Institutional Repository

U n i v e r s i t y of P e r a d e n i y a

The Institutional Repository of the University of Peradeniya is the University's digital gateway to scholarly knowledge and research excellence. Established as the next phase of the Digital Library initiative launched by the University Library in 2011, it preserves, showcases, and provides open access to the intellectual output of the University community.

Through a rich collection of research articles, conference proceedings, theses, dissertations, and other scholarly works, the repository enhances the visibility, accessibility, and long-term preservation of knowledge, extending the global reach and impact of the University of Peradeniya’s academic and research contributions.

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Recent Submissions

Museums as a tool for cultural heritage management in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2023-09-20) Embuldeniya, P.
The general objective of this research paper is to develop an appropriate method to manage the cultural heritage in Sri Lanka through museums. Therefore, this research focuses on identifying museum objects with more narrative strength to exhibit the significance of cultural heritage through museums, promote "the museum visiting culture" in Sri Lanka, develop museum education while understanding the link between objects and the site, and understand the importance of having museum monitoring methods and policies to manage the museums efficiently for the well-being of cultural heritage management in Sri Lanka. As a methodology, a literature survey, participant observation, and interviews were carried out to collect data. The collected data were analyzed through SWOT analysis. Moreover, object domain analysis was conducted for the selected objects in museums through judgmental sampling to identify the narrative strength of the objects. In this research, the concepts of memory, identity, and heritage management were focused. This research highlights the importance of a proper museum monitoring method, the significance of identifying the narrative strength, how to link the exhibits with the site through available ability and resources, and museums’ responsibility to their public and collections. This approach could create a sense of tangible and intangible heritage at the particular site and be directed to contribute experiences for visitors concerning object, cognitive, and social occurrences. This research is directed towards museums as a tool for cultural heritage management in Sri Lanka and will help to develop museum management policies and museum monitoring methods through the memory and identity associated with museum exhibits.
A study on anatomy question making and performance improvement in undergraduates
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2023-09-20) Ranasinghe, W.G.K.I.; Hettiarachchi, H.A.A.U.S.; Samarakoon, S.M.K.G.H.; Gunathilake, G.R.Y.A.; Angammana, H.M.D.N.; Jayawardana, J.A.C.K.; Banneheka, B.M.H.S.K.; Angammana, H.M.R.W.
In contemporary education, student-centered active learning has emerged as a favored approach over conventional teaching methods. Making questions demands precise subject knowledge. Creating practical examination questions using cadavers needs good dissection skills and precise identification of structures. Based on this, a group activity was given for first year dental undergraduates for the head and neck anatomy course. The objective was to determine whether making questions would lead to an improvement in students’ performance. A total of 120 students were divided into groups A and B, each of which had five cadaver groups. A pre-test was done using Extended Matching Questions (EMQ). A preparation time was given for studying, dissection and creating an Observed Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) using their cadaver and an EMQ on a given topic. Two groups did the activity on separate days. EMQs were displayed to all, followed by rotation among pre-prepared OSPE stations within the given time. Following a discussion time, each group submitted their answers. They delivered a presentation elaborating the answers to their own questions. During this time, both teachers and a designated peer group evaluated them on the question quality and presentation skills, alongside random exchange and marking of answer scripts. On the following day the questions formulated by Group A and B were exchanged using a Learning Management System (LMS) for an individual post-test. Analysis of student performance revealed a significant improvement after the activity, with a mean score difference of 2.420 (p = 1.095531×10-9). Students' online feedback revealed that making questions was more beneficial than presentation and discussion. All respondents rated 3 and above in Likert scale for soft skill improvement. Majority (86%) had favored group/self-directed activities over lectures. This study showcases the potential of collaborative and active learning methods to improve knowledge retention, application and soft skills.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and legal education: some cautionary reflections
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2023-09-20) Senaratne, K.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on higher education. Many students are now using tools such as ChatGPT for educational purposes, while teachers are also making use of these tools for teaching purposes. The legal profession is already heavily impacted by AI. While legal trials are being conducted with the assistance of AI, numerous authors have started to show how lawyers and law students can make use of AI tools to enhance their legal and research-related work. This paper examines the impact of AI on legal education in Sri Lanka, especially from the perspective of a legal academic. It will first revisit how legal education has generally been understood and conceived by legal educators, both globally and in Sri Lanka. The paper will thereafter consider whether, or to what extent, legal education – from the perspective of both the student and the teacher - seems to be changing due to the rapid development of AI. The key question that this paper seeks to address is: what is ‘legal education’ in the age of AI, and how may legal academics respond to the exponential growth of AI? The paper will be based on published literature, while reference will be made to the author’s own experiences and views gathered from students. The paper argues that legal educators will have to come to terms with AI and make the best use of it, while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professional integrity, which is bound to be an extremely challenging task.
The impact of family factor on women’s labour turnover intention in the Sri Lankan apparel industry
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2023-09-20) Rathnayaka, R.M.U.; Maheswaran, S.; Jayawickrama, J.M.A.
A higher percentage of labour turnover is a key reason for the nonexistence of well- experienced highly skilled women workers in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Low- experienced workers result in low labour productivity in the industry. In this scenario, the problem of this research is why women workers used to leave the apparel industry within a short period. Consequently, the objectives of the study are to identify the factors that influence labour turnover intention and to measure those factors in quantitative dimensions. An empirical study was conducted as the methodology to achieve the objectives. In this case, the views of sewing machine operators were explored. Accordingly, responses from 1004 women workers in the apparel industry, were collected. In the survey questionnaire, twenty pre-identified reasons through preliminary study and literature review were given to participants for prioritizing as first choice, second choice and third, as per their preference. The percentage values were calculated by dividing the total of the products of frequency and weight factor of each first, second and third choices of each reason by the entire number of responses. According to the results, the main reason for industrial women workers to leave the industry within a short period was marriage. Some 21% of the responses of industrial women workers pointed out marriage as the institutional reason for them to leave the industry. Child care had been identified as the second major institutional reason with 17% of responses. Work-family conflict and poor social recognition were the next important reasons for women’s labour turnover intention. According to the empirical study, around 64% of the responses for women labourers to leave the apparel industry within a short period are incorporated with the family. In a patriarchal social context, Sri Lankan women are highly dedicated to family commitments. According to current practices in the apparel industry, it is questionable whether the industrial management has been able to realize the impact of family factors on labour turnover.
Exploring reasons for low women’s employment in the hotel industry: a case study of Southern Province of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2023-09-20) Perera, P.K.U.; Jayasinghe, J.K.V.M.; Nanayakkara, N.A.P.S.R.
Despite the considerable growth of Sri Lanka's tourism industry over the years, the engagement of women in the hotel sector workforce remains notably low. This study delves into the complexities of this persistent issue, focusing on the Southern Province as a microcosm of the broader situation. By employing qualitative research methods, the research seeks to unveil the intricate web of underlying causes and barriers that contribute to this gender disparity. In order to comprehensively investigate this phenomenon, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 female employees actively working within the hospitality industry and 5 women who are not part of the sector. The research site comprises three graded hotels in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, providing a localized yet representative perspective. It becomes evident that long-standing misperceptions, deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes, and socio-cultural influences intertwine to create an environment where women's participation in the hotel sector remains limited. Importantly, the voices of female employees highlight a paradoxical situation: while they express job satisfaction and a desire to continue in the industry, they also share experiences of societal resistance and negative perceptions associated with their hotel employment. Moreover, certain segments within the industry exhibit hesitancy towards the integration of women, acting as internal barriers to their entry and advancement. Furthermore, this research underscores how societal norms tied to marriage place additional challenges on women in the hotel industry, further perpetuating gender stereotypes and constraining their involvement. The scarcity of female enrollment in hotel schools compounds these challenges, resulting in a dearth of qualified female professionals and ultimately contributing to the perpetuation of low employment levels. By advocating for industry-driven measures to challenge misperceptions, promote inclusivity, and tap into the full potential of women in the sector, this research aligns with broader international findings.