Symposia & Conferences

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The Decision Making Role of Women in the Public Sector of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Jayatilake, L.
In recent decades a widening of access of women to the employment has been recorded. However, the participation of women in decision-making at various levels in the public sector organizations is very low and the women in the highest management levels have increased only by twenty per cent. Therefore, this exploratory study locates women managers within the context of gender relations and managerial ideology in Sri Lanka. Further, an attempt has been made to identify how they have become dialectical in the arena of management. The questions to be answered in this research are: 1) How managerial positions in Sri Lanka’s public sector are distributed across male and female? 2) Are Sri Lankan public sector women managers distinctive in their managerial style? 3) How these managers have become dialectical with organizations in the process of acceding to top positions? and 4) How these managers have become dialectical with the family context in preserving such positions? This study, analyzes the experiences of twenty five Sri Lankan women who were holding senior-level management positions in five public sector organizations in the occupational categories of Education, Accountancy, Engineering, Medical Service, and Sri Lanka Administrative Service. In carrying out this study mainly the interpretive qualitative methodology and the feminist research approach have been adopted. The findings of this study reveal that Sri Lankan women have a non-traditional management style and they successfully manage the work-family interface. Accordingly, the majority of the married women managers lead successful marriage life. However, these women managers have pointed out two reasons as main dialectical with their organizations. They are stereotypical and traditional attitudes, employer’s ignorance and lack of enforcement of the regulations. According to this study, women still encounter obstacles to their advancement and the organizational constraints have thoroughly affected to the sex segregation in the managerial positions in their organizations. The sex segregation index value has been gradually increased in the last decade. This reveals that the job opportunities are not being equally distributed among males and females. Therefore, the policies and programmes have to be focused to promote equitable gender relations and division of labour within the household and the organization.
The Nature, Problems and Challenges of Handicraft Industry in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Masakorala, P.P.
There are varies develop met strategies, which have been tested to develop Sri Lanka. But still the country is in the category of poor countries. In the attempt of attaining development there are several problems. Therefore and alternative ways are needed to overcome those problems. One alternative is the development of small -scale industries. In this study the possibility of handicraft industry as a small -scale industry as a solution to the present development problems is the focus. The scope is this study is to identify the problems and challenges of handicraft industry so that it can be integrated into the development process in such a way that it can be a partial solution to the present development problem. In this study five handicraft are selected. Marks making and woodcarving are wood based industries while handloom, lace and batik are textile- based industries of which the nature, problems and the challenges are studied. Under the nature of handicraft industries the raw material and the tools and equipments use, the nature of the labour, how they are finance and marketer, the social economic nature of the craftsmen is studied. Beside the handicraft related institutions and their role are also discussed. Under the problem of these industries the problems of access to raw materials, problems of labour attraction, problems of technology and finance and the marketing problems, the problems of institutions are identified. What craftsmen suggest to overcome those problems? However there are unique problems to each handicraft industry and there are common problems as well. Among the challenges of handicraft industry the scarcity and depletion of natural stocks of raw materials, the timely availability of raw materials and the finance, the discontinuity of craft skills, poor social recognitions of handicraft, poor income, migration to other jobs, reluctance to use new technology, inability to afford to by new technology, competition of imported substitute, high cost of production, the bureaucracy and the lack of extension programs of the institutions and the challenges of middle men are most important. When the current nature and the problems of handicraft industry are concern, in some aspect it can be a solution to the present development problem but not a perfect solution. These industries are less attractive to youth and they are closed to the cities. Therefore handicraft industry may not be a solution for the unemployment in the rural areas. The handicraft industry can be developed if the tourist industry grows. The government intervention is needed to promote the local market for handicraft. There are some potential, which can be utilize to improve handicraft industry.
Study of the Changing Patterns of Religious Communication as Media Insights with Special Reference to Buddhist Concepts
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Mahendra, S.; Rajapaksha, C.
The intention of this study is to present some initial factors pertaining to the religious communication as reflected in media insights. In this direction, some concepts relating to Buddhism will be taken as the guiding model. These in turn will be examined in relation to the strengths, weaknesses and limitations in mass media channel such as the print the sound and the visual. Furthermore, the manner in which the religious communication was transferred from the traditional models to more modernistic mass media channels was also examined. This will be taken into consideration from the three mass media channels, the print, the sound and the visual. To what extent the impact of the religious message is disseminated and to what extent the socio -religious pattern of understanding to help elevate the masses in the field of ethics, morals and social upliftment into the recipient is the hypothesis of this study. The two ends of the study will consist of the communicator and the receiver as to the extent of the user orientation is moulded into a model will also be the extended study anticipating will be dealt as a research. In this study, a special emphasis is laid to gauge the intensity and the validity of religious studies with special reference to Buddhist teachings enabling us to promote a new model for mass media user. In this context, the present state of the mass media status will be examined empirically with a series of interviews with the user orientation techniques in communication studies. Followed by this, our observations and conclusions will be presented.
The Impact of the Proportional Representation System on Presidential Powers in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Ragunadan, K.
The executive presidential system and the proportional representation (PR) are the cardinal aspects of the Second Republican Constitution (1978) of Sri Lanka. In the 1977 parliamentary general election, the UNP came to power with a huge five sixth majority and brought about drastic changes in the previous constitution (1972), under the leadership of J.R. Jayewardene. He emphasized that the Executive presidential system and the proportional representation (PR) are very essential to maintain political stability and to further the economic development of the country. These reasons were particularly put forward for the introduction of the executive presidential system and the PR. However, political parties and individuals had strongly criticized the UNP government when they effected these changes. The main criticism against the changes was that the presidential system would create a situation where all powers would be vested with one individual at the expense of parliamentary sovereignty. Also they were of the view that these changes have given more weigh to JR’s personal interests as well as to his arbitrary decisions. This dissatisfaction continued even after two decades of the working of the existing constitution. As far as the PR system is concerned, the UNP was of the view that the PR system would rectify the demerits of the previous election method of the First – Past –the Post – System (FPP) that was followed up to 1978 in Sri Lanka. However, this system also has inherent deficiencies. They are the creation of a weaker parliament, unstable government, violation and interruption in the use of presidential powers etc are the major drawbacks in the electoral system that need rectification to maintain a healthy democracy. As a result of the drawbacks of the PR and the executive presidential power, there was no consistency in political development in Sri Lanka. Particularly the function of parliament has been affected by its weaker position. Political instability and confrontational politics have been the two major issues in the recent past and also in the present situation. As a result, political parties, scholars as well as the majority of the public have opted for changes in these particular aspects of the existing constitution. The main argument in this context is whether the successive Sri Lanka presidents are enjoying their actual powers, even though they have enormous powers according to the constitution. To date experience shows that the parliamentary strength also influences the presidential powers in practice. In the light of these facts the purpose of the study is to examine: how far the electoral system is making an impact on the presidential powers and whether the PR electoral system consistently or inconsistently helps in the implementation of the presidential powers. The remedy to these will be pursued in the method of investigation, which will give more weight to empirical analysis. However, descriptive aspects are also necessary to strengthen the arguments of this study.
Why do some Investors prefer Fundamentally Weak Stocks?
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Weerakoon, Y.K.; Perera, C.
This study investigates ‘why do some investors prefer fundamentally weak stocks? The study about this matter is imperative and exciting because there are plenty of models to justify the investment in fundamentally strong stocks and at the same time those models debar the choice of fundamentally weak stocks. But among the stocks quoted in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) fundamentally weak stocks outperformed the market both in terms of liquidity as well as price boost. In order to discover the reasons, data have been gathered from a sample of active investors representing all categories of investors and analysed those using descriptive statistical tools. The pertinent secondary data compassionate to the hints and trends arising from the primary data gathered from the investors have used concurrently. A sample of stocks representing majority of the sectors in the CSE, whose trading volumes and number of transactions executed are among the highest in the market, were selected to study. The study finds that bulk of the investors consider fundamental variables of Net Asset Value, Price/Earnings Ratio and Dividend Yield. They also muscularly use the pattern of price movement for setting buying strategies. Majority of the investors are keen about their required rate of return, but pays very poor attention for the stock’s beta factor. Factors contain high degree of speculation such as trading on new information, react for improved quarterly results and high dividend expectation elevates the madness of investors to go after stocks. There is a strong correlation between the price of fundamentally weak stocks and number of trades. Investors desire fundamentally weak stocks because they are fundamentally weak. That is, the value of the stock is coming from other factors such as higher number of trades, availability of new information, improved quarterly results, high dividend expectations and the degree of foreign buying. That is why the stock price movement cannot be justified using fundamental approach. Moreover the low level of market values and the abnormal capital gains too responsible for the fondness of these stocks in excess of the fundamentally strong stocks.
Audience Acculturation as an Organizational Control Strategy: Transferability of Japanese Management Practices to Sri Lankan Workers: Case Study of Harness Lanka Ltd
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Rathnasiri, C.; Pallewatta, R.
This paper aims to examine the role of culture building process of an organization and its influence on the effectiveness in establishing desired organizational controls. It further highlights the function of organizational culture ’alien’ or ‘indigenous’ in effecting behavioural control in employees with a view to achieving common goals of the organization. The acculturation or ‘training on culture’ is significant as this phenomenon is studied in the context of Japanese management culture prevalent in the organization that supplies a high security component to a leading supplier, to Toyota Corporation Management controls refer to sum total of all formal and informal arrangements designed to monitor and direct current actions of organizational participants directed at achieving organizational objectives. Control mechanisms in organizations are instrumental in motivating, monitoring, measuring, the sanctions and actions of managers and employees (Macikntosh, 1994). They include formal apparent mechanisms and informal intangible mechanisms. Formal ones are management structure, operational controls, reward systems, budgeting, standard operating rules and procedures, strategic planning system, etc. Informal mechanisms are leadership and organization culture. The control techniques and procedures are outputs of leader’s control orientation and the specific organizational culture (Hopper and Mackintosh, 1993). This research in the form of a case study with grounded theory approach illustrates the culture building mechanisms and the control function of culture. The research site is a Board of Investment approved export-oriented Japanese investment managed by a Sri Lankan CEO whose culture blinding initiatives are phenomenal. It has been vividly illustrated as to how elements of trust, self – control and voluntary control of employees ensure superior performance. The product that is produced is unique as it requires extra effort of diligence and gilt-edged precision. While maintaining these requirements, the employees are able to achieve performance targets easily. The management structure is also unique - CEO and workers, no managers are found in the hierarchy. This facilitates the CEO’s direct involvement in building the culture that regulates behaviour of employees in the desired direction. It is also evident that transferability of Japanese management elements has been quite successful. In summary, the case provides a sound illustration about the importance of acculturation process and the instrumentality of organizational culture in effecting management controls.
Assessment of innovative business opportunities and models to serve aging population in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Pathiratna, L.P.S.M.; Dasanayake, S.
In year 2040, Sri Lanka will have a 36 per cent of old age dependants in their total population. However, these changes in age structure have some important implications and repercussions; which can either be favourable or unfavourable on the Sri Lankan economy and society. However, in Sri Lanka there are very limited research findings related to aging studies except those from population statistics. Therefore, it was felt necessary an in-depth investigation to identify the specific goods and services the aging population demands in the Sri Lankan context. A major assumption of the research was that the existing mechanisms were not sufficient to serve the growing proportion of the aging population in Sri Lanka without the active involvement of both the government and the private sector, through innovative business models. The survey method, with sufficient brainstorming discussions were practiced to acquire sufficient data to analyse the real needs, wants and demands of the aging population of the Greater Colombo area of Sri Lanka. Population was the Greater Colombo aging population. Sample size of the study was 100 respondents, entrepreneurs and service providers. Data analysis was completed by using SPSS package. Analytical findings of this research clearly indicate that in Sri Lanka there aren’t sufficient mechanisms to serve aging populations using innovative business models. Further, the involvement of the business sector is also limited to serve the aging population. This is due to high business risk and minimum government support to develop suitable infrastructure to serve the aging population. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that government policies be formulated to promote the private sector to serve the aging population of Sri Lanka using innovative business models. Moreover, it is recommended that to implement joint efforts by the government and the private sector to serve the aging population in Sri Lanka and this would lead to create win-win situation for both the business sector and the aging population of Sri Lanka.
A New Approach to Typological Classification of Pottery: A Case Study of Lower Kirindi oya Basin in Southern Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Dissanayake, R.D.
This is an analytical study of ancient pottery recovered from the Lower Kirindi oya Basin (LKB) in Hambantota district of the Southern Province. In the period between 1999 and 2002, an area of 300 km2 around the Tissamaharama town were surveyed as a part of a project designed to research urban origins of Southern Sri Lanka. 128 hitherto unknown archaeological sites comprising a dense surface scattering of ancient potsherds have been discovered as a result of the survey. Eight locations among them were selected for excavation Present study is based on an assamblage of archaeological pottery obtained through excavations. This paper seeks to present the new typological classification, which derived from the analysis. The methodology of the new classification can be discussed under two headings i.e., the practical aspect interpretative approach of the analysis. The data derived from an ethnographic survey conducted in the lower Kirindi Oya basin was used assuming the probable vessel function and their technology. Identification of the shape of a vessel was considered as the major requirement for interpretation. The physical appearance of vessel including surface treatment and the design elaborated might have been inspired by the potter’s psyche and with number of other factors. This leads us to understand the significance of having a polythetic approach in typological classification considering both aspects of utilitarian and collective social psychology and their governing factors, of pottery manufacture in the past.
The Impact of Affective Factors in the L2 Class and a Technique to Overcome them
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Suwandaratna, D.
English language came into existence in Ceylon with the arrival of British in 1796. However, a need to teach it arose much later namely, when British felt the need of a "nucleus of native loyalists for their political stability and for the advancement of commercial interests". (Jayasuriya J.E.-1961: 1). Strategies adopted to meet these needs were ‘teaching English’ and ‘Christianisation’ of natives. English was needed to prepare natives for government employment and Christianisation was contemplated to civilise the natives whom British thought were ‘heathens’ (Sumathipala K.H.M. 1968: 01). Christian missionary societies wholeheartedly supported the latter. Although missionaries accepted native languages as the best media for ‘conversion’ they approved the former with the idea of reaching the “children of the higher social class "(ibid). This made commoners to associate English with Ceylonese elite. Levy of money for English education kept English out of the reach of the poor. Insistence of English as a pre requisite for government jobs, made English educated eligible for state jobs too. Introduction of the British public school curriculum which inculcated Christian and English ideals in English schools alienated the English educated from native languages and their cultures. Thus, during British rule English educated were an educated, wealthy, powerful esoteric group practising European life style. Following words of Fernando “ability to be at ease in English is a symbol of status, power, intelligence and breadth of vision“. (Fernando, Siromi 1986:46) prove the powerful position English occupies here even today. On account of this those who are skilled in English like to exhibit that proficiency; those non-proficient in it prefer to hide that fact. This paper discusses a technique based on vague pictures prepared to focus attention on meaning. Specially designed pictures which can be interpreted on the basis of the clues found in them are displayed on the board and students are asked to study these pictures carefully and interpret them, taking into consideration details like shadows ,position of various objects and postures of the people in them . As the pictures are vague, intelligent guesswork is necessary to understand them. In order to verify matters, students have to ask questions too. This encourages them to formulate meaningful language constructions as well. Purpose of the questions being eliciting information needed to interpret pictures, students’ aim here is meaning. Therefore, at this point they are prepared to use the language by means of whatever vocabulary and grammar they have at their disposal. This form of natural language, according to Rivers provides opportunities to students to test their ‘Hypotheses’ about L2.The other advantage is class begins to accept learner’s ‘Interim grammar’. (Rivers, W, M. 1983: 13) This ‘Interim grammar’ incidentally is what Nesmer defines as Approximative System. Nemser William in Richard (ed.) 1974; 63). This technique was tried out in E.L.T.U. classes, and the student participation was very encouraging.
Religious Harmony: An Harbinger of Peace and Tranquillity in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Mishra, S.
Sri Lanka as a nation has nurtured four major religions. Buddhism as the religion of the majority community has as its adherents about 66 percent of the population of the island. The Hindus constitute roughly 18.5 percent of the population. The Christians and the Muslims constitute about 8.4 and 6.7 percent respectively of the population. Beginning from its early history till the colonial phase, the people from different religions have lived together in proper harmony and contributed to the prosperity of the state. As the basic philosophy of all religions is to spread the message of peace, harmony and human bonding, the colonial powers in Sri Lanka have not succeeded in widening the gulf among different religious groups. When the country became independent, some of the ruling elites in order to strengthen their vote bank and win cheap popularity tried to play the religion card of using one community against the other by creating some animosity among them. But in the long run, using the religions on narrow considerations have generated more tensions in the political and social fabric of the island. The paper will try to examine the basic philosophy of the four major religions in Sri Lanka and will identify their areas of convergence. It will also examine the adverse impact of politicisation of religions by the ruling elites. A holistic effort will be made to minimize the scope of exploiting different religions on partisan considerations which will lead to a congenial atmosphere for good governance in Sri Lanka.
Impact of the Procurement System of Supermarkets on the Rural Vegetable Farmers in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Jayatunga, P.; Perera, M.; Kodithuwakku, S.S.; Weerahewa, J.
Changes in the Scio-economic environment over the past years have contributed to the emergence of supermarkets in Sri Lanka. Previous research studies have observed that the procurement system of the supermarket chain with the largest number of outlets has created an alternative channel which is different from the existing traditional vegetable supply chains. The particular channel purchase vegetables directly from the producer and sells directly to the consumer with the supermarket being the only intermediary in between. It was found to be comparatively more efficient and effective as opposed to the traditional vegetable supply chains in moving vegetables from the producer to the consumer. The proposed study aimed to investigate this aspect further by investigating the possible impacts the supermarket channel under consideration may have on the farmers in vegetable producing areas. The research was conducted in the form of a case study in Hanguranketha. The sample of farmers was selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and observations from a sample of 30 farmers who supply to the supermarket channel and 30 farmers who supply to traditional market channels. The research revealed that the supermarket channel pay a higher price to the farmers, which has contributed to increase their income. It has reduced the degree of dominance among intermediaries attached to traditional channel. Employees attached to the supermarket provide farmers with information and advice relating to production. However, it was found that only farmers in the near vicinity of the regional collecting centre of the supermarket have the ability to access the particular channel. Even among farmers who do have access, only about 29% of their total harvest was purchased by the supermarket. There were no buy-back agreements between the supermarket and the farmers. Hence, due to the uncertainty with respect to price and quantity, farmers were not willing to change the production practices. Thus, it can be concluded that the emergence of the particular supermarket channel deem to be beneficial to farmers. However, there is a scope for possible improvements.
Exploitation of the Sinhala Royal Youth in the Portuguese Extension of Power
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Edirisinghe, P.
"The cannon fire employed by the Portuguese was a new startling and often decisive element in warfare in the island (of Ceylon), but the warfare also called into play an unceasing battle of wits and cloak and dagger diplomacy no less than the use of armed soldiers in the field". Into this type of conflict, a technique of catching "young" was used for figures connected to Sinhala royalty with specifically the thrones of Kotte, Jaffna and Kandy. They were required to be converts to the new Christian faith. The paper will examine the following specific personages from Sinhala royalty thus exploited don juan Dharmapala, Karaliyadde Bandara alias Jayaweera, the sons of the lesser queens of Bhuvenekhabahu VII, Prince of Batticaloa, Yamasinghe Bandara alias Don Phillipe, Nikapitiya Bandara, Dom Jaoa (son of Yamasinghe Bandara), Don Juan of Austria alias Konappu Bandara alias Vimala Dharma Surya 1, Dona Catherina alias Princess Kusumasana Devi. The paper concludes by listing the general characteristics of such techniques of psychological warfare and their "successes" and failure in the Sri Lankan context.
Skills Mismatch Hypothesis and its Relevance in Explaining the Current Unemployment in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Patabendige, A.J.
Unemployment in Sri Lanka throughout the last few decades has been extremely high compared with those in most of the countries in the Asian region, which have been following open market policies similar to Sri Lanka. In analyzing the unemployment problem ‘skills mismatch’ hypothesis, first articulated by the ILO Mission to Sri Lanka in 1971, is still highly influential. Those who stress the orthodox view of the mismatch hypothesis believe implicitly that although the economy has employment opportunities, jobs expected by a large amount of job seekers are not adequately found or they do not fit into the prevailing jobs. Particularly the private sector business leaders ascribe this mismatch primarily to the weakness of the educational structure of the country. However, new evidence appears to believe that rigour of mismatch hypothesis has faded away. In this setting, this paper aims at challenging the majority view that mismatch is responsible rather than the lack of employment generation in the economy to appear a high level of unemployment in the country. The paper, mainly depending on various sources of secondary data, found that the mismatch hypothesis is still relevant in some areas. Accordingly: i) a high percentage of the unemployed desire employment in professional, technical and clerical occupations although in the current employment profile these three categories comprise only a lesser percentage of all the employed; ii) the analysis of the profile of expectation reveals that expectations for higher level jobs rise with increasing education; and iii) long-term unemployment is most conspicuous among those who have obtained higher educational qualifications. Contrary to the majority view, it is found that i) unemployment in all educational levels shows a considerable decline with nearly the same rates over the years; ii) the unemployment rate of females throughout the past period shows a faster declining; iii) the university education system, particularly in the last decade or so, has been geared to give more skills to graduates; and iv) the employment creation by the formal private sector as the engine for growth has not sufficient to catch up job loss in the public sector after 1990, and absorb new job seekers considerably to the formal economy. Consequently, the paper concludes that the strength of mismatch hypothesis has now considerably faded away, and failure to create a sufficient amount of employment by the private sector led economy is largely responsible for the current high unemployment level of the economy.
Graduates’ Employability Skills: Final Year Undergraduates’ Perspective
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Weligamage, S.S.
Enhancing graduate employability skills is considered as an important task within the Sri Lankan University community. In order to enhance competitive advantage for graduate employment, students need to develop employability skills in addition to the acquisition of subject-specific knowledge. Employability skills include cognitive skills, subjectspecific skills and key skills. The labour market needs and the employers’ requirements for skills from graduates are changing. Undergraduate students should be aware of the labour market needs and future employability skills requirement from the labour market. This study was conducted with the objectives of identifying the final year undergraduates’ perspective on the nature of their employment situation after graduation and identifying undergraduates’ understanding and competencies on employability skills. Data for the study were gathered from the selected sample of final year undergraduates from Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya through a survey using a structured questionnaire. Survey questions were designed to obtain information on skill needs of sample respondents based on the employability skills identified from the literature review. Findings reveal that the majority of final year undergraduates were expected to select future employment in a government sector and employment expectations are different from one study programme to another. Perspectives on competencies on employability skills showed differences among study programmes. Undergraduates also show lack of knowledge on skill needs of the labour market. This study concluded that graduates should improve their understanding on requirement of the skill needs of the labour market and enhance their employability skills in order to add competitive advantage for graduate employment.
Extremist Organization to Mainstream Political Party: Genesis and Growth of JVP in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Singh, M.
Sinhalese extremism mainly arising out of grievances of Sinhala community became visible with the JVP uprisings of 1971 and 1987-89. It has also focused attention once again on the caste factor in the Sinhalese society. The JVP evoked greater support from some lower and middle caste students/youths in colleges and universities. The explanation for this element of caste identity or caste solidarity in the JVP insurrection does not lie in the persistence of any harsh treatment on the basis of caste or the survival of caste disabilities for that matter, but the endurance of caste identities and the staying power of caste and the lingering memory of problems that some of these castes had to face in the past. It is precisely when have improved or have began to improve that people demonstrate an unwillingness to put up with any continuing disabilities of even the mildest sort and are likely to react violently to these. Sinhala extremism in the beginning was just like a normal people awaking programme for their socio-economic rights. Later it turned into a big programme and formed a organization known as Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). It advocated ‘mass-base, people's war and people's army’ for realizing their goals. The educated youth of socially backward castes and economically poorer sections joined JVP, but its extremist position and violent tactics could not be sustainable for a long-time. N.Shanmugathasan, the leader of the party was primarily a trade unionist rather than a revolutionary. These ideological strains within the party had a significant impact on other members as well. Wijeweera arrived at a fateful decision to arm the organization in February 1971. The police had started observing an intensification of preparation for insurrection in early 1971. On 6 March 1971, an ultra-left organization, namely Maoist Youth Front, led by Dharmasekera with some followers, held a demonstration outside the US embassy during which a policemen was killed and insurrection started. It was brought under control with the help of friendly countries like India and UK. However, the JVP again consolidated itself and re-emerged as a strong group during the 1980s. It brought another insurgency in 1987-89. Thereafter, JVP became a mainstream political party. The paper, therefore, analyses the factors and forces which forced the JVP to give up the violent and extra-constitutional means and join the mainstream democratic politics. It concludes that the JVP passes through several phases before becoming a political party. The analysis of all these phases reveals the nature of Sri Lankan politics.
Injecting Drug Users in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Senanayake, B.; Kandiah, R.; Ratnayake, Y.
An exploratory descriptive study on Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in Sri Lanka was undertaken in the light of the increase in the number of IDUs between 1998 and 2002. The aim of the study was to understand the nature and the extent of injecting drug use in the country in 2003-2004. A non-probable ‘snow-ball’ sample of IDUs was studied from the correctional institutions and the community. The case histories and interviews were conducted taking into consideration the physical signs of drug injecting, body language and verbal expressions. The IDUs were males aged mostly between 20 and 40 years, mostly from Colombo and adjacent urban areas. Majority them were form a lower social strata, employed as smallscale entrepreneurs or manual workers. The IDUs could be broadly categorised into 3 groups by their drug injecting: regular injectors, intermittent injectors and those injected once or few occasions. Many regular IDUs had a criminal record. Periods of social and political instability or high profile drug law enforcement appear to have enhanced the spread of injecting drug use. During the crisis period, the street level supply of heroin had been severely hampered, which had forced the heroin chasers (Chinese method users) to switch to injecting as a means of survival. Sharing of injecting equipment was minimal among IDUs. Many of the IDUs had engaged in unprotected sex with multiple partners including commercial sex-workers in countries of high seroprevalence of HIV/AIDS and STDs. Many IDUs believed that injecting heroin could enhance their sexual libido, which had been proven otherwise within 3 months of regular injecting. However, this had been a major reason for initiating injecting drug use. Sri Lanka at present is a low prevalence country for injecting drug use and HIV/AIDS. A scenario of decrease in accessibility to heroin due to high price, and law level of purity possibility of increase in the prevalence of injecting drug use could increase in seroprevalence of HIV/AIDS and other blood and STD. Hence, the injecting drug use has to be closely monitored to prevent this situation in Sri Lanka.
Suicide Terrorism and Its Impact – Sri Lankan Perspective
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Sally, T.S.
This paper takes the form of a research paper that traces the origin, ideology and development of this black tiger phenomenon, analysing the successful suicide attracts and their impact on the political and economic stability of Sri Lanka and also examines the potential threat and effective counter strategy. The liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), with the most effective suicide capability in South Asia is indisputably the most efficient and brutal terrorist organization ever to utilities suicide terrorise other than the lose of political and military leaders, the country’s national leaders , the country’s national political, economic and cultural infrastructure has been damaged by suicide attack. The political contest of each suicide operation reveals how the LTTE has managed to survive and advance its aims. In this contest, this paper analysis and examine: Firstly, the origin, ideology and development of the Black Tiger phenomenon; Secondly , the key elements behind the success of the suicide attack; Thirdly, selection of target and the modus operandi of black tiger land and sea tiger cadres; Fourthly, the successful suicide attacks and their impact, psychological , political, economic and military ; and finally, the potential thread and an examination of an effective counter strategy to break the cycle of violence and evolve possible solutions to suicide terrorism . This paper also makes an attempt to examine weather the impact of suicide terrorism today is the same as it was prior to 9/11, given that international opinion on terrorism has now changed, and is no longer one where terrorist had free sanctuary to conduct their operations on the basis that they were, as they had portrayed themselves, freedom fighters and saviours of religion. However, whether the action taken by international community so far to curb international terrorism, particularly suicide terrorism is sufficient, is open to questions.
Gender Equity Interventions on Access in a Sri Lankan University
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Bulumulle, K.
The university statistics reveal that women are well-represented in higher education (UGC Statistics Handbook 2001). It is noted that most women are enrolled in the Arts oriented disciplines while lowest percentages of women are enrolled in technical courses such as engineering, computer and IT studies. At the decision-making levels in universities, women’s representation is much lower than that of men. The objective of this paper is to address the issue of initiatives taken with regard to improving access to higher education concentrating especially on the two affirmative actions of:1) District quota 2) Mahapola scholarships, and to see to what extent these interventions have contributed towards bringing about gender Equity in Higher Education in the University. The research site access here is defined not merely as gaining admission, but opportunity to actively participate in all areas of higher education. Data was collected using qualitative methods such as interviews and observations. Documented data was also analysed. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 21, including students, policy-makers and staff members. Observations of five classrooms and of three faculty Board meetings were conducted The findings revealed that even though District Quotas and Mahapola Scholarships had facilitated the entry and retention of the women students, especially from the rural and underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds, they had not given women any substantial advantage in gaining access to non-traditional, more prestigious courses of study. Women also concentrate on gaining excellence in achievement as Epstein et. al. (1998) referred to as feminization of learning. Data also revealed that women students were often reluctant to cross over the stipulated gender boundaries due to fear of being stigmatized as non-conformist. This attitude of the women students have led to the exclusion of women from most other areas of achievement other than academic, that is, politics, decision-making and other social activities of the university life even at higher levels.
Environmental values for Decision Making: A Review of Travel Cost Method Applications in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Kularathne, M.A.T.R.; Gunawardena, U.A.D.P.
The travel cost method places a money value on recreational sites by estimating the costs of consuming the services of that place. Almost all the parks and protected areas of the country have been subjected to travel cost valuation exercises. However, majority of these studies lacks fundamental considerations of the method leading to questions on the validity of the provided estimates. The present paper reviews different applications of travel cost method in Sri Lanka and with a view of improving the accuracy of the estimates. For the review, the available travel cost studies have been screened with a view to identify the common problems inherent to these studies. After comparing 12 studies, the following has been recognized as the main problems: limited variables in the travel cost function, low R2 values and different consumer surpluses for similar recreational sites. The present review then selected five applications of travel cost method and compared the methodology adopted, statistical and analytical approaches, in detail against the state of the art. Travel cost studies of Hakkgala Botanical Garden, Sinharaja World Heritage site, Yala National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Udawaththekele Royal National Park have been used for the analysis. Results of the study showed that most of studies have not considered issues and biases that are common in the information gathering (time period, language, visitor type), defining and estimation of total travel cost, opportunity cost of time. Statistical validities of the estimated equations have given only low priority. Majority of the studies failed to address the most common shortcomings of the method. The presence of such problems means that the estimated values are either under or over estimates of the correct values of the recreational sites. It is recommended therefore to include a sensitivity analysis which includes the possible changes of the final estimates with regards to the variables mentioned above. However, it was obvious that errors could have been minimized if the proper sampling and the standard guidelines of the method had been adopted. If the consumer surplus values of recreational sites to be used in guiding decision making, it is extremely important that correct addressing of such issues and a set of guidelines regarding such issues are followed in order to improve the validity of the estimates.
Human Resource Function in the Strategy Process: A Case for Convergence
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Wickramasinghe, V.
The future of human resource management (HRM) as a discipline and a profession is closely linked to the role played by the HR function in the organisational strategy process. Though the debate on HRM and HR function continues, some important issues have not been given the adequate attention they deserve. First, the credibility of management idea is partly determined by its diffusion across the world; such credibility will be enhanced if the idea is viewed to be applicable in various contexts. This issue led to raise the first research question: (a) to what extent does HR function plays a significant role in the organizational strategy process in Sri Lankan companies? The second issue pertains to how (if at all) modern approaches associated to HRM manage to find their way to Sri Lanka. Here, the debate on convergence versus divergence in management practices and the role of Multinational Companies (MNCs) and other drivers of globalisation are explored. Thus, (b) to what extent MNCs and other drivers of globalization can be attributed to play a part in the convergence of HRM practices? The research is also guided by four hypotheses. The answers to the two questions were sought from a sample of 78 HR managers in three categories of Sri Lankan manufacturing companies. The findings of the investigation led to argue that the transfer of HRM practices and philosophies cannot be solely attributed to MNCs and other drivers of globalization such as efficient communication systems, information technology, ISO standards, and international and professional institutions. The strength of the current local management practices and cohesion of institutions in Sri Lanka, which is arguably due to the colonial legacy and the beginning of unequal interactions with the West, have also played a major role.