PGIHS-RC 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/4073

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Reproductive health challenges confronted by newly married women: A sociological study based on the Nintavur MOH division
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Lumna, N.
Reproductive health is important for people to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and to have the capability to reproduce and to have flexibility and freedom within the decision making process (WHO). Further, reproductive health provides the right of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant. Up to three-fifths of adolescent women aged 15–19 in South Asia and Sub- Saharan Africa are married. Marriage commonly marks the point in a woman‘s life when childbearing becomes socially acceptable. In some cultures, women face extreme pressure to demonstrate their fertility soon after marriage. This study explores the types of reproductive health challenges confronted by newly married women in the study area. The main objective of this research is to identify reproductive health challenges of newly married women. The primary and secondary data have been collected for this study. Interviews and focus group discussions were employed to collect primary data. 50 newly married women (from January 2018 to December 2018) were selected using the purposive sampling method. As secondary data, books, magazines, essays, statistical reports, and electronic sources were used. This study found that initially the newly married women were reluctant to reveal their RH problems. Newly married females list a number of problems that are important for women to be aware of before marriage, such as sexual intercourse; sexual relationships; hygiene; dealing with bleeding; developing mutual understanding and consideration; dealing with sexual embarrassment and nervousness between partners; procedures and benefits of premarital examinations, and family planning.
Impact of attitudes of muslim women toward employment: A study based on Balangoda urban area
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Sabrina, B.F.
Attitudes play a crucial role in determining human behavior. Among Muslim women, it is evident that their attitudes are shaped by several factors including the Islamic doctrine and norms related to social institutions, the social environment, the level of education and exposure to outside world. Regarding the employment of Muslim women, both internal and external factors have an unavoidable influence. The attitude of Muslim women is one of the strong internal driving forces that lead them to take decisions regarding employment. Therefore, the broad objective of this study was to identify the attitudes of Muslim women and to analyze how they influence their choices of employment. The qualitative research approach was applied in this empirical study, which was conducted in the Balangoda urban area. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 respondents from three different categories. Accordingly, respondents represented the categories of Muslim female students following higher education, Muslim working women, and Muslim housewives. The data collection was done using in-depth interviews, and the collected data were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that Muslim women have both positive and negative attitudes towards employment. These women have developed a strong desire to work outside their homes, which highlights a progress in their attitude. Yet, the study revealed that the stereotypical ideas that they possess, the extent to which the Hijab is permitted, the distance from workplace to their homes, security problems, fear and hesitance to deal with other ethnic communities and the reluctance to challenge the existing principles in society regarding employment have a strong impact on their employment choices. It can be concluded that the attitudes of Muslim women have a strong impact on their career choices. It was found that the positive attitudes of women towards working outside their homes has increased. However, the negative attitudes have imposed limitations on their employment choices. Some Muslim women have limited their choices to narrow fields such as teaching, thus hiding their true potential. The Hijab and the cultural dress code also play a major role in determining employment choices of women. Consequently, some Muslim women‘s workplace participation becomes limited to a narrow field. Some women were unable do a paid job outside their homes. Therefore, in addition to addressing the external factors in society, the attitudes of Muslim women towards employment need to be paid attention to in improving the situation with regard to the participation of Muslim women in the workforce.
Determinants of performance of services rendered by technical staff of Ceylon electricity board: The case of the Peradeniya region
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Karunarathna, Kenesha
Electricity Customer Service Centres of Ceylon Electricity Board constitute the serviceoriented sector within the establishment that is responsible for providing new electricity connections to retail and heavy supply customers, attending to breakdowns and power supply failures, and carrying out maintenance work. Over the years, Electricity Customer Service Centres have been criticized for their inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and poor performance. The electricity customers in the Peradeniya Region frequently experience power failures. Attending to breakdowns and restoring power supply is often delayed. There are significant delays in attending to many complaints, while the average restoration time exceeds the expected time period. Hence it has been a burden and challenge for the management of Electricity Customer Service Centres to overcome this situation in order to attain service excellence. The main objective of the research study was to identify the determinants of performance of the technical staff in the Electricity Customer Service Centre of Ceylon Electricity Board in the Peradeniya Region and to analyze the relationship between performance and predicted determinants/variables. The predicted variables were formulated as training, supervision, resource allocation, and job insecurity, which are the independent variables of the study, while employee performance was identified as the dependent variable. The sample population of the study included the technical staff of the Electricity Customer Service Centre of the Peradeniya Region. Quantitative data were derived from a self-administered questionnaire with open ended questions, while secondary data were collected from employee performance reports and analytical information from the Area Office. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable were tested using the statistical tools of Central Tendency Analysis and Pearson‘s Correlation Analysis. According to Central Tendency Analysis, the technical staff disagree that effective training is conducted by the Ceylon Electricity Board, that they are successfully supervised by their supervisors, that they have adequate resource allocations and that they enjoy job security. The Pearson‘s Correlation Analysis indicated that there is a positive linear relationship between training, supervision, and resource allocation with employee performance, and a negative correlation between job insecurity and employee performance. Moreover, training and employee performance bore a marked degree of correlation, supervision and employee performance bore a moderate degree of correlation, resource allocation and employee performance bore a low degree of correlation, and job insecurity and employee performance bore a negligible correlation. Therefore, it was reliably concluded that the Electricity Customer Service Centres of the Peradeniya Region experience poor performance due to ineffective training, unproductive supervision, and inadequate resource allocation.
Social and behavioral factors affecting injecting drug users (IDUs)
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Darshana, A.T.; Senanayake, Bhadrani
Heroin users basically use two methods for drug administration in Sri Lanka. The majority of them use the 'Chinese' method, while the others use the injection method. The Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) are not widely scattered all over the island; they are largely limited to Colombo and the coastal areas. There is a possibility of spreading blood borne infections including HIV/AIDS due to the sharing of needles. The objective of this study was to identify the behavioural traits, economic ties and social bonds of IDUs. A survey was conducted with a non-probable sample of 721 IDUs. In Addition to the survey, in-depth interviews and observations were used to identify the behaviour of IDUs. It was revealed that most of the IDUs followed unsafe injecting practices, including the reuse of needles (50%) and sharing the injecting equipment with peers (44%). When considering the behavioural patterns of the sample, 210 (29%) injected drugs alone and a majority of 500 (69%) injected drugs with friends. There was an interrelationship between the initiation of drug injection and behavioural patterns of drug injection. Most of the IDUs initiated drug injection due to peer pressure and thereafter they have started injecting drugs with peers. The price of a heroin pack or other types of tablets fluctuates, and when the price is high many IDUs cannot afford them. The average cost of drug injection per occasion was Rs. 1,010. As an alternative, some users buy drugs jointly and then share it. There are strong bonds among drug users; users help each other and enjoy different events together. IDUs get into sharing practices due to peer pressure, the influence of group norms and the lack of resources within the group. The survey findings conclude that drug using peers share common behavioral traits; mutual economic ties and social bonds.
The psychology behind social work and how it should be processed? An intended systematic review
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Bulathwatta, B.D.A.D.N.
Psychology is the subject that studies the human mind and behaviour. Social work is the subject related to society and social wellbeing. There is a general discrepancy between these two subjects. However, both Psychology and Social Work developed their core subjects with a focus on the human being as a unique organism and as the foundational first unit. The bottom-lines of the subjects are interrelated. There are different principles, which have a Psychological background such as the Psychoanalysis' explanation of deviate social behaviour based on individual personality characteristics. Germain and Gitterman (1980, 1996) explain the life model of social work in a contextual manner in which it leads to the larger social context and its matter of resulting psychological haphazards and rehabilitation process within the social framework. The social work theory textbook by Payne (2005) explains the social work context with a focus on the psychology behind it. Society and its complexity cause numerous social dilemmas. Clinical social work is also a popular application of social work at present where people get help in a clinical setting. A Country like ours can integrate clinical social work with midwifery activities with a proper background knowledge of psychological aspects involved. There are certain psychosocial damages experienced by people that can recover or get worse due to the lack of individual resilience capacities and social support systems, within the social context in which they live. Social work in this context plays a role as a social support system. It can encourage people‘s wealth and wellbeing at the same time, and it can facilitate people‘s capacity for positive growth. This systematic review intends to figure out the psychology behind helping people in different social contexts. Why is social work needed? What does it mean in terms of the psychological point of view? How social work can be facilitated by Psychology? How social work can use psychology in the rehabilitation process? Numerous theories have been formulated in this regard. The present systematic review is primarily based on the psychodynamic approach highlighting the larger social context, child rearing in the social issues, and consideration of personality differences in social work.
The role of charles godakumbura in the field of history
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Premarathna, P.H.G.R.W.S.
As a Commissioner of Archaeology, Charles Godakumbura has rendered a great service to the field of Archaeology. The main objective of this study is to review the contribution of Charles Godakumbura to the field of History. He was one of the personalities who represented various fields as far as the 20ᵗʰ Century Sri Lankan history (1907-1977) is concerned. Blessed with the mentorship of Senarath Paranavitana, he had a chance to associate himself with many national and international scholars. With the knowledge that he obtained in archaeology and literature, Godakumbura rendered a great service to the field of history by editing history books, interpreting inscriptions and writing academic scripts on history. Three of his important books are Śāstreeya lipi hā kathā, The Kotawehera at Dedigama, and Sinhalese Literature. Epigraphia Zeylanica- Vol. V was an excellent book on the inscriptions that he completed along with Prof. Paranavitana. He was an expert on epigraphy and Sinhalese prosody. Charles Godakumbura said that the "Ceylon history and archaeology were almost synonymous." Many of his historical writings particularly depended on archaeological evidence discovered by himself. He had a vast knowledge on the island‘s history and its literature, epigraphy and fine arts. He wrote many other books well suited to both the educated and the ordinary readers. Godakumbura wrote about the local history of this island with a focus on the Sathkoralaya. Buddhism and common cultural identities were the main factors that made him attracted towards Burma. He wrote many research articles about the Burmese culture, society and religion with a focus on the commonalities between Burma and Sri Lanka. Godakumbura found many uncommon historical literary works from foreign countries, which were very useful for scholars and others. The epistle of Jayatu bhavaṅ Sirivikkama RāJaseeha Maharajā is one such example. He identified 'Theories,' 'Grammar,' and 'Etymology' as three of the main methodologies that are useful in the editing of manuscripts. Occasionally he adduced controversial interpretations too. The controversy regarding the place where King Sirisangaboo donated his head can be mentioned as an example. He viewed his country as Sinhaladeepa and gave priority to Sinhalakama. Charles Godakumbura can be viewed as a unique individual who uplifted the identity of Sri Lanka while using his valuable knowledge for the advancement of the discipline of history.
Moral judgment preceding attempts of suicide: Accounts of suicide attempt survivors and suicide victims
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Gunasekera, V.N.; Thowfeek, R. Usoof-
Suicide is a growing problem in Sri Lanka. However, little is known about the thought process that precedes the act. This study explores several questions: What is the process of moral decision making that precedes the act of committing suicide? Do people consider the moral norms when they make the decision to end their lives? The objective of this study is to understand the process of moral judgment of those who died by suicide and those who attempted but survived the same. This is work in progress, and the paper presents the theoretical framework of the study. The Dual Process Theory of Greene (2007) posits that deontological judgments are driven by automatic emotional responses, and utilitarian judgments are driven by controlled cognitive processes. The Social Intuitionist Model of Haidt (2001) claims that moral judgment is caused by quick moral intuitions and is followed by ex post facto reasoning. This study examines how quick, automatic moral judgements and effortful rational moral judgements can lead to different outcomes in relation to suicide. The model takes into account the role that emotions play in the making of moral judgments, as proposed by Shweder, Much, Mahapatra, and Park (1997). Using the theories of morality, the authors have developed a model to examine the formation of moral judgments prior to an attempt of suicide. The argument in the proposed model is that the trigger event may result either in an immediate/impulsive reaction or in a deliberative reaction, both leading to attempts at suicide. If the reaction is impulsive, the action is a result of intense emotions without moral considerations/judgments. If the individual survives the suicide attempt, he/she may engage in ex post facto moral reasoning. If the reaction is deliberate, the individual would engage in moral reasoning until he/she arrives at the moral judgment that attempting suicide is 'right' and then proceed to attempt suicide. If the individual survives the suicide attempt, he/she may engage in moral reasoning again. This research is a qualitative study and will be carried out in two phases. Phase 1 involves in-depth interviews with suicide attempt survivors. Phase 2 uses letters relating to motives of suicide left behind by those who have committed suicide. The data will be analyzed according to the concepts in the proposed model. The results of this study will explore how people make the moral decision to end their own lives. It would fill a research gap by providing answers to one of the most fundamental questions pertaining to the judgement whether life is/is not worth living.
A review on the similarities of three works in sanskrit kathā literature: VetālapañcaviṂśati, simhāsanadvātrimśikā and śukasaptati
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Ven. Indananda, Welipitiye
Kathā Literature is a broad division of the narrative literature in classical Sanskrit. The Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa, the two great epics in Sanskrit, symbolize a significant juncture of this literary tradition. The three Sanskrit compositions discussed in this paper, Vetālapa caviṃśati, Siṃhāsanadvātriṃśikā and Śukasaptati, are considered as individual works. This research study was carried out as a comparative study where the structures and styles of the three aforesaid works were compared. Although those works have been written independently, it can be identified through a comparison of the works that there are a number of similarities among them. These similarities include the use of a frame story/main story and binding different sub-stories around the that, the expansion of the frame story for a particular length using substories, the setting of each sub-story in a single structure, the telling of sub-stories by main characters and the finalizing of the whole work by returning to the frame story. Those similarities in terms of narrative structure cannot be seen in other famed works in the Sanskrit Kathā Literature. Besides, these three works have been titled in a similar manner, indicating the content and the quantity of the stories. Although the period and authorship of these books are still controversial, it can be imagined that they all have been written during a particular era perhaps with short gaps between each other. On the other hand, these writings assist us in identifying a new trend in the Sanskrit literature that prevailed after the 11ᵗʰ Century A.D. as per the comments made by critics. The specific narrative structure that appears in these three books differs from the structure of the Pañcatantra and the Kathāsaritsāgara but remains quite similar to that of the wellknown Persian work One Thousand and One Nights/The Arabian Nights. Books composed in the same structure but in two different literary traditions in the world draw considerable attention. Accordingly, it can be said that they show an attempt to introduce some stories selected from ancient Indian sources and folktales through new narrative structures. The similarities in these works may have not been random circumstances but due to the influence they had on each other.
Forgetting history: The postsecular aesthetics and politics of ven. batuwangala rahula’s rankaranduva
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Tilakaratne, W.M.P.D.
Ven. Batuwangala Rahula‘s 2015 novel Rankaraṇḍuva ("The Golden Casket") is an intriguing example of literary experimentation, which features a deep yet tacit engagement with issues of aesthetics and politics that have much contemporary relevance. Although the novel has been compared to and at times accused of plagiarizing Paulo Coelho‘s The Pilgrimage (1987), such comparison overlooks the fundamental aesthetic and stylistic differences between the two texts. While The Pilgrimage follows a magic realist style, the aesthetic mode of Rankaraṇḍuva is more ambiguous owing to the postsecular (or Buddhist cosmological) world that it inheres. Thus, if magic realism succeeds in critiquing dominant notions of realism, such as 'homogenous empty time', 'secularism' and 'positivism', Rankaraṇḍuva goes further by—to use the postsecularist theorist Ananda Abeysekara‘s term—'un-inheriting' these dominant precepts. The relation the novel bears to contemporary issues in history, historiography and politics in Sri Lanka is, therefore, complex. On the one hand, the text can readily accommodate the contradiction between both relying on and rejecting positivist history and historiography, which, as Harshana Rambukwella notes, is a trait common not only in postsecularist politics but also contemporary nationalisms such as Jathika Chinthanaya. On the other hand, through a contingent application of what Abaysekara terms a 'selective forgetting of history' to a postsecular, deconstructed Buddhist history/tradition, Rankaraṇḍuva is also able to offer a critique of political forms of Sinhala nationalism, which are temporally configured so as to preserve Buddhism for the future. The novel is deeply allegorical, and the object of the golden casket (which houses the essence of the Buddha‘s dhamma), which is given to the protagonist of the novel by the monk Kondañña, signifies the structural contradiction between the inner and outer domains of Buddhism: the core teachings (or essence) and the political and institutional forms and traditions that are committed to preserve this essence. Through a privileging of essence over tradition, portrayed through the abandonment of the casket at the end of the novel, Rankaraṇḍuva advocates a selective but active forgetting of history. This study aims to elucidate the manner in which Rankaraṇḍuva reconfigures the temporal structure of politics so as to call for a liberation of the present from the demands of both the past and the future.
The practice of preventive archaeology: The case of proposed lunugamwehera elephant rehabilitation centre, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Ranaweera, Dilan C.; Nanayakkara, Ranil P.
Lunugamwehera, one of the most famous national parks in southern Sri Lanka, attracts hundreds and thousands of nature lovers annually. The improper management of natural resources, coupled together with the political and social agenda of the country, have resulted aggravating the human-elephant conflict (HEC). Sri Lanka experiences the highest HEC in the world, with around 60-70 humans and 270 elephants being killed annually due to the conflict. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has proposed to establish a new Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (PERC) to house problem elephants from around Sri Lanka. The proposed facility will be funded by the ESCAM project, with funds from the World Bank. As the main objective of this project, a physical and cultural resource screening was undertaken to identify the threats and the solutions for the preservation process of all the historical and archaeological sites falling within the 3000ha of the PERC. The field observation and irregular exploration methods were used for data recording, and the identification process was conducted according to the World Bank and government policies. More than fifteen archaeological sites were identified. These sites consist of four monastic complexes: Weherahatagala, Bolhodagala, Kemhatha and Ranegala Vehera. Weherahatagala, Ranegala Wehera and Kem-hatha are situated within the proposed PERC. The Bolhidagala site is located in the periphery of the proposed PERC. There is a possibility that this project would pose threats to the mentioned archaeological site. According to the findings, Weherahatagala is an important archaeological site in ancient Ruhuna. The environment of the three monasteries in question could yield many more archaeological relics or cultural debris related to the respective sites. Particularly the high density of the abandoned irrigation tanks and some ancient channels are also located in the vicinity of this area, as part of the history of this region. At the same time, some evidence of ancient agricultural activities might be bedded on the land of this area. The study maintains that the project needs to take into consideration the historical and archaeological value of the area in question and the site of the Weherahathagala monastery complex should be spared if possible. The inscription found at the site, which is based on the Vaharala category, is the first of the kind discovered in the entire region, and this marks the archaeological importance of the site. It is prudent to take steps to preserve these archaeological sites in the interest of future research.
A conceptual framework of source credibility in the case of fake news phenomenon on facebook
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Siraj, F. Zaadha; Usoof, Ramila
The astounding progress in communication, although crucial for many modern day advancements, has also posed certain challenges that we struggle to overcome today. The fake news trend, which is one such challenge, has taken complete control over the digital world to such an extent that we have come to accept it as a norm of our daily information consumption. Despite the normalization, fake news, which is intentionally fabricated information, deceptive content, or grossly distorted actual news reports, has in the recent past been the source of panic, trauma, violence and hatred. One of the factors that facilitate the rapid and easy spread of fake news in today‘s world is the advent of social media. Facebook among many is one of the most popular social media platforms with over two billion active users. The uncharted freedom of expression on Facebook perpetuates the easy spread of fake news. While many studies explore the means of spreading fake news on Facebook, there seems to be little research on the user-psychology behind accepting fake news on Facebook. The Yale theory on persuasion proposes that human beings accept and believe in information when they perceive the source to be credible. Source credibility, on the other hand, is dependent on the trustworthiness, expertise, likability and attractiveness of the source. This perspective, although applicable in real life situations, is not an accurate representation of the online behaviour of Facebook users. This study attempts to develop a conceptual framework to explain the user acceptance of fake news on Facebook; to explain, predict and understand the phenomenon while challenging the existing body of research. For this purpose, mainly qualitative methods were used. Initially, important research findings related to the research topic were obtained. An extensive analysis was then conducted on the existing literature on persuasive processes, online user behaviour and source credibility. Following a systematic in-depth study, a comprehensive conceptual model was proposed to explain the user psychology behind accepting fake news on Facebook. The conceptual model proposed by this study consists of three determinants: demographic factors, group identity and selective attention. It is proposed that certain demographic factors such as age, gender, level of education and place of residence could affect the user vulnerability to accept fake news. Secondly, sharing the same group membership as the source can also make users readily accept the information without questioning its credibility. This study, therefore, is an attempt to reevaluate the existing research on persuasive processes, focusing on the fake news phenomenon in the context of Facebook, and it proposes demographic factors, group identity and selective attention as the potential determinants of user acceptance of fake news on Facebook.
The relationship between external entrepreneurial resource networks on venture growth of female small business in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Rajapaksha, Rajapaksha Pathirannehelage Erandi Kumari
This study explores the relationship between entrepreneurial resource networks and the venture growth of small businesses owned by women in the Sri Lankan context. Few studies have been done with a specific focus on female entrepreneurship with a focus on the relationship between external resource networks and venture growth of small businesses owned by women. Thus this paper aims at investigating the relationship between external entrepreneurial resource networks and the venture growth of small businesses owned by women. In-depth interviews were conducted as the data collection method. Ten female entrepreneurs in the Gampaha district were interviewed after clustering them into two groups: 'successful' and 'unsuccessful' according to their current business status. Prior to the main study, a pilot study was conducted to get a sense of the field and to see whether the main study could be conducted in the way it had been planned or whether alternations were needed. Female small business owners in Sri Lanka were identified as the population of the study. There is neither a universally nor a locally accepted common definition of small business in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the definition published by Department of Census and Statistics was utilized to derive the sample of the study. Finally, data were analyzed and interpreted using content analysis and coding methods. The empirical results of the study indicate that external entrepreneurial resource networks have a clear impact on the venture growth of femaleowned small businesses. Moreover, family and acquaintance emerged as prominent factors regardless of the business status. The suppliers are the most prominent network apart from the family. Relatives were identified as an extremely resisting network for successful small businesses. Acquaintances play a major role inside the networks of unsuccessful female entrepreneurs, and they are mostly looking for financial support. Regardless of the current status of the businesses, all female entrepreneurs who conduct small businesses are negatively impacted with emotional support. The findings of the study are of crucial importance to the Sri Lankan female entrepreneurs who conduct small businesses as they reveal real experiences of both successful and unsuccessful small businesses.
Testing wagner’s law and the exogeneity hypothesis of government expenditure: The case of Sri Lanka (1977-2017)
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Abeyrathne, G.A.K.N.J.; Jayawickrama, J. M. Ananda
The literature in economics points to two main approaches that seek to explain the causal nexus between government expenditure and economic growth. The first is Wagner‘s Law and the second is the Keynesian hypothesis. After the open economy policy reforms in 1977, the priority of all successive governments in Sri Lanka has been to improve the island‘s economic development and the well-being of the general public. Infrastructure development, employment creation, and poverty elimination were the topmost objectives of government. It is observed that the government public expenditure and real GDP have both increased during the 1977-2017 period. The direction of causality between government expenditure and economic growth is not clear. This study attempts to test the direction of the said causality and the validity of Wagner‘s Law and Keynesian hypothesis in the Sri Lankan context. This study is based on annual time series secondary data from 1977 to 2017 and the data series consists of real GDP, real government total expenditure, real government recurrent expenditure, and real government capital expenditure. The data were transformed into natural logarithms to achieve stationarity in variance. Data were extracted from the various publications of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The relationship between variables is empirically investigated using the Johansen Co-integration test procedure and the Granger Causality test; here, the views of Keynes and Wagner were also tested. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test results indicated that all series are stationary at the first difference. The results of Co-integrating procedure indicate the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between government expenditure and economic growth. The results of the Granger Causality test suggest that government expenditure is dependent on and determined by economic growth; the results of this study are therefore more in favour of Wagner's Law rather than the Keynesian hypothesis. The evidence indicates a unidirectional causality which runs from real GDP growth to total government expenditure in both the short-run and long-run. A unidirectional causality runs from real government recurrent expenditure and capital expenditure to economic growth in the short-run, and we find no long-run causality between those variables in any direction. The present investigation suggests the importance of allocating funds to capital projects and effectively utilizing such funds with the eradication of all types of corruption and wastage.
Economic and environmental impact of fly ash dumping at lakvijaya power station in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Thilanka, H.R.A.C.; Arachchi, I.A.J.I.; Paranamana, G.P.; Herath, H.M.W.A.
Lakvijaya Power Plant is the only coal-fired power plant in Sri Lanka. In general, coal power plants have negative effects towards the environment during the power generation process. Lakvijaya Power Station continuously emits fly ash and bottom ash as by-products of its coal burning process. The ash content of the coal used at Lakvijaya Power Station is 15%, and it gets converted into fly ash and bottom ash at a ratio of 9:1 on average. The low quality fly ash that gets produced cannot be sold to cement producers, and therefore, it has to be dumped in the power plant premises thus causing economic and environmental issues. With this background, there are three objectives of this study: evaluating the economic impact of fly ash dumping compared to fly ash selling, identifying the environmental impacts of ash dumping compared to fly ash selling, and identifying the possible solutions to mitigate the negative economic and environmental impacts of ash dumping. Primary data were used to analyze the socioenvironmental effects of fly ash dumping, while secondary data were used to identify the financial feasibility of ash selling instead of ash dumping. Primary data were collected using field visits, which included direct observations and focus group discussions. The purposive sampling method was employed to identify the focus group among villagers and plant staff. The sample included 40 villagers from Narakkalliya and Norochcholei and 17 workers employed at the power plant who do not live in the two concerned villages. Under data analysis, financial cost benefit analysis (NPV), Cost-benefit analysis for non-valued and non-quantified effects (non-financial analysis) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) were conducted to identify the economic and environmental impacts of fly ash dumping. Under the financial analysis, the payback period was found to be three years, which is a short period of time (less than 5 years), and that shows that fly ash selling is financially viable compared to ash dumping. According to the non-financial analysis, the net effect of ash dumping was found to be negative compared to ash selling, which means that ash selling is economically effective. Moreover, EIA shows that ash dumping in the ash yard causes an adverse environmental impact. Therefore, it could be pointed out that the selling of fly ash would result in mitigating all these adverse impacts, thereby ensuring a better condition for the environment. According to the financial and non-financial analyses, it could be concluded that fly ash dumping leads to negative economic and environmental impacts, and that therefore, fly ash selling as opposed to dumping entails positive economic and socio-environmental consequences. Therefore, measures to improve the quality of fly ash, which could then be sold, could be identified as a possible solution to the problem. The quality of fly ash could be enhanced by increasing the capacity of the air system to enable a complete combustion in the furnace.
Unmet needs – professional social work intervention in family planning services for rural women in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Wanniarachchi, I.
The ambitious aspiration of the United Nations is to achieve SDGs for the whole world, in which a high level of well-being standard for reproductive health (Goal Five) is set to be achieved by 2030. Even though there are various local and international interventions to reach this objective, developing countries like Sri Lanka still face the unsolved issues in the health sector, and the situation with regard to sexual and reproductive health in particular is very complex. The finding that at least one in eight married women in developing countries has not received any access to family planning has proven this. Against this background, the main objective of this research was to examine the nature of the awareness among rural women regarding family planning. The secondary objectives were to examine the way that the issues in family planning shaped the health situation of the family and to identify the different levels and forms of the intervention on the part of the social worker with a view to facilitating the solving of the problem related to family planning. A field study was conducted in this regard in the Okkampitiya area in Monaragala District. Based on purposive sampling, 45 respondents (married women) were selected for the study. A set of qualitative data collection methods-Case studies and in-depth interviews-were utilized for primary data collection The key sources of secondary data were official documents and representations. According to the findings, it was revealed that awareness of rural women regarding the necessity and importance of family planning was insubstantial. Some had knowledge gained from peer groups on traditional family planning methods. It was only a handful of women who had tested the modern family planning methods introduced in maternity clinics. It was revealed that the myths and beliefs regarding these methods are nurtured by culture. As a result of the power imbalance related to gender, males dominate the decision-making process with regard to family planning, while females consider family planning as a responsibility of married women. Nevertheless, the main reason for this situation is the lack of open discussions regarding sexual and reproductive health, which limits knowledge transmission on family planning. Rural women have become a vulnerable group due to unequal division of resources and other socio-economic factors. Therefore, the role of social workers who work based on social justice to ensure the betterment of underprivileged individuals and communities has become a prominent need in the society. A social worker can be an educator, motivator, trainer, coordinator, counselor and advocator. The interventions made at different levels in the form of these roles can reduce or eliminate the problem of the lack of awareness regarding family planning. This paper analyzes the ways in which group work can be used as a social work intervention method to overcome family planning issues.
Manifestation of schizoid personality disorder in the character of cnemon in menander’s dyskolos
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Herath, L.
Menander‘s depiction of Cnemon in his play Dyskolos is often identified as a mere portrayal of the stock character of "misanthrope" in Greek New Comedy. However, this study asserts that Menander‘s depiction of Cnemon is a realistic portrayal of a person affected by the schizoid personality disorder, which he may have observed in individuals in his society. This may have led Menander to delineate them on stage, illustrating the problems and issues arising from their difficulty to maintain typical social relationships. The main scholarly focus on this subject seems to have been restricted to general views of the ancient Greeks on mental disorder. Therefore, this paper examines the character of Cnemon with reference to the Diagnostic Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and posits a diagnosis of the schizoid personality disorder in Cnemon, analyzing his pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and his self-centeredness as displayed in the play. Moreover, this study explores the social, environmental and economic aspects that are reflected in the portrayal of Cnemon with emphasis on the known causes for the development of the schizoid personality disorder. The intention behind this approach is to investigate the idiosyncrasies that Menander might have observed in such personalities in his society in order to construct the character of Cnemon. Consequently, this study shows that the plot of Menander‘s Dyskolos is woven around the problems and issues caused due to the relative differences of individuals with such pathological personalities and the problems they undergo due to their difficulty to adjust and react to social situations in socially expected ways. These insights of the study have been backed by an examination of library resources, using a qualitative research methodology. The importance of the study is in its contribution towards unveiling the realism of Menander‘s characters and deconstructing the notion that Menander‘s characters are imaginative creations that lack any depth or interiority.
The success of ven. xuanzang in his debate relating to the proof of idealism through logical and epistemological knowledge
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Ven. Lili, Wang
This research study analyzes a syllogism by Master Xuanzang（玄奘）called Proof of Idealism (pramāṇa of vijnapti-mātratā; 真唯識量) or Inference of Idealism (anumāna of vijnapti-mātratā; 唯識比量) from the viewpoint of consciousness-only (vijnaptimātratā) and Buddhist Logic (Hetuvidyā). Pramāṇa, literally meaning "proof of knowledge", refers to the epistemology concerning the acquisition of true knowledge in Indian philosophies. According to Ācārya Diṅnāga, only two pramāṇa can be considered valid means of knowledge: perception (pratyakṣa) and inference (anumāṇa). The Proof of Idealism of Master Xuanzang is an anumāna to acquire the true knowledge of consciousness-only. Master Xuanzang (602-664 CE), an eminent monk who lived during the Tang Dynasty of China, proposed the famous Proof of Idealism in the form of a syllogism during his study in Nālandā in India. During a service with a public debate open to all hosted by King Śīlāditta, Master Xuanzang proposed the proof in a rebuttal to Master Prajñāgupta of the Sammitīya Sect from South India, who presented an inference to refute the doctrine of consciousness-only. Master Xuanzang won the debate and was awarded the title of Mahāyānadeva. It attracted both worldwide attention and heated debate in the history of Hetuvidyā. The syllogism is considered to be an indisputable truth establishing the doctrine of consciousness-only by the Vijnānavādins while also being criticized by some scholars. Master Xuanzang inherited and developed the theory of Ācārya Diṅnāga and Dhammapāla. Inspired by Dhammapāla‘s use of a syllogism to prove the theory of consciousness-only, Master Xuanzang employed a similar syllogism in his Proof of Idealism and applied the three conditions of the reason (trairūpya). This research study has two objectives: (1) to introduce the Proof of Idealism of Master Xuanzang, analyze how he succeeds in the debate, examine the evaluation of the validity in the perspective of Hetuvidyā according to Ācārya Diṅnāga and trace back to the syllogism by Ācārya Dhammapāla who attempted to prove the doctrine of consciousness-only; (2) to clarify certain misunderstandings regarding it and critically analyze the syllogism by Master Wōnhyo (618-686 CE) from Korea who proposed to challenge Xuanzang, thus making a comparison between Master Xuanzang and Master Wōnhyo.
Sivakulendra V
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Saranya, U; Sivakulendra, V
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and the mental process. According to modern psychology, the origin of the discipline can be traced back to ancient Greece, 400-500 years BC but psychological phenomena had been deliberated in Siddha Medicine (SM) 5000 years back. SM is one of the ancient traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka and South India. The psychological dimension of SM is clearly reflected by the name "Siddha medicine," which means medicine for Siddham (Mind). Siddha philosophies have been developed by ancient sages by observing human behavior and the mind through their spiritual power. Most of the work of the sages deals with human behavior and human mental processes. The object of this study is to explore the psychological facts found in SM, and it is believed that this study will highlight psychological facts present in the Siddha philosophies. This paper, which takes the form of a review article, explores the fundamentals of SM and the theories regarding the mental processes and human behavior to highlight the psychological facts found in the Siddha system. The basic concept of SM is that the human body is made of a physical body, a mental body, pranic energy (vital energy) and a soul. The mind-body approach is very popular in the current era. The theory of SM posits that any imbalance of the body, the mind and the prana leads to diseases. It also follows that the treatment of any disease should target not only the physical body but also the mind. The basic structural, functional and behavioral qualities of the human body have been described in terms of 96 philosophical conceptions called "96 thattvas". These philosophical conceptions can be divided into three categories based on their nature. The first thirty thattvas mostly focus on the physical aspect, the second thirty tattvas focus on subtle matters and the third thirty-six tattvas focus on causal matters and the personality of the individual. Higher mental process such as perception, language, thinking, intelligence, memory and consciousness have been well articulated in SM. The panchathanmathrai discuss perception, the anthakaranas engage with the mental process, the arivu explains selfrealization, the manomaya-kosham and vignanamaya-kosham in pancha-kosham describe the subtle layers of the mental process, the kanma-vidayam discusses responses, pancha-avasthai describe the five stages of consciousness, and the space element in the panchabootha theory concerns itself with human emotions. The personality and behavior of the human being is also a clearly articulated theory in SM. The ragam points out 8 types of passion, the tri-gunas and prakrithi focus on 3 types of human personality and the mummalam is about reasoning the behavior and activity. The psychological dimension of SM is extremely minute and very hard to understand. This study is believed to have specifically highlighted the psychological facts of the Siddha philosophy.
Latin american liberation ethics, ethics of bishop lakshman wickramasinghe and present day ethics: Exploring interconnections
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Revd. Parimalachchelvan, S.D.
The Search for a relevant ethics for our times in Sri Lanka is a need today. The existing reality should change through an ethics. The Latin American Liberation Ethics (LALE) is one of the paradigm shifts which facilitated a pro-life stance for those in the periphery that transformed their lives. Liberation Ethics based on Liberation Philosophy and Theology is praxis-oriented and promotes a counter philosophical discourse culture on par with change than what is found in the interpretation of Karl Marx. This affirming cultural diversity holds gender, racial equality and political sovereignty. This research study covers literature review with a focus on the engagement and transformation of individuals and communities. The presentation will employ the dialectical method, hermeneutics of suspicion and the praxis approach. According to the research done so far, it is very clear that Lakshman Wickramasinghe (LW) lived and witnessed a 'Doing Ethics (DE)' which authorized liberation not only 'here and now' but also beyond the human parameters of history through his catch phrase 'Indigenous Marxist Socialism (IMS)'. He proposed Jesus as (Christology) the friend of the vulnerable, the prophetic contestant and the martyr denouncing evil and the self-sacrificing Sathyagrahi.' LW kept these in a dialectical relation. He calls to opt out to 'IMS' which calls for the prevention of the concentration of profit, power and privilege of the dominant groups at the cost of the marginalized throughout Asia. He advocated indigenous socialism, instead of Western Marxism, which provides better opportunity for the majority to have dignity, justice, wellbeing and fulfillment both individually and as a community. He identified the need for structural change analytically for all deprived groups. In the light of the liberation ethics, LW preached at the time of the General Strike in 1980 to show solidarity with the strikers. Further, he condemned the violators of the 1983 July ethnic riots in Sri Lanka. He appreciated the role of a few, like M. M. Thomas, and called for engagement in a 'DE' to affirm life in the periphery. Life assuring Present Day Ethics, which emerged as a synthesis of LALE and the Ethics of LW will change our chaotic situation to make life to all beyond any discrimination. All the issues will be under examination using the hermeneutics of suspicion in actions followed by reflections in DE.
Impact of smart devices on social isolation and aggression among teenagers
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-03-29) Rajapakse, R.P.A.L.; Jayasinghe, A.
Smart devices are developed to help people complete their tasks more effectively and efficiently in a shorter period of time. The same devices can cause harm to people if used inappropriately or misused. Using smart devices as pacifiers for children has become common in today‘s society, and this has brought a sense of uneasiness among children. Addiction to smart devices has increased drastically over the past decade. Conditioning theories hold that addiction is the cumulative result of the reinforcement. Parents have a tendency to use these devices to control their children, to keep them in one place or to make them silent. The level of environmental stimuli is a contributing factor here. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the use of smart devices among teenage children. The focus of the study was to evaluate the level of social isolation and aggression. The study included a focused individual interview with 20 teenagers of the ages between 12 and 18 years, who have had complaints regarding their behavior in class. The analysis revealed a high level of virtual friendships and relationships compared to mutual social relationships. There was little social interaction with parents and siblings. Emotional negligence of parents was discovered. Poor social interaction and a high level of virtual living was found. A Likert scale with 11 questions were used to measure aggression. Social aggression was high among the sample. The analysis shows antisocial behavioral traits when the situation was not in favour of their view. The results showed a tendency to carry out violent acts both verbally and physically. Contrary to their behavior, 98% of the sample indicated that they miss the care and love of parents and that they try to make up for it by engaging themselves in mobile games and other methods of virtual social interaction. The addiction to mobile games and smart devices has a direct impact on the social isolation of the teenagers and the aggressive behavior of the same. As a statement, addiction to smart devices will become more harmful than drug addiction if not addressed in a proper manner, and the time has come to pay attention to build a mutual society instead of a virtual society.

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