ICSS 2018

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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 undergraduates
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.
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.
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 floods
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 Vietnam
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 Museum
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 consumption
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 information
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 concerns
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 Lanka
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.
A Study on Destination Satisfaction of Repeat Visitors: Special Reference to Galle Tourism Zone
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Kodithuwakku, D.S.
In tourism industry, future purchasing intention of tourists is difficult to understand because it is vary with different outlooks based on tourists’ attitudes. Tourists revisit intention can be describe based on two phenomenon as likeliness to revisit the same destination and willingness to recommend to others. Usually tourism industry requires high level of promotional cost, though repeat visitors provide more revenue and minimize the costs. Because of this, understanding the satisfaction level of repeat visors is one of the dominant issues. Hence, the key objective of this study was identify the destination satisfaction of repeat visitors. To achieve this objective, study used the theoretical and empirical research methods. The international tourists, who visited Galle were the target population of this study and the simple random sampling procedure was used to collect the sample. The results revealed that, repeat visitors highly satisfied with Galle health care, landscape, cultural value, hospitality, safety, relaxation and accessibility. And also repeat visitors were more satisfied than first time visitors and have strong intention to visit again the same destination.
What is Sustainability? Definitions vs. Interpretations
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Jayantha, K.; Ariyawansa, R.G.; Anura Kumara, U.
Sustainability has become a buzz word in the global context. This concept paper discusses to how extend the concept of sustainability is fairly defined. The key objective of this study is to provide the most reasonable definition on sustainability. (1) Identifying the difference between definition and interpretation and (2) suggesting a definition for the term definition are the specific objectives of the study. The study used etymology descriptive method and its reliability was proved through historical records, language usage of Sri Lanka and social norms in Sri Lanka. Native language supports in identifying the inherited meaning of a word. Hence, in identifying the most reasonable definition for sustainability, the word thirasāra was described in depth using epistemology in the context of Sri Lankan heritage. The study found common definitions for sustainability privations its epistemological explanation. The methodology used in this study could conclude that thirasāra is uncover (thira or isthira) Ᾱrya placing the natural law as the basis (sāra). This study suggests further epistemological investigations on the concept of sustainability based on native languages rather focusing an international language.
Energy Poverty in the transition from a Lower Income to a Middle-Income Country with special reference to Sri Lanka
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Musafer, N.; Kularatne, M.G.
The Paris Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals of 2015 have clearly identified energy access as a pre-requisite to achieving broader development goals. Sri Lanka, having a per capita GDP of USD 3,835 (2016), and a national poverty headcount ratio of 6.7% (2012/13), is a lower middle-income country, with significant progress in human development, and social indicators. This paper investigates into the shifts in energy consumption behaviour with the transition of Sri Lanka to a lower middle-income country, and the presence of energy poverty in the country using secondary data. Poverty and energy deprivation go hand-in-hand. Energy poverty yet to be clear define with a consensus, it is ill defined, complex and multidimensional concept and not adequately captured or measured in a single quantitative indicator. Energy poverty is hard to compare between two nations due to heterogeneity of the inherent characteristics. In Sri Lanka, per capita consumption of household cooking fuel has increased from 171kg to 252 kg of LPG equivalent from fuelwood, LPG and kerosene from 2003/04 to 2012/13, while per capita domestic electricity consumption has been maintained around 226 kWh and 210 kWh respectively. Using per capita threshold values for cooking fuel as 35kg of LPG or equivalent and 120kWh of electricity to be energy poor. In the meantime, Sri Lanka has maintained lower levels of energy intensity compared to other similar nations. As for electricity consumption by the domestic sector, the per capita household electricity consumption for lighting and other general purposes has also declined from 226kWh to 210kWh per capita from 2003/04 to 2012/13 respectively. One major reason for the reduction could be the use of energy efficient appliances, but this behavior is contrary to some other studies. In conclusion, considering a threshold of 120kWh of electricity per capita to define energy poverty, again Sri Lanka demonstrate that she has not been an energy poverty nation during latter part of it being a low income developing country.
Strengthening Exports for Unifloral Honey through E-traceability
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Srivastava, A.; Dr.Dashora, K.
The food industry is becoming more consumer-oriented today. Honey is being increasingly consumed for its high nutritive value and its immense contribution to human health. Globally, the annual honey production is about 1.2 million tons which account for about 1% of the total sugar production. Economically developed countries have a higher consumption rate of honey. Getting unifloral honey consistently from uncultivated sources is relatively rare in occurrence, making it a high-value commercial product which is in huge demand. However, a large number of adulteration cases in honey have been observed hampering the otherwise high potential of this food commodity. Failure to meet the prescribed quality standards, as suggested by the International Honey Commission, has created an urgent need for employing easy and accurate techniques for detecting adulteration. Honey supply chain comprises of multiple entities from producers i.e. beekeepers/farmers to end consumers. The various entities work together to bring the premium quality of honey on the market. This kind of system is aimed at ensuring speed, cost, and system efficiency in the supply chain. This has necessitated countries to maintain transparency and visibility in the entire supply chain. Implementation of food safety systems such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and exporters’ access to market information and on their marketing know-how has become a crucial content in addressing food safety issues. The study at IIT Delhi aims to use blockchain technology to track the supply chain of unifloral Honey. This research focusses on the utilization and development of blockchain technology and thus analyze its usage in building the unifloral honey supply chain traceability system. This would effectively guarantee the food safety issues in Indian honey by gathering, transferring and sharing the authentic data of honey in production, processing, distribution and selling links
SAARC in the Sea: Harnessing Regional Cooperation through Blue Economy
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Mukherjee, P.
Blue Economy will provide an extensive framework for cooperation in the field of Ocean Economy among SAARC countries for sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region. It embraces mutually valuable cooperation for exploration and capacity development in the field of marine resources, green tourism, fisheries, research and development of ocean technology, exchange of experts, food security, enhanced trade and investment; enhanced maritime connectivity; enhanced diversification; job creation and socioeconomic growth, underwater energy, aquatic ecosystem, seaweed culture and other related activities. To harness the vast economic opportunities Blue Economy has opened up many ways for future regional cooperation. Since the sea offers connectivity at the domestic level and with international markets for export and import of goods Blue Economy will definitely act as the key channel of South Asian regional cooperation. Along with this, offshore mineral resources such as oil and gas covered with Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal can contribute to the economic wellbeing of SAARC Countries,. Blue economy transforms the ocean resources into development tools. The realm of Indian Ocean region and Bay of Bengal has turned into a synonym of economic and strategic connotation. Settlement of maritime boundary disputes and the propagation of potentials of blue economy prospects will lead the countries of SAARC toward economic growth. In this regard this article will seek to understand the blue economy initiatives undertaken by SAARC countries, prospect of strengthening regional cooperation through blue economy, and the China factor
A study on the necessity of the utilization of the new managerial concepts for the increased productivity of the television news room
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Sakalasooriya, S.M.E.U.P.; Gunasekara, H.D.E.
It has become timely necessity to utilise new management concepts to increase the productivity of the television news room. New managerial concepts such as Planning, organizing, administration, leadership, motivation, assessments and encouragements, brain storming discussions, performance review and feedback are being used fully in the news sections of the developed world. Do the television news managers of Sri Lanka utilise the new managerial concepts productively? If yes, how? Inquiring the effects of the new managerial concepts on the productivity of the television news room is the aim of this research. The television news managers of Sri Lanka do not utilise the new managerial concepts effectively is the Hypothesis of the research. Interview method and participatory observation were the two main Primary data gathering methods. Planning reports, progress reports, annual reports, copies of news, shift duty roster and other files of the 6 television news rooms including documents pertaining to the subject were the secondary data gathering methods. Amongst the multiple local media, only 6 television news rooms were selected for the research while the research focused only on the new managerial concept out of the broad subject area in the management. This study found that 5 out of 6 television news rooms (83.33%) did not utilise new managerial concepts productively as a whole. Many news managers have turned to imitate international news channels and did not adhere due to managerial procedure in recruitment for news section. Managers are concentrated only on the outside training and they do not even follow an assessment procedure as per accepted managerial rules. All the news managers agreed on the quality of the news it was revealed that there are internal issues on it. Confirming the hypothesis, main conclusion was that the news section of the local televisions does not utilise the new managerial concepts productively. To offer better quality news through Television media, Television news managers should utilise new managerial concepts. It will lead for effective and productive activities in the television news section.
Liberalizing Abortion Laws in Sri Lanka: Prospects and Challenges
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Thilakarathna, K.A.A.N.; Major Mendis, H.S.D.
Abortion is legally defined as the removal of the fetus from the uterus any time before its gestation is completed. The law governing abortions in Sri Lanka is contained in the Penal Code Ordinance No 02 of 1883. According to section 303 of the code, abortion is only permitted when carried out for saving the mother’s life. Sri Lanka is found as one of the countries with the most restrictive laws on abortions in south Asian region along with Afghanistan. However, even with these restrictions it is estimated that, Sri Lanka has one of the highest abortion rates in the world. The penal laws enacted in the colonial times and those relating to abortions were tried to be reformed several times including the most recent initiative taken by the law commission of Sri Lanka in 2013 when they proposed rape and foetal impairment as two further grounds for obtaining a legal abortion. However, no actions have been taken still regarding the liberalization of the provisions pertaining to abortions and this has resulted in women who are living with low income levels being unable access public medical care facilities for obtaining an abortion on permitted grounds due to the restrictiveness of the law. Using a qualitative method this research is formulated to find out the respective prospects and challenges that lie ahead in liberalizing the laws relating to abortions. At the initial inquiry it is found that, the religious and cultural structure of the country has strictly opposed any liberalization and this has negatively affected the political will of the rulers in bringing these changes. The biggest fear has been that, the liberalization will result in a sudden increase in the number of abortions. However, results elsewhere have shown that, liberalization does not increase the abortion rates but helps to reduce the number of fatalities which results from unsafe illegal abortions. The liberalization of the abortion laws has become both a contemporary and a necessary change for the protection and enhancement of the rights of women and their autonomy.
Impact of the Residential Area of Banking Customers on Deposit Mobilization Decisions 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) Gunasekara, K.D.H.
Deposit mobilization is the main function of financial institutions, and is dominated by the banks. It is a process of collecting cash by financial institutes from the general public through their current, savings and fixed accounts and other specialized schemes. The said process is executed and formulated by the banking customers. Even though, there were many empirical studies about the factors affecting deposit mobilization, less consideration has been paid to determine how the residential area of the banking customers affect deposit mobilization decisions. These customers can be categorize into three main administrative sectors in Sri Lanka, namely urban, rural and semi-urban. Their perspectives on deposit mobilization decisions could be differed according to their residential area. The study used descriptive statistics, comparison of means and chi-square test to assess the impact of the residential area, on banking customers’ deposit mobilization decisions. There were 120 respondents who were selected as the sample, by following stratified random sampling method, while Dutugemunu Street-Dehiwala (urban area), Mandawala-kirindiwela (rural area) and Ihala Biyanwila-Kadawatha (semi-urban area) were selected as the sample areas. The research was mainly based on primary data and questionnaires were used to obtain primary data. This study was based on five determinants, namely, deposit interest rate, security, branch expansion, services, technology and awareness. According to the mean comparison, both the urban and semi-urban people ranked the branch expansion factor, as the most important factor which decided the deposit mobilization, whereas the rural people ranked services factor as the most important factor. Among demographic variables, gender, occupation, education level and income significantly affected deposit mobilization (P< 0.05). H1 hypothesis of the study has assumed a significant relationship between residential area and deposit mobilization. Hypothesis was tested using chi-square test and it further revealed that, there was a significant relationship between residential area and deposit mobilization (P<0.05). This implicates strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the H1 hypothesis. Thus, residence area is a decisive factor which affects the deposit mobilization decisions of banking customers in Sri Lanka.
Changing Patterns of Puberty Customs of Sri Lankan Indigenous People: as Evident among the Yakkure Indigenous People Living in Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka
(4th International Conference on Social Sciences 2018, Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ananda, T.; Nahallage, C.
Puberty is a key process of human development into adulthood, involving the most rapid physical growth the human undergoes except for prenatal and neonatal growth. Most of the cultures possess customs and practices to mark this life-transforming event. According to the literature, the culture of the Sri Lankan indigenous people: The Veddas, had possessed specific puberty customs. During past hundreds of years, their whole cultural system has undergone intensive changes so the puberty practices. One of the indigenous communities that now have become a trans-community is Yakkure, situated in the Polonnaruwa District. Traditional dwellers of Yakkure relocated into the present habitat since Parana Yakkure which was affected by the Mahaweli development project. The present study was aimed to study the changing patterns of puberty customs of Yakkure people. Data collection was done through interviews and life histories. Data saturation was reached after 15 interviews conducted with adult females selected through purposive sampling method. Three stages of indigenous people’s lifestyle were identified: cave dwelling (hunting and gathering), nomad (Chena cultivation) and domestic (paddy cultivation). Puberty customs have formed and changed as an adaptation to these lifestyles. Merging with the main society and diffusion of cultural traits have directly caused the intensive changes of puberty practices. Separation of the girl in a hut called Kili Pela was a residual of their nomadic life style. Yakkure people have practiced this custom before they were relocated into their present habitat. This hut had been made with the roof covered by Illuk leaves and walls made of wattle and mud. At present girls allows staying inside the house and the majority are not aware of the use of Kili Pela. Corresponding to the Sinhalese, astrologer has become most influenced person throughout the custom. As a result of diffusion adorning charmed thread around girls’ neck (similar to the pariththa thread), dressing her in beautiful frocks, performing Kulla Damime custom (custom performed using winnowing fan), lightning an oil lamp, looking at her face through a mirror or a water basin, serving sweets etc. are practiced. This community’s culture is on the edge of disappearing. Further studies focusing on absorbing remaining cultural aspects are urgent than ever