Theses and Dissertations
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Item DEVOPS ADOPTION IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECTS(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Jayakody, J. A. V. M. K.The growing demand for fast, secure, and high-quality development cycles has driven the adoption of DevOps, alongside Agile methodology, in information systems development. However, challenges persist due to the impact on technical aspects and organizational culture. The lack of standardized definitions, documented experiences, and mature practices complicates adoption. Despite these hurdles, companies continue to pursue DevOps for its benefits, though achieving its full potential remains difficult due to the lack of a unified strategy. Focusing on this research gap and reported industry challenges for DevOps practices, the study identified critical success factors and capability factors for DevOps adoption and maturity. It followed a structured Design Science Research method, incorporating systematic literature reviews, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys to develop and validate frameworks. The literature review, conducted using PRISMA guidelines, gathered secondary qualitative data, while semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey provided primary qualitative and quantitative data. The survey data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS software, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance the study’s contributions. The research problem is confirmed by presenting twelve main challenges for DevOps adoption identified systematically. Moreover, it was reconfirmed by observing only four strategies practiced for overcoming these challenges. The study presents a DevOps adoption framework, grouping critical success factors into four areas: collaborative culture, proficient DevOps team, DevOps practices, and metrics and measurement to enhance DevOps benefits and reduce challenges, while integrating Agile practices. Furthermore, it proposes a new DevOps maturity framework with five levels and six key capability factors: transparency and sharing, continuous DevOps practices, automation, metrics and measurements, effective communication, and a proficient DevOps team, with each factor progressing from beginner to expert levels. Proposed frameworks offer structured guidance for IS development organizations to navigate DevOps challenges, facilitating effective adoption and maturity of DevOps principles. Future researchers can develop an application tool based on these frameworks to assess companies' readiness and maturity in DevOps. Also, studying the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning on DevOps can enhance automation and decision-making.Item CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOACTIVE MICROBIAL PIGMENTS AND SCREENING FOR THEIR POTENTIAL BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Weerasinghe, B. W. M. K. E.Colors significantly influence consumer choices and the marketability of products. While synthetic colorants are the preferred source, they are increasingly criticized for their adverse environmental and health impacts. In this context, microbial-mediated pigment production offers a promising alternative, with advantages for large-scale production. Microorganisms can produce a wide array of pigments, many of which possess bioactive properties making them highly attractive for future industrial applications. Therefore, the present study focused on the exploration of bioactive properties and potential industrial applications of microbial pigments extracted from S. marcescens KEGS1, K. flava PUTS1_3, H. rickii and Streptomyces sp. KRTA_1. The red and yellow pigments of KEGS1, and PUTS1_3 were extracted using the solvent extraction method, while the dark brown pigments of the H. rickii and KRTA_1 were precipitated using a modified acid precipitation method. The extracted pigments exhibited high stability under different pH, light, and temperature conditions. Purified pigments underwent different preliminary and instrument-based analyses. According to these data, the red pigment of KEGS1 was identified as prodigiosin, while the yellow pigments of PUTS1_3 were identified as carotenoids, including β-carotene. Both the dark brown pigments from H. rickii and KRTA_1 were identified as melanin-like pigments. The standard disk/well diffusion assays revealed the antibacterial properties of red and yellow pigments against Gram positive bacteria and the red pigment exhibited antibacterial activity against the Gram negative E. coli as well. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay was conducted to assess the antioxidant potentials and the red, yellow and dark brown pigment of H. rickii had IC50 values of 77.03±0.83 μg/ml, 181.95±4.57 μg/ml and ˃100 μg/ml, respectively. Further, photoprotective ability calculated using the Mansur mathematical equation revealed the impressive SPF values of dark brown pigments with 29.30 ± 0.14 (H. rickii), and 19.16 ± 0.01 (Streptomyces sp. KRTA_1) at 0.2 mg/ml concentration. Fabric dyeing experiments revealed the distinct dyeing performances of the pigments, with the red and yellow pigments showing good fastness properties to washing and pH stability tests, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Fabrics dyed with the dark brown pigments exhibited high UV stability. A mutation study was conducted to understand the ecological advantages of pigment production for survival of microorganisms. Mutants were generated through long-term incubation and UV exposure. A non-pigmented mutant, KEGS1_01, exhibited increased tolerance to stress conditions, while the UV mutant KEGS1_40 showed enhanced motility and biofilm production. Genomic and SNP analysis revealed mutations in stress response (KEGS1_01) and biofilm-related genes (KEGS1_40), but no mutations were found in the pigment biosynthetic (pig) gene clusters. In conclusion, this study suggests the potential of microbial pigments for future biotechnological applications, including use as functional fabric dyes and SPF enhancers. However, further research is recommended to fully understand their properties.Item The Importance of Community Participation in Road Infrastructure Development Projects (Based on the Integrated Road Investment Program)(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Eksith, K. G. M.The availability of passenger transport facilities and freight transportation capacity is a crucial factor in the development of any region. In this regard, the road network holds a significant position. Before the colonial era in Sri Lanka, there were footpaths and cart roads, but an advanced road system, as seen today, did not exist, nor was there a major necessity for it. However, over time, with changing circumstances, an extensive road network, including expressways, has been developed. The need for an extensive and complex road system in Sri Lanka arose due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, industrialization, increased complexity in freight transportation services, rural-to-urban migration, the growth of the tourism industry, business and industrial expansion, the expansion of educational opportunities, and the emergence of new villages outside urban areas. The Road Development Authority (RDA), with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), implemented the Integrated Road Investment Program to improve connectivity between rural communities and economic centers. This program focused on upgrading access roads in the Northern, Eastern, Uva, and Western Provinces, covering approximately 3,650km of rural and national roads through traditional road contracts, including essential maintenance. The second phase of the Integrated Road Investment Program aimed to further enhance rural access roads and national highways. The primary objective of this research was to identify how a community participation approach could be applied to road infrastructure projects, using the Integrated Road Investment Program as a case study. For this research, data were collected through questionnaires from a random sample of 100 respondents selected from 13 Grama Niladhari divisions within six Divisional Secretariat divisions in the Gampaha and Colombo districts. Additionally, several key informant interviews were conducted to gather further insights. This research, based on the second phase of the Integrated Road Investment Program, which focuses on rural road development projects in Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts, examined the importance of community participation in road infrastructure development projects.Item Impact of the Technology of Post-production Process on Managing the high production costs in Sri Lankan Cinema(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Lal, H. R. P.The film post-production stage is extremely important in shaping the final output of a film and represents a significant cost. In a country like Sri Lanka where budget constraints are a common challenge, this high cost is quite a challenge and will especially affect low-budget productions and independent artists as well as the student community. This research aimed to identify and validate a low-cost post-production system suitable for the Sri Lankan film industry, evaluate the post-production technology in use, introduce a cost-effective alternative and assess the feasibility and performance of standard industry practices. This study was conducted through the qualitative research method, literature sources were used to understand the global standards in post-production and cost factors and audio-visual cognitive capabilities. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gain an understanding of current post-production practices and post-production costs in Sri Lanka, followed by the identification of a pilot post-production system, the quality of which was evaluated using focus group feedback. After careful analysis of all the data, it was confirmed that the proposed post-production system meets the required quality standards while significantly reducing the cost, quality and effectiveness with an affordable price.Item INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN SOCIAL MEDIA FORUMS IN SRI LANKA(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2023) Pathirana, U. P. N. N.Awareness of health information needs, sources of health information, and barriers to accessing health information among pregnant women is critical for the development of health interventions, and providing high-quality prenatal care for them. Hence, the aim of this study was to address a gap in the literature by exploring the use of social media by pregnant women, specifically to examine the use of Facebook to fulfill pregnancy-related information sharing and retrieval. The study was conducted employing a mixed method in two phases using simple random sampling. In the first phase, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 120 expectant mothers registered in six selected MoH offices in the Colombo district. In the second phase, a subset of questionnaire participants (n = 25) were interviewed to substantiate findings. Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS. The most pressing problems of barriers to information acquisition were identified as lack of support from healthcare providers and no opportunities to discuss sensitive topics. The top main reasons that motivated mothers to turn to Facebook for health information were the acquisition of detailed information, learning from others’ experiences, and obtaining confirmation of already known facts. Nutrition, fetal development, and vitamins and tests were among topics searched greatly. Postpartum preparation, maternity goods, selection of doctors and hospitals, do’s and don’ts during pregnancy, and complications were cross-checked, as multiple experiences and views needed to be examined and evaluated before making choices and decisions. Importantly, psychological and behavioural changes were the most sought. Significantly, respondents believed that effective Facebook groups encouraged mothers in their journey towards motherhood by dispelling information confusion, imparting new knowledge, fostering self-confidence, holding members accountable, discussing delicate subjects, and providing emotional support.Item අස්පර්ශණීය සංස්කෘතික උරුමය සුරක්ෂා කිරීමෙහි ලා ශ්රී ලංකා ජාතික පුස්තකාලයේ කාර්යභාරය පිළිබද විමර්ශනාත්මක අධ්යයනයක්(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Senarathna, K. I. D.A society's cultural heritage is not just its outward manifestations but primarily embodied by the fundamental components that demonstrate human societies' existence, growth, and ongoing development. These components, collectively called intangible cultural heritage, include beliefs, customs, attitudes, behaviours, aspirations, and knowledge passed down through the generations. Safeguarding this legacy requires identification, documentation, preservation, promotion, and transmission. Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is a national duty due to rapid societal changes. In this context, creating a specialized institution and developing a policy for safeguarding ICH is essential. The purpose of this study is to investigate the National Library of Sri Lanka's role in safeguarding ICH, determine the need for internal safeguarding initiatives, analyze the National Library's current holdings of ICH collections, evaluate the difficulties and problems associated with ICH safeguard, and suggest a framework and policy for the National Library's role in safeguarding ICH in Sri Lanka. A case study methodology is used in this mixed-method study, which includes a sample of 25 public libraries in 25 districts of Sri Lanka. A multi-stage and judgmental (purposive sampling) sampling method was used to select 25 librarians, and a multi-variable judgmental (purposive sampling) method was used to select six subject matter experts from six relevant institutions for a total sample size of 31 participants. Structured interviews with subject matter experts and an online questionnaire sent to public libraries were used to gather primary data. Additionally, an inventory of the National Library's current ICH collection was created through participatory observation. According to the findings, the National Library was primarily involved in registering Sri Lanka's intangible cultural heritage for inclusion in the UNESCO list rather than concentrating on the national-level safeguarding of ICH. The study also identifies the lack of an efficient ICH collection, problems with authority and accountability, a lack of commitment from authority figures, and an inadequate policy within the National Library for safeguarding ICH. Despite attempts to increase the collection through donations and legal deposits, no formal mechanism has been established for integrating ICH resources across the country. To improve the safeguarding and accessibility of Sri Lanka's intangible cultural heritage, this study suggests a framework and policy for the National Library.Item පුරාතන ශ්රී ලංකාවේ රාජ්යත්වයේ ආරම්භය සහ විකාශය පිළිබද සෙල්ලිපි මූලාශ්රය ඇසුරින් කෙරෙන ඓතිහාසික විමර්ශනයක්(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Ransirini, J. M. C.The research historically examines the origin and the evolution of kinship from the 3rd century B.C to the end of the 16th century B.C. The academic scope spans from the 3rd century B.C. to the end of the 16th century B.C. The inscriptions, which are primary sources, reveal limited information about the nature of the kinship of the rulers, evolution and development of the kinship. The limitation of those facts is a major issue confronted by historical researchers. In this research, the inscriptions, the secondary sources and the archaeological sources were used and hidden information about the political role of the Sri Lankan kings could be revealed. The primary sources play a major role in studying historical facts and it helps for an accurate and specific study about the history. The research focuses on the manner in which the origin, evolution, behavior, role, daily routine and bureaucratic regime influence Sri Lankan history. The inscriptions, which were written between the 3rd century B.C. and the end of the 16th century B.C., have mentioned the evolution of the kingship during the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Kotte and Kandy eras. In those eras, the ruling power was centralized around the king and the major duties of the king were providing security to the countrymen, expanding the kingdom and protecting the boundaries. The behavioral patterns related to the royal lives of the kings have directly impacted the political history in Sri Lanka. The well-being of the rulers was also decided accordingly. Thus, it can be concluded that the political behaviors of the rulers have equally impacted the existence of the state in Sri Lanka.Item Sustainable Strategies for Managing Human-Elephant Conflict (Based on the Galnewa Divisional Secretariat Divisions)(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2023) Jayathissa, R. H. N. J.Human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka has emerged as a result of negative interactions between elephants, which are historically, environmentally, and culturally significant animals, and humans. Over the past 30 years, this conflict has led to 2,011 human deaths and 5,954 elephant deaths. Additionally, the government incurs an annual cost of approximately 500 million rupees to compensate for the damages caused by this conflict. Despite implementing various management strategies and approaches to mitigate this situation, they have not achieved satisfactory success. This issue is also significant in the Galnewa Divisional Secretariat Division of the Anuradhapura District, located in the dry zone. Given this context, 11 Grama Niladhari Divisions within the Galnewa Divisional Secretariat were selected as the study area for this research. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the current management strategies and approaches used to mitigate human-elephant conflict and to propose recommendations based on practical experiences and perspectives of the local community to enhance their sustainability. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employed in the research. The findings of this research indicate that human-elephant conflict in the region has led to crop damage, property destruction, and loss of human lives, significantly disrupting the social and economic activities of local communities. The study also revealed that the ineffectiveness and unsustainability of existing management approaches stem largely from a lack of community consensus and cooperation. Although electric fences have shown partial success, inadequate maintenance has prevented them from delivering the desired results. In response, farmers have shifted from cultivating paddy, which attracts elephants, to alternative crops such as gherkin and gingelly. The community advocates for sustainable management strategies based on practical approaches, including increasing food and water availability within forest areas, controlling the elephant population, and utilizing technology. Key recommendations derived from the study include strengthening electric fences, promoting alternative crops, and providing incentives for such changes. Considering the region's unique conditions, key proposals include implementing appropriate measures to restore disrupted social activities and educational opportunities caused by elephant intrusions. This involves utilizing technology to facilitate the conservation of elephants, such as providing villagers with real-time information on elephant movements through their mobile phones.Item ශ්රී ලංකාවේ වෙරළ කලාපයේ භූමි පරිහරණයේ කාලීන හා අවකාශීය වෙනස්කම් : වයඹ වෙරළ තීරය ඇසුරින් සිදු කරන අධ්යයනයකි(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Bandara, S. M. R. S.This research describes the temporal and spatial changes in land use in the northwest coastal region of Sri Lanka. The main study problem is whether the land use of the coastal zone of Sri Lanka varies temporally and spatially. The main objective of the study is to identify the temporal and spatial variation of land use in the Northwest Coastal zone. This is an inductive research approach. For primary data collection, structured questionnaire method, quantitative and qualitative data collection through interviews and field survey and secondary data collection through secondary sources were used. As the study area, the 300-meter buffer zone from the shore towards the land of the ten Grama Niladari Divisions on the coastal border of Wennappuwa Divisional Secretariat has been selected. The total sample is 100 as per simple random sampling method. GIS, SPSS and spreadsheet softwares were used for data analysis. According to the data analysis, there have been temporal and spatial changes in land use in the Northwest Coast zone. Compared to 2008, the total area has increased by 7% in 2018 and by 12% in 2023. The time required for rapid land use change in this area is short. In the year 2023, instead of the abundant coconut plantation in the area, gardens have been created. Road density and building density have doubled compared to 2008. Thus, physical factors have a direct effect on land use change and human factors have a direct and circular effect. In the future, coastal areas near Maha Oya and Ging Oya may be submerged by sea water. Being a coastal area, this change cannot be completely stopped, but various sustainable strategies can be used to control it.Item ජනශ්රැතියේ නිරූපිත සාලිය-අශෝකමාලා ප්රේම වෘත්තාන්තය තුළ සැඟව ඇති සන්නිවේදනාර්ථ(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2024) Wickrama, A. S. M.As lovers Saliya and Ashokamala are a unique pair of characters rooted in folklore, literature and history. Further, Saliya-Mala is the Sri Lankan symbol of immortal lovers of world literature like Rama-Sita, Radha-Krishna, Romeo-Juliet and Shah Jahan-Mumtaz, who are revered in world history. This becomes the most interesting royal story because Saliya is the son of King Dutugemunu, the hero of this country's history, and his lover Mala (Ashoka Mala) belongs to the lowest caste called Rodi (Sadol/Chandala). These two are also prominent figures in local art. In addition, this story has a significant place in the folklore of this country in terms of religion, social background, ancient irrigation system, agriculture, beliefs, ancient social system, medical system, governance and monarchy. According to the introductory story of the Mahavamsa, the most significant historical source in the country, Saliya and Mala were rejected by the royal family. Therefore, Mala is rooted in the society as a low caste woman. There are many legends about them, outside the Anuradhapura city. According to these stories, and other historical sources, there was another reason why Prince Saliya did not receive the kingship. It is a struggle regarding the acquisition of state power. On the other hand, Prince Saliya is not greedy for state power because he is a Bodhisathva figure. According to some factors, Mala is not a low-caste woman, but the standard story says that Prince Saliya lost his kingship because of fascinating Ashokamala. The aim of this research is to examine how the reality of this love story can be revealed through the meanings of communication revealed through the stories depicted in folklore. Data collection was done through 10 interviews of Purposive Sampling under the qualitative research method and data were analyzed using inter-analysis methods. Accordingly, it seems that this love story has other reasons beyond caste, including the power struggle of the royal family. A lot of information that has not been revealed so far was also collected from these stories.