ICSS 2018
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/19402
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Item A study on External factors affecting the effectiveness of student Performance of learning environment in university system in Sri Lanka:(With special reference to University of Kelaniya)(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Dompelage, P.T.; Dr.Kularatne, M.G.; Gunawardhana, D.S.R.E.S.This research paper aims to examine external factors on learning environment and student performance in higher education institutes. Therefor, this paper is to analysed the contributing factors in the university learning aiming external factors. Perception of the university Students a perfect learning environment in higher education However there are many reasons are affected to their expectation. Student own characteristics and external environment are two main factors which are attached to effectiveness of student performance. Accommodation facilities, Food and Nutrition, Library facilities, Financial Assistance, Sanitary facilities, Medical facilities, Transport facilities, Extra curriculum activities and reward system are imported. To investigated this issued 220 third year undergraduate students were randomly selected from faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Humanities. Both qualitative and quantitative data collected from third year undergraduate students of the Faculty of Social Sciences and faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. A questionnaire survey mainly used for primary data collection. Most of time class room are not created stranded way and no enough facilities to the lecture. Students are most likely to enough space, enough comfortable desk and chairs and cleanness of class room.Item Empowering Sri Lankan Female Workers at Foreign Countries(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Dr.Jayawardane, T.V.P.The focus of this paper is to view and examine the various challenges encountered by the Sri Lankan female workers who work in the Foreign Countries as domestic-aid and to explore how these female workers contribute to the development of Sri Lanka. The paper will examine the various violations of International Law with regards to these female workers and ways to avoid such violations by empowering them. Sri Lankan females choose to work as unskilled laborers and seek job opportunities in Foreign Countries, especially in the Middle Eastern countries for the past three decades. There is a progressive increase in the number of female workers who leave Sri Lanka annually and they contribute to bringing in the highest amount of foreign currency to the country’s economy. The career journey of these female workers is full of obstacles, challenges and difficulties. Since most of females leave their families behind, they risk possible harms to their children left back, family disruptions, deprivation of education for these children and risk of child labor or abuse from current guardians of them. The female worker will also face lack of social and occupational security, lack of recognition, wage discrimination and most importantly difficulties in access to justice. Thus, this can be seen as significant violation of their human rights. The literature affirms that there were many cases where Sri Lankan female workers had to face refusal of payments, violation of their employment contract, physical and mental assault, sexual assaults, and sometimes even death. Sri Lanka is a member of various international treaties and therefore must find means to protect the civil and economic rights of these female workers. The paper recommends that Sri Lanka ought to imply strong policies, international agreements and national laws in order to safeguard the human rights of these female workers. The existing national laws are insufficient since the human rights of these females are violated frequently. The International laws will provide and protect the female workers and the children left behind, but the existing Sri Lankan system fails to achieve this. This paper recommends domestic laws, policies, and, practices which can be implemented to offer solutions to address the key concernsItem Socio-cultural factors that affect towards the continuity of the male homosexuality in relation to tourism (Within the Negombo coastal area)(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Kumara, S.W.P.; Chandana, T.H.Male homosexuality can be identified as a social phenomenon and a crime, which should be addressed surrounding the tourism in Sri Lanka. According to the Sri Lankan Penal Code 365 (A) homosexuality is a crime. The problem of this study was ‘what the socio – cultural factors that affect towards continuity of the male homosexuality in relation to tourism are. The main objective of this study was recognition of the socio-cultural factors that affect towards the continuity of the male homosexuality in relation to tourism. Fifty local males who are having homosexuals in relation to tourism were chosen according to the snowball sampling method as the research sample. Moreover, two tourist guides, a hotel servant of a tourist hotel, a tourist driver and a hotel owner were chosen according to the purposive sampling method as the key informants. Structural questionnaire, in-depth interviews, observation and case studies were used as the method of primary data collection. According to this research, majority of the sample are engaged in homosexuality because of the pleasure' its percentage is 27%. It could be concluded that there is a clear relationship between both the pleasure and the homosexuality. Furthermore it has been crystal clear that those who are engage in homosexuality in relation to tourism is done in the aim of collecting financial benefits (23%). According to this research, it revealed that peer pressure with the homosexuals (20%) is affected to follow on the homosexual continuity .According to source of key informants it revealed that this concept of homosexuality is being maintained in its sub-culture in relation to tourism. It could be possibly be concluded that a few other factors such as willing to migration (10%), to sell the homosexuality with the aim of earning money (15%), to grasp any other experience by means of which (5%) would be affected towards the continuity of the male homosexuality in relation to tourism.Item Factors Affecting the Effective Usage of Learning Management System:With reference to Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Senevirathne, H.P.D.B.; Weerasena, U.M.Learning Management System (LMS), is highly regarded in all higher education institutes as one of the most effective means of communication. A paradigm shift from traditional to student centered learning has been catered through LMS since it is a mode of e-learning. Despite the many advantages provided to the education sector, LMS requires its users to have the required technology, facilities, knowledge as well as positive attitude towards being technology oriented to better utilize LMS. However, in absence of those requirements being fulfilled, the advantages of having such a system become dormant. Thus, the main objective of this study is to find out whether there are such factors by which the effective usage of LMS is affected in Sri Lankan State Universities. The target population has been further narrowed down to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of University of Sri Jayewardenepura. A questionnaire was circulated among randomly selected 354 undergraduates from all the four years. The results of this study show that every student has a means of accessing internet but, the majority use LMS only several times per month. Nonetheless, LMS is frequently used to download lecture materials while uploading assignments and online quizzes are the other two reasons to use LMS, other than to fulfill the first year Compulsory English course requirements. Though majority expressed that using LMS is an easy way to create a liaison between undergraduates and the lecturers/lecture materials, they also agreed that there are factors that affect LMS usage. According to the factor analysis, three main factors have been identified. They are; lack of awareness on LMS, fear of technology and the less concern of majority of lecturers to use LMS. Thus, according to this study, though LMS is used in the selected context, not all the features but a few included in the system are used in the teaching learning process. Furthermore, though the importance of LMS is felt, the factors affect the usage have minimized the effectiveness of LMS. Yet, through minimizing those factors, LMS can be used to create a platform for open learning equally to all undergraduatesItem Digital Literature(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Kumara, A.M.C.The origin and the conclusion of the Communication History is cannot be specifically defined. Despite that, communication history is being developed in generation to generation. In the initial stage of communication, it is existed by signals, symbols, printing method, photography, cinema and television. As a result of Computer technology invention it has been improved as digital communication what is existing in today. This objective of this study is analyze Digital literature which has been developed by Digital technology. The study is conducted with the special reference to “Mosam Sanda” Blog page of Mr. Manjula Wediwardhana, who is known as very famous blogger. The methodologies of this study are Interview method and Blog page content analytical methods. In conclusion, this study is identified that the blog pages are doing paly major role for the digital literature. Furthermore, the experiences and concepts achieved by social, political and economic circumstances would contribute to create a digital reader. Finally this study illustrates that blog page is maintain by Tamil poems, new poems and songs as well.Item Can Craft Consciousness Disband Ethnic Consciousness? Case-study on Organic Reconciliation Process of Traditional Handicraft Makers from Batticaloa District(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Perera, U.M.; Dhanushka, M.D.; Gunathilake, N.Any form of armed conflict creates a cleavage in the social, political and economic spheres of people in a given society. In the post-war Sri Lanka, the SLFP and present governments have employed numerous developmental programs as one of the reconciliation mechanisms; yet, these measures proved to be less successful than expected. Through this article, we are bringing the evidence of an organic reconciliation process that has already existed among Muslims and Tamils of Batticaloa, in the form of handicraft making such as handloom weaving and pottery making. We are forwarding the argument that higher success rate can be observed by penetrating into the cultural heritages of ethnographic practices of locals for decades and encouraging these practices to be resurfaced for a non-intrusive organic reconciliation process compared to the introduction of novel developmental programs. We have spent three months with two weeks at regular intervals collecting data from two separate camps of handloom weavers and pottery makers from the areas. The main research method is video-ethnography and within which interview technique is used to gather the samples’ thoughts. The sample consists of 10 Muslims and 12 Tamils from the weaving centre and 6 Muslims and 15 Tamils from the pottery makers’ side. The sample consists of both males and females. Our research proved that common economic hardships encourage the locals to rediscover their traditional roots which are both positively received and practiced by locals rather than outside developmental programs. In, conclusion, in Sri Lanka’s Batticaloa district’s local craft consciousness proved to be a powerful tool in bringing individuals together; and through social elevation of status has a direct contribution to country’s societal and human well-being as wellItem Socio-economic Status and Adaptation Strategies of Flood Victims in Selected Grama Nilaghari Divisions in Lower Valley of Kaluganga(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Siriwardana, S.H.S.M.; Herath, H.M.B.S.; Alwis, R.H.N.S.Flood is the most frequently experienced natural hazard in Sri Lanka that can affect the socio-economic status of the number of communities living in flood-prone areas in the country. Kaluganga (River Kalu) valley is situated in the wet climatic zone of Sri Lanka which experience severe monsoon rainfall. The lower valley of Kaluganga is highly prone to frequent flash floods. Villagers living in GN Divisions in lower valley of Kaluganga have been facing number of socio-economic problems due to these frequent floods. Adaption to frequent floods is highly essential and a challenging issue. A study was conducted to explore the magnitude of the socio-economic impacts caused by floods and the manner in which the villages adapt themselves to the situation. Paraduwa and Diyagama GN divisions situated in lower valley of Kaluganga are the most affected areas. Therefore Paraduwa and Diyagama GN Divisions were selected as study area for this study. 90 households out of 613 families in these two GN Divisions were selected as the sample by using simple random sampling technique. A household survey was conducted using structured questionnaires and the data was analyzed qualitatively and simple statistical parameters were used. It was revealed that, seasonal floods directly affect the household of the above mentioned GN Divisions. According to the socio-economic assessment, 79% of the people are employed as labourers in sectors such as sand mining (45%), masonry (27%), rubber industry(12%), carpentry(8%) and related industries and most of the people are engaged in agriculture. Damages to agricultural activities and damages to their houses and working places are crucial issues. Results showed high adaptation in terms of housing construction measures, moderate adaptation for crop adjustments and protection of valuables while low adaptation in keeping boats. There are number of social problems faced by the villages such as insecurity, spreading of diseases, disturbances to education of children and mental depression. Deterioration of water quality and sanitation facilities are also serious problems. It can be concluded that villages should further strengthen to enhance their adaptation capacity as well as to overcome above mentioned problems faced by them during the times of floodsItem Usage of Electronic Customer Relationship Management in Online Banking in Sri Lanka(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Pathirana, B.P.S.V.Sri Lankan Banks and Finance companies are forced to provide online banking/internet banking their customers due to rapid advancement in the information communication technology and new technological adoptions in the banking and financial sector. Current advancements in the mobile data services and internet based services changed the consumer behavior and current banking and finance customers are more favorable to use remote banking channels and online banking apps. This has completely changed the banker customer relationship and reduced the physical relationship/contact with the customer and the bank. Due to lack of face to face interaction between bank and customer in online banking and remote banking create huge service gap for them how to serve and maintain effective customer relationships in online banking environment. This study investigated how Sri Lankan banks use “Electronic Customer Relationship Management” (E-CRM) tools to maintain profitable customer relations in online / remote banking. A qualitative study was conducted for three Sri Lankan Banks to find their E-CRM practices. Research methodology used is questionnaire and focus group interviews. The findings revelled that banks use E-CRM tools to profiling and assessing their customers, customer retention, cross selling, recognise the customer need for the trade-off between extracting and delivering customer value, and increase the profitability (for customer and bank) of transactions by reducing transaction cost.It was identified continuous staff training and customer feedback is critical for the successful implementation of E-CRM strategy in banks.Item Impact of Inflation on Economic Growth in Sri Lanka(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Vijayanathan, V.S.It is broadly assumed that modest and stable inflation rate stimulates economic growth of a country. Modest inflation encourages savers, enhances investments and therefore speed ups economic growth of the country. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of inflation on economic growth in Sri Lanka for the period from 1988 to 2017 using the framework of Johansen co-integration test and error correction model. The result shows that there is a long run negative and significant relationship between economy and inflation in Sri Lanka. These results supports with the model of utility function in consumption and real money balance as exposed by fischer (1979), De Gregorio (1930), Bruno and Easterly (1998) and disagree with the findings of Sidrauski’s (1967) super neutrality of money in the long run. The results are more likely to support the utility functions in real money balances and consumptionItem The Impact of Upstream Dam Construction on Livelihood of People in the Mekong Delta(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Hang, T.T.T.The Mekong River is one of the largest rivers in the world origins from Tibet and flowing through China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia into the Bien Dong in Vietnam. Hydropower development project of Mekong Basin is rapidly increasing and it is affecting the nature and human behaviors in many ways. The objectives of this study were to identify the impact of hydroelectric dam projects on livelihood of downstream population in Mekong Delta, to identify socioeconomic changes of downstream population of the river, and to give proposals to systematize the construction of hydroelectric projects in the country. Interviewing and survey methods were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Both descriptive and inferential statistics will be used for quantitative analysis. The results of the study can be utilized to minimize the negative impact of the hydroelectric projects on nature and human behaviors in VietnamItem An Analysis of Visitor Satisfaction on Service Quality at Colombo National Museum, Sri Lanka(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Weerasingha, G.B.I.A national museum has the potential to offer an authentic experience about the travel destination at a glance. Colombo National Museum, being located in the commercial hub of the island, is a determinant attraction in both cultural and heritage tourism aspects. Historical perspectives and the prestige artefacts denoted at the museum, attract thousands of visitors per annum. It is beneficial to measure the visitor satisfaction at Colombo Museum since the visitor is prominent for any tourist attraction to determine the survival of the attraction. Further the satisfaction level is critical on decision making of reviews, revisits, recommendations and creating an image about the attraction. Visitors are arriving with certain levels of perception and after the visit the perceived experience is resulted on different satisfaction levels due to the available facilities, features, and services at the site. Major objective is to analyse the service quality gap at the site as a tourist attraction. Specific objectives are to evaluate the quality of the visitor related facilities at the site and to explore the possibilities to promote the site with enhancing the visitor experience with quality services. The research is conducted on both qualitative and quantitative methods, where primary and secondary sources are referred in data collecting. Survey technique is used with structured questionnaire distributed for the visitors at the premises and the museum management was interviewed to identify their intellectual ideas. The questionnaire given for the visitors is designed based on the SERVEQUAL method where the visitors’ expectations were compared to perceived experience at the site. 5 elements in SERVEQUAL model including Reliability, Assurance, Tangibles, Empathy and Responsiveness were measured. 50 foreign visitors and 50 domestic visitors were used as the sample based on convenience sampling technique. Findings of the research indicate that there is distinctive gap between the visitors’ expectations and the perceived experience on service quality during the visit to the Colombo MuseumItem A study of modern communication methods and replacing the traditional teaching learning methods in schools in Sri Lanka(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Sameera, A.Communication is an interesting subject area from the evolution of human beings. Communication and transmitting data as well as information are became more popular with the rising of technology in the world. Nowadays the most common communication method is the use of internet. Objectives of the study include creating a Smart classroom in Schools in Sri Lanka beyond the traditional methods of teaching learning process. Methodology was done quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Student who are currently learning media as a subject for advanced level of two schools in Gampaha district were selected. Qualitative analysis was done by identifying usage of modern technological instruments and the difficult units in the media subject among students. Further data was analyzed by SPSS software quantitatively. Self-analysis was done by referring books and sources of internet. The usage of modern technological instruments among students in selected schools were high in their leisure time. Main modern instruments were listed as smart phones, tablets computers. Entrainment as well as the knowledge can be given with modern technological instruments was resulted. In addition to the traditional teaching learning methods among students in the schools in Sri Lanka be supposed to practice with new technological methods was suggested.Item Motivation and Attitudes towards Learning English: A Study of Diploma in English Students at a Semi-Government Institute in Sri Lanka(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Chathurani, R.A.M.This study outlines the results of a survey which was carried out to identify the motivation and attitudes of students of English Diploma towards learning English language at the National Institute of Business Management which is a semi-government institute functioning under the Ministry of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training and Kandiyan Heritage. This research addresses an issue which is at the very core of language learning and teaching. As a result of this research some implications that would help increase the students’ motivation and attitude which help them achieve their goals could be identified. The study investigated motivation of the students in terms of three motivational constructs: instrumental motivation, integrative motivation and personal motivation based on Gardner’s and Cooper and Fishman’s works. On the other hand, learners’ attitudes regarding the 1) English language 2) use of language 3) competence 4) continuity and 5) culture of English language were identified since successful acquisition of a second language seemed to depend on learner’s views of the language learning environment, how they view the language and its speakers. A questionnaire and interviews were used for data collection from the sample which consisted of 60 students. The findings showed the students were motivated to learn English due to instrumental and utilitarian reasons. Personal reasons were also regarded as important motivational factors. However, the results provided evidence that learning English to be a part of the Western culture had the least impact in motivating students to learn English language. On the other hand, data regarding the students’ attitudes revealed that most of students had positive attitudes towards the social value and educational status of English. In addition, the findings showed the students’ positive orientation toward the English language. It is interesting to note that a high number of students showed their interest in the culture of English speaking community but did not wish to be a part of their cultureItem Importance of English Communication for Technological Students from Rural Areas(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Bandara, G.M.C.Sri Lanka is one of the developing countries with large number of rural students whom are not properly utilized. Many of the students from urban areas are having enough opportunities and qualifications to get a reasonable job. Now-a-days communication plays a major role in all sectors. Most of the students are looking for a job than gaining higher education. Employers give considerable value to graduates acquiring a diverse set of skills in different work environment. The IT revolution and globalization of business have emerged as two major factors to bring technical communication to the fore front of academia and industry. The rise and widespread use of information communication technology in the whole world making the global market and business becoming diverse and result-oriented, professionals and technocrats. However there are many more new challenges in communication every day. To be a successful technologist in this competitive environment one should not depend just only on acquiring knowledge and skills, but also need to develop effective communication skills. This paper aims to improve the communication skills of technological students of rural areas and encourage them to improve their communicationItem The Effectiveness of Word of mouth in Generating Tourists to the Destination of Sri Lanka: A study with Special Reference to the City of Kandy(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Senarathna, T.M.C.D.; Wijesaooriya, M.W.A.T.N.Tourism sector is one of the most important foreign exchange generating industries in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the industry is highly based on services compared to other major industries in the country. Therefore, it generates a large amount of direct and indirect job opportunities to the Sri Lankan job market and contribute tremendously to resolve many problems in the country. Most tourists travel to Sri Lanka by finding details using different sources such as internet, books, magazines, and with the help of word of mouth through friends and relatives. Here, the word of mouth is simply what happens when a tourists’ interest in a destination’s product or service is reflected in their day-to-day conversations. If the travel experience is satisfactory to a tourist, the word of mouth creates a positive image of a destination. Majority of tourists rely on their friends and relatives’ words on travel experiences to get the best experience. The research problem of the study was “is the word of mouth a considerable factor in generating a large flow of tourists to Sri Lanka”. And also the main objective of the research was to identify the effectiveness of word of mouth in attracting tourists to the destination of Sri Lanka. The study was mainly based on quantitative and qualitative data, and randomly selected 50 tourists in the city of Kandy were interviewed and used structured questionnaires and conversations to gather data while referring to internet, books and magazines were also done. While 58 % of tourists responded that they have highly depended on their friends’ and relatives’ responses in selecting the destination of Sri Lanka to get maximum satisfaction out of the travel, 36% of the respondents referred to web-sites and social Media to explore the beauty, activities, regulations, people, history and culture of the particular destination to travel. Therefore, the word of mouth is playing a vital role in generating a high level of visiting by tourists to the country and services, facilities and friendliness of people highly contribute in creating a positive word of mouth with regard to Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is easy to create a positive word of mouth and well attracted image on the island of Sri Lanka by offering well-organized services and diversified products beyond the satisfaction, updating tourism relevant web-sites using heart touching photographs, documentaries and informationItem Investigate the issues in applying the Machine Readable Cataloguing Standard for the library automation in University Libraries in Sri Lanka(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Rathnayaka, R.M.D.P.; Ven.Rewatha, P.Machine Readable Catalogue (MARC) is not a kind of catalogue and is a method of cataloguing based on computer or machine. In 1960, Computers had been used for cataloguing purposes. MARC I, MARC II, UNIMARC and MARC 21 are some of the catalogue standards were introduced in later. 15 University Libraries and two other higher Educational Institution libraries used Open Source and Commercial Library software for automation. The objective was to investigate the issues and loopholes in applying MARC standards for automation in university libraries in Sri Lanka. The Survey design was the method of the study and the sample of the study was Simple Random Sample, 5 University Libraries were selected. A structured questionnaire delivered for 5 for University Librarians. 15 for Senior Assistant Librarians, 10 for Assistant Librarians, 5 for those engaged in the catalogue using MARC and 25 Library Assistants for obtaining primary data. In addition, discussions, interviews, observation and searching Online Public Access Catalogues were applied for primary data collection. Three out of 5 University libraries used KOHA. ALICE FOR WINDOWS and LIBSYS were used in other two libraries. Library using KOHA adopt MARC 21 on rudimentary basis while other libraries apply their own inbuilt standard based on the Library Software. According to the study, there is no proper MARC standard followed as well as no proper levels applied seen. The awareness level of staff on MARC and its use were very low. The complexity of MARC and its diversified fields was the main obstacle they face and 55% of staff endorsed the fact. Due to the time, wasting and related problems were evolved. As solutions, training and awareness programs on MARC and its application should be conducted for the staff. They have to be motivated by giving an interest and awareness for them. 80% of the staff endorsed that proper MARC standard system should be introduced for the use of university libraries. It is proposed a Uniform MARC standard system should be established under the National Library and Documentation Service Board, Sri Lanka.Item A Study on Ivory Craftsmanship in Ancient Sri Lanka: with Special Reference to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Manatunga, D.K.Sri Lanka is famous for elephants from the ancient period and ivory craftsmanship was also famous in Sri Lanka from the ancient period. Ivory craftsmanship in Sri Lanka has significances from historical, cultural, political and economic aspects. The highpoint of Ivory craftsmanship was the period of Kotte. But according to the literary sources it can be concluded that ivory craftsmanship was conducted since Anuradhapura Period and at that period Buddha statues were created from ivory. Hence, the main objective of this research is to expound the ivory craftsmanship in ancient Sri Lanka with special reference to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods through the collected data from literature survey method. Therefore, both primary and secondary literary sources were used to collect data. Thus, apart from the main objective this research will explicate about the royal patronage given to the ivory craftsmanship in ancient Sri Lanka. Literary sources reveal the ancient Ivory craftsmanship and the objects created from ivory craftsmanship in ancient Sri LankaItem Cooperation, Alignment, and Alliance: Defining Security Relationships for the 21st Century Strategic Environment(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Bosack, M.M.A.The Indo-Pacific is destined to be the region of the world with the most great-power competition in the 21st century. States will be seeking to align with others, but conventional models for alliances are outmoded in the context of modern competition. This paper provides a necessary update to core concepts associated with alliances and other security relationships. It examines strategies that underwrite competition and cooperation to provide better understanding of emerging trends in the Indo-Pacific’s security relationships. The nature of conflict and competition has evolved in ways that has made traditional conceptions of alliances obsolete, forcing a necessary reexamination of security relationships in the present era. Although conventional and nuclear conflict are still considerations, the broader application of diplomatic, information, and economic power in interstate competition means that traditional military alliances are ill-suited for the current strategic environment. Instead of focusing simply on the binary “ally” or “non-ally,” this paper clarifies security relationships in the context of modern competition by employing six key indicators: (1) common interests among states; (2) unilateral policies directed at security relationships; (3) routine security engagement; (4) negotiated policies; (5) negotiated instruments; and (6) negotiated alliance treaties. The paper concludes that these indicators serve both as measures for security relationships as well as tools for crafting strategic ends, ways, and means. It then uses examples of relationships in the region, including those among the United States, Japan, Sri Lanka, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and China to illustrate key points. It isolates a taxonomy of security relationships under cooperation, alignment, and alliances, and suggests that alignments will be the most important in shaping the Indo-Pacific in the 21st century. This research provides key findings for states searching to build strategies for shaping security relationships in an increasingly contested regionItem Magical Practices and its Modern Trends in Sri Lankan Urban Life(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Rajapaksha, I.; Dr. Dissanayake, U.Since the time they lived with simple human thought in the highly complex ultra-modern society today, rituals have been cohesive with the human life as an inseparable entity. It is seen as a pseudoscience, for they are used to make some expectations a reality and as a pseudo-art for they are subservient to superstition when represent a particular purpose. In any society a man because of fear that he is not receiving expected result in various special occasion of human society. Thus, the purpose of this research, which was conducted on the basis of rituals seen in every social community, was based on the fact “How are the leaning of rituals of the urban community?”. For the task conducted as qualitative research, subsequently used the functional method and the case study method. When collecting data through the above mentioned methods, mainly used observational methods such as interviews. This research conducted most of its data gathering from places such as the Gampaha district, which is one of the highly urbanized area of the Western province that proved to be a worthy field to research. Here, ten cases pre-selected were analyzed through qualitative methods of analysis. There I was able to be familiar with a bundle of modern drifts of rituals practiced in the urban society. Fenshui rituals, the worship of Ganadevi, rituals regarding walampuri, a precious conch, rituals based on numerology were found to be the most popular. In addition, various types of sacraments were being performed as panacea for some issues such as deferment of marriage, visual and verbal curse, domestic safety, and for those who live in abroad. In religious spheres, Buddhists, Catholics, Christians, and Muslims gave priority to these functions. Furthermore, it can be said that even as of today, the same rituals performed for various purposes and its performers are named differently in different regions and also a huge difference can be seen in its setting. Moreover, it further became obvious that they had been commercialized. The interference of the media and the politics were significantly responsible. The symbols traditionally used for such rituals had been fully refined so as to go with the modern society. The process of these rituals had been made easy, efficient with the progression of modern Technology. It can be said that the means of communication have been the main cause of its popularityItem Tribal women and maternal health: A study among Kondareddy tribal women of Andhra Pradesh, India(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Chiranjeevi, T.Every society has its own culture and a set of beliefs, which give a special status to that particular society. Those beliefs also have certain impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of that society. In India, Tribal societies have a very special status not only due to their aboriginal native roots in India but also for their distinguishing cultures, arts, food, cuisine, clothes, crafts and festivals. Tribal societies also carry within themselves the rich experience of aboriginal knowledge on medicine and health care. Tribal cultures are popularly known for the intrinsic homage and respect towards the protection of nature. Since the times immemorial, they had indigenous knowledge for the maintenance of maternal health care. At the same time, they also have a certain specific belief system around the maternal health care which at times intercedes at times obstructs the modern western allopathic stream of medicine, that the Indian State promotes. This study focuses on understanding such belief system and the perception of tribal women on health care in general and maternal health in particular. The study is based on the first-hand information extracted from the narrative interviews of Konda Reddy Tribal women of Andhra Pradesh. On the one hand, the state wants to improve the conditions of women’s maternal health by providing them the modern health care facilities during the child birth. On the other hand, the conditions for these government benefits to reach out to Tribal women are abysmally low. To improve the maternal health conditions of this community, the state’s health care providers should understand the beliefs, perceptions and unique practices of tribal women. There is a need to establish health centres with health care professionals in the researched area and the state should also support the local traditional healers. There is also a need to provide information about health care practices, medicine and improvement of conditions of child birth and postpartum care