International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC)

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Assessing the Impact of Causes for Low Labour Productivity in Garment Industry in Katunayake Free Trade Zone
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Vithanage, J.K.
Sri Lanka‘s rate of open unemployment compared with other countries in the Asian region has been considerably high throughout the decades after 1950s. For solving this problem industrialization was promoted, first, following import substitution industries and then, particularly after 1977 adopting a policy of following export oriented industrialization. Most of the industries started under this latter policy were labour intensive industries. Out of them garment industry became the most prominent and absorbed a considerable rate of labour, providing employment particularly for females. Now this industry has become highly competitive since other similar countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam etc. too have expanded this industry and are competing with the Sri Lankan products in the same western world markets. This study through literature review mainly identified low level of labour productivity as the most significant factor that has greatly reduced the competitive strength of the Sri Lankan garment industry. Accordingly, the study was carried out setting five specific research objectives and condensing them into three major hypotheses. Hypotheses were tested by collecting information taking a convenient sample of 98 operational grade workers in the garment factories in the Katunayake Free trade Zone, through administering a questionnaire for which the validity and reliability were tested with Cronbatch‘s Alpha method. In addition, various secondary data sources were also used. As such a mixed methodology of inductive and deductive was employed in carrying out this study. The study going to a deeper level identified a number of factors which have contributed to lessen the labour productivity particularly of operational level workers in the industry. Accordingly, certain problems related to factory layout have mainly contributed to reduce the labour productivity. Among other factors that have contributed to reduce productivity, the study found that lesser degree of motivation prevailed among workers, high labour turnover, less improvement of skills, inadequate salary levels and time based payment methods including various harassments and suffering from poor working and living conditions. Finally, study based on its research findings, a set of policy recommendations are given along with suggesting some areas for further research to make the Sri Lankan garment industry to be more competitive.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Drought Hazard in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P.; Dharmasiri, L.M.
Drought is the deficiency of water for various purposes or shortage of rainfall within the expected period of time. There is no universal accepted definition for drought because it is vary from region to region. But impacts of drought are higher than other natural hazards because drought can be extended large geographical area. Sri Lanka is one of the countries which is highly prone to drought hazard. Especially, North Central Province (NCP) is wholly situated in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka which receives less than 1750mm annual average rainfall therefore more vulnerable for drought. More than 95% of people in the NCP are depend on agriculture. Due to the frequent drought events they losses their agricultural production causing many socio-economic and environmental issues. The study was aimed at to identify spatial and temporal variation of drought in the NCP using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Geographical Information System (GIS). Both primary and secondary data were used for this research. Primary data were collected using questionnaire, group discussion, interviews. Secondary data were collected from the Department of Meteorology. Nine meteorological stations covering last 60 years and the NCP selected for the study. GIS interpolation technique used to identify spatial distribution of rainfall over NCP. Time series analysis and calculating SPI were used to identify temporal distribution of drought in the NCP. Results highlighted there is a significant variation of spatial distribution of rainfall in the area. Negative SPI values clearly indicate drought events is frequent and increasing during the past six decades. It was evident that the farmers have been adopting different techniques to face the challengers of drought hazards.
තෙත් කලාපයේ පුරාණ යකඩ නිස්සාරණය: ගුරුගොඩ ඔය පෝෂක ප්‍රදේශය ආශ්‍රිත නව පුර විද්‍යාත්මක සොයාගැනීම්
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Hathurusinghe, S.
Effect of alum in combination with vacuum packaging in extending the shelf life of Embul banana
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siriwardana, H.L.S.; Abeywickrama, K.P.; Kannangara, S.; Jayawardena, B.
Crown rot disease is the major post harvest disease in Embul banana causing severe post harvest loss both in terms of quality and quantity. Due to hazardous effects of fungicides, use of eco-friendly methods of controlling crown rot disease are being investigated throughout the world. In this study, efficacy of alum (sodium aluminium sulphate) in combination with vacuum packaging was investigated in extending the shelf life of Embul banana at cold temperature. Approximately 85-day mature Embul banana hands were washed with 1% alum (w/v) solution and control was washed only in water. Treated and control fruits were packed in Low density polyethylene bags, air inside bags were removed using a vacuum and placed in fibre board cartons and stored in a cold room at 12-14 ºC. Each treatment comprised 8 replicate boxes each with 5 hands. In-package gases were analysed on initial day and every seven days thereafter up to 28 days of storage. Physicochemical and sensory properties and crown rot disease severity (CRS) were determined in ripened fruits after each storage period. Medium (50 kg) and large scale (100 kg) test marketing trials were conducted at fruit outlets in Dambulla and Kiribathgoda, Sri lanka by providing treated Embul banana samples to consumers and staff to obtain feedback on the quality of treated banana. Crown rot disease severity was low (CRS index < 1) in alum treated samples compared to control after 28 days. Physicochemical and sensory properties were unaffected by alum+vacuum packaging treatment. Oxygen within packages was maintained between 3.3 - 4.4 % while CO2 % varied between 3.9 - 4.0 %. In medium and large scale test marketing trials, treatment controlled crown rot disease to a fair extent and obtained higher score values from the customers and staff of fruit outlets for the sensory properties compared to control. Therefore, this eco-friendly treatment method could be adopted for effective control of crown rot disease and to extend shelf life of Embul banana up to one month.
Catalytic decarboxylation of rubber seed oil to produce hydrocarbons
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gamage, P.H.; Weliwegamage, U.S.K.; de Silva, H.I.C.; Gunatilake, S.R.; Karunaratne, D.G.G.P.
The rising of fuel prices and the contribution of fossil fuels towards global warming have been major global concerns during past few decades. Interest in renewable fuels has increased due to the above mentioned problems. Green Diesel (GD) has emerged as a promising solution to these issues. The objective of this research is to derive hydrocarbons from rubber seed oil. Rubber seeds are considered as a waste in our country. Therefore, oil of rubber seeds is a potential fatty acid source for GD production. Rubber seed oil was extracted using soxhelet method. Only a part of the exracted oil was hydrolyzed. Decarboxylation of both hydrolyzed, and non hydrolyzed oil were carried out in a especially designed glass apparatus with sodalime and alumina mixtures.The proportions of sodalime and alumina were varied in the catalyst mixture. Five non-hydrolyzed and three hydrolyzed samples were decarboxylated. The products were analyzed by GC-MS. The hydrocarbons in the range of C-11 to C-16 carbon chain length have been produced during the decarboxylation process. However, unsaturated hydrocarbons were observed, as rubber seed oil mainly consist of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Percentage peak area can be taken as an indicator to quantitatively compare the hydrocarbons.The highest percentage peak are of 57.61% was shown by 6-Dodecene, which was present in the non- hydrolyzed sample where 25% alumina was added. Apart from that, 5-Undecene (19.90% peak area) and Tridecane(12.03% peak area) showed their presence in the nonhydrolyzed decarboxylated samples. Hydrolyzed oil samples showed the presence of Tetradecane (4.46%), 2-Tetradecene (6.48%), 1-Hexadecene (0.41%),5-Tetradecene(2.39%), Pentadecane (7.90%) and 6- Tetradecyne(0.30%) which were not present in non-hydrolyzed samples. It can be seen that with the addition of alumina to the catalyst system, that there is an increase in the percentage peak area. These experiments indicate that decarboxylation of rubber seed oil in the presence of sodalime and alumina can be employed to produce hydrocarbons in the diesel range which is of C-10 to C-28 chain length. Future studies will be conducted to optimize pressure and temperature conditions based on these findings.
Pornographic blogs spreading in Social network (With Special attention to Sinhala medium blogs)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) de Pasqual, M.K.
The history of the Internet begins with the development of electronic computers in the 1950s. Internet has a history of 40 years in media activities in the world. 40% of the world populations use the internet. It is 20% of the population in Sri Lanka. There are various types of information spreading models in the internet. Blog sites are special among other websites. A blog is a simple webpage which perform information or ideas of a person or a small group. Pornographic blogs, which are currently published in Sinhala medium, has a historical base in the whole world. They appear in many forms including sexuality, pornography and sensuality. Large numbers of Sinhala medium pornographic blogs are currently active in the internet. This study is based on a content analysis of Sinhala medium pornographic websites on the investigation poser whether any special characteristics in Sri Lankan pornographic 10 blog sites affect its subscriber attraction. Pornographic blogs have spread widely and also they are increasing their subscribers day by day. The reason is the media independence in social media. Blogs appear in various pornographic types. These free pornographic forms will be challenge in increasing of current social issues.
Factors Effect on Employee Turnover Intention: Evidence from Leasing Industry in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Wickramasinghe, A.I.N.K.; Abeywardhana, D.K.Y.
This study investigates the turnover of young and fresh employees in the leasing industry in Sri Lanka. Employee turnover has become a common phenomenon and it results in career changes and job mobility. Nevertheless, every single organization will have to deal with the turnover of employees. However, the turnover of desirable employees may have a significant impact on the organization, rather than the less productive ones. This research is based on the major factors that influence job satisfaction and in turn will reflect on an employee‘s intention to quit or not. Annual reports in the leasing industry show that the turnover ratio fluctuates from 8% to 25%. The key factors to be considered are, work-family life balance, career development opportunities, compensation and benefits, perceived supervisory support, employee performance management and job security. Previous researchers have focused on western countries aiming at all levels of employees. This study conducted is based on 14 leasing companies with a sample of 116 young employees. The qualitative research method was used where a questionnaire survey forms were handed over to the participant‘s age between 22 and 32 to fill, using simple random and snowball sampling technique. Correlations and regression tests were performed. The results indicate that the turnover intentions on particular variables were more complex than previously assumed. Main reasons for turnover intentions were the work-family life balance, career development opportunities and perceived supervisory support. Piecemeal investigations of this sector provide inadequate information; hence dearth of information on the finance sector in Sri Lanka is a major weakness.
Morphology and Utility today of the 18thcentury Temple on pillars (TämpitaVihāras) of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayaka, G.R.
The structures built on a wooden platform resting on short granite pillars or stumps reflect a unique type of image house from the 17th to 19th centuries called TämpitaVihāras. The Samkathana Projecton documenting evidences of theTämpitaVihāras has collected data visiting some 90 sites in Kurunegala, Kandy, Kegalla, Matale, NuwaraEliya, Rathnapura, Galle, Matara, Hambanthotaand Anuradhapura Districts. This type ofsingle room very small image housewith a wooden super structure seem to emerge in the early Kandyan Era. From over 92TämpitaVihāras, already visited and documented in this project,I shall select a cross section to demonstrate structural morphology of TämpitaVihāras according to regions. The reports of the Department of Archaeology mentions 240TämpitaVihāras appearing as archeological sites which have been gazetted, butonly 50 edifices have been discussed. These structures have been renovated and published. They are mostly in the Gampaha District: The published study of SriLankaweTampitaViharaSampradayaby the Department of Archaeology (1999) edited byGaminiWijesooriya,Architecture of TampitaViharaya in Sri Lanka by D.P.Chandrasekara and D.M.K.D.Silva(2002)and Heritage Building of Sri Lanka by Nimal De Siva and D.P.Chandrasekara, (2009)mostly refer to the same edifices, at times using material of other research even without reference to them. There has been no comparative study of these over 240TämpitaVihāras, most which are in a sad state of decay and some have been demolished or the features of this unique stone and wooden plinth cemented over, that the identification today becomes strenuous. The utility of TämpitaVihāras as ―Image Houses‖, ―Preaching Halls‖, ―Chapter Halls‖, ―Temples of the Tooth Relic‖ and a planned―Royal Palace‖ in Dodantale, leads to the question of protection and conservation of these single room image houses.
Effect of microbial exudates on breaking dormancy of soil microbial seed bank
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Wijepala, P.; Seneviratne, G.; Madawala, H.M.S.P.; Jayasuriya, K.M.G.G.
Soil ecosystem deteriorates due to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, which interrupt the ecosystem functions and its sustainability. As a consequence of this disturbed soil system, plant and microbial seed bank may become dormant contributing to low below-and aboveground diversity. The present experiment was conducted to observe the effect of microbial exudates on rejuvenating a deteriorated soil system by activating the dormant microbial seed bank. Bacterial and fungal-bacterial biofilm exudates were used as treatments with a control (sterilized distilled water). Microbial exudates were applied to 2mm sieved soil in trays and incubated for 7 days at room temperature. Three replicates per treatment were arranged according to completely randomized design. Bacterial colony counts were taken from all treatments after 24 hours and 7 days of incubation. The functional groups present in microbial exudates and emerged bacterial colonies were analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using ANOVA by Minitab (version 16). Significantly higher number of bacterial colonies was observed in soils applied with biofilm exudates than soils applied with bacterial exudates and the control. Cluster analysis demonstrated bacterial cultures emerged from soils applied with biofilm exudates were clustered separately from those emerged from other treatments, implying that it was a different group of bacteria. The results suggested that there is a possibility of using microbial biofilms to break the dormant microbial seed bank to enhance microbial diversity in soil.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria (1970-2014)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Kumo, A.A.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been at the center stage as a phenomena of discussion amongst international cum development economists since the breakthrough made by Hymer‘s Thesis in 1960 which serves as a basic reference in subsequent study on the Multinational Corporations (MNC). Therefore, there has been a continuous growing concern on research in the area of FDI due to globalization of markets and companies emerging to be internationalized. Also, the existing liberal regulations in various countries give rise to the influx of companies across borders in an effort to engage in FDIs. The issue of FDI determinants remains relative and debatable owing to different results found empirically. Asiedu (2006) suggests that in Nigeria, FDI is determined by large local markets, natural resources, infrastructure and low inflation but to Bakare (2011) the major determinants of FDI are attributed to political cum macroeconomic instability; while Okafor (2012) conclude that the key FDI determinants are real gross domestic product (GDP), interest rate, and real exchange rate. Therefore, the problem of ascertaining the real FDI determinants in Nigeria is yet to be unanimously established and that calls for further research. In this study, we use time series data from 1970 to 2014 so as to enable us capture the FDI determinants in Nigeria up to date. We employ econometric techniques and estimated the FDI model with exchange rate, real gross domestic product, money supply, interest rate, international trade and expenditure on education as explanatory variables. The result shows that the model has a perfect fit at the same time GDP, money supply, international trade and interest rate increase FDI inflow. Furthermore, almost all the variables entered behave in accordance with a priori economic expectation. We conclude that government should intensify on such policies that are likely to attract FDI and vice versa.
Optimization for Rock Phosphate Solubilization by Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria isolated from Oryza Sativa Rhizosphere
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gunawardana, M.B.D.S.S.; Ratnatilleke, A.A.L.
Rock Phosphate (RP) is a cheap, phosphate-rich source but due to its lack of water solubility its use is limited in rice cultivation as a Phosphorus (P) fertilizer. However, certain bacteria in rice rhizosphere have shown the capability of solubilizing RP and supplying P to rice plants. Under certain conditions, the rate of releasing P could be low and these parameters should be optimized to obtain the full capacity of microorganisms as P biofertilizers. This study was undertaken to identify efficient RP solubilizing bacteria isolated from rice rhizosphere and the effects of parameters such as RP concentration, particle size, C:N ratio, chelation, mixed cultures, P source and Nitrogen source on their ability to solubilize RP. A pool of 165 naturally colonizing bacteria in rice plants isolated previously were screened for their RP solubilizing ability using solid and liquid modified PVK (Pikovskaya) selective media, containing RP as the sole P source. The observed highest P solubilizing strains, numbers 36 and 52, were tested along with a reference P- solubilizing strain, EP-11, which was isolated previously from Eppawala RP mines. The results showed that optimum RP concentration for strain 36 was 10.0g L-1 and 5.0g L-1 for strain 52. The content of soluble P gradually decreased with a larger particle size of RP with all the isolates. The highest content of soluble P was achieved when C:N ratio was 50:1, EDTA concentration was 2.0 mg ml-1, and Nitrogen source was NH4NO3 for both strains 36 and 52. However under the mixed cultures of strains 36 and 52, the solubilized P concentration was much lower (16.91 mg L-1) than their individual P solubilization levels. The optimization of these parameters would be important in achieving the maximum P solubility if strains 36 and 52 were to be developed in to P biofertilizers.
Friendship, Justice and Sri Lanka’s Armed Conflict: A Study of Somaratne Dissanayake’s Saroja
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayasena, N.
Writing about a nation emerging from three decades of violent conflict requires one to rethink identities irrevocably altered by the dehumanizing effects of war. Since the conclusion of the armed conflict in May 2009, there has been much talk of reconciliation but more often than not, the debate has been framed by the discourse of terrorism, on the one hand, and human rights or war crimes discourse on the other. This paper attempts to circumvent such regressive approaches to reconciliation by focusing on the politics of friendship by examining Somaratne Dissanayake‘s first feature film Saroja (1999), which focuses on the subversive friendship between a Sinhala schoolteacher and a Tamil Tiger. In Chapter 8 of Nicomechean Ethics, Aristotle argues that friendship is the very foundation of a unified nation. ―Friendship seems too to hold states together, and lawgivers to care more for it than for justice; for unanimity seems to be something like friendship.‖ Not only is friendship the glue that holds communities together but friendship also supersedes the law, because Aristotle views friendship as the cornerstone of unity. He goes so far as to say that where friendship exists, there is no need for justice; however its converse, justice without friendship, is futile. Indeed as a nation emerging from a protracted civil war, contemporary Sri Lanka is a space where minority communities demand that state-sanctioned injustices be redressed, but if justice without friendship is counter-intuitive, it is imperative to forge new partnerships between these two communities through a redefinition of Sinhala-Tamil relations. Further reinforcing this link between friendship and justice, Jacques Derrida remarks, ―friendship plays an organizing role in the definition of justice, of democracy even.‖ Derrida‘s reiteration that ―fraternity‖ is located between equality and liberty and is the foundation of the French Republic has particular resonance to postwar Sri Lanka. If Tamil militancy in Sri Lanka was launched on the demand for equality (and liberty) for Tamils, to invoke the concept of fraternity or friendship is to highlight that reconciliation cannot occur in a cultural vacuum.
Seasonal water level fluctuation, habitat alteration and colonization of marginal benthic fauna in irrigation reservoirs in the Kala Oya River basin in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Weerakoon, S.N.; Chandrasekara, W.U.; Amarasinghe, U.S.
The innumerable benthic microhabitats in freshwater ecosystems support a wide variety of fauna. These benthic fauna are sensitive to natural as well as anthropogenic disturbance events such as water level fluctuations, temperature variations, agrochemical inputs etc. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of seasonal water level fluctuation on the distribution and colonization of benthic fauna at some irrigation reservoirs in Sri Lanka. The study was carried at 10 reservoirs namely Angamuwa wewa, Balalu wewa, Dewahuwa wewa, Ibbankatuwa wewa, Kandalama wewa, Katiyawa wewa, Kala wewa, Siyambalangamuwa wewa, and Usgala-Siyambalangamuwa wewa in the Kala Oya river basin in Sri Lanka. The study period (September, 2014 to March 2015) included a dry season followed by a rainy season. Soil core samples (n = 15, volume = 0.5 dm3 each) from within 3 random locations in the marginal zone of each reservoir at each season were collected using a soil corer. After the samples were wet sieved in situ through a 1 mm sieve, the macrobenthic fauna in each sample were separated, identified to the nearest possible taxonomic level and enumerated separately. Environmental parameters such as aquatic vegetation, shadiness, soil texture, soil pH and the degree of water inundation were also measured using standard methods. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index for each reservoir for the two climatic seasons were determined and were statistically compared by a t-test. The abundance of benthic species at different study sites were analyzed using cluster analysis. The importance of environmental variables on the abundance of macrobenthos for both seasons were tested by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Altogether 17 taxa were recorded. Bellamya (Mystery snail) (62.2 ± 17.2) and Melanoides (Trumpet snail) (38.5 ± 11.6) were the dominant taxa during the dry season while Bithynia (Mud snail) (15.77 ± 6.75) and Bellamya (4.83 ± 1.38) dominated during the rainy season. The species richness was higher in rainy season (17 taxa) than in the dry season (11 taxa). This was due to the presence of six additional taxa i.e. Chironomidae, Oligocheata, Ephemeroptera, Trematoda, Zygoptera and Bithynia) during the rainy season. The species diversity of the reservoirs was significantly high during the rainy season (t – test, P = 6.2148, α = 0.05, df = 22). PCA revealed that the degree of water inundation and aquatic vegetation to be the key factors that determine the species distribution of these reservoirs. The elevated species diversity perhaps may be due to the enhanced growth of aquatic vegetation at the shallow marginal habitats when the reservoirs were inundated by water during the rainy season. The change of this habitat alteration may have positively supported the colonization of new insect taxa such as Chironomids, Ephemeropterans and Zygopterans into these shallow marginal habitats of irrigation reservoirs in the Kala Oya River Basin in Sri Lanka.
A study of blessings (Sethkam) composed connected to water in order to get rain in Nuwarakalawiya, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Manewa, R.M.E.S.
The ‗Nuwarakalawiya‘ (area bounded by Nuwara tank, Kala tank and Padawiya tank) in Sri Lanka is widely popular for farming and argicultural activities. Those agricultural activities are mainly undertaken during the two rainy seasons, namely the ‗Yala‘ and ‗Maha‘. However there is no certinity that sufficent rain water will be received during these seasons to enagge in their agri based livelihood. At times of such dry periods, they used to pray for ‗rain‘, and such mechanisms are known as ‗Sethkam‘. This study was aimed at identifing such mechanisms and their influence towards people‘s believes. Data were collected through a review of literature and interviews and analysed qualitatively. Twenty interviewees (Two bikkus, ten farmers and eight female villages) who are knowldgeble and experienced in using such mechanisms were interviewed. The findlings reveal that there are four popular machansms (types of sethkam) used to pray for the rain by the people in the Nuwarakalaviya. They are; Wesi Piritha, Subhuthi Bali Yagaya, Subhuthi Ambun Baliya and Niruwath Bali yagaya. Moreover, it was identified that those mechanisms play a significant role in people‘s lives of Nuwarakalawiya. However there is a growing tendency to neglect those mechanisms by the younger generation in the region, hence there is an essential and urgent need is to protect those mechanisms, in order to preserve the indigious features of the Sri Lankan culture, and to ensure the sustainability of the comminity.
Use of Electronic Resources for Buddhist Studies: A Case Study
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sumana Thero, Bodagama
Electronic resources are two types. They are online e–resources and off line e–resources. An "electronic resource" is defined as any work encoded and made available for access through the use of a computer. It includes electronic data available by (1) remote access and (2) direct access (fixed media). In other words: Remote access (electronic resources) refers to the use of electronic resources via computer networks. (AACR2, 2002 edition; glossary) Off–line eresources are CD–Rom, Thipitaka –CD, Mettanet – CD, Dhammapada–CD, Diskettes, VCD/ DVD, e–card. Online e-resources are Institutional & Personal website, OPAC & web OPACS, Electronic Databases e–publications, e–books, e–journals, and e-prints, e–articles. There are Encyclopedias, full-text journals, Newspapers, company information, e-books economic data ―digital images" industry profiles, market, Research, dictionaries in electronic resources. This study is on how to use electronic resources for Buddhist Studies. We can find information on Buddhism from Chatta sangayana CD, Dammapada CD and other Dhamma CD. Today we have computer and internet facilities. Therefore, without books, we can study on Buddhism. As a web page, Buddha Net covers all Buddhist resources. There are Buddhist manuscripts, suttas, jathaka tales, online courses and rare books such as Vimukthimagga. E – Library concept on web helps to reader every time to find and search Buddhist sources. Pali Canon and other important Dhamma books are availble as PDF, e-books, and e- journals in web pages. Example: Buddhist studies virtual library, Pali text society and vipassana research institute. These Libraries provide access to a variety of electronic books, as well as the other printed works (such as essays, poems, or historical documents). Some of these electronic books and texts are part of large, searchable databases.
Moderating and Mediating Contexts in Celebrity Endorsement on Brand Attitude: A Literature Review for Future Research Studies
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, R.; Wasantha, N.
Celebrity endorsements have been found in practice and studied in theories as a wider perspective. Celebrities provide endorsement as expert opinions, being a spokesperson for a product, or just being associated with a product (McCracken 1989; Seno and Lukas 2007). As per the published literature, it is about 25% of all television and print advertisements in the United States have featured celebrities (Erdogan, Baker & Tagg, 2001; Shimp, 2008), and endorsement contracts are estimated to be 10% to 25% of total advertising expenditures (Ding et al., 2010). Futher, Li (2011) said nearly $10 billion more to promote celebrity endorsements due to powerful effect it occupied on products being endorsed. But, it was said (Racula, 2012, Abdussalam, 2014) that celebrity‘s image does not guarantee success and it deals with advertising risks. The latest source argued that it is as an expensive source of communication and may generate conflicting messages when he or she endorses various brands. Karasiewicz & Martyna (2014). However, Till and Busler (1998, 2000) have examined attractiveness versus expertise as a match-up factor in celebrity endorsement, and found a general attractiveness effect on brand attitude and purchase intention. Further, Hung, Kineta (2014), justified links between entertainment motives and experiences influence endorsed brand attitude. Accordingly, it has a clear argument on the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement towards brand performance, particularly brand attitude and purchasing intention. Par with the said, via the reviewed literature sources, this study discusses how the relationships or impacts between celebrity endorsement and brand attitudes of the products endorsed could be mediated or moderated. Paper suggests how the future studies to be carried out with the gravity of newness contributing for the new knowledge and practice.
The Hunger Games: A Comparative Analysis of the Novel and the Adaptation-The Depiction the Theme of Power in the Two Media
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, S.M.N.
The critically and commercially recognized dystopian young adult novel, The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins is often read as a political tale in which the author examines the various political manifestations of Panem‘s government. President Snow‘s authoritarian rule manipulates hunger as a control mechanism to suppress the inhabitants in the outlying districts of Panem. The abundance and absence of food serve as a symbol of power vs. powerlessness. Fear is manipulated as a mode of exerting power and severe punishment methods including the annual Hunger Games pageant. Censored communication, the reality television phenomenon and unimaginable technology used in Capitol further augment the capacity of Capitol‘s authority. The Hunger Games was adapted into a feature film by the American Director, Gary Ross in 2012 which too was both critically and commercially acknowledged. Thus, this study evaluates the depiction of Panem‘s forms of exerting power in both the novel and its cinematic adaptation. Aspects of the Theory of Adaptation such as elision, addition of scenes, alteration, and cinematic techniques such as camera angles are incorporated to thoroughly analyse the film. Theories related to hunger and reality television are also taken into consideration during the content analysis of the two media. The findings proved that the adaptation has aptly portrayed the theme of power using a variety of camera techniques and alterations to the plot of the fictional effort. The additions of scenes and modifications in the cinematic version have enhanced the verbal demonstration of the theme of power in the source novel. The elision of certain incidents in the cinematic counterpart does not have an impact on the overall demonstration of the methods of power used by Panem to oppress the districts.
The concept of “Bhramara” in Hindi and Pali Literature
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Abeysundara, H.G.A.
The use of the ―Bhramara‖ concept can be seen both in ―Bhramar Geeth‖ in Hindi and in Pali literature. ―Bhramar Geeth‖ refers to a tradition of praise poetry that appears in Hindi poetry. The Hindi word ―Bhramar‖ means ―Bambara‖ (Humming bee in English) in Sinhala. The Sinhala meaning of ―Bhramar Geeth‖ is ―Bambara Gunjanaya‖ or ―Bambara Geethaya‖ (―The Humming Bees‘ Song‖ in English). The praise poem, ―Bhramar Geeth‖ is related to the romance between Radha and Krishna. The ―Bhramar Geeth‖ praise poem starts with the arrival of Uddav, a friend of Krishna who comes from the region of Mathura with a letter from Krishna, and meets Radha and other ―gopis‖ who are distressed because of Krishna‘s departure. Though critics like Dr. Ramachandra Shakul, Dr. Krishori Lal, and Dr. Dwarika Prasad Saksena have conducted numerous research studies on the ―Bhramar Geeth‖ in Hindi, there is a dearth of studies which offer a comprehensive analysis on whether the ―Bambara‖ concept that appears in the book is given the same meaning in other languages. However, it can be perceived that even in languages such as Pali and Sanskrit, the same ―Bambara‖ concept is employed. According to critics, the Hindi ―Bhramar Geeth‖ concept is created with the influence of Sanskrit poetry. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the ―Bambara‖ concept in the Hindi book is used with the same meaning in languages such as Sanskrit, Pali and Hindi.
Optimization of reverse transcriptase PCR for selected hepatic cytokines in Wistar Rats
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Samaranayake, H.A.E.; Thammitiyagodage, M.G.; Galhena, B.P.; Chakrewarthy, S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
Expression patterns of hepatic cytokines elucidates the immune and pathological pathways involved in inflammatory responses. Cytokine mRNA quantification is widely used approach in this regard that involves RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and real-time polymerase chain reaction of selected targets. In the present study, we optimized the reverse transcriptase PCR conditions for selected hepatic cytokines; TNF alpha and IL 6 in Wistar Rats. Liver tissues obtained from Wistar rats were washed with diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) treated water and frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen. Samples were stored at -800C. Total RNA was extracted from 0.1 g of liver tissue using Trizol@ according to the manufacturer‘s instructions. Subsequently, cDNA was synthesized from 2000ng of RNA using random primers and M-MLV reverse transcriptase enzyme. PCR for target cytokines was carried out using newly synthesized cDNA based on following PCR conditions. For TNF alpha, 5'-TTC TGT CTA CTG AAC TTG GGG GTG ATC GGT CC-3' and 5'-GTA TGA GAT AGC AAA TCG GCT GAC GGT GTG GG -3' were used as primers. PCR was optimized with initial denaturation at 940C for 1 and 30 sec followed by 35 cycles of 30 sec denaturation at 940C, 1 min annealing and 1 min extension at 720C. A temperature gradient of 530C, 550C and 570C was used for annealing step. Final extension was done at 720C for 3 min. For IL 6, 5‘-TCC TAC CCC AAC TTC CAA TGC TC-3‘ and 5‘-TTG GAT GGT CTT GGT CCT TAG CC-3‘were used as primers. PCR was optimized with initial denaturation at 940C for 1 and 30 sec followed by 35 cycles of 30 sec denaturation at 940C, 1 min annealing and 1 min extension at 720C. A temperature gradient of 570C, 590C, and 610C was used for annealing step. Final extension was done at 720C 3 min. Based on PCR products of TNF alpha and IL-6 separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, annealing temperatures for both genes were decided as 550C and 590C respectively.
Semantics of Region and ASEAN
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Padmakumara, S.C.
The term ‗region‘ with its manifold semantic manifestations and attributions has become a prominent academic ambiguity in the discipline of International Relations. As viewed by John Agnew, the idea of ―geographical designation to the region‖ has become a frequent controversy among the academia. Hence regions are no longer considered as homogenized and pre-determined territorial units. Instead, now regions are mostly defined through constructive lenses by focusing on their ideational dimensions. Although numerous detailed academic inquiries from different scholarly lenses have been conducted, a systematic representation of the semantics of region is overlooked by the most of existing scholarly work in the field. Neither they are systematically arranged nor adequately ordered in a manner through which it can provide a logical understanding. Therefore semantics of region have become more scattered and complicated phenomena. Given this complexity, it seems that defining or conceptual framing of the idea of region is a challenge. What are regions? How and why regions are formed? In what sense regions can be identified? These are some of frequent questions asked by the researchers who have been deeply involved in the matter. The answers given to these questions are also multiple and competing. As a result, generally accepted consensus among academia regarding the term ‗region‘ is clearly absence. Primarily this study looks for a schematic agenda through which these semantics can be logically arranged incorporating certain models of scientific representation such as taxonomies, tabulations, matrix analysis and mapping .In doing so, both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be incorporated into the study. In line with the proposed schematic arrangement; the study intends to reveal the existing patterns of understanding to the concept while adopting the case study of ASEAN. Further it examines how the ASEAN and its different institutional and policy aspects are applicable to multiple semantic clusters of the region. Finally the study proposes a holistic and systematic framework for semantics of the region through which ASEAN can be systematically explained.