ICH 2023

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Analysis of Lexico - Grammatical Features of Online News Reports on Covid-19 In Sri Lanka Between 2020-2021: A Corpus Linguistic Study
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Nawarathna, N. A. M. Hasitha Sewwandi
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the healthcare sector and has also led to the emergence of new linguistic terms and modifications. The term 'Covid-19' became a widely researched word in linguistics as well as in many other disciplines. This corpus linguistic study aims to explore the Lexicogrammatical features associated with the word 'Covid-19' through a corpus of 35628 words compiled using Antconc. It was based on online news reports in English newspapers in Sri Lanka between 2020 and 2021. The selection of these two years is significant because the first Covid patient in Sri Lanka was discovered in 2020, and in 2021, the Covid vaccination was introduced to the country. This study has two objectives: first, to identify variations in lexical collocates found in news reports between 2020 and 2021, and second, to identify the lexico-grammatical characteristics associated with the term 'Covid-19' by examining its syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations using collocates, N-grams and concordance lines. The findings revealed that 'Covid-19' occurred 299 times as a noun in a corpus of 35628 tokens. The highest frequent lexical collocations with the term 'Covid-19' in 2020 emerged to be 'cases, pandemic, positive' and in 2021 'vaccine, patients, treatment', respectively. Statistics clearly indicate how news reports in 2020 mainly dealt with vaccination news, whereas in 2021, they primarily reported the number of positive cases, deaths, and regulations relevant to 'Covid-19'. It was also evident how different word classes have been chained within the corpus around the word 'Covid-19'. Therefore, this analysis aids in comprehending how lexico-grammatical characteristics and structures are related to the meaning-making process. Furthermore, this research contributes to the field of linguistics, shedding light on the evolution and usage of linguistic terms in the context of a global pandemic.
An Analysis of Semantic Shift in the English Language Neologisms Used in Facebook
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Harankaha, Vindhya H. A.V.
Digital technology has significantly improved communication networks, leading to the birth of several communication techniques. Finding the simplest and quickest method of communication is the main objective when selecting a communication approach. Though social media has affected greatly almost all languages, it has not been the topic of many studies. However, social networking is having an impact on language, significantly English language. This study focuses on semantic language shift in social media, significantly in English language neologisms, and its impact on the English language. This change can occur due to various linguistic, cultural, or social factors that influence language development. A range of neologisms has resulted in a semantic shift in the English language used on social media. Semantic shift, also known as semantic change or semantic evolution, refers to the process through which the meaning of a word or phrase undergoes a significant alteration over time. A variety of neologisms have resulted from a semantic shift in the language used on social media. This study uses qualitative research methods, specifically a descriptive research design. The researcher has used a non-probable purposive sample of 50 chosen respondents’ posts. An interactive model is used in the data analysis. It was found that phrases were replaced by neologisms, and there is a semantic shift in the language used in neologisms in social media compared to the Standard English Language. Semantic shifts found in neologisms available on Facebook can be categorized mainly as expansion, narrowing, amelioration, and synecdoche.
An Analysis of the Impact of Task-Based Learning on Peer Interaction, Peer Learning and Presentation: SLTC Research University
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Wickramasinghe, Samantha; Maddekana, Anupama; Jayasundara, Ashani
Task-Based Learning (TBL) is a popular teaching method that encourages students to apply their learning practically to real-life situations. TBL- inspired small group activities compel students to interact, converse with their peers and achieve a common goal. The current study investigated the impact of TBL on peer interactions and peer learning in small groups. Three classes of first-year undergraduates who varied in proficiency levels at the SLTC Research University were given a task to complete as a follow-up activity integrated into a lesson. Each class consisted of nearly 15-25 students who were further divided into small groups. At the end of the activity, the undergraduates had to present their progress to the class through group presentations. At the end of the presentation, students were given a questionnaire. The study is ongoing, and the findings from the pilot study suggested that peer interactions helped students to complete the task successfully. However, peer interactions and peer learning did not help with other important aspects of learning such as the importance of observing communication ethics within groups and when executing the given task. The students majorly paid attention to completing the task and most of them succeeded.
An Analysis of the Undergraduates’ Perspectives on Anxiety in Speaking English as a Second Language: University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Manathunga, Muditha Lakmali
The English Language is widely accepted as the dominant medium in which people all over the globe communicate, regardless of their existing cultural and language diversities. Despite the endeavours of English as a Second Language (ESL) learners to excel in the course of their English language learning, they are impeded by certain affective factors, including anxiety in speaking. Accordingly, it is vital to investigate the students’ perspectives on the causes for Second Language Speaking Anxiety. Through the preliminary investigations, it was noticed that almost all the participants in the sample had experienced anxiety in speaking English as a Second Language. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the possible causes of speaking anxiety from the learners’ perspective. Accordingly, 50 undergraduates, who follow English for Humanities at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, were randomly selected as the participants of this study. The data gathered through questionnaires, and semistructured interviews were analyzed through a mixed approach. The findings reveal that the students’ previous experiences in unsuccessful speech activities have negatively impacted their present perceptions. It was also highlighted that speaking anxiety has occurred due to the fear of being mocked by others for making errors. Additionally, some other major causes of Second Language speaking anxiety was identified. They lacked self-confidence, support and guidance from the teacher, a stressful classroom environment, and difficulty in vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Hence, in the light of their perspectives, this study emphasizes the need for effective and efficient teachers’ dedication to create stimulated ESL classrooms in which the students’ self-confidence and relevant speaking skills can be enhanced explicitly and implicitly with the required guidance and support.
An Analytical Study of Buddhist Attitude Towards Compassionate Death
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Jayasinghe, Sampath Suranga
Due to some disease, at a time when there is no longer any hope of life or old age and unable to return to normal, a person who is suffering a painful end and is given a healing death to relieve the pain is called compassionate killing. This compassionate killing is also called euthanasia, happy death, good death, and euthanasia. Around the world, euthanasia has been talked about for some time. In some countries, this system is legal, and in some countries, citizens over the age of eighteen can request permission for a healthy death if they are suffering from an incurable disease. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether it is compatible with Buddhism to take a human life based on compassion or to contribute to or support it. Primary and secondary sources are contributed to this research. Killing a person, providing a weapon for death, or causing death by means of any medicine are mentioned in the Vinaya Pitaka as reasons for a monk to become parajika. Buddhism teaches that every creature born in this world has the right to live. In Buddhist practice, a mother protects the only son born from her womb and spreads her heart to all beings in such a way. It protects the right to life of all animals. If a person thinks death is better than living in extreme pain in a terminally ill condition where he can no longer hope for his life, can another person support it? According to Buddhism, five things must be fulfilled for a murder to take place. If these five things are fulfilled out of hatred or compassion, then the crime of manslaughter is committed. Also, it can be concluded that compassionate killing, which is carried out of compassion or any reason, is against Buddhism, and the person who does will have to face the consequences of his demerits of murdering a human.
An Analytical Study of Buddhist Philosophical Concept in Nāladiyār
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Thivakaran, Vijitha T.
It is a matter of observation that even though studies have been carried out on the religious philosophies mentioned in Nāladiyār, which is one of the eighteen books (Pathinen kilkkanakku noolkal) originated in the Post Sangam period and have shown that they are based on Jain philosophy, It is noteworthy to note that Buddhist philosophical ideas are also prevalent in Nāladiyār. Buddhism is also one of the religions that hold a high position in Tamil literature, along with Jainism. Thus, Buddhist philosophies also influenced the literature of that era. The poems of that book reflect the multi-religious elements in Nāladiyār. The society in which Nāladiyār appeared had the primary aim of developing morality in people's life. Nāladiyār’s Venpā (kind of verse of four lines) clearly explain the principles of Buddhism. The idea that religion is one for those who have attained enlightenment and see the truths of religion through art is embodied in Nāladiyār. Nāladiyār also implies that those who examine the material truth with non-realistic knowledge will interpret it in accordance with their own religious philosophy. Thus, although Nāladiyār is identified as a Jain book with Jain religious theories, how does it contain the background for Buddhist religious ideas to spread and whether it can be classified as a public book are the research questions. The purpose of this study is to identify with examples the Buddhist philosophical principles expounded in Nāladiyār. It is also to confirm what is Nāladiyār’s foundational philosophy and, at the same time to identify other philosophical backgrounds in this book. This study follows a descriptive research approach and uses the book Nāladiyār as primary data and books, research articles, and online data related to Nāladiyār and Buddhist philosophy as secondary data.
An Analytical Study of Camera Lens Usage and Current Trends of Sri Lankan Wedding Photographers
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Hemachandra, M. J. S. R.
Documentary sources confirm that the history of wedding photography in Sri Lanka dates back to the year 1870- In the early days, only wedding photos of British citizens were photographed, and after 1910, there were also reports of wedding photography of natives. With the technological advancements in wedding photography, all aspects are merging with art, creating new dimensions of photography and new social mobility. The main objective of this study was to study whether the camera lenses manufactured by different camera equipment companies according to social mobility affect the popularity and craftsmanship of wedding photographers. The research method here is the qualitative research method. Data was collected through interviews and content analysis with ten mature photographers born in Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2020 as the primary source. It was found that using lenses capable of taking extremely minimal depth-of-field photos has become a trend, and the current Sigma 85 mm camera lens was found to be the most used lens by wedding photographers. Camera lens manufacturing companies are currently producing wide aperture lenses that can take photos using only natural light, which has led to the creation of a social movement in photography, and thus, it was concluded that the technological development of camera lens is an essential factor for the art of wedding photography in Sri Lanka.
An Analytical Study of Ganinnansela's Contribution to Preserving the Monastic Order in Sri Lanka.
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Kanthi, J. K. A.; Inurika, R. K. A. G.
In the 3rd century BC, there was a significant growth in the monastic order in Sri Lanka. But in the early 16th century, there was a decline. The arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 AD led to this decline. Buddhist monks were a substantial obstacle for the Portuguese in spreading religious activities. Therefore, the Portuguese worked to spread Christianity by suppressing them whenever possible. These practices made it dangerous for Buddhist monks to stay in their temples. Thus, many monks became monks, and some people went into hiding to protect their lives. The people who lived in hiding, known as Ganinnansela, worked to preserve the Buddhist books however they could. During the Dutch rule, the monks were severely suppressed. The research problem here was how Ganinnanasela started. The research aimed to study the work done by the monks to protect the monk order in the face of European oppression. The qualitative research methodology was used for this purpose. Primary and secondary literature sources were used for this through a library survey. Sannasand Thudapats were used as primary sources, researchers' books as secondary sources, and field studies were conducted in the temples where Ganinnansela lived. During the Portuguese and Dutch rule, the Ganinnansela gathered in places far away from the coastal areas and engaged in Buddhist activities. In the end, Ganinnansela managed to rise above the oppression of the Dutch. The King of Upcountry supported this. In 1753, the Dutch helped to establish Siam Upasampada. Velivita Sarankara Thero was prominent in re-establishing the monastic order in Ceylon. The contribution of the Wehella and Mulgirigala lineage greatly supported this.
An Analytical Study of Practical and Linguistic Problems Arising in the Study of Literature for University Students Studying Hindi as a Foreign Language: Based on Hindi Prose Literature
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Dayawansha, W. A. Nimesha Sandeepani
The contribution of literature to the learning and teaching of a foreign language is enormous. The study of the literature on those languages for language learning is the subject of discussion in many books and research studies. Although Hindi is a practically unused language in Sri Lanka, it is taught as a foreign language in many educational institutions. Among these, Hindi studies have a prominent place in Sri Lankan universities, where Hindi prose literature is naturally used. According to the facts obtained from the presurvey of the students, it was found that they face some kind of challenging situation in the study of Hindi prose literature. The main objective of this study is to identify the challenging pedagogical problems arising in the study of Hindi prose literature. Apart from this, other objectives of this study are to help make literature an attractive and problem-free method of study for students by discussing solutions to those problems. This study is going to be conducted as qualitative research. In this study, the survey research method, as well as the evidence-based research method, will be used. Primary data will be obtained through a questionnaire. Data is collected from the third- and fourth-year undergraduates studying Hindi at Kelaniya, Sabaragamuwa and Sri Jayawardhanapura Universities, selected as the research sample. The secondary data will be collected through interviews with university lecturers based on the primary data. These problems and challenges are to be classified and analysed mainly into two parts: practical and linguistic problems. The presumption of this study is that practical problems are more challenging than linguistic problems.
An Analytical Study of the Background Which Had Been Urged in India for the Necessity to Translate Sinhala Commentaries Into Pali
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Jayasinghe, Sampath Suranga
We must pay our respect to Mahavira Bhikkhus, who protected and developed the commentaries that have been written for the Pali canon. These Sinhala commentaries were translated into Pali in the 5th century AD. At that time, the Mahayana tradition had been widely spread in India. This research is focused on studying the reasons which arose the utility of Theravada commentaries in that environment in India that was vastly spread with Mahayana tradition. In this study, archaeological and literature resources are used. Venerable Revata, who guided the greatest commentator, Venerable Buddhaghosha, to translate Sinhala commentaries into Pali, lived in a temple that was close to Mahā-bodhi in India. There are some Chinese records that prove this temple where Venerable Revatha has been lived. In the 7th century AD, A Chinese traveller named Hyun-Syang wrote about a Sinhala temple which is close to the Mahā-Bodhi tree in India. Was this the temple that Venerable Revata lived in? Had this temple any connection with Mahavira in Sri Lanka? if so, why did the Bhikkhus in Sinhalarama temple tend to turn Sinhala commentaries into Pali language? These kinds of questions arise regarding the information about the Sinhala temple in India. Epigraphy, which has been placed in a museum and Chinese records, is crucial when searching for answers to the questions that have been mentioned. In that epigraphy, there is a sentence that says, “A Sri Lankan king named Meghawarna has built this temple for the Bhikkhus of his country”. It is significant to see that, this information has been described in Chinese texts. This text also elaborates that the Mahayana tradition was powerful at that time. Therefore, the Sinhala temple situated close to the Maha-Bodhi tree was the residence of so many Theravadins from any country. There was a motive to develop Theravada tradition in India, taking this temple as their head department. In order to fulfil their aspiration and also, for the usage of the people in other countries, they translated Sinhala commentaries into Pali language in need of spreading a Theravada interpretation of Buddha’s teachings.
An Analytical Study of the Social Attitudes Expressed by Sinhala and Hindi Short Story Writers About Women: Two Selected Short Stories
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Wijewickrama, K. P. Chathurika Priyadarshani
The current short story can be called a part of popular literature common to almost every language in the world. A short story needs to include a relish as well as a deep wisdom or philosophy of life. The short story writer has used the experiences gained from society in his creations. Among them, the main theme of the creations of many writers is the woman. The woman is the source of life. In the traditional social context, women who performed multiple tasks within the family unit were confined to the household. The economy and social lives of people today, as well as in the past, are based on industry. Because the production of the country is mainly based on the industry of the people, women are assigned the same performance as men in the economic process. The Sinhala short story 'Weli Katare Kandulu Binduwa' written by Newton Gunasekara, presents a woman who participates in the economic process but is ostracised by society through the character of Laila. The Hindi short story 'Shayad' written by Mannu Bhandari, presents the story of Mala, a woman who faces the social process due to economic reasons, through her short story. In this research, 'Weli Kathare Kandulu Binduwa" and "Shayad' short stories are used as the primary sources, and academic writing journals and the internet are used as secondary sources. The purpose of this research is to analyse the attitudes of Sinhala and Hindu society towards women as well as the views expressed by Sinhala and Hindi short story writers about women.
An Anthropological Study on Contemporary Fishing Community in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Weligama Divisional Secretariat Division in Mathara District
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Wickramanayake, T. Y. D.; Samarasekara, K. M. S.
Fishing has traditionally been one of the major incomes in Sri Lanka. A basic feature of fisheries society is maintaining its own subculture associated with the fishing industry. The social, economic, and cultural problems of the contemporary fisheries community have been taken as the research problem. The main objective is to identify social and cultural values in the contemporary fishing community. From the judgmental sampling method, Weligama Divisional Secretariat in the Mathara district was selected. The applied anthropological study randomly selected 50 fishery village households as primary respondents. The fishing industry is the main livelihood of 84% of households. In the religious and social context of the peasantry beliefs and rituals dominate. It was revealed that the dialect associated with the fishing industry is not actively associated with the industry at present. In the contemporary, fishermen use boat outriggers and fishing boats. There is a new trend in fisheries society. Not only that stilt fishing, as well termed Ritipanna in Sinhala, is a traditional fishing method practised by the southern coast still present. In their contemporary economic situation, they are living a challenging life. The reason given by the fishermen is a lack of proper income from fishing. An unorganized economy and debt from loans or mortgages can realize 24% of families, and they express characteristics of a culture of poverty. Accordingly, it was revealed that the poverty of these people has become intertwined with their lives at present, and they are not trying to get rid of it. But 66% of families have tried to develop their economy. It is seen that most people are working hard to make their future successful in this way. The research also exposed that the culture of poverty, a cultural characteristic of the fishing subculture, is currently being eliminated from the fishing society.
Aspects of Linguistic Sexism in Personal Deixis of Hindi
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Perera, W. Udeshika Piumali
Personal deixis refers to the usage of pronouns and other words that indicate the person(s) involved in a conversation or situation. In Hindi, there are different forms of personal deixis based on gender. The use of language that reinforces gender stereotypes and perpetuates gender discrimination is linguistic sexism, and has two folds – overt and covert sexism. Linguistic sexism can manifest in various forms, such as using masculine pronouns as the default, genderspecific job titles, and words suggesting women are inferior to men. Covert sexism refers to subtle forms of discrimination against women that are often normalized and accepted in society whereas overt sexism is the contrary to it. This research aims at identifying the way how honorifics, kingship terms, and job titles in Hindi reflect and reinforce gender roles, stereotypes, and societal attitudes toward gender through the content analysis of discourses of the Hindi novel Suhag Ke Nupur by Amritlal Nagar based on the qualitative inductive research approach with the purpose of promoting the essentiality of genderneutral language which avoids any implication of social gender for the inclusivity since this type of language can contribute to a culture that marginalizes and excludes individuals based on their gender identity. The results indicate that the use of gender- neutral pronouns, honorifics in the form of default masculine plural in the context of bi-gender groups and gender specific job titles, names, nick names to overtly exaggerate either one of gender by marginalizing the other gender.
Assessing Learner Attitudes towards English Language Examinations Conducted through Online Platforms
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Hemali, B. P. D.; Ganepola, G. H.; Hakadewaththe, N. P.
The increasing reliance on online platforms for teaching and learning has prompted educators and learners to utilize Learning Management Systems (LMS) and video conferencing tools such as Zoom and MS Teams. However, the effectiveness of virtual classrooms compared to traditional physical classrooms remains a subject of debate. Despite the advantages of online platforms, English language learners encounter significant difficulties when facing language skill examinations. In light of this hypothesis, the present study employs a qualitative dominant research approach to investigate the challenges experienced by learners during online language skill tests. The study sample consisted of 135 undergraduate students randomly selected from both state and private universities in Sri Lanka, all of whom had undergone online examinations. Among them, 130 undergraduates participated in a Google survey, and 30 undergraduates were selected for semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling. Computeraided software was employed to analyze the survey data, while thematic analysis was utilized to interpret both the survey and interview data. The findings indicate that online assessments primarily emphasized evaluating students' writing and reading abilities, with relatively less emphasis placed on their listening and speaking skills. Only a small number of participants were assessed in all language skills during online tests. The study also examined that the transition from paperbased assessments to online tests in Sri Lanka posed significant challenges for students, including technological difficulties, network glitches, a lack of technical experience, and heightened anxiety. In conclusion, this study illuminates English language learners’ obstacles during online language skill assessments. It underscores the necessity of addressing technological challenges and anxiety concerns to improve the quality of online exams and enhance the overall examination process for students in the future.
Assessing the Website Translation Quality: with Special Reference to the Website of Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Ayomi, C. M. M. G. Iresha; Wijebandara, Nethmie Manthila
It cannot be denied that translation bridges two societies, and also with the span of time, translation has nurtured globalization which is the process of integrating geopolitical, socioeconomic and state relations on a global scale. In this background, websites and web pages act as a primary source of information in this digitalized 21st century. Web translation makes the web content accessible and usable to the worldwide customers. Due to the criticalness of information, quality of the web content should be measured to confirm that clear-cut ideas are transmitted to the customers. The main objective of the present study to assess the ‘Translation Quality’ and the ‘Target Reader Response (TRR)’ in tourism - related web translation. Further, the study takes a mixed approach where a questionnaire and content analysis method were utilized to collect data. Accordingly, excerpts from the website of Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka were selected using the purposive sampling technique after an extensive content analysis. Translation Quality Assessment (TQA) of website texts was assessed on the basis of a developed TQA framework which is labelled as ‘LISA QA model’ and in subsidy the TRR was also analysed through a questionnaire involving fifteen (15) foreign tourists as respondents. In sum, it was clarified that the web translation requires major revision work – C Grade, since 40% Language errors and 52.3% transfer and presentation errors were found in TQA and only four (4) were satisfied out of eight (8) respondents who referred the webpages from total fifteen (15) respondents. In conclusion, it is recommended that the translators must highly be concerned about the quality of the web translation.
Ayurvedic Practice of Moon Bathing: Exploring the Relationship Between Lunar Energy and Human Health
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Harshamali, K. A. D. T.; Wewalwala, S. L.
The moon is associated with the Kapha Dosha in Ayurveda which is connected to the qualities of water element mainly. Moon controls and influences the Rasa Dhathu in our body (Plasma). The objective of this study was to explore the potential benefits of lunar energy on human health according to Ayurveda. Information about moon bath and its effect on human health were collected from authentic texts and web-published articles, and they were critically analysed. In Ayurveda, moon bathing is prescribed as a regimen in summer and autumn as it is used to calm the pitta dosha, the bio-energy that regulates metabolism and heat. Hamsodaka, the water heated with sunrays and cooled with moon rays, is the purest water for bathing and drinking during autumn. Moon bathing is beneficial for hypertension, eczema, excessive sweating, body odour and inflammatory conditions which arise due to excess Pitta. Moonlight triggers the release of melatonin, a hormone that relieves anxiety, stress and promotes relaxation and sleep. Since moonlight is a reflection of sunlight, it boosts Vitamin D production. Studies suggest a connection between the menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle, as both are approximately 28 days long. The moon is associated with the right side of the brain, the pituitary gland, and the female reproductive organs, thus responsible for regulating follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone. There is a potential association between bipolar disorder and lunar patterns, and the moon also affects the cardiovascular functions of the human body. It can be concluded that there is a relationship between lunar energy and human health. Thus, the regimen of moon bathing prescribed in Ayurveda is beneficial as a therapeutic method.
Belief in Karma as a Basis for Mental Health in the Psychological Background of Indians
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Samitha Thero, Ketawala
Karma is the action itself. Health is of two types physical and mental. From pre- Vedic times, man has always sought mental and physical well-being. In the Vedic period, they assumed that one’s behavior was a factor in his life. Then they pointed out the results of religious actions as Iṣṭhāpūrta. The Brahmins have pointed out the Yāga as a religious act to move with the Brahman at the end of life. The Buddha and Jain Mahavira Karma have been shown in different ways in the ideologies of the Śramaṇa tradition. Jains always accepted Pubbekatahetu. But Buddha accepted Karma as one of the factors affecting the life of an individual. However, the fact that one gets the results of one’s own actions helps in building a person’s mental health. Karma is essential to existence. But Karma is generally classified into two categories, bad and good. A person’s actions lead to the classification of Karma. In Buddhism, all negative thoughts are unwholesome or black Karma. Before someone does something, he/she concentrates on doing it. Because the result of Karma comes back. In thinking to prevent unwholesome Karma or actions, one’s mental process can be protected from mental illness. On the one hand, the fear of negative Karmic consequences is most helpful in forming the ethical basis of the thought pattern. On the other hand, belief in karma is more helpful in personality formation. This idea is wrong in the all-action concept of Jain determinism. However, karma is not only a teaching of Asians but also a more important psychological path. That is the most important discussion here.
Black Rituals in Rural Setting: A Socio-Cultural Study of the Black Rituals Related to Rajjuru Bandara in Morawak Korale
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Karunarathna, Shaini
Religious rituals are cultural practices that are used to achieve negative or positive results through non-human powers. These rituals are pervasive in most human societies around the world. They are typically divided into two systems: the white ritual system and the black ritual system. Some scholars point out that rural people resort to these systems of rituals because of their psychological needs. However, they do not address why these rituals are practised in contemporary modern societies where scientific means of cure are vastly available. In line with this research problem, this study investigates the black ritual system associated with the deity Rajjuru Bandara, prevalent in the ancient administration division of Morawak Korala in Matara district. It seeks to discover social and cultural reasons that influence the spread of black ethical practices in the chosen field. This study investigated black rituals such as Avalada Pooja and Ridee Kepima, which are prevalent in the area today, and other rituals such as Kasi Kepima, which are presently non-prevalent. Three main methods were used to collect data on these rituals: field visits to gather data through observation, interviews with parties involved in the rituals, such as the main Kapurala’ s who work related to the healing rituals, and the household discussions held with the Atura people and their family members. The obtained field data and interview data were subjected to qualitative analysis. The main religious belief system of the historical Morawak Korala is based on the Lord Rajjuru Bandara. It can be argued that black rituals stem from the devotion to the Lord Rajjuru Bandara and continue to operate even today due to the lack of proper legal mechanisms to counter political and social misdeeds in this area.
Brahmacarya: A Comparative Study on the Similarities and Dissimilarities between Jainism and Buddhism
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Sumangala Thero, Kalawane
The study of the literature of Brahmins reveals that the concept of Brahmacharya (Celibate Life) leads up to the pre-Buddhist period. Certain teachings unveil that Brahmacarya reveals an idea of superiority. Jain philosophy and Buddhist philosophy occupy a prominent place among different views that prevailed by the 6th century BC. Nigaṇṭanātaputta alias the Mahāvīra, the twenty-fourth Tīrthaṅkara of Jainism, has used Ardhamāgadhī Prakrit as his medium of teaching, whereas the Buddha has used Māgadhī Prakrit as his medium of preaching. The characters and the ethical teachings of the Buddha and the Mahāvīra have been revealed similarly in the sources. The dharma preached by the Jain Mahāvīra consists of fortyfive scriptures called Gaṇīpiḍaga. The concept of Brahmacharya has occupied a prominent place among the Jain teachings. The said teachings have extensively explained what Brahmacarya is, to be followed by a Jain monk. A concept that is different in every manner can be seen in the Buddha’s teachings on the Brahmacarya from that of the Brahmins. The teachings of the Buddha on Brahmacarya can be found in a large number of discourses of the Tripitaka. Is the Brahmacarya mentioned in the teachings of the Jain and Buddhist sources similar or dissimilar? If so, whether the said similarities happened upon the mutual impact of the said traditions, is combatively studied here. This research is expected to be conducted under the qualitative research methodology using primary and secondary sources.
Bridging the Education-Employment Gap in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to Translation Studies Curriculum and Translation Profession
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2023) Bandaranayke, H. I. W.; Gunathilaka, D. D. I. M. B.
Many young people today find it difficult to receive employment due to a lack of qualifications and abilities for specific vacancies available. Despite this, the numerous public colleges have continued to generate graduates over what the labour market has demanded, creating an imbalance in the educational system. The purpose of this research is to examine how far the BA Honors Degree in Translation Studies could bridge the Education-Employment gap in Sri Lanka, especially referring to Translation Studies Curriculum and Translation Profession, and to identify the challenges faced by graduates and undergraduates when engaging in the profession. Objectives of this research are to examine the changes to be made to the curriculum to make it in line with the profession, the changes that should come within the profession to aid the development of the curriculum, and lastly, to examine how the curriculum and the profession could be bridged to cater to both present and future needs of the profession. The research used a mixed approach and provided a thematic analysis. Questionnaire-based graduates and undergraduates survey, expert interviews with professional translators, and focus group discussions were used as research instruments for primary data collection. The results showed that there is a gap between Translation Studies Curriculum and Translation Profession. The focus on teaching language skills over translation skills, undergraduates’ interest in the subject, less standard in the practical training, no opportunity for specialized translation, and less support and recognition towards the degree program from the profession and the government have been identified as reasons for creating this gap. Overall, the BA in Translation Studies is an academically successful program that creates graduates with higher language skills but not professionally.