PhD Theses

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    A PHILOSOPHICAL ANAL YSIS 0 THE CO CEPT OF CONSERVATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: THE CASE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SRI LANKA
    (2017) Herath, H.M.C.
    The broad objective of this stud) is to develop a philosophical analysis on the "Concept of Conservation" which is identified as a basic theoretical position of practical reasoning in environmental ethics. In order to achieve this objective. the current study was originated to revisit the concept of conservation in Environmental Ethics. Since this study was mainly engaged in both theoretical and practical domains. several research methods for collecting data and analyzing them were employed. Therefore. the qualitative data (through literature surveys) were used in gathering information and in theorizing the conceptual frameworks. Collected data were analyzed using (a) conceptual analysis, (b) content analysis. (c) phenomenological methods and (d) statistical tools. The present form of conservation through EIA retains a practice merely based on anthropocentric and extended individualistic ethical approaches. The extended approaches are Bio-centric ethics and Eco-centric ethical platforms. When conservation was based only on these three ethical approaches. leaving out the hiocultural and ethical appruachcs, which relates to the social and cultural facets, the process of environmental conservation confines itself into a "Iimited""a narrow" and "an anthropocentric" practice. This study examines gaps between Anthropocentricextended Individualistic approaches versus Bio-cultural ethical approach and attempt to uncover the limitations, \\ hich were created through technical conservation approaches or current forms of Environment Impact Assessments. This study urges to include the bio-cultural ethical approach into the concept of conservation with non-visible stake holders in relation to the given environmental management contents and it develops the "meaning" in the process of environmental - protection considering the sectors such as cultural responses, societal influences, economical and livelihood concerns into it. XI This study argues an inclusive conservation, instead of instrumental value format based on anthropocentric approach, an instincts value format for environmental policy making processes, instead of instrumental value judgments. The study further recommend the (I) new definitions for the process of conservation, (2) conceptual guidelines for conservation tool kits, (3) theoretical and ethical foundation for valuing the natural resources and (4) policy framework for regulating procedures.
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    LINGUISTIC CONSTRAINTS - A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY ON TAMILENGLISH MIXED DISCOURSE AMONG THE .JAFFNA TAMILS.
    (2017) SANMUGANATHAN, K.
    In bilingual and multilingual sOcietIes, there are usually at least two interacting language groups, each representing different cultural and I inguistic features. Sri Lanka is a multilingual country where there is a tendency of mixing. two languages as a communicative strategy used by the speakers. It has been observed that mixing of indigenous languages - Sinhala and Tamil and English is a common speech behaviour which occurs in the discourse of educated bilinguals in Sri Lanka. There have been several studies on sociolinguistic, structural linguistic and psycho linguistic aspects of code-mixing in different countries. In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on the linguistic constraints on code-mixing. The aim of this study is to investigate the rules and constraints of code-mixing (CM) in Tamil-English mixed language data. The focus of the present study of Tamil-English mixed discourse of educated urban bilinguals in Jaffna, Sri Lanka is of two fold. First, from a sociolinguistic point of view, language mixing originates in response to social motivations, and social factors which cannot be ignored in any analysis. Second, from a syntactic point of view, it is proposed that code-mixing is governed by a host code/guest code principle. This principle says that in a code-mixed discourse involving languages Ll and L2, where Ll is the host code and L2 is the guest code, the morphosyntactic rules of L2 must conform to the morphosyntactic rules of L I, the language of the discourse. In order to determine the sociolinguistic factors which contribute to the development of Tamil-English CM and the rules that govern Tamil-English CM and possible syntactic constraints, the researcher involved the qualitative method of analysis. The present study drew upon data collected from sociolinguistic questionnaire, interview, observation and a recorded spontaneous conversation between bilinguals in a language contact situation in which the two languages are syntactically very different from each other, namely, Tamil and English. The study addresses the questions whether there are sociolinguistic factors which trigger Tamil-English code-mixed speech and whether there are syntactic constraints on Tamil-English CM. The researcher has examined sociolinguistic and linguistic aspects of code-mixing and found that there are factors such as demographic, attitudinal, relationship of interlocutors and language choice and domains which contribute to code-mixed speech and code-mixing is indeed a rule governed phenomenon, that is, there are constraints that govern where in a sentence a code-mix can occur and where it cannot occur.
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    THE BATTICALOA DISTRICT UNDER BRITISH ADMINISTRATION A.D.1796-1948.
    (2016) Nilanthini, P.
    Sri Lanka has been under western colonial administration since the 16th century. Chronologically speaking first came the Portuguesc. then the Dutch and the British subsequently took hold of the administration. British brought the entire island under their supreme authority and administered for around 133 ycars. Batticaloa is situated in the eastern coastal area and was governed for a long period of time by the British. The objective of thesis is to conceptualize the reliable history of the administration. the supreme influence and the phenomenal progress in Batticaloa during the era of British administration. The area has not been previously subjected to a detailed historical study. Therefore an extensive research has been conducted. Our main concern is to construct the multifaceted history of Batticaloa with information chiefly from archival records and statistical information found in the reports published by government departments. The sources of study are statistical data and records of the British government in Sri Lanka. literary records. field work. interviews and also archaeological evidence. They are mostly archival records and government publications. which have been collected and preserved at the National Archives. the Colombo Museum Library and other institutions. The study is undertaken according to the principles of historical methodology and in competent guidance and in conformity with the principles of rational investigations and analytical examination of the source material. Chapter divisions are I )General Introduction. 2)History of Batticaloa in the pre-British period. 3)Continuity of Administration. 4)The Responsibility of Native Chiefs under British Administration 5)The Beginnings of Modern Education. 6)The Development of Transport and Communication Infrastructure 7)Agriculture and other Economic Activities. 8)Courts. Laws and Customs. 9)Conclusion. In conclusion it may be stated that the British Administration established enterprising activities for the development of Batticaloa and was ext ordinarily successful in the transformation and modernization of this area. Batticaloa had a cultural heritage which is UnIque In some ways.
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    STRATEGIC APPLICATION OF TESTING AND EVALUATION MECHANICS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF WRITING SKILLS IN ENGLISH.
    (2016) Samaraweera, S.G.S.
    This thesis is based on a case study carried out at the University or Ruhuna. Faculty or Agriculture. Emphasizing the strategic value or testing and evaluation mechanics. this thesis makes an effort to identify the decisive role evaluation can play in a teaching-learning process and makes a proposition for conferring on it the recognition it deserves in a teaching-learning programme. Moreover. it demonstrates how a writing syllabus gets activated through the proper treatment of testing and evaluation in all stages the leaners are supposed to proceed through in an effort to develop their writing in English. In that sense testing and evaluation is recognized as the measurement or the progress the students make individually as well as group-wise. On the whole. the thesis attempts to recognize new facets or evaluation in the identification or learning styles and in the promotion or learning strategies in a humanistic approach to learning English as an international language. This thesis introduces existing second language learning theories with special reference to the barriers that learners have in learning writing in English as a second language. It also highlights the need or a viable strategy for developing writing in English as a second language. Further. this thesis studies theoretical literature on testing and evaluation and present the impact or a strong strategic testing and evaluation application mechanism on a programme or developing writing in English in a model educational setting. Here the major findings in the literary review with regard to the strategic application or testing and evaluation mechanism in developing writing skills in English are discussed.
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    AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ON PROFITABILITY. LIQUIDITY. SOLVENCY AND ORGANIC GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SRI LANKA.
    (2016) Senanayake, M.V.
    The efficient management of working capital could detennine profitability. liquidity and solvency. value added levels and the ultimate organic grov.1h state of enterprises. Inefficiencies associated with working capital management could make an adverse impact on the growth trajectory. The present study examines the impact of efficient working capital management on the ultimate dynamic of organic groW1h of the Dirisavi Board listed finns in Sri Lanka. In order to determine the efficiency of Working Capital Management. three indexes have been used including Perfonnance Index (PI), Utilization Index (UI) and Efficiency Index (EI). The statistical samples of the study are the firms accepted in 4 sectors and a total number of 25 finns were selected as the sample. The study period was 04 years commencing from January 2009 to December 2012. To measure the relationship between efficient working capital management and organic growth. the researcher used seven independent variables and nine dependent variables. Reb'fession, correlation and Anova (GLM) methods of analysis was employed to analyze data. The study found that there were relationships between efficient working capital management and the contributory variables along growth pathways of listed firms in Sri Lanka. The degree of relationship between efficient working capital management and organic growth was dissimilar among sectors. Further working capital policy and strategy which encompassed the inventory conversion period, debtors and creditors conversion periods culminating in the cash conversion cycle wcre all equal predictors of organic growth. The current assets to total assets ratio : used as a control variable. made a contribution to ultimate organic groW1h. This study would help to understand the importance of efficient working capital management. which sectors organic groW1h is highly effected and how the working capital components contribute to organic growth of the firms.
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    THE IMPACT OF AGEING-POPULATION ON DEMAND FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN SRI LANKA
    (2016) Lakmal, W.A.I.
    Among other issues related to population ageing, changing the demand patterns for health careservices has become an important concern in developing countries including Sri Lanka.Therefore, in order to evaluate the impact of ageing population on demand for health careservices, the study examines the factors influencing the demand for healthcare of the elderlypopulation in Sri Lanka. Grossman Model of Health Demand is based largely in the study withsome refinements to explain the healthcare demand of the elderly population. The study uses amixed methodology based on a sample of 300 elderly people with self-reported healthinformation and then the analysis of the study was performed with the use of Grossman'seconomic model for the demand of health where healthcare is treated as an input for theproduction of health.This study revealed that expenditure on drugs, cost per visit for medical consultation, healthstatus, cost of drugs per visit, distance to the medical institute and the method of the treatmentare the most influential factors that determine the demand for health care services in Sri Lanka.Most importantly, the study found that the health status depreciates when older people movefrom young-old to old-old status. lt is also imperative to remark, that the study found the healthstatus being regarded as an important predictor of the demand for healthcare. Although healthstatus or 'health stock' is treated as an outcome variable in Grossman's model, the study usehealth status as an exogenous variable which can have a significant influence in determininghealthcare utilization. Therefore, the study adds another dimension to the Grossman Model bytreating health status of the elderly and associated healthcare costs as two major significantvariables that affect their demand for healthcare services. Conceptually, this explains that whenthe price of drugs increases, stock of health of the elderly decreases because the demand forhealthcare services mainly depend on the cost of drugs prescribed by the healthcare providers.Moreover, financial factors play a crucial role in seeking for health care in the backdrop ofpoverty of the elderly individuals and their families. The results suggest the presence of a strongfinancial barrier to health care access. It is expected that the study will help to necessitate policyactions that promote good health in old age.
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    ORGANIZA NON AND TRANSMISSION OF AYURVEDICAND INDIGENOUS MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE IN SRI LANKA
    (2016) Gamage, C.K.
    Ayurveda the science of life has been the oldest system of medicine in the world.The devine origin of this has made it a very great science among others. Similarly theindigenous medicine in Sri Lanka also is a very unique system of medicine. Thoughthere has been an influence of Ayurveda towards the indigenous medicine, it hassome unique features and an identity. No in - depth study has been undertaken so farorganization and transmission of knowledge on these both medical fields ofAyurveda and Indigenous system of medicine.There are two main objectives of this study, to explore the organizational patterns ofknowledge in Ayurveda and Indigenous systems of medicine and to explore theknowledge transmission techniques used in these both medical fields. The majorresearch tools employed for collecting data for this research study were interviewsand dircct observation. Ayurveda and Indigenous medical practitioners of the twodistricts of Anuradhapura and Colombo were deemed suitable as the studypopulation. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software was utilizedin analyzing the data collected for this study.The study revealed that the organization of Ayurvedic medical knowledge in India isthe same as in Sri Lanka. But in the field of Indigenous medicine, organizationalpatterns of knowledge used were based on patterns unique and inherent to the subjectitself. The broad spectrum of knowledge transmission in both medical fields iscomparatively run on verbal and non-verbal methods cum conventional and modemmethods as well. In addition Veda Geta, Dutha Lakshana Incantations and Kernsystem have facilitated the transmission of Indigenous medical knowledge within thecountry. The three main disciplines of Buddhism, Astrology and Occultism havesupported the existence and evolution of both medical lields of Ayurveda andIndigenous medicine in Sri Lanka. of both medical lields of Ayurveda and Indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka.
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    IMPROVEMENT OF THE POST-HARVEST STORAGE LIFE OF BANANA (EMBUL - Mlisa aCliminata, AAB) AND (CAVENDISH - Mlisa aCliminata, AAA) USING NOVEL CROWN ROT DISEASE CONTROL STRATEGIES
    (2016) Siriwardana, S.S.D.H.L.S.
    Crown rot disease is a major postharvest diseases in Embul and Cavendish banana causing severepostharvest loss. Use of fungicides is still the major way of controlling crown rot disease. Due to thehazardous effects of fungicides. usc of ceo-friendly methods of controlling disease arc being investigatedIhroughout the world. In this study. efficacy of Potassium aluminium sulphate (alum) + Dc/mum basil/cll1n(basil) oil spray treatment in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and alum + vacuumpackaging (VP) was investigated in extending the shelf life of Embul and Cavendish banana at 12-14 "c.Embul or Cavendish banana fruits were washed with I % alum (w/v) and sprayed with 0.4% Dc/mumbasi/icum (basil) oil and packed in Low Density Polyethylene (LOPE) bags and stored in a cold room at12-14 "c. In-package gases were analysed every seven days up to 28 days of storage. Physicochemical.sensory and nutritional properties and crown rot disease severity as well as residues of trealed banana peelwere detennined in ripening induced fruits. Test marketing trials were conducted in fruit outlets inDambulla and Kiribathgoda, Sri Lanka where treatments were provided to consumers and staff 10 obtainfeedback on the quality of treated banana.At the end of 28 days of storage. 0, in all packages remained between 2.7 - 4.0% while CO, level varied3.9 - 4.3% in Embul banana whereas 5.0% - 5.4% of 0,% and 5.1% - 5.6% of CO,% remained inCavendish banana. Crown rot disease was controlled effectively using alum + 0.4% basil oil and shelf lifeof Embul and Cavendish banana was extended up to 28 days. Most of the physicochemical. sensoryproperties of alum + basil oil treated banana were not signilieantly different compared to control (distilledwaler treated) whereas nutritional properties of treated samples showed no significant changes compared tocontrol. Treated samples scored higher for peel colour and laste over control samples. by staff andconsumers of fruit outlets. Insignificant amount of residues persisted in treated banana.Effect of vacuum packaging in combination with cold storage at 12-14'C was evaluated on Embul andCavendish banana. Embul banana or Cavendish banana fruits were washed with I % alum (w/v) andpacked in LOPE bags and vacuum treatment was applied by removing air using a vacuum cleaner.Physicochemical. sensory. nutritional and pathological properties and in-package gases were analyzed upto one month. At the end of 28 days of storage, 0, level remained between 3.3 - 4.4% while CO, levelvaried 3.9 - 4,0% in Embul banana whereas 5.6 - 5.8% of 0,% and 5.0 - 5.1 % of CO,% remained inCavendish banana. Crown rot disease was controlled to a fair extent in both varieties of banana. Most ofthe physicochemical. sensory and nutritional properties were not affected by the alum + vacuum packagingIrealment. Customers and staff offruit outlets preferred the alum treated banana over the control samples.""According to the results of the present sludy. crown rot disease of Embul and Cavendish banana could becontrolled significantly using the integrated treatment of I % alum + 0.4% basil oil combined withmodified atmosphere packaging and optimum temperature of 12-14 'c. Test marketing trials furtherre,ealed the efficacy of basil oil in controlling crown rot of Embul and Cavendish banana and providedd
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    Poverty Reduction and Women Empowerment in Rural Society of Sri Lanka: a Comparative Analysis on Public and NGOs Intervention in Rural Development.
    (2016) Gunawardana, D.S.W.
    Sri Lanka is a country passing the high human development level due to the recent developmentefforts already implemented by the government of Sri Lanka and other stakeholders. However,poverty is an issue still influencing the peoples' livelihoods and also in the social and culturalspheres in the rural and estate sectors. Recent studies show that there is a gradual reduction inpoverty, especially in the urban and rural sectors than in the estate sector. The present study isfocused on a particular aspect of poverty reduction in the rural society of Sri Lanka whileemphasizing women's empowerment as a strategy of poverty reduction.Thus, the main objective of this study is to investigate into how the women's empowermentprocess is utilized as a strategy in poverty reduction programmes which are conducted by thepublic and NGOs sectors among rural society of Sri Lanka. By tracing this main objective, the studyhas identified the contributions made by both public and NGO sectors at macro and micro levelsto reduce the poverty incidents in two selected Divisional Secretariat Divisions in theAnuradhapura District. To prove this main objective and specific objectives identified in the study,a particular methodology has been employed using both quantitative and qualitative methods,paradigms, data collection techniques, and data analysis tools.The study revealed that there are many poverty reduction programmes and activities beingimplemented by the public and NGOs sectorsat macro and micro levels while focusing on poorwomen. However, when the role of the public and NGOs involvement in the process ofempowering poor women in their programmes are analyzed comparatively, the NGO sectorshave played a more significant role than the public sector. Although, these programmes haveplayed a significant role inincreasing women's participation in household decision making andaccess and control over family resources, they havenot causedany improvements on thewomen's social status beyond the family.It is evident that these programmes which are conducted by the public and NGOs sectorshaveassisted in increasing women's decision.making abilities at the household level, but has not on alarge scale changed their status at the community or regional levels such as inimproving thewomen's status in the areas of leadership positions, community-based activities, politicalparticipation, paid employment and participation in development activities.Against thisbackground, it can be concluded that these empowering programmes have afforded manyopportunities to women to improve their family status within their families rather thantheirsocial status withinsociety. Therefore, such programmes have helped in empowering womenandreduce poverty level at household level at large;but they have not become considerablekeystrategiesinwomen's empowerment and poverty reduction within rural society in Sri Lanka.
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    GENDER AND CORRUPTION PRONE BEHAVIOR OF PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES: A CASE OF SRI LANKAN PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS
    (2015) Silva, G.R.P.
    Many researchers revile that there exists an impeccable augmentation of corruption in all sectors both locally as well as globally. Elicits contemplation of the research focus on the relationship between employee demographics and corruption-prone behavior among the public-sector employees. In addition, it is imperati,'e to explain to what extent such relationship is being moderated by the career cycle stage of the public-sector employees in Sri Lanka. Question such as what stimulates public sector employees to engage with corruption, what differentiation could exist among different demographics towards corruption and finally this study address the impact of employee career cycle stage over the relationship between employee demographics and corruption prone behavior. Research becomes significant in terms of academic contribution to develop the cognitive enhancement of practical consideration regarding eradication of corruption in the public sector. Research is organized with reference to the deductive philosophy and mixed strategy has been utilized. Quantitativc analysis augmentcd with 611 questionnaires to clicit responses from selected representative sample and qualitatively articulated 22 interviews and ethnography are used within the selected six public sector institutions which are reported with highest level of corruption over the last 5 years. Transactional cost, agency theorem and institutional theorem were used along with the career cycle theory to build the theoretical foundation of the research. Forcefully, it has been recognized that the corruption-prone behavior is driven by the internal factors and external factors principally. Further analyses were conducted based on the three pillars, primarily descriptive statistics, secondarily correlation analysis and finally about the hypothesis texting aligned with descriptive statistics and Tukey-HSD test, A:-JOV A, and qualitative analysis, it is revealed that the career cycle stage has no moderating effect over the relationship between employee demographics and corruption-prone behavior. But in relation to both demographics and the external factors together (synchronization) career cycle stage impelled no moderating impact. Qualitative analysis revealed that with forceful articulated aspect of "fearlessness" as the key consideration of corruption due to political interference and the superior security interventions. Predominantly it concludes that female is less vulnerable to corruption than the male counterpart in Sri Lanka and external factors have therefore become more prominent as the corruption prone behavior than the demographic factor.