iPURSE 2019

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A critical evaluation of the ownership and responsibilities of early childhood care, development and education in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Abesooriya, L.
Early Childhood Care and Development and Education are considered crucial for human development (UNICEF, 2007 cited in Gallardo, 2009). The dearth of research in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and education indicate that less attention is paid to its advancement in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the child related studies conducted in Sri Lanka are limited. This paper presents a critical evaluation of the policies related to the ownership and responsibilities of ECCD and education in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research design was used for this study. Interviews were done with responsible informants at the Children’s Secretariat and Provincial Councils. Furthermore, documents related to ECCD and education were analysed using thematic analysis in order to discover the emerging themes related to the policies of ECCD and education. The findings showed that there is no single designated authority who is responsible in maintaining the early childhood care and education in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it was noted that the responsibility of ECCD and education constantly shifts from one authority to another. In addition, the contradictions in the policies regarding the responsibilities and ownership was noted. Hence, the requirement for stern and stable policies to establish authorities to maintain and also to share the responsibilities regarding the early childhood development and care and education is highlighted in the present study.
A study of startup motives and entrepreneurship tendency among small business operators
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Kahathuduwa, K.K.P.N.; Kodithuwakku, K.A.S.S.; Jayaweera, V.W.
A person’s propensity to engage in entrepreneurship has a relationship with his/her level of entrepreneurial tendency, and a person’s motivation to start-up business may defer from opportunity to necessity. This research primarily aims to assess start-up motives and entrepreneurial tendencies (ET) of small business operators in rural Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 100 respondents. The motivation type of the business operator was decided using a list of structured questions and ET was calculated using the General Enterprising Tendency Test (GET) (Caird, 1991). The hypotheses were tested using Pairwise comparisons and Kruskal Wallis Test. Findings revealed that men were more opportunity driven whereas women were more necessity driven. However, both men and women were found to be motivated to fulfill personal needs. Furthermore, younger people are more opportunity driven compared to older people, and the respondents with a high level of formal education are more necessity driven. People owning older businesses are more opportunity-driven, also with higher ET scores whereas older people were more necessity driven and showed a lower level of ET scores. All in all, men demonstrated higher ET scores compared to women. Findings also revealed that the higher the level of formal education, the lower the ET scores. Even though some researchers argue that the personality traits (i.e. the construct of ET) of a given person are constant over the time, the findings of this research reveal that there are significant differences of the ET of groups of people belonging to different demographic and business characteristics. Furthermore, the ET also changed with the type of start-up motives, and vice versa. However, the findings also revealed that the influence of the type of startup motivation on ET is more significant than the influence of ET on the type of startup motives.
Agro tourism for rural development: creating a business model through an exploratory case study
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Niroshana, S.; Eranda, N.
Tourism is increasingly diversified to be more competitive. Agro tourism is also such a diversified initiative aiming at the fulfillment of sustainable development goals by focusing on rural areas of a country. Recently, agro tourism has drawn attention in the international literature and which has not been researched extensively in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the stance of agro tourism and to discuss its role in rural development. Further, this paper ends with a business model to enhance agro tourism by incorporating salient stakeholders. This study was conducted using single case study method based on interpretivism philosophy. Accordingly, Heeloya tourism village in Central Province was selected as the case study and the primary data was collected using participant observations and in-depth semi structured interviews. The key informants of this study were administrators, farmers, community and tourists in the village. Further, a pilot study was conducted with officials at the Agricultural Department to get initial insights. Data analysis was initiated using transcription and summary development which led the researchers to adopt the thematic analysis and cross-tab analysis. According to findings, agro tourism village has a diversified set of initiatives to attract the tourists based on its unique rural environment. However, agro tourism concept is still at infancy stage with several challenges including negative attitudes of community, lack of infrastructure facilities and entrepreneurial skills. Rural development is also evidenced through the means of enhancing income of rural farmers and supported community, jobs creation, and enhancing the competencies of the community. However, researchers need contend that it is important to identify the problems in the village and those should be properly addressed by collaborating with relevant stakeholders. This idea is incorporated in the business model presented at the end to effectively achieve rural development through agro tourism.
An analysis of livelihood and economic challenges of fireworks manufacturing community in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Galapitage, D. G. C. M.; Prasada, D. V. P.
Manufacturing fireworks is essentially a low-tech, high labour-intensive industry in Sri Lanka. A large number of families in and around Kimbulapitiya in Katana divisional secretariat, Sri Lanka are engaged in fireworks manufacturing and many more depend on the industry indirectly. The fire crackers are made by females and children in those areas as self-employment apart from larger factories. The sustainable livelihoods framework, a tool developed to understand of livelihoods of people, to assess the continuity of working conditions in the fireworks industry was used. The method aims to identify various factors affecting livelihoods in terms of livelihood assets and vulnerability context. The transforming structures and processes are also taken into consideration. The 102 respondents from the families of fireworks manufacturing were interviewed. Factors affecting the likelihood of respondents remaining in the industry within next 5 years was studied and found that increasing market demand, job satisfaction and age reduce the likelihood of exit (P=0.05). Second, the factors affecting reported breathing difficulties and was examined and found that normal firecrackers, radiant wheels, and noisy crackers are associated with statistically significant levels of breathing difficulty (p =0.05) while the link is not significant for sparklers and skyrockets. Overall, results highlight the weak structures and processes in this risky livelihood. Addressing these factors is necessary to ensure sustainability of the cottage industry and to ensure decent work conditions for workers.
Antibacterial activity of selected seaweed extracts against some selected infectious pathogens
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Maria Nimalini, M.; Vasantharuba, S.; Kapilan, R.
The antibacterial efficacy of methanolic extracts of marine algae, Caulerpa racemosa (Chlorophyta), Sargassum polycystum and Turbinaria ornata (Phaeophyta) against some selected gram-positive and gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria was studied. Dried and powdered sample (3g) of the seaweeds collected at the Nachchikuda and Keerimalai coastal area in the Northern region of Sri Lanka was diluted with 60 ml 70% methanol. This mixture was homogenized at different duration and then filtered by using whatsman No 1 filter paper to obtain clear extract. This extract was used to test the antibacterial activity against appropriately diluted Gram-positive bacterial species Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) & Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Gram-negative bacterial species Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) & Pseudomonas aeroginosa (ATCC 27853) using agar well diffusion method in triplicates. Results showed that significant amount of inhibition zone was obtained against all the tested bacterial species which was comparable with positive control streptomycin and negative control 70% methanol. Turbinaria ornata have significantly highest antibacterial activity against all test organisms followed by Caulerpa racemosa and Sargassum polycystum. The selected seaweeds showed their highest and lowest inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus (19.06±1.15mm) and Enterococcus faecalis (12.32±0.76mm).
Association between perceived stress and the academic performance among undergraduate female students in the University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Ekanayake, E. H. M. R. K.; Mudiyanse, R. M.
University students are particularly subjected to stressors. Student can be stressed due to different stressors such as academic, financial and health related issues and female students suffer considerably higher level of stress than male students. Stress is the bodies’ reaction both neurologically and physiologically to adapt to the new condition. Stress can either negatively or positively influence the academic achievement. This study explores the association between perceived stress measured by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with current Grade Point Average (GPA), up to previous semester. Scores ranging from 0-13, 14-26 and 27-40 would be considered as low, moderate and high perceived stress. This cross-sectional study conducted among 450 third year undergraduate female students of the University of Peradeniya. Stress level and its correlation with current GPA of the students were analyzed using Pearsons’ correlation analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 23.30(SD ± 0.89). The mean perceived stress score and the GPA were 18.92(SD ± 5.22) and 3.16 (SD± 0.33) respectively. The findings of the study showed that overall, the undergraduate students experienced moderate levels of stress (76.8%). The correlation between perceived stress and the GPA was statistically negative and not significant (r= -0.006, P>0.05). Better stress levels in the Peradeniya compared to local and foreign universities, probably indicating the psychosocial relief provided by this garden university. Although the recent finding shows that undergraduate students were in moderate levels of stress, related research is encouraged to be conducted. This is important for the discovery of the current state of psychological well-being among undergraduate students.
Association of the leptin receptor Q223R (Rs1137101) polymorphism with obesity in a sample population from Kandy
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Illangasekera, Y. A.; Kumarasiri, P. V. R.; Fernando, D. J.; Dalton, C. F.
A very limited amount of data is available on the role of genetic factors in the development of obesity in Sri Lankans. The Q223R (rs1137101) single nucleotide polymorphism of the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene has been associated with obesity measures in various ethnicities globally. We investigated the association of the Q223R polymorphism with obesity measures and biochemical parameters in sample of adult subjects from the Kandy district of Sri Lanka. 535 subjects (age 18-70 years) from the general population were recruited through multi-stage random sampling. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was obtained by standard methods. DNA extracted from whole blood was genotyped using real-time PCR and allelic discrimination. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and lipid profile parameters were quantified. The LEPR variant ‘G’ allele frequency was 0.54. The LEPR polymorphism was associated with BMI (p=0.04) and WC (p=0.02) measures in obese (BMI ≥ 25 kgm⁻²) subjects with the variant allele conferring a greater risk of obesity. Residency in urban areas attenuated the protective effect of the non-risk genotype (AA) in the development of obesity. No significant associations were observed with FBS or lipid profile measures.The LEPR Q223R polymorphism is associated with BMI and WC and the effect of the variant is more pronounced in obese subjects. Area of residence (urban/rural) moderates the association between LEPR Q223R polymorphism and obesity in Sri Lankans.
Attitude of public health midwives towards prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in Kandy Regional Director of health services area
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Wijesuriya, W. M. N. K. L.; Jayasekara, A. A. I. N.; Rathnayake, B. S. A. K.; Rathnayake, S. J.
Transmission of HIV from mother to child (MTCT) is a major public health and social concern that the world must face today. MTCT can occur during pregnancy, delivery and through breast milk (AIDS.gov, 2015). Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) through integrated Maternal and Child Health service is an identified component of the reproductive health (WHO PMTCT guidelines, 2015).As Public Health Midwives (PHMM) are the community level key service providers in reproductive health services in Sri Lanka, well-trained PHMM with positive attitudes are prerequisites to implement the national strategy of HIV prevention (Beneragama, 1991). The objective of this study was to describe the attitude of public health midwives towards the PMTCT of HIV in Kandy Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) area. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess the attitudes of PHMs towards PMTCT of HIV in Kandy RDHS area. A self – administered, semi structured and pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Information was obtained on demographic factors and attitudes of PHMM towards PMTCT of HIV. There were 6 questions to assess the attitude and cut off was taken as 3. The total PHM population of Kandy RDHS area (n= 423) was studied and the response rate was 79.2% (n=335). About 90% of PHMs were married and mean age was 41.8 years (SD=3years). 64.2% of midwives had qualification of G. C.E. (A/ L). Most of the PHMs (55.8%) had service experience of more than 20 years. 76.1% of PHMM had positive attitudes towards PMTCT service while 41.3% thought that PMTCT program will increase their work load.74.9% of PHMs were willing to assist in delivery of HIV positive mothers. There were no significant associations between socio-demographic factors and attitudes of PHMM toward PMTCT of HIV. Although overall attitudes of the PHMM towards PMTCT was good in Kandy RDHS area continuous professional development and further attitude development is needed for better outcomes.
BRI, myth creation and geostrategic positioning of Sri Lanka in Indo- Pacific theatre
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Senanayake, S. M. D. P. H.
The island nation of Sri Lanka began to increasingly feature in discussions on the Indo- Pacific geopolitical environment in recent years, particularly in light of Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiatives and as a nation which has been occupying a strategic location in the Indian Ocean lines of communication. The paper raises an objection to the scholarly argument that ‘the Belt and Road Initiative has constructed the geopolitical position of Sri Lanka’ and looked at the geopolitical behaviour of island nation throughout the history based on its strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region while providing a Sri Lankan perspective on its regional role. Many scholars, including Miller, have argued that the external powers recognised the strategic importance of Sri Lanka due to the decision of the government of Sri Lanka to adjoin with Chinese-led BRI projects. Sri Lanka has been attracting the interests of major powers such as India, China and more recently, Japan and the United States of America have increased their engagement with Sri Lanka to deter the geostrategic supremacy of China in the Indian Ocean. Naturally, this has generated speculation on whether Sri Lanka is poised to play a new role on Asia’s rapidly changing geopolitical stage. However, much of this commentary proceeds from an outside-in perspective rather than calculating the historical function and positional insights into how Sri Lanka itself looks at the evolving regional context, and how it evaluates its role therein. To justify these research objectives and the outcomes, the research has utilised the case study method, and it is based on a wide range of sources, both primary and secondary. The primary sources include the official documents. In addition to the primary resources, the study has also used a variety of secondary resources that include journal articles, books, reports, and other online resources.
Candida species distribution, genotyping and enzyme production of C. albicans isolated from denture stomatitis patients and healthy individuals
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Jayatilake, J. A. M. S.; Amarasinghe, A. A. P. B. N.; Muhandiram, M. R. S.; Kodithuwakku, S. P.
Denture stomatitis (DS) associated with Candida is common among removable denture wearers. This study investigated species distribution of oral Candida isolated from DS patients and healthy individuals. Furthermore, phospholipase, esterase and hemolysin production by oral C. albicans from DS and healthy individuals were evaluated. Candida isolates from DS patients (n=38) and a comparable healthy group (n=23) were speciated using chrome agar, ABC genotyping and PCR-RFLP. Enzyme production by C. albicans was evaluated using culture plate assays. Chrome agar test revealed 18 C. albicans and 05 non C. albicans isolates in healthy group. In DS group, there were 29 C. albicans and 09 non C. albicans isolates. According to ABC genotyping, C. albicans genotype A was the commonest genotype (66.8%) followed by genotypes C (21.1%) and B (13.1%) among DS patients. The 23 Candida isolates from healthy individuals consisted of genotype A (78.3%) followed by genotypes C (17.4%) and B (4.3%). PCR-RFLP showed that C. albicans (76.3%) was the commonest species followed by C. glabrata (13.2%), C. parapsilosis (5.2%) and C. tropicalis (5.2%) among DS patients. In healthy group, the commonest species was C. albicans (78.3%) followed by C. parapsilosis (8.7%), C. glabrata (4.3%), C. tropicalis (4.3%) and C. guilliermondii (4.3%). Phospholipase, esterase and hemolysin production by C. albicans from DS patients was significantly higher (P<0.05) than C. albicans from healthy individuals. Foregoing data confirms that C. albicans is the leading Candida spp. isolated from DS patients and healthy individuals. Non C. albicans Candida are isolated from both groups occasionally. Considering the current sample, C. albicans genotype A remains the predominant genotype followed by genotypes C and B in both DS patients and healthy individuals. C. albicans from DS patients have significantly higher activities of phospholipase, esterase and haemolysin compared to commensal C. albicans indicating their contribution in pathogenesis of DS.
Ceylon cinnamon (cinammomum zeylanicum) possesses prophylactic and therapeutic potentials in ameliorating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Suranimala, W. M. D. H.; Wanasingha, R. W. S. H.; Rathnayake, R. M. C. J.; Siriweera, E.; Wijesundara, R. R. M. K. K.; Lee, C. K. F.; Kodithuwakku, S. P.
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is known for its many bioactive properties and this study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic potentials of Ceylon Cinnamon bark against PCOS, which is one of the most common endocrine and reproductive disorders among women at reproductive age. Symptoms of PCOS may affect the quality of life, and its accompanied metabolic difficulties have implications for long-term well-being. The experiments were performed using a Letrozol® induced PCOS mouse model. For prophylaxis potential evaluation, Cinnamon treatments were orally gavaged with Letrozol® for 21 days and compared with Letrozol only and non-treated control groups. For the therapeutic potential evaluation, cinnamon was gavaged after induction of the PCOS for another four weeks. At the end of the treatment periods, blood glucose levels, serum androgen levels, gross ovarian morphology, estrus cyclicity and histological examinations were performed. Morphological, histological and biochemical examinations revealed establishment of PCOS with Letrozol®. In prophylactic potential trial, the blood glucose levels significantly elevated (p<0.05) in PCOS group compared to control group and it was significantly ameliorated (p<0.05) with the Cinnamon treatment. The serum testosterone levels significantly elevated (p<0.05) in PCOS group compared to control group and it was significantly lowered (p<0.05) in Cinnamon treated groups. Histological examinations showed that ovaries of Cinnamon bark extract treated animals had functional ovaries with restored follicular development and cytology indicated normal cyclicity. In the therapeutic potential evaluation, blood glucose and testosterone levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased compared to PCOS control group and histological examinations of vaginal swabs and ovaries revealed return to cyclicity and recovery of ovarian follicular development. Both groups of Cinnamon treated mice showed significant decrease in endometrial thickness (p<0.05) compared to the PCOS group. In summary, the data clearly indicate a greater prophylactic and therapeutic potential of Ceylon Cinnamon against PCOS warranting further in-depth investigations.
Comparison of neck range of motion and neck lordosis angle between spectacle users and non-spectacle users among first year undergraduates of University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Karunathilaka, K. G. L. R. A. D.; Kumarasiri, K. G. S. I.; Kalahagahawaththa, K. W. D. P.; Jayasundara, B. P.; Wijesinghe, N. P.; Lisana, M. M. F.; Senarath, M. K. I. D.; Sominanda, A.
Due to prism effect of glasses, objects are viewed in different line of sight than the normal. Spectacle users might compensate this by lifting chin or by leaning forward. Repetitive use of incorrect postures can be learnt as “daily habits” affecting the normal physiology and biomechanics of the neck. Present study was focused on determining the effect of spectacle wearing on neck ROMs (Range of motions) and lordosis angle and further to determine correlations between the cervical ROMs and lordosis angle. A randomized sample of 100 first year undergraduates of University of Peradeniya (age=19-24) who wore spectacles (n=50) and an age sex\ matched control group who did not wear spectacles (n=50) were included. Male: female ratios were 1:1.Cervical ROMs were measured using Universal Goniometer. Flexible ruler was used to measure the cervical lordosis. Significant differences were not found in cervical ROM (p>0.05) and lordosis angle (p>0.05) between spectacle users and non-users. Comparison of data across the sub-groups; male wearers and non-wearers showed a significant difference (p=0.012) among flexion angles. Among spectacle users, weak positive correlations were found between forward flexion (p<0.001), right lateral flexion (p<0.05) and left lateral flexion (p<0.05) with the lordosis angle, among non-users left neck rotation (p<0.05) with the lordosis angle. The neck ROMs and lordosis angle between spectacle users and non-users were found to be non-significant and therefore it can be concluded that neck ROMs and lordosis are not affected by spectacle wearing in general. Positive correlations between neck ROMs and lordosis angle among both groups were novel findings.
Comparison of oxidative stability and quality of bulk coconut oil following repeated deep frying
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Sarusha, S.; Rajapakse, R. P. N. P.
This study was conducted to compare the oxidative stability and the quality of bulk coconut oil, followed by repeated deep frying. For this purpose, bulk coconut oil was obtained from five different processing mills and heated at 180⁰C for 20 minutes without or with food (“Vade”), for ten repeated frying cycles. The samples were tested for oxidative stability, physicochemical properties and structural alterations using standard methods. Free fatty acid content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) increased (p<0.05) while saponification value and iodine value decreased (p<0.05) with increasing number of frying cycles. When oil was heated without food, peroxide value increased (p<0.05) over the frying cycles. However, when oil was heated with food, peroxide value increased (p<0.05) until the sixth cycle and thereafter decreased (p<0.05) as a result of degradation of peroxides into secondary oxidation products. There were no (p>0.05) differences in the peroxide values and TBARS values when the oil was heated with or without food, since water released from the food acts as barrier for oxygen and inhibits formation of peroxides and secondary oxidation products. Only free fatty acid content increased (p<0.05) when oil was heated with food compared to oil heated without food, due to the hydrolysis of triglycerides in the presence of water. Moreover, free fatty acid content, peroxide value and TBARS value were (p<0.05) different in bulk coconut oils tested due to varying processing conditions. These results indicated that repeated heating of bulk coconut oil had a negative effect (p<0.05) on its oxidative stability and physico-chemical properties compared to the accepted limits. However, it can be concluded that bulk coconut oil can be used for maximum of 2-4 repeated deep frying cycles, while maintaining its physico-chemical parameters under the specified limits of CODEX guidelines.
Comparison of somatotypes, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance and lipid profile parameters between diabetic female and diabetic male subjects and evaluating the importance of somatotyping in metabolic risk assessment
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Rathnayake, R. G. L.; Hettiaratchi, U.P. K.; Perera, P. P. R.
The body composition between male and female subjects are different. Body mass index (BMI), which is a commonly used parameter does not describe this difference. However somatotyping techniques can assess individuals’ body composition as Endomorphy (relative fatness), Mesomorphy (relative musculo-skeletal robustness), Ectomorphy (relative linearity based on height: ∛weight) which may have a value in metabolic risk assessment. Objectives of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to compare somatotypes, BMI, fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles of diabetic male and female subjects and to identify the association of biochemical parameters with somatotypes. Hundred type 11 diabetic subjects were selected (55 females). Lipid profile and FBS level (enzymatic colorimetric method, Low density lipoprotein (LDL)-Friedwald equation), insulin level (Enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay), Somatotype (Heath and carter technique), BMI (world health organization), IR (Homeostatic model assessment equation) were assessed. Among body composition parameters the mean endomorphy and ectomorphy were significantly different (p<0.05) between male and female subjects (Endomorphy- 6.5±1.2, 5.4±1.3, Mesomorphy- 4.7±1.4, 4.8±1.5 Ectomorphy -0.9±0.8, 1.4±1.0, BMI¬25.3±3.8, 24.8±3.3 Kgm-2 respectively among females and males). From the biochemical parameters, only triglyceride and HDL levels (high density lipoprotein) were significantly different between the two groups (FBS mg/dl- 127.8±50.6, 143.5±50.6, IR- 4.7±3.1, 4.9±2.8, TC mg/dl- 182.6±36.1, 194.7±38.7, LDL mg/dl- 117.5±36.6, 128.4±36.2, Triglyceride mg/dl- 102.5±62.5, 144.4±85.1, HDL mg/dl- 44.5±8.6, 38.5±9.5, respectively among females and males). The mean lipid profile parameters of the two groups did not exceed the cutoff values, except HDL in male population, and no significant correlation (p>0.05) was observed with somatotyping parameters. In both groups mean FBS and IR levels exceeded the cutoff values and weak significant correlations (p<0.05) were seen with somatotyping parameters. It can be concluded that somatotyping parameters differ between the genders with significant correlations with IR and FBS. Findings demonstrate the importance of somatotyping in risk assessment of IR.
Compliance and comparative study of spice export system in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Piyumika, J. K. N.; Mendis, B. E. P.; Gunasekara, D.
Sri Lanka, “the Spice Island”, has a renowned history of unique aromatic spices. Major spices of Sri Lanka are cinnamon, pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg and mace. A compliance study was conducted for the spice export control system of Sri Lanka giving emphasis to existing standards and regulations and is compared with the requirements of major exporting regions. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted in identifying the major spices produced, major exporting regions, value chains and key stakeholders in the spice export control system. Primary information was collected through interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholder groups and secondary data was obtained for statistics information, standards, and reports on spices. Major exporting regions were identified as India, European Union, United States, Middle Eastern Countries, Mexico and Japan. It was identified that majority of spice export rejections are resulting from safety issues such as not adhering to limits specified for microbial contaminations, heavy metals residues, toxins and additives. And major lapses in the initial stages of value chains were identified as lack of knowledge among farmers on quality aspects, lack of value addition and inferior quality, unnecessary intermediaries in value chains and absence of a decentralized management system. Not adopting standard certifications such as Good Agricultural Practices, Good Manufacturing practices and HACCP approach is a major lapse in production and manufacturing sectors of Sri Lankan spices. The study proposes the authorities to give major emphasis to improve specifications mainly maximum residue levels for pesticide, microbial contaminants and toxins in national standards and promoting adoption of quality and safety management systems. In addition, establishment of a decentralized system to regulate the spice exports of the country by streamlining the value chains and addressing the needs of farmers is proposed.
Demand for crop insurance in tea: analysis of tea smallholders’ willingness to pay in Badulla district
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Yallarawa, Y. S. M. M. P.; Prasada, D.V.P.
Tea growers face many risks due to weather conditions, plant diseases, price volatility and policy changes. Crop insurance is one of the management tools to deal with some of these risks. It protects farmers against the variations in yield resulting from uncertainty in natural factors beyond their control. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the demand for tea crop insurance. Moreover, factors affecting the decision to adopt crop insurance for tea cultivation were investigated. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in the selection of study area and random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of sample respondents. Badulla district was selected purposively for the study as it is one of the major tea growing areas in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from a total of 150 tea smallholder farmers from three DS divisions, using a choice experiment framework. Each insurance policy was defined by 4 attributes: crop damage assessment rule (index-based, indemnity-based), covering period (dry, non-dry), premium, type of compensation (by money, by plants). Data from a choice experiment were analyzed using conditional logit models. According to the results, age of the farmer, gender, tea as main income, age of cultivation, risks faced by farmer, having assets are the variables influencing the willingness to pay for insurance. Dry period coverage, compensation by money, the lower monthly harvest, high cost of production and extension services are the other significant variables influencing premium. The significant variables influencing willingness to take index based insurance are dry period coverage, premium, compensation by money, age, and assets. During the study, it was observed that farmers’ awareness about the insurance and procedures of crop insurance was poor. Hence, efforts should be made to increase the awareness and help farmers to take better benefit out of it.
Detecting of sugar adulteration in black tea and its impact on quality parameters
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Wedagedara, H. M.; Wanigasuriya, W. A. G. I.; Nissanka, S. P.; Mohotti, A. J.; Mendis, B. E. P.; Botheju, W. S.
Ceylon tea is considered as the world’s finest black tea, in terms of quality. However, the issue of tea being adulterated with sugar has been prevalent for some time. Sugar adulteration is basically done to enhance the colour properties of tea in order to fetch higher prices. Therefore, development of a simple method to detect sugar adulteration in tea is timely needed. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a rapid method to detect sugar adulteration in black tea and to evaluate the quality parameters in sugar adulterated black tea. Three batches of black tea samples were prepared from TRI 2025 clone grown at St Coombs Estate, Sri Lanka, by adding different sugar levels of 0 g, 2 g, 4 g, 8 g, and 16 g per 1kg (Trial 1), and 0 g, 10 g, 20 g and 30 g per 1kg (Trial 2) of withered tea leaves, during the 1ˢᵗ rolling, using a miniature environment control manufacturing (ECM) system. Sugar adulteration in black tea cannot be identified by using both quantitative and qualitative Benedict’s test, Strip method and Sensory evaluation technique. Phenol-sulfuric method and anthrone method showed increasing pattern of spectrophotometer reading with increasing of adulterated sugar levels in black tea. Sugar adulterated black tea samples showed reduction in antioxidant and total phenolic contents compared to the sugar unadulterated black tea samples. There was also no significant difference between moisture content with increasing sugar levels (p>0.05). But there was an increasing pattern in moisture content in all sugar adulterated levels when storage time is increased. Phenol-sulfuric method and anthrone method can be recommended to detect sugar adulteration. Sugar is a constituent which naturally occurs in tea brew. Hence baseline data for inherent sugar content should be established for different seasons and regions.
Determination and comparative study of sugars and synthetic colors in commercial brands of fruit juice beverages
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Sewwandi, S. D. C.; Arampath, P. C.; Silva, A. B. G.; Jayatissa, R.
Fruit juice based beverages are potentially high demanded products by the consumers in Sri Lanka. The research was conducted to estimate the total sugar contents in selected commercial fruit juice beverages and to compare the suitability and efficiency of analytical methods; Lane & Eynon titration, UV-Visible spectrophotometry and total soluble solids (Brix value). Further, label information on synthetic colours in selected products were identified and compared with the consumer preference and knowledge on sugar content of the products. The consumer concerns were reported as taste (37%), brand name (28%), price (23%) and nutrition value (8%). Awareness on Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of sugar, added sugar consumption and risk of chronic disease risk was 49% while the awareness on regulation of color cording system of beverages was 68%. The maximum total sugar content, 18.38g/100 ml (titration method) and 18.31g/100ml (UV-spectrophotometry) were determined in Woodapple nectar (Brand No 1). The maximum sucrose content, 10.57 g/100 ml was measured in Mango nectar (Brand No 1). Based on thin layer chromatography (TLC), 79% of fruit nectars contained natural colours while 21% of total samples contained synthetic colours. The total sugar contents measured by both analytical methods were compared using SAS 9.0 software (Randomized Complete Block Design, RCBD). There was no significant difference among two analytical methods (P>0.05). In conclusion, the Lane and Eynon titration was the most effective method to detect total sugars in fruit nectars. Brix value was not recommended to determine the total sugar content in fruit juice beverages because of over estimation of the content.
Determination of antioxidant properties of blossoms of banana (musa acuminata) varieties available in Jaffna district
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Theepana, Y.; Sarathadevi, R.; Subajini, S.
Banana blossom is a by-product of banana cultivation and is a rich source of antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antioxidant properties of blossoms of fourvarieties of banana (Itharai, Kathali, Monthan and Kappal). Fresh banana blossoms were collected from four Divisional Secretariat Divisions (Chankanai, Atchuvely, Neerveli and Karaveddy) of the Jaffna District, Sri Lanka. Banana blossoms were cut and soaked in anti-browning solution (0.3% citric acid) for 30 minutes. After draining, composite sample was prepared by mixing the blossoms of the same variety collected from different areas. Samples were macerated and prepared samples (3 g) were extracted using 60 mL of solvent (either ethanol (70%, v/v) or methanol (70%, v/v)) by shaking at 200 rpm at ambient conditions for 2, 4 and 6 h. Dry extracts obtained after evaporation of solvent were used to analyze antioxidant properties by determining total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (AC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Efficiency of extraction of antioxidant significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing extraction duration. Compared with methanol extract, ethanol extract exhibited high antioxidant properties. Itharai exhibited significantly (p<0.05) highest total phenolic content (142.45±12 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter), whereas, Monthan showed highest total flavonoid content (68.85±1.2 mg catechin equivalent/g dry matter). Highest antioxidant capacity (309.7±5 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry matter) and highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value, 0.049±0.004 mg/mL) were exhibited by Kathali and Kappal, respectively. This study concludes that extracts of four varieties of banana blossom used in this study are potent sources of natural antioxidants
Determination of the position of mental foramen using dental panoramic radiography
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Bandara, W.; Hettiarchchi, K.; Jayasingha, R. D.; Soysa, N. S.
The position of the mental foramen demonstrates anatomical and ethnic variations. According to the published literature, it typically lies between the apices of the first and second premolars or below the apex of the second premolar. Therefore, the present study was carried out to see the feasibility of using dental panoramic radiographs to reliably assess the position of mental foramen (MF) in a group of Sri Lankan population. The ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya. The position of the MF was recorded in 605 dental panoramic radiographs using an established crown and apex score. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The data of the present study show that the position of the MF was between the first and second premolar teeth when using both premolar crowns (52.1% and 52.6% on right and left side, respectively) and apices (49.9%) as reference points. The MF position was symmetrical in 85.12% for crown scores and in 82.97% for apex scores. With regard to sex, the most frequent position was between the first and second premolar teeth for both males and females, and there was no significant difference between sex. According to the present study the most common position for the MF is between the first and second premolar teeth similar to the studies done in other countries. This is the first study carried out to show the position of MF in relation to premolar crown and apex using dental panoramic radiographs in Sri Lanka.

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