PGIHS-RC 2017

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A comparative study of curricula based on plato’s republic and the pirivena system in sri lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-21) Pushpakumara, S.K.N
Curriculum is a fundamental element in an effective teaching and learning process. The design, the aim, objectives and Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of any curriculum reflect the philosophy of the education system of a country and they also need to comply with the socio-political and socio-cultural requirements of a nation. Plato was a recognized Greek philosopher and educationist in western education. Plato proposes an outline of a curriculum for an educational system in the Republic where the goal is to produce able citizens who are responsible for their community. But, Plato’s system was never implemented. The education system of Sri Lanka on the other hand, developed from antiquity aiming at educating mainly the Buddhist monks in monasteries. The Pirivena education also follows a curriculum that reflects the development of an education system that was native to ancient Sri Lanka. The curriculum proposed by Plato in his Republic, and the curriculum in the Pirivena system of education naturally adhere to the basic needs of their societies. Scholarly attention was laid on studying the Platonic system of education and its influence on the modern education in the west. Even various aspects of the Pirivena system of education have grabbed scholarly attention. Yet, no attempts were made to undertake a comparative study on the two curricular proposed in this study. The objective of this paper is to examine the content of the two curricula and their aims, objectives and Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) in order to understand the rationale and diverse circumstances that may have led to fashion the content, aims, objectives and the ILOs of their respective curricula. The study paid close attention to Plato's Republic along with commentaries on this work and secondary literature as appropriate. In studying Pirivena curricula, Pirivena Education Act of 1979, inscriptions and secondary literature were used besides visiting selected pirivenas in order to use the information in their archives and libraries. The gathered information on Plato's curriculum and Pirivena curriculum were studied closely and independently with an analytical mind prior to comparing and contrasting them. The two curricula contain some similar subject content such as literature and mathematics. In certain cases, the course content and methods are different from each other. But interestingly whether the course content is similar or not the concepts, aims, objectives and ILOs behind including those courses appear identical in the two systems of education because the course contents of these curricula attempted to comply with their socio-political and socio-cultural requirements.
Reconciliation in post -war Sri Lanka: an analysis of the implementation of the report of lessons learnt and reconciliation commission
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Baskaran, S.
Sri Lanka is multiethnic in character, comprising a Sinhalese majority and three substantive minorities Sri Lankan Tamils, Muslims, Indian-origin Tamils. The country had been experiencing a large scale war over 26 years due to the prolonged nature of ethnic conflict, which finally concluded in 2009 after defeating the LTTE. Soon after the military victory over the LTTE, tasks have been undertaken by national and international initiatives, either bottom up or top down, to rebuild the country thereby constructing long-lasting peace in the nation. Fostering reconciliation is one of the main focuses to bridge the divided ethnic relationships. In order to implement this endeavor, as a prime national level initiative, the government of Sri Lanka started to establish various measures. In this context, establishing structural measures and constructing institutional changes for reconciliation in Sri Lanka are highly needed. Reconciliation is understood as a way for transforming conflict, and structural approach of reconciliation is viewed as a measure that can facilitate psychological change and thereby contribute to constructing a framework for stable peace. With those considerations, this research focuses on the newly formed commission of LLRC and its report as well as recommendations for promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka by incorporating the major structural issues, stemmed directly for reconciliation and obstacle to implementing. Though this report still considered as an important document to provide an impetus to the ongoing reconciliation process, still there has not been adequate engagement put forward effectively on implementing those respected recommendations on the ground. The objective of the research is to evaluate the reconciliation progress of implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in six key structural issues. This research is a qualitative study and aimed to evaluate the recommendations of the LLRC in six key structural issues and its implementation deficits. There is probably a large amount of literatures on reconciliation in the postconflict society. The study results show a strong correlation between security and reconciliation, which has not been closely focused by the school of thought of reconciliation. The study also found that feeling of insecurity associated with structural elements will not engineer and guarantee a genuine reconciliation. Therefore, this study proved that imposing structural measures to ensure the feeling of security has an efficacy to achieve the task of reconciliation. The structural issues are still observed in a greater degree as a legacy of the prolonged nature of the unresolved conflict.
Social responsibility and employee commitment in banking industry in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) De Silva, H.T.M.
Nowadays Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the most significant and debatable topic among corporate citizens and it is associated with organizations’ survival and success. CSR is about ethical behavior towards organization’s stakeholders, and employees are the crucial internal stakeholder group of organizations. Their commitment leads organizations to their success and CSR is one of the strategic tools to enhance the commitment level of employees. The key objective of organizations is to maximize the profit and in the case of CSR, organizations avoid that key objective and try to minimize the gap between organization expectations and stakeholders’ expectations. This study implements to recognize the real context of CSR and employee commitment of banking industry in Sri Lanka and thereby objectives are set to identify the effect of CSR on employee commitment to banking industry in Sri Lanka. In order to achieve objectives of the study, quantitative approach has been used to analyse the data and data collected through a questionnaire. Employees of banking sector participated as respondents of the study and the selected sample was 100. However, only 77 employees made responses and response rate is 77%. The correlation analysis is adopted to achieve the first objective of the study and to achieve the second objective, implemented the coefficient analysis. Results are indicated that there is a positive relationship between CSR and employee commitment of banking industry in Sri Lanka and that CSR has a positive impact on employee commitment to banking industry in Sri Lanka.
Socio-economic status of female sanitary labourers in Colombo district, Sri Lanka with special reference to private sector cleaning services
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Prakash, T.G.S.L.; Ranaweera, R.A.J.N.; Somerathna, K.M.S.
Sanitary labourers can be identified as one of the marginal communities in Sri Lanka. State and private organizations outsource their sanitary and cleaning services. Hence these services are provided by private service providers as well. Sanitary labourers employed under them are with minimum wages, facilities, and labour rights. The main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic status of female sanitary labourers employed by private sanitary service providers in Colombo district. A sample of 31 female sanitary labourers was selected by random sampling method who works under 4 different service providers. Pretested questionnaires were used for data collection and data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2010. The age of sample range 32 – 72 yrs. 8(26%) below 50 yrs. 23(74%) above 50 yrs. 10(32%) above 60 and 1(3%) above 70 yrs. Service experience range 1 – 23 years: Mean 6.4, Median 4, Mode 4 yrs. 27(87%) attended school and range grade 2 – 10. 4(13%) did not. 8(30%) bellow grade 5 and 19(70%) grade 6 – 10. 18(58%) married, 7(22%) widows, 3(10%) unmarried, or separated. 7(39%) husbands are employed. 11(61%) husbands unemployed: 4(37%) elderly and unable to work, 2(18%) staying at home due to lack of proper job, or disabled, 1(9%) suffering from chronic illnesses, or drug addicted, or lazy or idle persons. 28 respondents have children: Mean, Median, and Mode equal to 3. 19 have married children: Mean 3, Median 2, and Mode 1. 14 have unmarried children: Mean 2, Median 2, and Mode 3. However, 7 have both married and unmarried children. Average income is SLR 18,000.00. Dependents status: 7(22%) respondent, husband, and unmarried children, 6(20%) respondent and husband, or respondent and married children, 4(13%) respondent only, 3(10%) respondent and unmarried children, 2(6%) respondent, husband, unmarried children, and parent, 1(3%) respondent, husband, married and unmarried children, or respondent, husband, and married children, or respondent, parent, and siblings. 28(90%) of respondents’ neighbours know respondents’ occupation and 3(10%) hide it. 28(90%) are involved in this job because there are no adequate qualifications for any other job. 3(10%) bankrupt persons, 1(3%) for additional income or as an easy way of income. Perception about life: 4(13%) very happy, 8(26%) happy, 8(26%) patient, 9(29%) sad, and 2(6%) very sad. The findings of the study show that the largest set of female sanitary labourers are over 50 years old, married, husbands unemployed, earn for them - their husbands and unmarried children, and lead a sad life.
Deity worship and sinhala –tamil relations in post war Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Weerakoon, W.M.U.
The cult of worshiping Gods and Goddesses is a common practice among both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindu communities in Sri Lanka. This study explores how this practice influences Sinhala-Tamil relationship in the post-war society. The study was conducted in Vavuniya district in the Northern Province. The study population was identified through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Qualitative methods were used and data were collected through key informant interviews, direct observations, group discussions and visual data. The objectives of the study are to find out the religious significance of God and Goddess cult for Hindus and Buddhists, to identify the specific religious needs of the devotees from both the communities and to understand the scope for promoting inter-religious dialog, multiculturalism and mutual understanding between the two ethnic communities that practice the worship. The findings revealed that there were different Gods and Goddesses to whom the people turned for meeting their religious needs. God Pulleyar is mainly related to farming cycle. God Aiyanar and Murugan are seen as multi-purpose deities who can help laymen in any matters. Goddess Nagapusini Amman and Palaadi Amman are appealed for curing illnesses and redressing family problems primarily experienced by women. Goddess Muththumari Amman and Kannai Amman are appealed for protection from insecurity, especially mothers of both communities. The invocation of Goddess Baddrakali Amman is for seeking divine intervention, particularly when the victims feel justice being denied by secular authorities. According to the specific roles of the God or Goddess, both Sinhala and Tamil people meet in the shrines and share their experiences; sometimes in sign language as they do not necessarily speak each other’s languages. The conclusion is that even though there was a three decades of protracted war between the two communities, there is a core of religious beliefs shared by Tamil Hindus and Sinhala Buddhists. Therefore, contrary to the views of Sinhalese and Tamils nationalists that tend to treat Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus as discreet and mutually exclusive ethnic communities, the religious beliefs and practices in these “border areas” are mixed and characterized by shared heredity, which can be further promoted for establishing ethnic reconciliation and harmony in the country.
Examining reactions to refugees and migrants using the is-ought problem in moral philosophy
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Thowfeek, M.I.M.
This paper explores the is-ought problem in moral philosophy by applying it to understanding the real world issue of refugees and migrants. The ‘is – ought’ problem which was articulated by David Hume (1711-1776), is considered a central problem of moral philosophy. Hume believed that what is the case and what ought to be the case look different. G. E. Moore (1873-1958) and Karl Popper (1902-1994) subscribe to similar views. However, others like McInerny (1929-2010) and MacIntyre (1929) propose a different position. They suggest that there should be no ‘gap’ between is and ought. In other words what is, is also what should be (ought). Thus far this disagreement has remained largely in the realm of conceptual analyses. In this paper the ‘is – ought’ problem is used to understand real world issues. The focus of this paper is the muchdiscussed issues surrounding refugees and migrants in Europe. When this problem is applied to understanding reactions against refugees and migrants it leads to two questions; one, about how refugees are treated (is) and two, how they should be treated (ought). The paper examines statistical data from organizations working with refugees and migrants as well as the utterances of key political and civil society figures, especially in Europe. To understand the ‘ought’ such documents as the UNHCR Refugee Convention is analysed. The analysis shows that a gap exists between is and ought on this particular issue, on several fronts. The paper will also explore how the issue of refugees and migrants might be tackled by using moral philosophy.
The potential of fashion education for economic development in Sri Lanka: an investigation into fashion education and apparel industry in South Asia
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Gopura, S.; Bandara, D.C.; Payne, A.; Buys, L.; Seneheweera, L.
The apparel industry is a significant contributor to the economic development of countries engaged in export-oriented industrialization. Asian countries remain the top manufacturers of apparel, with the United States and the European Union being the main markets. For South Asian Region (SAR) countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (SL), apparel production is the largest industrial sector. However global economic changes made the industry vulnerable, particularly in the face of competition due to the lower cost of production in other countries. In response, SAR industry is in transition from cut, make, and trims (CMT) assembly to original design manufacturing (ODM). Fashion design capabilities are the key, enabling industry to deliver a full package service for main apparel markets. This transition requires expert professionals in design who can offer creative and technical proficiency in manufacturing, and therefore a strong fashion education (FE) in the region is essential. This paper maps the evolution of the SL apparel industry in the context SAR in order to identify, (i) the contribution that FE makes in the apparel value chain (AVC), (ii) the region’s position in the AVC, taking SL as a focal point. The study draws on evidence from existing literature and industry reports on India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and in SL. Evidence shows that SL government’s policy decision to establish FE in 2000 has had a significant impact on the industry’s transition, influencing on the core competence of the buyers. The findings also reveal that SL is providing highly skilled labour to the apparel industry through specific education and training, including degrees in technical education and design provided by both private and public sectors. Since 2000, more than 600 fashion designers have graduated. Designers in the SL apparel industry have added value via technical product development, as well as contributing to the development of ODM capabilities mainly in lingerie and activewear product sectors, the areas where SL has expertise in the region. Within SAR, India has vast networks of educational institutions focused on textile and apparel education, producing designers for functional upgrading and the other two SAR countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh can work on further coordinating policies in order to enhance skills in this sector. Given the significant contribution of the apparel industry to the regional economy and employment, continued industrial upgrading through design can assist in the region remaining competitive.
An enhancement of universally applicable human communication from the buddhist perspective
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Ven. Wanarathana, R.
With reference to the Cambridge English Dictionary: Communication means to share information with others by speaking, writing, moving, your body or using signals. Are humans the only creatures on earth who communicate? What purpose does communication serve in our lives? Answer to these historical, and social-science questions provide part of the diversity of knowledge that makes up the field of communication studies. Communication as a subject, is divided into many parts: Interpersonal communication, Group communication, Public communication, mass communication etc. We all know that humans are communicative being by the birth. Therefore, the history of communication is as old as humanity. It is impossible to talk about progress of the human society without communication. In the present world the subject of communication has become a vast and highly developed topic. The purpose of this paper is to point out the applicability of Buddhist teachings to wholesome ways of communication. The Kītāgirisutta Sutta of the Majjhima Nikāya depicts that right communication is conducive to decreasing unskillful qualities and to grow skillful qualities in human mind. According to the Sumańgalavilāsini, whoever engaging according to Buddhism, the adorned faith they are with enriched knowledge. It contains deep meaning, it is pleasant to the ear, it comes from the bottom of the heart, it doesn’t despise others, it helps to discipline listener, it makes the listener to be inquisitive, it is beneficial all round. That is what is said by commentators. In the Aggivaccagotta Sutta, it is said that the communication which doesn’t lead to acquiring real knowledge is not appreciated. On many occasions the Buddha firmly advised to refrain from improper ways of communicating e.g. (The story of Lāludāi thera). Accordingly, Buddhist teachings are really useful to enhance human communication.
Problems encountered by students with visual impairments and instructors in learning and teaching english with special reference to faculty of arts, university of peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Ekanayake, E.M.A.R; Asna, M.S.F.; Nayanahari, W.M.L.
Although a number of researches have been conducted to discuss the difficulties faced by students with visual impairments in learning, the studies that specifically focus on the problems they face when “learning English as a Second Language” are handful. The main objective of this study is to investigate the problems encountered by students with visual impairments and their instructors in learning and teaching English. Further, the authors aim at suggesting feasible solutions to overcome the identified problems. A mix method research design was used in this study and both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were employed. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 12 students with visual impairments. Questionnaires were also circulated among 5 instructors. Data collected from both interviews and questionnaires assisted in collecting information related to demographics, attitudes towards learning English language, problems encountered by students with visual impairments in learning English in the class room within the mainstream system, challenges faced by instructors in the English Language Teaching Unit in the process of teaching and designing curriculum for the students with visual impairments etc. The selected sample includes 5 English instructors who are attached to the English Language Teaching Unit of Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya and 8 male and 4 female students with visual impairments (low vision and totally blind) between the age range of 20 -27, belonging to the four years, taking English as a non-credit subject for their Bachelor of Arts degree. The key findings of the study can mainly be understood from two perspectives; One from the students with visual impairments and the other from that of the instructors. Differences in the level of competency and absence of a sound basic knowledge in English, having to study in classes where there are students with different impairments and different first languages (Sinhala and Tamil) are some of the problems that were identified from the perspective of the students. As per the instructors’ perspective, one of the major problems is the absence of proper training in teaching and designing a curriculum for the students with visual impairments. This along with the lack of special or specific methodologies adopted to teach leads to non-uniformity in lessons and teaching and evaluation methods. Unavailability of well-equipped classrooms is another major issue faced by both students and instructors. The paper concludes with recommendations to reduce these problems for visually impaired students in learning English.
The impact of provisions of the prevention of terrorism act of Sri Lanka on the freedom from torture
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Ratnayake, R.M.T.S.K.
Several laws were enforced in Sri Lanka to counter terrorism and the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA) holds prominence among them. The PTA had received severe criticism in the post-war regime based on the ground that it contravenes human rights principles. This issue has been discussed by journalists in numerous newspaper articles and it has been part of researches conducted by several non-governmental organizations on torture and the emergency laws of Sri Lanka. However, human rights could be subjected to certain limitations including public security. This research attempted to discover whether the provisions of the PTA has an impact on the freedom from torture and whether a balance between human rights and the prevention of terrorism could be achieved through reforming the PTA. The research was conducted with the objective of identifying the impact the provisions of the PTA have on the freedom from torture discovering possible reforms to be made to them in order to include safeguards against torture and the most suitable way of changing the law to achieve the abovementioned balance. A mixed methodology was employed in conducting this research, which heavily relied upon library research. The qualitative research method was used as well, where activists and legal professionals were interviewed to detect the points of tension between the provisions of the Act and the freedom from torture in the practical application of the Act. Five case studies were also conducted under the qualitative research method. The PTA was introduced as a temporary measure as the name suggests but has continued to be in force for nearly four decades. It was passed as being ‘urgent in the national interest’ under then Article 122 of the Constitution, thus granting the judiciary less time to determine the constitutionality of the Bill. It was discovered through the study that several provisions of the Act contradict with human rights and the principle of rule of law. For example, as per the Evidence Ordinance, confessions made to police or a forest officer is not admissible, but Section 16 of the PTA had rendered such confessions admissible for the purposes of the Act. Further, Section 9 enables long-term detention (three to eighteen months). Moreover, the PTA contains no safeguards against torture and to grant detainees access to legal counsel at the point of the arrest. Accordingly, it was evidenced by the research that although the PTA does not directly inflict any impediments on the freedom from torture, the provisions that clearly contradict with other human rights indirectly facilitate torture. It could be recommended that the provisions of the PTA should be revised or replaced to include safeguards against torture, remove the admissibility of confessions made to police officers, remove provisions that enable long-term detention without judicial oversight and grant detainees access to legal services at the point of arrest, or entirely repeal the Act to address aforementioned shortcomings.
Buddhist soft skills as management techniques for better performance
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Chandrasekara, S.
Buddhist soft skills were introduced to the world by the Buddha 2600 years ago in India. Today they can be used as management techniques for better performance in any given situation without any discrimination. They basically focus on understanding yourself, motivating yourself, managing your emotions, your goals, intentions, responses and behavior. Similarly, given attention to understanding others, recognizing other people’s emotions and managing relationships are of primary concern. The main research aim is to find the adequate Buddhist soft skills used as management techniques. In the present world, there are conflicts in every country. Therefore, different methods need to be used to find ways in solving the problems in the world, and the Buddhist soft skills will be useful management techniques to solve various problems. This is a literature-based research with reference to Buddhist scriptures. Main findings of the research are that Buddhist soft skills can be effectively used for better performance in the field of management and related problem solving. It is clear that the world is full of conflicts, among individuals, societies and countries. In addition, international problems arise due to various reasons. Therefore, we should find the root causes of the problems. Main Buddhist concepts explain the problems in detail, identifying greed, anger and delusion as their main roots. Buddhist soft skills demonstrate how to respect others and live together in harmony. This is an original study attempting to uncover Buddhist soft skills Management Techniques for problem solving and sustaining harmony. Western Psychologists have also conducted some research in relation to soft skills but not in relation to Buddhist soft skills. The research finding can be applied to any institution in the world to develop a peaceful environment, to solve contemporary problems, as well as to encourage human actors to perform better in achieving the goals envisioned in relevant contexts.
Reconceptualising sacred city meanings: contemporary understanding of the sacred city of Anuradhapura
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Rajapakshe, A.
According to the dominant Western view, the heritage space is only a quantitative reality than a qualitative and symbolic truth and leaves little room for conserving the sacredness and livingness of a place. One wonderful feature of historical religious past sites in Sri Lanka is that they are the result of a living religious tradition. This study investigates by way of adopting qualitative study techniques including literature survey, observations, stakeholder interviews and case studies, as to how far the implication of the World heritage designation and the global grammar of heritage conservation has affected conserving the living sacred heritage identity of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. Over the past four decades (1977-2017) practice and policy implementation in terms of planning, management and conservation of world heritage sites in Sri Lanka have proven the difficulty of attaining sustainability by reconciling living sacred heritage conservation with community needs. Inside the Sri Lankan cultural context heritage places have evolved reflecting the physical and emotional interactions related to social and cultural processes. Subsequently, Sri Lankan sacred cities are not just physical conglomerates that have been built as an ensemble, but have a kind of archetypal reality. Therefore, it is suggested that living heritage conservation should be considered as a vehicle for capturing and nurturing the way that the community understand and connect with heritage and in the long run makes contributions to the continuity and long-term sustainability. The associated cultural community ought to be given the opportunity to practice what they believe and perceive is their right. This study revealed that archaeology-based, material-centric conservation approaches of both Jetavana and Abhayagiri stupas of the Central Cultural Fund have ended up with the disturbing ‘spirit of place’ and keeping apart community rights from their sensitive sacred heritage places. Consequently, this research raises a couple of issues regarding the disparity among authoritative substances primarily based conservation practices and related cultural network desires. In Sri Lankan cultural context, holding the sacred background is dynamic, emerging and largely a cultural and social process. It is constantly created, maintained and modified by associated people and their belief systems. That is the key point to be considered in conserving and keeping the sacred background. It is, therefore, taking truly associated community as the primary anchor, we argue that many of the issues and complexities associated with Sri Lankan living sacred heritage management and conservation can be better understood and context-sensitively addressed to a greater extent.
Mindfulness, buddhism and its therapeutic aims
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Ariyasinghe, H.V.S.
Buddhism has properly analyzed the human nature, suffering and emancipation of our world. Psychopathological and Neuropathological problems are drawing increasing attention. Mindfulness is the core practice of Buddhist Psychotherapy; inclusive of writings in Abhidhmma. The therapeutic bases of mindfulness practice are twofold. Formal mindfulness meditation is an opportunity to experience mindfulness at its deepest level. The exercise that leads to the present moment with acceptance cultivates mindfulness. Informal mindfulness practice refers to the application of mindfulness skills in everyday life. Human consciousness and Psychotherapy are the key areas of the research. Mental health is very important and goes beyond the boundaries of general Science. H.S.S Nissanka (2005) deals with the therapeutic value of Buddhism, referred to as the Physician and Surgeon of Psyche.(Bhisakkõ Sallakattõ Anuttarõ) The method of treating mental patients is drawn from Meditation and Buddhist Psychotherapy.The Dhammapada refers to as “The mind is the forerunner of all phenomena” (Dh, 1 & 2) Therefore to obtain a clear understanding of mindfulness and its impact on Buddhist Psychotherapy, it is considered necessary to do a research of this nature. Research done in this field is limited as far as the validity and adequacy are concerned. The average human being is constantly confronted by the need to regain and maintain a psychosomatic balance. Some believe that new theories are required to assess the contribution of Buddhist teachings. The new way of analysis, emotions and human problems make an attempt to assess the mindfulness, its effectiveness and the therapeutic aims. This study is on mindfulness and Psychotherapy from Buddhist perspective. It is based on information collected from both Buddhist and Psychological texts for comparative purposes. Psychotherapy is a fast developing discipline in the modern world. This research uses primary textual sources, library materials and interpretations of texts. This will be a comparative and analytical study and related discussions in literature. Buddhist Psychotherapy has become a favorite subject all over the world. It has undertaken to answer the burning psychosomatic problems of today. The systematic investigation of mindfulness is not to create a replicable model of reality that holds up to scientific scrutiny. Mindfulness has been proved to be effective and applicable to solve human problems. The concepts of love, compassion, and appreciated joy have to be spread to develop mindfulness and peace in every organization in the world.
Why the pali text rasavāhinī needs to be re-edited?
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Rajapaksha, S.
The Rasavāhinī is a13ᵗʰ century non-canonical Pāli text which contains one hundred and three narratives 65 of which are of Indian origin and the rest Sri Lankan. The stories are in prose interspersed with verses. The text remains less edited despite its wide popularity and the large number of manuscripts. All available printed editions are almost identical versions of the Saraṇatissa Edition (1891-93) that has evidently consulted a very few manuscript(s) with less editorial touch. The edition does not seem to be the best representation of the Sinhalese script Pāli manuscript tradition. The collation of the manuscript witness (s) is seemingly careless as some textual portions are lost randomly. The Saddharmālaṅkāraya, the Sinhalese version of Rasavāhinī composed around the turn of the 14ᵗʰ century which is identical with Rasavāhinī structure and is quite useful in the reconstruction of the Rasavāhinī recension. The verses are quoted and placed as in the Rasavāhinῑ structure with a few exceptions. The corresponding translation of the Pāli work is found almost word for word in the Saddharmālaṅkāraya. The South East Asian Pāli manuscript tradition has been very slightly touched given the fact that it bears remarkable corresponding affinities to the Saddharmālaṅkāraya translation both of which presumably have been scribed from a copy which is very near to the original. Thus both are immeasurably useful in the reconstruction of the original. Though this popular text has been scribed in Burmese, Khmer and Laotian scripts, very little is focused on the consultation of the vitally important witnesses besides Sinhalese tradition. The South East Asian recension is seemingly closer to the hyparchetype of the Rasavāhinī as corresponding variant readings found in the Saddharmālaṅkāraya which are not found in most of the Sinhalese manuscripts. Since the Sinhalese recension is widely prevalent and heavily copied over and over again, it is hard to find a stemma codicum closer to the original. On the contrary the South East Asian tradition is coming closer to the original given the fact of relatively less distribution of the manuscript tradition. No major scholarship with the combination of South East Asian manuscript tradition and the Saddharmālaṅkāraya recension has been studied in entirety of the text as of now though some portions of the text are dealt occasionally. This paper investigates the necessity of the re-edition of the Rasavāhinī pointing out the drawbacks of the existing editions and also necessity to consult the South East Asian Pali manuscript redaction.
Similarities and significance of the first Sri Lankan novel in Sinhala and Tamil
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Lareena, A.H.
Novel is a very important genre in literature. In Sri Lanka the first Tamil novel “HasanBay Sariththiram” was written by M.C. Siddi Lebbe in 1895 while the first Sinhala novel “Meena” was written by Simon De Silva in 1905. M.C. Siddi Lebbe (1838-1898) was one of the pioneer Muslim scholars during the 19ᵗʰ century, who contributed a lot to reform the Muslim society. Also, Aluthgamage Simon De Silva (1876-1920) was one of the prominent writers, who also contributed to Sinhala Buddhist renaissance through his writings at the time. ‘Hasan Bay Sariththiram’ is a story of a young pious Muslim youth Hassan, who is kidnapped from his parents and adopted by a couple, who did not know the real story of his birth. Hasan fell in love with an English lady Falin and the story describes how his adventurous life come to a joyful end with finding out his real parents and getting married to his lover. The first Sinhala novel ‘Meena’ is also a simple love story by Simon Silva, that focuses on the inner workings of the heroine’s mind, revealing a gift for character development, and bears other characteristics of the novel as a genre. While having the same historical, social and cultural background in Sri Lanka, how the two pioneer novelists created their first novels so innovatively, especially the creation of characters, how ‘Thousand and One Nights’ stories may have influenced both of these novels and how the first novels impact on Sri Lankan literary field in both languages? These are very important questions to rise. Although this paper takes in to account of those questions, it mainly focuses on the similarities and the significance of above novels. According to Liyanage Amarakeerthi, “the major challenge that the pioneer novelists faced in that period of time was, to make the readers familiar with the new literary genre” (2008:314) while W.A. Silva addressed that “Sinhalese language is not yet developed to write ‘Novel’ and it is necessary to format the language” (Swadesa Mithraya: 26.03.1930). On other hand Martin Wickramasinghe (1992:58) and Chandrasiri Palliyaguru (27.03.2012) argued that the Sinhalese readers are already familiar with ‘Prabandha Khath’ through ‘Umagda Jathakaya’ etc. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the core fact in between these statements. Moreover, Ediriweera Sarathchandra pointed out that the first Sinhala novel has been influenced by both Thousand and One Nights stories and “Ramayana” (1951:43,59). Hence, it is important to see how much they were influenced by them simultaneously in order to identify the aspects of originality of the native soil. This research is conducted by using comparative and theoretical analysis methods.
A comparative study of personality disorders referred to in dsm-5 and buddhist jataka stories
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Ven. Wimaladhamma, K.; Ven. Arunasiri, T.
Personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Dysfunctions of personality which are called ''personality disorders'' have become a major topic in Clinical Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists several mental disorders related personality. Buddhist Jātaka tales are a voluminous body of folklore concerned with previous births of the Buddha consisting of five hundred and fifty stories having a past story and a corresponding present story. When Buddhist Jataka Stories are deeply examined we can identify that in some of these the personality disorders mentioned in DSM-5 had been depicted by the characters involved. Here, an attempt is made to examine the concept of personality disorder in DSM-5 and Buddhist Jataka Stories and the mental disorders depicted in Buddhist Jataka Stories. Many Personality Disorders are described in the Jātaka Stories. Personality disorders involve patterns of behavior, mood, social interaction, and impulsiveness that cause distress to one experiencing them, as well as to other people in their lives. People with a personality disorder display an enduring, rigid pattern of inner experience and outward behavior that impair their sense of self, emotional experiences, goals, capacity for empathy, and/or capacity for intimacy. DSM-5, identifies 10 personality disorders. Often these disorders are separated into three clusters. One cluster, marked by odd or eccentric behavior, consists of the paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders. Another features dramatic behavior and consists of the antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. The last features a high degree of anxiety and includes the avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. The symptoms of these personality disorders can be easily identified in Jataka Stories. The Kshanthivadi Jātakaya depicts a character that bears psychological criteria which are similar to the Antisocial Personality Disorder mentioned in DSM-5. The Antisocial Personality Disorder is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. Lack of remorse, poor behavior control, tendency to violate the boundaries and rights of others, aggressive violent behavior, are more common in Antisocial Personality Disorder. The Ummaga Jātakaya shows several personality disorders such as Paranoid Personality Disorder. Psychopathic Personality can be seen in Chulla Suthasoma Jātakaya. The Borderline Personality Disorder can be seen in Kuti Dushaka Jātakaya. These personality disorders can be easily identified in DSM-5 and this paper will discuss them mentioned in Jataka Story book with reference to DSM-5. Further, the difference between the methods of identifying the DSM-5 and Buddhist Jataka will be discussed.
Lady philosophy against the muses: a philological reading of Boethius’ de consolatione philosophiae
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Ekanayake, S.W.
The conflict between Art and Philosophy, where the philosopher challenged and ultimately claimed the poet’s position as the educator of the society, played a predominant role in the field of Greco-Roman literary criticism. Here, the philosopher pointed out two fundamental issues regarding art. On the one hand, Art is far removed from reality. On the other hand, it shrouds the mind from the truth. Such a view found its fullest expression in Plato’s dismissal of all imitative art. However, manifestations of this idea in different degrees are to be found in many classical Greek and Latin literary works. In such a context, the present research has explored certain reflections of this conflict in Boethius’ De Consolatione Philosophiae and its role in the wider context of the work. Thus, the study involves a close reading of Boethius’ De Consolatione Philosophiae in its original Latin. The views of modern scholars on the subject were also given due consideration for the purpose of comparison and analysis. Upon synthesising the Latin text and modern scholarship on the subject, it could be deemed that from the beginning Art (as represented by the Muses) is seen as a counter-force to philosophy. Thus, once Lady Philosophy comes to console Boethius her first task was to dismiss the Muses who had taken a firm grasp on him. The manner in which Philosophy dismisses them clearly shows that philosophy has no tolerance for art. Here, her reasons for the dismissal of them deserve equal attention. It is apparent that art is seen as a drive that distracts the mind from the reality. It indulges the mind with idle fancies thereby offering momentary pleasure and happiness. However, real remedy for sorrow or consolatione is only to be found in philosophy, which induces the mind to comprehend the true nature of things. Thus, it is imperative that the influence art holds on the mind should be removed before it could perceive the remedy prescribed by philosophy. For, art not only deviates the mind from the reality but also strengthens the emotions, which constitutes the lesser part of the human psyche. This is also the position of philosophers such as Plato. Accordingly, in conclusion it could be stated that Boethius’ work manifests the salient elements of the ancient clash between art and poetry and offers an interesting perspective on it from the point of view of literary criticism.
Political participation in a multi-cultural context: a study of Ampara district of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Withanawasam, A.
The literature on political participation is voluminous especially examining the pros and cons of political participation. However, there are a few studies on political participation in Sri Lanka they have not paid much attention to political participation in a multicultural context. The major objective of the present study is to fill the above gap in the Sri Lankan scholarship on politics. The study was carried out in the Ampara District. The rationale behind selecting the area was that it has been a multi-cultural space from the demarcation of the administrative district in 1961. The relevant information and data had been extracted from literary sources as well as from the field. The qualitative data gathering techniques such as key informant interviews, focus groups discussions, indepth interviews and observations were used. The data were descriptively analyzed. One of the key limitations of the study is the non-comparativeness. The study found that the ‘patron-client relationship’ of the political culture works as a mobilizing initiator for electoral turnout among the three major ethnic groups in the district. However, Muslims of the coastal area of the district had established their own political party marking a major departure point of the community’s pattern of the political participation. This development has to do with the ethnic conflict between the two ethnic groups of the country, i.e. Sinhalese and Tamils. There is a different pattern of political participation between Traditional inhabitant Sinhalese and settlers in colonization schemes of the government. The Traditional villagers are less interested in politics in and around elections, while Sinhalese in the colonies have been very active in electoral politics. This is a shared feature of both Muslims and Sinhalese living in the colonies. The reasons behind this commonality have to do with the high dependence on political patronage due to particular historicity of the two groups. Tamils living in the area tend to amend the political orders of the Tamil political elite based in Colombo and Jaffna. They tend to isolate themselves from other political parties. It is concluded that until Sri Lanka finds a lasting political solution to the larger ethnic issue, segregation and fragmentation in multi-cultural context remains the pattern of electoral politics and building an overall Sri Lankan identity is next to impossible.
The impact of it investments on firm performance: an analysis of Sri Lankan commercial banks
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Abeygunawardane, D.G.S.
This paper investigates the impact of IT investments on a firm’s performance with reference to commercial banks in Sri Lanka. Information technology used by banks influences the degree of customization and speed at which banks can respond to customers’ requirements. Moreover, adoption of IT in providing banking services has become a strategic objective to reduce costs and provides an additional delivery channel. This study investigates the existence of the IT productivity paradox – defined as the absence of positive impact of IT investments on productivity among Sri Lankan banks, by examining the impact of annual IT investments on firm’s performance as measured by return on assets (ROA). It has been concluded that information technology may affect negatively on efficiency and reduce productivity which is supported by empirical evidence. IT investments demonstrate the highest marginal product among the five input factors to generate output in terms of net sales revenue. For the current study, data analysis was carried out using panel data pool regression methods on data extracted from the published annual reports of five commercial banks listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange for the 2006-2015 period. This study considers new investments on hardware and software as a ratio of total assets to represent the independent variables. Debt to equity ratio (Lev) and natural logarithm of total assets (lnTA) were utilized as the proxies of the two control variables, which are firm’s leverage and size, respectively. The dependent variable is ROA. The findings show that there is a negative relationship between software investment and ROA which is significant at 10% level. The hardware investments do not exhibit a significant relationship with ROA. The findings are in line with the literature which also indicate a negative or no impact of IT investments on ROA of banks. The above results indicate that the productivity paradox exists in the Sri Lankan banking industry.
Decent housing for decent living: the discourse of slum free city in Colombo
(University of Peradeniya, 2017-03-31) Rasnayake, S.; Silva, K.T.; Herath, H.M.D.R.
In fact, the urban poor are seen as a serious development pathology in the process of neoliberal reconstruction of city. In this exercise, demolishing slums and resettling the displayed in high-rise apartments is widely approached by urban architects and planners. However, studies note that high-rise housing is still a controversial resettlement option since many such alternatives have either failed or had limited success. In this background, this examines the discourse on slum demolition and highrise housing with reference to an urban housing project, implemented in Colombo under the city beautification project (CBP) during the 2009-2014. The study reveals that the state used various discursive fields to support construction of high-rise housing and legitimatize its anti-slum policy. While labeling the slums as undesirable and unliberated areas, the project leaders strongly claimed that the slum community will be assimilated into middle class through high-rise living. Their main slogan was that 'the decent house will bring a decent life to the poor'. Facilities of new housing apartments such as attached bathrooms, commodes and comfortable bedrooms are used as nonverbal symbols to communicate that the re-housing project will bring upward social mobility to the urban poor. Moreover, the global policy discourse of MDGs has been a popular discursive field the state used to legitimize its anti-slum policy. Finally, the project leaders have used strategies such as creating emotions, a hypothetical future, rationality, voice of experts and altruism to create the discourse of 'slum free city'. Though the project has brought social mobility for some poor families, it has increased housing dissatisfaction among the majority of the re-settlers. Many residents face the issue of inadequate space in new apartments. Break up of communities and destruction of their livelihoods are serious adverse impacts that dragged the poor from frying pan to fire. The study concludes that upgrading living standard has become an attractive slogan for the state to implement its market oriented urban restructuring policies in the name of ensuring social sustainability.

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