphasized in this research.
The impact of population ageing on the economy of Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Menike H R A
Population ageing is the increase in the proportion of ?older people?, in the total population. Declining fertility and increasing longevity are resulting in ageing of population in both developed and developing countries. Successes in reproductive health and family planning programs and improvements in health care services (low fertility and low mortality) have contributed towards population ageing by enabling longer survival. Sri Lanka is a developing country and it shares the problems of ageing population with the more developed countries. According to the recent population projections, in Sri Lanka, the share of population over 60 years will rise from 13% in 2011 to 17% by 2021. In addition, Sri Lanka?s population is expected to start declining by 2031, indicating that the share of the elderly will rise even further. By 2051, the population over 60 years will be 29%. Population ageing would have profound implications on the economies as well as societies experiencing a rapid increase in the share of old aged in the total population. This study intends to focus economic impact of population ageing in Sri Lanka, mainly based on the literature and secondary data published nationally and internationally. Further, this study employed descriptive statistics for the analysis. The study reveals that the ageing population in Sri Lanka increases very rapidly in the near future and proportion of the elderly population in our country is higher than in other South Asian countries. Increasing ageing population significantly influence on public expenditure, in particular on the provision of pensions and health care in Sri Lanka. Also, the labour force in the country declining dramatically and it will reduce labour supply and productivity. Furthermore, this age group could have a considerable impact on capital market, public debt, savings and investment etc. in the near future.
Productive efficiency based collective decision on allocating land for sharecropping in village irrigation systems of Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Kularatne, M.G.; Wilson Clevo; Pascoe Sean; Robinson Tim
Literature shows that there is a negative relationship between rice yield and the distance to the field from the water sources in irrigation agriculture. In this paper, we test this fact with respect to the village irrigation systems in Sri Lanka through stochastic production frontier analysis with a technical inefficiency model and to examine sectoral productive performance and its determinants. The adopted Bethama (share cropping) practice is an ancient system that has been practised during the water deficit agricultural seasons. Primary data was collected from 460 rice farmers in the Kurunegala District to estimate technical efficiency in three sub locations: head-end fields (HEFs), middle fields (MFs) and tail-end fields (TEFs) in the command area. We reject of head-tail syndrome with respect to the village irrigation systems (VISs). TEFs are more productive than HEFs of the command area. The sharecropping system has been instrumental for allocating land either from HEFs or from MFs due to water constraints. However, based on the intra-sectoral efficiency estimation, this haphazard method of allocation cannot be recommended as technically efficient method of rice farming in VISs.
The end of the Cold War and the emergence of supranationalism in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Yaya B H; Malam Bashir
ECOWAS is a sub-regional integration organization in Africa, whose main objective is the market integration of its fifteen member states. The organization has suffered criticisms as a result of the poor implementation of its economic programmes. Since the end of The Cold War, ECOWAS problems were aggravated by security problems and political instability due largely to power vacuum and broken nests of the powerful blocks. Hence, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS were constrained to take on the challenges thereby extending the mandate of ECOWAS to tackle security issues. Consequently, the organization has been growing in power and influence within the sub region, thereby acquiring some supranational posture. For instance, in December 2010, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government threatened to take measures including the use of legitimate force to remove the President of C�te d?Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo for refusing to concede defeat at the Presidential elections and hand over power to the internationally acclaimed winner, Alhassane Dramane Ouatarra. This paper examines the global dynamics that are propelling this trend and explains the factors responsible for supranational authority of ECOWAS. Using qualitative data and analysis, the paper argues that the adoption, codification and implementation of international norms and neo-liberal precepts on democracy, good governance and human rights by ECOWAS since the end of the Cold War have enabled it to establish its supranational authority in West Africa.
Political-economy of decentralized governance: a study of Provincial Council System in Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Abeysinghe, A.M.N.C.; Samarakoon, A.K.
The state-centered approaches to development introduced after the World War II failed to achieve the expected outcomes in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Consequently, as an alternative approach, an innovative institutional governance structure emerged and it was a multi-dimensional, politico-economic solution to this state-centered developmental impasse. Thus, decentralized governance began to be accepted by various international agencies worldwide, and many national governments began to adopt it at the end of 1970s and early 1980s. The factors that have led to the introduction of decentralized governance are country specific. Sri Lanka adopted a framework of decentralized governance and introduced a devolution reform under the 13th amendment to its constitution in 1987. The Provincial Council (PC) reform was introduced at a crucial juncture when the state-centered governance paradigm was reaching a crisis point and amidst international pressures to adopt decentralization as a means to resolve the ethnic conflict. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the structural, procedural changes in governance apparatus and to evaluate the efficacy of those changes in devolved service provisions brought about by the PC reform. In order to achieve this objective, the study analyzes the secondary and primary data collected from published and unpublished sources employing mixed methods. This study explored the structural and procedural changes in political, financial and administrative spheres that could be vital for effective local service provision, brought about by the Provincial Councils reform. Though, these structural and functional changes appeared in the governance apparatus on the surface is significant, many drawbacks detrimental to the smooth implementation of the reform also have been spotted, particularly regarding the power sharing mechanism, the listing of shared powers, and the role of the central government. Legal constrains, central control over provincial discretions, parallel administration structures, incompetent governance, and heavy dependence on central finance are the main draw backs that have affected the PCs.
Sustainable development framework for an environmentally sensitive area: the case of Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Sakalasooriya N P
This paper scrutinizes the factors, processes and causes, which need to be considered in developing a sustainable development framework for environmentally sensitive areas, through a case study in Sri Lanka. The environmentally sensitive areas of the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka has been selected for the indepth study of the relationship between social systems and environmental systems. The paper clarifies the issues, which are being faced by the permanent settlers in the region and attempts to forecast situation that may occur in immediate future. The author uses two major research strategies; (1) a quantitative analysis of country, provincial and divisional-level data and (2) three case studies in three different villages in environmentally sensitive areas of Sabaragamuwa Province. Many people who live in this environmentally sensitive area reveal the complexities of environment-society relations which they had experienced. Sometimes such understandings may differ from mainstream environmentalism or sustainable development discourse: they are generally couched in terms of defending not only particular environments, but also the lives and livelihoods that those environments could sustain. For people in the region who derive their livelihood from the forests, fields, and waters around them, sustainability is intimately related to rights of communal ownership, collectively sharing indigenous knowledge, cultural economy, religious rituals, and freedom while the externally imposed program seek to promote visions alien to them which impose how to conserve or develop the environments they depend upon. The understanding of the links between environmental sustainability and social equity is critical if development is to expand human freedom for current and future generations. The remarkable progress in human development over recent decades, which has been documented in Human Development Reports cannot continue without making bold steps to reduce both environmental risk and inequality, globally as well as locally. Hence, for the successful achievement of sustainable development targets at the global level, it is essential to formulate sustainable development planning at local (subnational) or micro regional level.
Mediatization of Buddhist sermon ?Dharma Deshana? in the recent years
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Zoysa, A D
Based on the theories of mediatization and performance in the public sphere, this working paper envisages a methodology that will frame the mediatazation of the Buddhist Sermon from radio to television. Preaching and listening to sermons is widely practiced by Theravada Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The earliest Sinhala texts seem to have been recited rhythmically in the form of prose (Katha) or verse (Kavi). About the middle of the 19th century, ?Dharma Shala?, were built for congregational hearing of the Buddha?s teaching. About 1910 Ven. Palane Vajiragnana seems to have introduced a new type of preaching to the upcoming Sinhala urban elite. Lay preaching in English too seem to have started shortly after. With the advent of gramophone records in the 1920s some sermons too were recorded and sold. Just four years after establishing Radio Ceylon in 1928, the first ?Dharma Deshana? broadcasted a sermon by Ven. Pelane Sri Vajiragnana Thero. Since then, sermons lasting 60 minutes were broadcasted in Sinhala having a defined structure. With the introduction of television in 1982, it was possible to see the preaching monk seated in the studio, and today commercial television channels compete with each other in broadcasting sermons. With the advent of ?Buddhist? Channel the sermon broadcast is live and one is able to listen sermons many times a day now on TV and radio. In addition, sermons are available on audio cassette and CD in the open market and also new forms of preaching using ?Kavi? and ?Viridu? have been mediatized. My research is not a critique on contemporary practice, but to pinpoint paradigm shifts in the process where ?bana? has morphed into a highly professionalized ?Dharma Deshana? in contemporary Sri Lanka.
The role of livelihood activities for empowering elderly women: a study in the Matara District
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Waniganeththi W V W G
The feminization of ageing can be identified as results of increases in female longevity compared to that of males. Moreover, women comprise an increasingly significant proportion of the older population in Sri Lanka. A majority of elderly women have experienced more hardship in their old age such as widowhood, powerlessness, helplessness, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, inadequate income and poor wellbeing. Traditional social security networks for elderly people in Sri Lanka are not capable to adapt to changes arising from old age and empower them. As a result elderly women have become backward in their old age. Livelihood activities are a useful method to change old people from passive clients into active and empowered individuals with a positive self-image. The objective of this study was to identify the role of livelihood activities for empowering elderly women. Methodologies of this study were both survey and case study methods. The main respondents of this study were elderly women, aged 60 to 74, who were actively engaged in livelihood activity (economic activity). Purposive samples of 40 from urban and rural area elderly women were selected for the questionnaire survey and case studies. Two Gramaniladari Divisions were selected within the Matara District, each from Matara (urban) and Weligama (rural) Divisional Secretariat Divisions in order to compare the urban- rural sector difference. According to this study it can be identified that livelihood positively contributed to the empowerment of elderly women who are between ages 60 to 74. Livelihood enhanced their socio-economic wellbeing. This is indicated through thier increasing level of income, which has enabled them to manage their daily expenses by avoiding uncertainties of their old age. In addition this also helps to ensure a healthy and active life for elderly women.
Adaptation puzzle of war widows: the social risk of becoming a (fe)/male
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Edirisinghe, E.A.D.A.
The study examines the social impact of a by-product of the civil conflict existed in Sri Lanka for over 30 years. The problem of war widowers/widows is a common phenomenon in countries with armed-conflicts. The conflict not only condensed the national development of Sri Lanka, but created social costs including displacement of people, child abuse and war widows. War widows, the spouses of fallen members of security forces (Army, Navy, Air force, Police) at war front, are exposed to different socio-psychological issues of which adaptation is a critical; The male?s (female?s) role in the family and the society is performed by the female (male) during the widowhood, the adaptation puzzle. The study uses a purposive sample of two hundred fifty wives of fallen security personnel in thirty divisional secretaries in Sri Lanka. The study finds that the transitioning role leads violence. It spreads over family and society. After widowhood, women have confronted problems in their adaptation process. The research reveals that not-managed adaptation causes social risks in day today life of widows and the society. Effective adaptation is associated with better finance management, education and religion. Accordingly, the study draws attention of policy makers in managing risk of social systems, eliminating the possible violence and social conflicts in the society by managing adaptation.
Relevance of two level game theory in analyzing Sri Lanka s foreign policy (1983-1995)
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Gunasena, J.T.S.
This research paper is purely theory oriented and it explains the relevance of two level game theory in analyzing Sri Lanka?s foreign policy as a small state. The two level game theory explains the foreign policy behavior of a country on the basis of internal and external compulsions. Since 1983 Sri Lanka?s ethnic crisis became the principal domestic issue that predominated its relations with outside world. The dominance of ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka?s responses to external compulsions and vice versa is very much significant since 1983 communal riots. The small state foreign policy behavior is expected to be dominated by external compulsions where as they are very much vulnerable for the external influences. This is the popular notion of second image analysis of foreign policy explanation of a small state. But this paper aims at evaluating both the top down and bottom up approaches in small state foreign policy with special reference to Sri Lanka and its ethnic crisis. Secondary data related to the aim of this paper through two level analyses provide insights to the research objective. Findings conclude that in the Sri Lankan context the two level factors equally and sometimes predominantly play the vital role in determining foreign policy behavior. The second image and the second image reversed explanation in certain issues incorporate the perception of the decision makers as an important aspect in this analysis.
Sri Lankan research output at international level: a picture from Scopus
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Navaneethkrishnan S
Highlighting the various output patterns of research publications of Sri Lanka, present study identifies the trends in Sri Lankan research performance as reflected by the research publications output between years 1980 -2009 based on scientific publications included in the SciVerse Scopus database. The objective of the study was to identify the research trends in Sri Lankan research performance as reflected by the research publications output during the study period and to identify the contribution of Sri Lanka in global research output. Quantitative methodological approach was taken, based on bibliometric analysis. The process of article selection was as follows: Affiliation - 'Sri Lanka' or ?Srilanka? or 'Ceylon', Publication year - 'January 1980 to December 2010'. Results of this study show globally, 8,694 papers were published during the study period, including 11 document types. Among them, there were 6,671 articles. Research publications of Sri Lanka were rose up significantly in the past three decades and the highest number of researches was published in year 2010. The most preferred language by scientist is English with 8,647 publications. The most productive authors are Tennakone, K., Ratnasooriya, W.D. and De Silva H.J. It was found that the University of Peradeniya leads other institutions in linear growth of output followed by University of Colombo and University of Kelaniya. The output of Medicine was found to be larger than other subjects, which was followed by Agricultural and Biological sciences and engineering and environmental sciences. Ceylon Medical Journal is the first rank of journal title for scientists to publish their research findings followed by Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka. The suggestion of this research is to setup an enabling environment for researchers to publish their research findings at international level and collaboration across the nations needs to be encouraged among the researchers.
Politicization of community organizations and development process in rural Sri Lanka: a case study of Northwestern Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Vitharana L D S
In Sri Lanka, policy makers and political authorities take serious steps to empower rural areas and ensure active participation of rural masses in the development process, because a majority of the population is concentrated in rural areas. In this endeavor, different community level organizations are established at the rural level. And the government channels various collective and individual state resources to rural areas through several organizations, local and international. In this context, the role of the community level organizations in rural development becomes very significant, because the development agencies and related organizations are to implement their rural development projects through the community based organizations. However, the expected goals of the community level organizations in rural development have remained largely unachieved for the recent decades. The major factor behind this failure is found to be party politics or politicization of rural community development organizations. Politically motivated social groups at the rural level have become the key players of those organizations. They have used their power for acquiring and appropriating resources and benefits from external development organizations. As the anticipated goals of development are hindered by these community level organizations in the development, the situation has become a bitter source for conflict among the villagers very often. This paper monitors the impact of politicization of the community organizations and thereby its implications of on the contemporary development process in rural Sri Lanka. Concerned study area of this research belongs to Puttalam district in the Northwestern Province. This study has applied the case study method within the ethnographic tradition consisting participant observations, in-depth interviews as data collecting techniques.
Changing terms of trade of small farming sector in Sri Lanka: with special reference to paddy, vegetable and fruit cultivation
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Henegedara, G.M.
Decline of relative farm prices in relation to prices of farm inputs and consumer food items has become a core factor of losing farm income of small farmers in Sri Lanka, particularly in the paddy, vegetable and fruit cultivation. Though the losing farm income is a common problem in many agricultural countries, its impact is very crucial for a small country like Sri Lanka where nearly 30 percent of labour force is occupying directly or indirectly in agricultural activities. Despite the GDP contribution of the agriculture sector has declined around 10 percent today, any impact in small farming sector would also influence to the majority of consumers in the non-agricultural sector. According to Statistical reports of the Department of Census and Statistics, farmers have to pay nearly 2 kilo of paddy for purchasing a one pound of bread in 2012 instead one kilo in 1984. Required paddy amount for receiving one kilo of sugar has fluctuated between 3.53 in 1999 and 3.57 in 2012. Similarly required paddy for receiving one packet of milk powder (450gram) has increased from 7.03 in 1984 to 10.2 in 2012. Since many of these items were imports, there is no income redistribution to non-farm sectors at least to offset the situation Sri Lanka as a country that follow economy wide policies, links to the world economy through exports and imports and influenced by the global economic and market forces frequently due to changes of global market. Therefore, losing farm income is not simply a matter related to domestic production factors; it also linked with international market by importing agricultural inputs i.e. fertilizer, chemicals and seeds and exporting farm outputs as agricultural and finished products. According to past records, values of TOT and BOP have deteriorated continually in Sri Lanka indicating more imports than the exports done by the country. Thus the main objective of the paper is to review factors influenced in changing TOT of small farming sector and assessing its impact on the economy. The methodology was based on deductive method and the paper would be based on both primary and secondary sources of information.
A bibliographical survey of the palm leaf manuscripts in Ridiviharaya in Kurunegala District & Aluthepola Ganekanda temple, Gampaha District
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Piyarathana L
This research was undertaken with the aim of studying the bibliographical features of palm leaf manuscripts in Sri Lanka. Two temples namely, Ridiviharaya and Aluthepola which possess these manuscripts were selected as samples of the study, and the selection was done on the basis of their geographical location and historical chronology. Ridiviharaya in Kurunegala District dates back to Anuradapura era while Aluthepola in Gampaha District is thought to have come into existence in the 18th century. Thus, the samples selected for the research can be considered as justifiable representations of the palm leaf manuscripts in the country in terms of geographical location and chronological significance. In addition to identifying the subject areas dealt with in the samples, an effort was made to study their bibliographical features as well. Having access to these manuscripts was considerably difficult due to non-availability of bibliographies. Non?existence of a standard criterion or guidelines which specify steps and measures necessary for palm leaf manuscript analysis aggravated this problem. In view of the above problems, this research formulated a bibliography incorporating the data necessary to analyse palm leaf manuscripts. The manner in which in the data should be arranged and the methods suitable to prioritize bibliographic data were also discussed in it. The research also traced the history and the expansion of the art of palm leaf manuscripts in the country. The evidence collected suggests the existence of a bibliographical tradition specific to the country in the past. The data helped to identify character styles, numerical patterns and structural feature of that tradition as well. It is felt that the manuscripts found in the temples were deteriorating in quality gradually, and therefore measures are necessary to conserve them.