ARS - 2011

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/169

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    User satisfaction of library service quality amongst students and staff of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Samarakoon, M.
    The academic library has been described as the “heart” of the learning community as it provides a place for the students and university staff to do their research and advance their knowledge. The librarians and library staff provide numerous services to these users, addressing their diverse needs and interests. By providing quality services and satisfaction to users, academic and research librarians can discharge their services in a friendly and helpful manner and give knowledgeable advice for their future objectives. As academic library users have varying needs and expectations which they strive to meet, user satisfaction is an important measure of service quality in university libraries. The present study was conducted to explore user requirements and perception on the library with regard to the existing services of the library and allow user suggestions and comments in future directions. The study mainly aimed at evaluating user satisfaction on currently available resources, quality of service and assessing future information needs of the users of Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. A questionnaire was distributed among a random sample of 120 users. The collected data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. User perception on library staff qualities such as respect and helpfulness was high. They showed satisfaction over the prompt service at issue desk and photocopy service. Majority of the users were satisfied with aspects with regard to library space, individual study spaces, seating facilities and sound level. The users have also given valuable suggestions for future development of the library. Most of the users commented that collections of books in the library were not adequate in respect to their specific field of study. They have commented on the inadequacy of library opening hours. To achieve the total quality in information service the library of the Buddhist and Pali University should be improved with an advanced library environment to fulfill the demands of the users and to support their needs in obtaining information.
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    Reconciling the voices of the Ravanayana: Experiences of war and sustainable reconciliation in Sri Lanka
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Schubert, A.
    This paper explores the articulation of experiences of war and the role it plays in building a sustainable reconciliation process in post-war Sri Lanka. In seeking to come to terms with the legacy of this violence, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive process through which the experiences and memories of war can be articulated in order to sustain attempts to transform Sri Lanka‟s history of fractured ethnic relations and reduce the potential for further conflict in the future (Hayner, 2001). This study seeks to encourage the development of such a process by examining the complex relationship between memory and the ascribing of legitimacy to these experiences of war. This inter-disciplinary (drawing on memory studies, political science and cultural studies), insider research uses a theoretical framework of voices and silences to examine and explore the relationship and functioning of personal experiences of the war in Sri Lanka. The data for this study was collected just prior to the end of the war through five oral history interviews collected between March and April 2009. The findings show that the war has established a complex hierarchy of experience, and that it is through this hierarchy that personal experiences of the war are narrated and legitimized. However, due to this, many survivors chose to silence their experience as they believed that their experiences were not valid or legitimate. Therefore, I argue that prior to establishing a process for articulating experiences of war, there is a need for the establishment and acceptance of a new matrix of legitimacy that can empower survivors to broaden their varying perspectives of experience.
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    Developing a framework to adapt FOSS for IT companies in Sri Lanka
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Nayanajith, B.; Thelijjagoda, S.
    With the introduction of intellectual property rights and copyright laws, most of the software consumers have been facing major issues with increased cost; due to purchase of expensive proprietary software. As an alternative, free and open source software (FOSS) has become increasingly popular around the world, particularly in the government sector. However, in Sri Lanka, most of the computer users are still reluctant to use the Open Source Operating Systems and Software, mainly due to lack of awareness and knowledge in this area. Low software costs, growing local software development industry and bridging the digital divide are the reason for FOSS to be seen as a viable option. As a matter of fact, IT companies have the option to reduce the IT Operational cost by 50%, by switching to FOSS. However, most of the IT sector employees and organizations are reluctant to switch to FOSS due to many disasters faced by some companies during the phase of transition. It is noted that various challenges and obstacles hamper the full FOSS implementation within the IT companies. The contribution of this research paper is on FOSS expansion framework, which is proposed as a possible solution to migrate existing Software environment to FOSS successfully. There are five specific objectives covered in this research: identify the most widely used operating systems and software in Sri Lankan IT sector, the reasons behind their wide applications, employee readiness for FOSS, create framework for migration to FOSS and test the framework. In order to create this framework we have extensively re-sorted primary and secondary data collection methods, including findings of prior literature reviews, by building up questionnaires and surveys focused on general IT sector as the target audience. The findings from the participants will be helpful in identifying the gaps between the resource base provided by the IT sector and the employees in respective IT companies. By doing so, it would generate a transparent environment with an approach of rectifying possible deadlocks in FOSS migration.
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    An interesting application of statistics in the area of environmental sustainability
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Wickremasinghe, W.N.
    Environmental Sustainability is a major component of sustainable development. Except a few industrial giants, a majority of others in Asia relatively lags behind in economic performance. On the other hand, socio-political instability is also a common grievance in Asia. However, all Asian countries or groups of them tend to have common attitudes towards the environment, due to the wide range of cultural practices in Asia and as a result they are relatively richer in environment sustainability. In this study, 7 environment indicators for 33 Asian countries are analyzed using a factor analysis with varimax rotation and the countries are grouped according to simple factor scores obtained from the three main factors explaining 78% of the total variation. Possible reasons for the three clusters are explored with the help of records of history and culture. Common attitudes driven by cultural heritage are thought to be the key for similar behavior with respect to environment sustainability.
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    The representation of Sri Lankan indigenous (Vedda) people on television news: A study in intercultural communication perspective
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Senarath, S.M.
    The Veddas (also known as Wanniyala Atto) are the only remaining indigenous people in Sri Lanka in the 21st century. Currently, Sri Lanka is in the post war period where the government is working towards rapid national development that helps to harmonize all ethnic groups under one Sri Lankan flag. In this regard this study examined how television channels (Sinhala) are representing Veddas (Wanniyala Atto) in an intercultural perspective. This study observed media viewing habits of the Vedda ethnic group, with special reference to the Veddas (Wanniyala Atto) who are living at Dambana, Uve Province in Sri Lanka. In-depth, personal interviews were conducted with participants as their oral language lacks a literary tradition. Accordingly, the study focused on participants who watch television and have a good understanding of the Sinhala language. After conducting these interviews, it was discovered that Sinhala television news programs do not sufficiently report information about issues the Veddas face. Instead, preference is given to political personalities who visit Dambana, Vedda people that visit Sinhala political and religious personalities. Further, television news programs depict them as being a developed ethnic group that should change and adapt to a contemporary world. Furthermore, these programs encourage the notion that the Veddas are a „second people‟ within Sri Lankan society, and thus are not so important in comparison to the Sinhalese. As such it can be stated with significant conviction that the Sri Lankan media does not understand or appreciate the cultural, political, linguistic and other special interests and problems of the Veddas.
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    Attitudes towards induced termination of pregnancy among Buddhist and Christian clergy compared to the lay population in the western province of Sri Lanka
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) de Silva, D.C.; Jayawardene, P.L.
    Termination of pregnancies (TOP) is common in Sri Lanka despite it being illegal except when the mother‟s life is in danger. Most TOPs occur within marriage and for social reasons. Attempts to change the law to permit TOP following rape, incest and fetal anomalies have been rejected. Previous data from the Gampaha and Colombo districts among doctors and nurses has identified that religious belief was the most important determinant for disagreeing with TOP. Methodology of the study included a questionnaire survey. A pre-tested self administered questionnaire with 15 common reasons for abortion was completed by Buddhist and Christian clergy, teachers and executives in all three districts of the Western Province, Sri Lanka. There were 874 respondents consisting of Buddhist monks (216 – 24%), Christian [mainly Catholic] clergy (131-15%), teachers (303- 35%) and executives (230-26%). The respondents consisted of Buddhists 616 (70%) and Christians 221 [Catholics 181 (21%), other Christian denominations 40 (5%)] while Hindus and Muslims made up 30 (3%) of the respondents. Acceptance of TOP for social reasons was low [interruption to the mother‟s career (7%) or education (9%), pregnancy after completing family (12%) or insufficient spacing of children (18%)]. Family planning failure and financial problems were acceptable for 20% and 21% respectively. The majority considered TOP acceptable for mental retardation in the baby (56%), pregnancy following incest (57%), or rape (63%), maternal mental (62%) or physical health (75%) and for fetal anomalies incompatible with life (70%). Both groups of clergy were more willing to accept TOP for fetal or maternal reasons but the acceptance rates were significantly lower compared with their respective lay groups. The Christian clergy were more opposed to TOP for social reasons compared to the Buddhist clergy. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Buddhists and lay people were more willing to consider TOP for social reasons, while lay people were more likely to accept this for maternal health reasons and fetal abnormalities. There is a gradient of attitudes towards TOP with a degree of consensus emerging in favour of termination for maternal health reasons, severe fetal anomalies and for pregnancies resulting from rape and incest. This group of respondents was against abortion for social reasons.
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    The inverse square potential and relativistic bound states
    (12th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, 2011) Karunarathne, Sanjeewa; Piyadasa, R.A.D.
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    Clinically benign breast lumps - how often are they malignant?
    (12th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, 2011) Jayatunge, D.N.U.; Pinto, M.D.P.; Ariyaratne, M.H.J.
    Breast cancer in women is a major public health problem throughout the world. One in ten of all new cancers diagnosed worldwide each year is a cancer of the female breast. Diagnosis of breast cancer is done by triple assessment considering clinical/cytological and radiological behaviour of a breast lump. First encounter of patients with a breast lump is commonly with a primary care physician in our clinical practice. The objective of this study is to assess the case load of carcinoma of the breast presenting as clinically benign breast disease. Retrospective analysis of data from the breast cancer registry (1999-2011) of the Professorial Surgical Unit, NCTH was done. Examination findings of all the patients in the registry were analyzed. Patients who presented a single, well defined, firm, freely mobile breast lump with no nipple discharge or palpable axillary lymph nodes were considered to be clinically benign. Study population consisted of 145 patients (n=145) with a mean age of 53.23 years and a range between 30-84 years. 12 (8.27%) patients with a mean age of 48.33 years presented with above mentioned criteria. With completion of triple assessment, all of them were diagnosed to have carcinoma of the breast. In our setting about 1 in 10 patients with a carcinoma of the breast may present as having a benign breast lump clinically. Thus it is important to conduct cytological and radiological assessment in all patients presenting with a breast lump especially after the age of 40.
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    Potential for tourist industry in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Bulankulama, S.W.G.K.
    A tourist is anybody who visits another country and spends more than 24 hours, but less than one year, irrespective of travel purpose. This process involves the supply of a complex mixture of material and psychological elements which is accommodation, transportation, attractions and entertainment, fantasy or rest, recreation, educational and other social interests. The area in and around Anuradhapura is designated as one of the prime places for tourism in Sri Lanka. It has many places which attract many types of tourists. The pilgrimage complex consists of places like Ruwanweliseya, Thuparama, the Jethawana, the Mirisawati, the Abayagiri and the Lankarama and Mihinthale. In addition, the ruins of the ancient city are visible at every corner. Therefore, this study attempts to study the opportunities for tourism in and around Anuradhapura. Objectives are, the opportunities for tourism, government policies and plans and total revenue in tourism from Anuradhapura District. The study uses both primary and secondary data: 10 tourist guides and randomly selected 20 tourists. There are very low tourist arrivals to Anuradhapura though total tourist arrivals have increased in Sri Lanka last year. There was only an increase of 2% - 4% tourist arrivals in Anuradhapura. 45% of tourists visit Anuradhapura because of its ancient ruins, and 25% of tourists visit because of the archeological environment of this old city. The climate and religious importance are not given as special reasons to visit Anuradhapura. 55% of the respondents indicated that hotel and restaurant facilities are at a sufficient level. One of the problems is that although there are enough guides, their chargers are unreasonable, language skills are weak, and it is difficult to trust information given by them. 55% agreed that chargers of tourist tickets are not in a satisfactory level. The government has a general tourism policy, but it has not taken into account the special character of the tourism industry in and around Anuradhapura. The government is expected to develop the tourism industry in Anuradhapura, for the purpose of minimizing negative externalities to Anuradhapura‟s socio-economic environment and maximizing its positive externalities for a sustainable development of the industry and the area in near future.
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    Halo effect of the English language, its pernicious influence, and techniques to avoid it
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Suwandaratna, D.
    Students, on leaving campus, need English speech to secure employment and are therefore interested in mastering speech. Yet, the uncalled for importance attached to English in Sri Lanka makes this task exceptionally difficult. English, though a 2nd language used by a minority in the country, stands out from other languages representing a host of positive characteristics, and in Sri Lanka English is power and those who wield power have access to English. While proficiency in English elevates a person to the highest strata in society in Sri Lanka, non-proficiency in it reduces her/him to the level of a nonentity, and to be accepted as being proficient in English one should be able to perform in it with perfect accuracy both phonologically and grammatically. Attainment levels falling short of this norm are marginalized as erroneous. Therefore, Sri Lankans wish to make sure that they use only accurate English in their speech. When they cannot do so, they avoid speaking. This practice is incompatible with contemporary research which advocates the use of inter-language (i.e. - using the language naturally at the expense of its syntactic accuracy) as being an inevitable phase necessary for "hypotheses testing". Yet the undergraduates who had studied grammar patterns in isolation at school cannot integrate those patterns in order to commnicate. At the same time, their inability to use relative pronouns to describe, define etc., and the difficulty of distinguishing stative verbs from action verbs spontaneously are the other major obstacles they encounter in relation to speaking. I am presenting a technique which addresses these problems. Procedure followed : - Introduce basic grammar patterns as components of a single action with the help of visuals. - Isolate target language conventions which are absent in L1 ( i.e. relative pronouns stative verbs, impersonal subjects etc.) using familiar examples. - Use the knowledge gained by initiating short dialogues and expanding their parameters later. - Arrange the grammar patterns used in the dialogues in different combinations using new vocabulary and practising them cyclically to discourage rote learning. - Exploit the new experience to conduct normal class work using interlanguage.
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    Facial expression for stage reality: A study based on novices
    (12th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, 2011) Rathitharan, K.
    This paper mainly focuses on the facial expression dealing with emotion in acting. Facial expression and gesture are two of the most important aspects of theatre acting. These two, combined together express physical and psychological qualities of a character. The face being the centre of expression, it should be closely scrutinized. In character simulation, the face plays an important role to communicate clearly and effectively with the audience. In the subject of exaggerated nature for stage, it should be considered how actors use their face during performance. According to the observation in Jaffna theatre, the facial expression of novices during performance and practice is insufficient and inappropriate. The chief object of this research is to examine how to increase the quality and quantity of the facial expression for novices. The appropriate models of analytical finding of facial expression for practice and performance are gathered and systematized from society, traditional theatre and rasa theory of Natyasastra, and introduced to novices (target group) in the recorded form. The other important thing in this research is that the acting skill would be improved by revealing culture-based facial expression. The present analysis contains three components: facial expression in contemporary stage performances in Jaffna; real life, traditional theatre and theory; and finally the particular signs of facial expression for novices in a cultural context. Qualitative data analysis is employed to this research by using the method of observation and PAR (Practice as Research) to gather data. This research is expected to contribute a strong expressive culture for Tamil theatre.
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    Is there a methodology unique to western science?A Critical investigation from the philosophy of science
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Jayatilleke, J.A.D.F.M.
    In order to answer this question, we have to go back to post-renaissance Europe. There we come across two contemporary philosophers of science, namely, Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) and Galileo Galili (1564 – 1642). Bacon advocated the method of induction as the method of science. Bacon belonged to the philosophical tradition called Empiricism, according to which sense experience is primary in gaining knowledge. As against this method of induction advocated by Bacon, his contemporary Galileo proposed the method of Hypothetico-Deduction. According to this method scientists should start with a hypothesis and then deductive reasoning could lead him to predictions. Galileo belonged to the philosophical tradition called Rationalism, according to which the mental faculty is primary in gaining knowledge. Even though Bacon belonged to the empirical tradition of philosophy, the strongest critique of Bacon‟s method of induction came form the most prominent Empiricists of all, namely David Hume(1711-1776). Despite these criticisms, the above mentioned two methodologies of Bacon and Galileo stood out prominently as answers to the question in the title during the whole period of three centuries, i.e. from 17th century to 19th century A.D. The next major intervention regarding the methodology of science occurred at the beginning of 20th century through a group of intellectuals called Vienna Circle. The Vienna Circle created a tradition (or school) of philosophy namely, Logical Positivism. Logical Positivists also advocated the method of induction as the method of science but it was a more sophisticated version of inductivism. Logical Positivism dominated the scene during the first half of the 20th century, but every tenet of Logical Positivism was demolished by the subsequent developments in the philosophy of science. The next important philosopher of science to emerge was Karl Popper (1902-1994). He advocated the method of falsification as the method of science. Popper‟s method of falsification too, encountered serious drawbacks. Later philosophers of science claimed that Popper‟s method of falsification was too simple and not justifiable in the actual practice of science. Thomas Kuhn, the American philosopher of science marked a turning point in the 20th century philosophy of science through his major work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962). Kuhn did not advocate any method for science. He introduced a number of important concepts to the philosophy of science namely, paradigm, normal science, revolutions in science, and incommensurability. His contemporary Paul Feyerabend (1924-1994), a Switzerland born philosopher was more radical than Kuhn. Feyerabend in his classic, “Against Method” (1975) repudiates the very idea of a scientific method. Both on grounds of logic and history, he questions the belief that there is something called the method of science which distinguishes science from the other knowledge systems.
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    An evaluation of School Based Assessment in Grade 11 and teacher-student attitude towards SBA
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Niroshinie, C.
    The effectiveness of the teaching learning process can be measured and judged by evaluation. Therefore, evaluation is very important to the students as well as to the teachers. By Educational Reforms of 1998, School Based Assessment (SBA) was introduced to the school system in Sri Lanka. At present it has been implemented from grade 6 to grade 13 in all the government schools in Sri Lanka. Inclusion of SBA Grades in the certificate commenced in 2002 for GCE (O/L) and in 2005 for GCE (A/L). Overall aim of SBA is to improve the quality of learning, teaching and assessment. The aims of the study were to  Identify the teachers‟ and students‟ attitudes towards SBA  Find out the assessment tools that are used in SBA  Investigate the problems faced by the teachers and the students in using SBA tools The study was limited to four Educational Zones in Colombo district: twelve Schools were selected randomly to represent 1AB, 1C and type 2 schools. Twenty students from Grade 11 and two teachers were selected from each school. Total student sample was two hundred and forty. Attitude tests and short questionnaires were used to collect data. Approximately 21 assessment tools were identified as used under SBA. When considering the school type, high positive attitude on SBA can be seen in 1C schools students. Various problems were identified related to the assessment tools. Among them, the main problem was the lack of physical resources in type 2 schools. The conclusion of the study is that teachers should pay more attention to use student centered assessment methods. Steps should be taken to improve the validity of SBA marks. There should be a very close relationship among teachers to minimize the difficulties faced by the students because of the many assessments at any given time.
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    Towards positive peace: Government of Sri Lanka`s post-conflict peace building efforts
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Balasooriya, A.
    The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL)‟s “triumph winning” of the conflict against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has not brought a comprehensive answer to the underlying causes of the conflict, though the absence of war was prevalent for the last two years. Absence of conflict was able to bring a negative peace - conclusion for three decades of physical violence in the country. However, existing social justice for every citizen in the post-conflict era is yet to be improved in a comprehensive manner to meet its potential to achieve positive peace. Enhancing human rights of the victims of the conflict, bringing justice for the injustice of the conflict by perpetrators, establishing effective mechanisms for addressing underlying conflict causes such as political grievances, basic needs of food, shelter, health, education and livelihood, and social dignity and equal opportunities to participate in social and economic activities should be on the top of post-conflict peacebuilding agenda. Therefore, to achieve positive peace for the country, as the primary representative of its people or the winner of the conflict, GoSL has to go ahead with clear and comprehensive peacebuilding activities and implement strategies to overcome prolonged causes of the conflict. Some of GoSL‟s post-conflict activities and implementations have publicly demonstrated as the path of GoSL to reach the potential of social justice of the conflict affected citizens of the country. However, “monopolistic Sinhalese military strategies” have shown their limited capacity to deal with underlying causes both at national and local levels to achieve social justice to reach the goal of positive peace rather than its “nationally popular political interests”. Many activities and strategies in post-conflict peacebuilding aim to address the surface of the existing issues. So far, there could not be seen any credible mechanism to bring justice, accountability and post-conflict reconciliation for conflict affected civilians to overcome structural violence other than military dominated partial mechanisms. Therefore, GoSL has to overcome multiple challenges in post-conflict peacebuilding to bring positive peace which could reach the potential of social justice of every citizen of the country. This preliminary paper discusses the existing post-conflict activities, implemented strategies and challenges to meet the potential of social justice of the conflict affected citizens in the country in order to achieve positive peace.
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    'My body taught me how to act': Towards an epistemology of actor learning and apprenticeship
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Liyanage, S.
    The background to this paper is the researcher‟s own apprenticeship training as an actor in Sri Lanka. “Embodied knowing” in dance and movement studies effectively explain how the performer‟s body pursues its own primordial ways of being-to-the world and perception (Sheets-Johnston 1966, Parviainan 1998, 2003, Barbour 2006, Klemola 1991, Zarrilli 2004, 2008, Barbour 2006, Hui Niu 2009, Riley 2004, Fraleigh 1986). Health scientists and cognitive phenomenologists also agree with the power of embodied knowing and its implication on the body as a knower and expresser (Kissel and Block 2001, Noë 2004). This paper brings an actor‟s account on apprenticeship training as an on-the-job learning. This experiential embodiment is juxtaposed with some prevailing ideas on “embodied knowing” to explain how on-the-job apprenticeship actor‟s learning process evolves embedded bodily knowing. Finally, this paper demonstrates how the apprenticeship actor transforms her corporeality into a skilled acting body.
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    Issues and challenges of rural educational development with special reference to Education Division in Mawanella
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Wijethunga, W.T.A.W.; Thennakoon, T.M.S.P.K.
    Education receives a prominent place in society among other social concerns, due to its significance from the social development perspective. Although there were many efforts taken by the government to develop education, yet many issues and challenges in rural educational secto should be addressed. Educational improvement and then rural development cannot be expected, without identifying these issues and solving challenges particularly in rural school education. Therefore, the present study is specifically geared to identify the current issues and challenges towards the improvement of rural school education, illustrate the spatial distribution of rural schools in the study area and suggest the feasible solutions for the identified issues. Two schools in Mawanella Educational Zone were selected for this study. Stratified random sampling was used to cover 6% of the students, 20% of their parents, and teachers were also selected. Six different methods were employed to collect data: pilot survey, interviews, discussions, case studies, observations and questionnaire survey and photographs. The findings of this study were in close relationship with factors such as number of members in the family, parent‟s occupation, income and educational attainment of the student etc. Further, the study ascertained the way in which attitudes of parents and students influence the development of rural education. Problems related to student learning process and their adverse effects on educational development were also identified. Close proximity among schools, decreasing demand for rural schools, reduction of student‟s performance level, lack of resources, relationship of parents and teachers, poor functioning of school development societies and negative attitudes towards rural schools, were also highlighted as challenges of rural educational development.
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    Preliminary investigations on presence of arsenic in Sri Lankan soils & plants
    (University of Kelaniya, 2011) Fonseka, S.I.; Amarasinghe, M.D.; Paranagama, P.A.
    Arsenic is well recognized as an element of public concern due to its high toxicity and carcinogenic properties. Occurrence of chronic arsenic poisoning symptoms in patients of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) from Padaviya area led to the hypothesis that chronic accumulation of arsenic may be the potential cause of CKDu. The most likely means of ingestion of arsenic may be groundwater as all CKDu patients have been consuming groundwater, and not surface water for the last few decades. Presence of inorganic and organic arsenic is evidently the result of presence of it in groundwater and interstitial (soil) water from which it can enter plants. The present study therefore, was carried out with the objective of determining arsenic content in soil profiles as well as selected aquatic and terrestrial plants in Padaviya area with a view to understanding the vertical and horizontal (spatial) distribution of arsenic in the environment. Soil samples were taken at 1 foot depths down to 12 feet from paddy fields, homesteads and areas of Padaviya reservoir using a spiral auger. Soil was also collected from Deniyaya (Pasgama), a non-CKDu endemic area, as control samples. Three samples were taken from every one-foot depth in the soil profile and collected into polythene bags. The auger was cleaned thoroughly to remove all soil and washed with de-ionized water prior to taking samples. Samples of roots, leaves, flowers and bark of common trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants in the study area were collected in plastic bags and brought to the laboratory to test for the presence of arsenic. Control plant samples were collected from non-CKDu areas. Soil particle sizes and cation exchange capacity were determined using standard methods; organic matter was measured using weight loss on ignition. Soil and plant samples were acid digested using nitric (4): suphuric (1): perchloric acid (1) mixture until a clear solution was obtained and the digested samples were used to detect arsenic in them using the hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometer. Distribution of Fe and Al in soil that affects bioavailability of arsenic in soil and groundwater was determined using oxalate-extraction method. All surface soil samples contained total arsenic contents greater than those in the bottom horizons of the soil profiles. Surface layers of soil in paddy fields of Padaviya area were detected to have relatively high levels when compared to that of the deep layers. On the contrary the As level in the deep layers of soil in the control area in the wet zone recorded higher values than that of the surface which could be attributed to the greater incidence of leaching that is possible in wet zone soils. No As arsenic was detected below 7 feet depth in Padaviya reservoir. Relationship between distribution of oxalate-extractable Fe with presence of As in soil will be discussed. Bark of Azadirachta indica (Kohomba) was found to accumulate the greatest amount of total As while it was observed that roots and leaves of Terminalia arjuna too accumulate As more than the other tree species. Eichhornia crassipes, the aquatic floating plant and flowers of Nelumbo sp. (rooted aquatic plant) were found to contain excessive amounts of As, indicating their capacity to hyper-accumulate As and thus their potential to be used as candidate species in arsenic phytoremediation.