iPURSE 2014

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/42

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The place of leishmanin skin test in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Atapattu, D. N.; Adikari, S. B.; Rajapakse, R. P. V. J.; Wickramasinghe, W. D. S. J.; Samaraweera, S.; Seneviratne, N. K.; Silva, P. G. Y. S.; Bandara, D. R. L. N.; Wijesundara, N. L. S.; Alimohammadian, M. H.; Iddawela, W. M. D. R.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an emerging, zoonotic disease in Sri Lanka where more than 2500 cases have been reported in the last decade. Its wide spectrum of clinical manifestations may mimic other chronic dermatological conditions such as tuberculoid leprosy or lupus vulgaris. It is routinely diagnosed by microscopy or histology although both techniques have low sensitivity (53 - 84% and 59 - 68%, respectively). The absence of a more accurate diagnostic technique causes problems to clinicians in deciding the correct course of treatment as leishmaniasis is treated with toxic drugs with adverse reactions and long treatment regimes. The Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) measures the delayed-type hypersensitivity response to 𝘓𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢-derived antigen and is a useful and inexpensive tool for clinical diagnosis of CL which has been shown to have very high diagnostic values in other countries. This is a preliminary study to determine whether LST can be used in the diagnosis of CL in Sri Lanka. Twenty five patients referred to Teaching Hospital Kurunegala and Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya from December 2011 to November 2012 were given an intradermal preparation of Leishmanin (Pasteur Institute, Iran) comprising killed promastigotes of 𝘓𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢 sp. The test was taken as positive if the induration measured after 48 - 72 hours was > 5 mm. Three methods were used to diagnose CL; namely, microscopy of Slit Skin Smear, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and a set of clinical criteria. The patients were given a diagnosis of CL if they gave a positive result in any one of the above three methods. The prevalence of CL in the sample was 76% (n = 19) while the positivity of LST was 44% (n = 11). The majority (80%) of patients in the sample presented late (> 1 month duration of lesions) for treatment. All five patients who had the LST done at < 1 month duration of lesions gave a negative result. There was a significant relationship between the duration of the infection and the positivity of the LST (P = 0.027). Of the three types of lesions; papular, ulcerative and plaque, the ulcerative type (comprising 40% of the total) had a significant association with the positivity of LST (P = 0.036). Sensitivity and specificity values for the whole sample, for those who presented after one month, and for those with ulcerative lesions who presented after one month were 53% and 83%; 63% and 75%; and 88% and 100% respectively. This study reveals that the LST can be used as a diagnostic test in suspected CL patients with ulcerative type of lesions of more than one month duration.
Characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Sri Lanka: a preliminary study
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Gamage, S. M. K.; Wijeweera, I.; Adikari, S. B.; Sominanda, A.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune mediated, chronic neurological disease. It is a heterogeneous disease of which the aetiology is considered to be both genetic and environmental. The objective of this study was to characterize MS in the Sri Lankan context. Fifty seven (57) MS patients tentatively diagnosed by a Consultant Neurologist and a Consultant Physician were recruited from Teaching Hospitals Kandy and Peradeniya. Subsequent to informed written consent, their clinical histories, examination findings and investigation results were recorded using interviewer based questionnaires. The analysis revealed that MS is common among females in this study group with a ratio of 1:1.85. The average age of disease onset is 33 years. Only 4 patients had a definitive diagnosis of MS whereas majority were ‘possible MS’ cases according to revised McDonald’s criteria 2010. Seventeen (17) patients had MRI (𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨) features suggestive of MS. The most common presenting complaints were related to 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘴 and the 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘴 related to 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴. Of the 17 patients with MRI features suggestive of MS, 6 had positive 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 (VEP) results. All the four confirmed MS patients had positive VEP results. The 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 was observed to be the commonest subtype (53%). 𝘕𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰 𝘔𝘺𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘖𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢 (NMO) and vasculitis conditions are the differential diagnoses that were frequently considered in MRIs. The frequent co existence of 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘔𝘺𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴 was noted among patients with MS. The observed female predominance and the average age of onset of disease are similar to the reported data on western population. However, the presenting symptoms show considerable variations, as 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘴 are found to be the commonest presenting symptom in western populations. Although𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 is common in the study group, the percentage is much lower when compared with the western population (85%). There are some atypical clinical presentations suggesting the presence of a variant of MS in our population. NMO and vasculitis conditions are frequently considered differential diagnosis of MS. Frequent presence of 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘔𝘺𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴 has been reported to be typical for Asians and the same is observed in this study. In conclusion, the diagnosis of MS is inconclusive at the onset, i.e. suggestive rather than confirmatory. A variation in the clinical presentation observed in this study group confirms the heterogeneity of MS in our population. These results should be correlated with the c𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 response to refine the heterogeneity observed.
Variation in the root form and canal morphology of permanent mandibular first molars
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Malwatte, U. S.; Peiris, H. R. D.; Abayakoon, J. B.; Wettasinghe, K. A.
Permanent mandibular first molars (PMFM) commonly have two roots; mesial and distal. Mesial root usually has two canals while the distal has one. Occasionally, this tooth can have three roots. Thorough knowledge of variations in the root and canal morphology helps in correct location, identification and negotiation of them allowing for proper execution of the treatment. A sample of 457 extracted PMFM was collected from patients within the age range of 30-70 years. Teeth were washed immediately and stored in either water or normal saline. They were boiled in 5% NaOH for five minutes and cleaned with 10% NaOCl. The number of roots was recorded using Turner’s classification and lengths of the mesial and distal roots were measured using a digital vernier calliper to the nearest 0.01mm. A vacuum injection protocol was used to inject China ink into the root canal system and make the teeth transparent. Specimens were examined under a dissecting microscope at x10 magnification. Vertucci’s classification of root canal morphology was used to classify the root canal morphology. In the present sample, 95.8% of the teeth had two roots while 4.2% had three. Mean mesial and distal root lengths were 14.1 mm and 12.9 mm, respectively. Commonest root canal type of the mesial root was type IV and distal root was type I. Lateral canals were most prevalent at apical 1/3 of both roots. Inter-canal communications were most common at apical 1/3 of the mesial root and middle 1/3 of the distal root. When root canals are bifurcated, level of bifurcation in both the mesial and distal root was most prevalent at the cervical 1/3. When they converged, the level was most prevalent at the apical 1/3 of both the roots. The prevalence of furcation and middle mesial canals were 1.5% and 0.2%, respectively in the present sample. In conclusion, prevalence of three rooted mandibular first molars is less than 5% in the present sample. Mesial root shows the most variable canal morphology with the root canals commonly bifurcating and converging at the cervical and apical 1/3 levels of the root, respectively.
Oral health among a group of elephant keepers in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Jayawardene, K. L. T. D.; Banneheka, B. M. H. S. K.; Dangolla, A.
Current captive elephant keepers in Sri Lanka frequently smoke, consume alcohol and chew betel. These habits are known risk factors for the development of oral pathological conditions. Objective of this study was to examine oral pathological conditions in mahouts and to correlate them with their habits and life style. During August 2010, captive elephant keepers were requested to participate in a mobile dental clinic during the annual procession in Kandy. Their dental medical and social histories including food and other habits were recorded. Intra oral examination was done by experienced dental surgeons and DMFT (Decayed-Missing– Filled-teeth) were also recorded. Out of 64 participants (aged 15-68 years; average age 37.3 years), 43 (67%) were smokers and 57 (89%) chewed betel. Forty two (66%) of them consumed alcohol. Thirty eight (59%) of them both smoked and chewed betel. Of the keepers who smoked, 59% smoked 6- 10 cigarettes daily while 18% smoked 11-15 and 13% smoked < 5 cigarettes daily and 9% smoked only occasionally. Among the betel chewers, 27 (47%) chewed more than 10 betel quids per day while 12 (21%) chewed 6-10 quids, 10 (17%) chewed less than 6 quids and 8 (15%) chewed occasionally. Among those who consumed alcoholic liquor, 31(73%) were daily consumers and the rest consumed alcohol only occasionally. Out of the 64 participants, 12 (19%) had never gone to a dentist. Only 11 of them had got their teeth filled while only 3 had undergone periodontal treatment previously. The average number of missing teeth due to caries and periodontal disease was 5.8. One of them was fully edentulous at the age of 52 years. Gross calculus was present in 33 (51%), whereas 16 (25%) had mobile teeth and 4 (6%) had visibly bleeding gums. Approximately, 80% of them had stained teeth due to betel chewing and/ or smoking. Among them, 5 (8%) were clinically diagnosed as having mucosal lesions. Two of them had oral sub mucous fibrosis, while another 3 had angular chelitis, glossitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma (later confirmed by histopathology). Although 40 subjects (62.5%) had carious teeth, the average number of carious teeth per person was 1.2. This may be attributed to their low levels of sugar consumption observed in the social history. According to the findings, M (missing) teeth, was the highest and F (filled) was the lowest indices among the subjects. This fact reflects the neglect of oral hygiene and lack of motivation to seek treatment for decayed teeth. Although the mean DMF value of the sample (6.3) of elephant keepers examined was lower than the average DMFT of the 35-44 years age group in Sri Lanka, which is 8.4 and it could be attributed to the small sample size and to the relatively younger age of the majority of the subjects. It can be concluded that the lifestyle and habits of the elephant keepers have made them vulnerable to both oral and systemic diseases.
Mast cell density in canine mammary tumours: a prognostic factor
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Ariyarathna, H. M. H. S.; De Silva, D. D. N.; Bandara, A. M. R.; Jayawardene, W. R.; Jayaweera, G. S. P. De S.
Mast cell involvement in tumour growth and progression has been demonstrated in several human and animal tumours. Previous studies have shown that mast cell density (MCD) in malignant human breast tumours is significantly higher than in benign tumours. Mammary tumours are the most frequent neoplasms in bitches and constitute an important problem in veterinary medicine. The limited findings currently available reveal that MCD in canine malignant mammary tumours is high compared to benign tumours. However, the comparisons done in previous studies have not taken into consideration of the histological grade of the tumour, a more accurate and quantitative prognostic factor. The current study was designed to compare the MCDs in canine mammary tumours of different histological grades. Eighteen samples of canine mammary tumours reported during the period of 2010 to 2012 to the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, University of Peradeniya were used in this study. Toluidine blue stained sections were used for histopathological tumour grading according to the criteria published by World Health Organization in 1999. Ten fields per slide were examined at 400x magnification, to determine the mean MCD. The mean MCD for each tumour grade was calculated using the mean MCD for each tumour. Mean MCDs of different tumour grades were compared using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Out of the 18 mammary tumours there were eight Grade I tumours, five Grade II tumours and five Grade III tumours. In terms of MCD, Grade I tumours were significantly different from Grade II and Grade III tumours (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between Grade II and Grade III tumours. The current study clearly show that low grade tumours have low MCD and high grade tumours have high MCD which is more indicative of involvement of mast cells with canine mammary tumour growth and progression rather than participation in tumour rejection. Moreover the results indicate that MCD can be used as a prognostic factor for canine mammary tumours and suggest beneficial effects of adjunct therapy with mast cell inhibitors during tumour treatments.
Tooth size discrepancies in a group of Sri Lankan ortodontic patients among different malocclusion
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Nagarathne, N.; Rathnethilake, K.; Jayawardena, C.
A tooth size discrepancy (TSD) is a disproportion of the sizes of the teeth between maxillary and mandibular arches. Significant TSD prevents an ideal occlusion being produced at the end of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the absence of a TSD is included as seventh ‘‘key’’ for achieving an ideal occlusion. Overall Bolton ratio (OR) and anterior Bolton ratio (AR) have been introduced to estimate TSDs. Gender, ethnicity and class of malocclusion have been proved to have influence on TSDs. The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of tooth size discrepancies calculated using Bolton ratios in a sample of Sri Lankan orthodontic patients and to determine the variation among different classes of malocclusion. The study sample consisted of 110 pre- treatment dental casts with fully erupted and complete permanent dentitions from first molar to first molar, which were selected randomly from the records of patients who attended the Orthodontic Clinic of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Lanka. Models with tooth deformities and restorations were excluded. Mesio-distal measurements were taken using a digital micrometer and anterior and overall Bolton ratios were calculated according to the standard formula. One sample t-test revealed that there was no significant difference in the first and the second set of readings. There were 48 males and 62 females and the mean age was 12.52±2.45 years. The mean anterior Bolton ratios (AR) were 77.9±2.93, 78.61±3.3, and 78.63±3.9 for the Class I (n=45), Class II (n=45) and Class III (n=20), respectively. The mean overall ratios (OR) were 91.52±2.71, 91.54±2.67 and 91.85±2.45 for the Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. A significant sexual dimorphism was not noticed in any of the malocclusion group. One-way ANOVA among 3 different malocclusion groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the AR (F=0.63, P= 0.54) and the OR (F=0.12, P= 0.88). When the Bolton ratios (AR and OR) of each occlusion group were compared with those of the original Bolton means (AR=77.2±1.65; OR= 91.3±1.91) a significant difference was found in AR only in the Class II Division 2 (p = 0.04). The number of patients within each group who had discrepancies outside 2SD from the original Bolton means was higher for AR than the OR. These results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of anterior TSDs and overall TSDs with regard to malocclusion or gender in our sample. When compared with Bolton means, a clinically significant anterior TSD existed in class II Division 2 group.
Antimicrobial resistance in faecal coliforms of captive Sri Lankans elephants (𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘴)
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Ranatunge, P.; Salgadu, A.; Wickramasinghe, S.; Dangolla, A.; Jinadasa, R.; Rajapaksha, E.
The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is an endangered species with a relatively small number held in captivity. Diarrhoea, indigestion and constipation are among the common gastrointestinal problems among captive elephants, although they are not frequently encountered. Coliforms are a major group of gastrointestinal microbes that may contribute to such disorders. Many coliforms, that are present in the gut as commensals, can cause opportunistic intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Most importantly, they can acquire and transmit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and can be used as indicator organisms for emergence of AMR in a population. Although it is well known that the emergence of AMR is a major issue in Sri Lankan livestock industry, little is known about the emergence of AMR in captive wildlife, including elephants. The objective of the current study was to determine the AMR patterns of faecal coliforms in a group of captive elephants. Faecal samples collected from 24 elephants (mean age ~27, 10 females), participating in the annual Kandy Esala Perehera, were cultured on XLD media and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Coliforms were further identified by conventional biochemical methods and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method for ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, sulpha-trimethoprim and chloramphenicol. A total of 24 isolates were recovered of which the majority (70.8%) was 𝘒𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 spp. while the rest were 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪. As expected in a population that has not been exposed to regular antibiotic use, all the isolates were only resistant to ampicillin. Ampicillin-metronidazole combinations are being used on captive elephants with diarrhoea and since these elephants are brought together several times a year for cultural events, it is possible that the observed AMR might be horizontally transmitted. Previous studies have found resistance to ampicillin in treatment of surface wounds in elephants. Although the present study showed resistance in faecal coliforms for ampicillin there is no information on the ineffectiveness of ampicillin for the treatment of diarrhoea in elephants in Sri Lanka. The ampicillin resistance might not have been evident at the field level because most veterinarians use a combination of ampicillin- metranidazole for the treatment of diarrhoea in elephants. Further work is necessary to elucidate the molecular basis of AMR among faecal coliforms in elephants.
Morphological variations in the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal of human skulls in Sri Lankan Population
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Peiris, H. R. D.; Ekanayake, E. M. D. A. L.; Dangalla, M. N.; Edirisinghe, E. M. S. L.; Peiris, D. P. S. P.; Banneheka, B. M. H. S. K.; Arambawatta, A. K. S.
Study of metric and non-metric cranial variations has clinical and anthropological significance because they vary considerably among different populations. The present study was carried out to identify the morphological variations of jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal in a Sri Lankan Population. Descriptive analytical study was conducted using seventy five dry skulls stored in the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dental Sciences. Jugular foramen bridging (septation), the presence or absence of domed bony roof over jugular foramen, and the presence or absence of hypoglossal canal bridging were observed bilaterally. Furthermore, maximum anteroposterior and mediolateral (between the medial-most and lateral-most points) diameters of the jugular foramen, the depth of the jugular fossa and mediolateral (between the medial-most and lateral- most points) diameter of the jugular fossa when dome is present were measured using a digital vernier caliper to the nearest 0.01mm. Undamaged human skulls were procured for measurements and observations. Damaged skulls with unidentifiable features of jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal were excluded. The measurements and observations were done by one investigator to avoid inter-observer error. In order to minimize the intra-observer error, twenty skulls were re-observed and re-measured after three months of the first observation or measurement and the result was compared with the original observation and measurement. Partial septation was observed in about 70% of the total skulls observed in both left and right jugular foramen whereas complete septation was observed in 14.7% of the left and 10.6% of the right jugular foramen. The dome indicating the presence of a jugular bulb was present on the right side only in 34.9% and left side in 47.6% of skulls. Meanwhile, jugular fossa was observed in 53.8% of the skulls on the right side and 47.6% of the cases on the left. Furthermore, hypoglossal canal septation was observed in 10.6% of the skulls on the right and 17.2% on the left. The size of the jugular foramen and depth of the jugular fossa were larger on the right side. Present study shows either complete or partial septation of the jugular foramen in more than 80% of the population. Hypoglossal canal septation is seen in 10-15% of the cases.
Breeding of malaria vector mosquitoes in built wells in the district of Mannar, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Ranathunga, R. M. T. B.; Gunathilaka, P. A. D. H. N.; Kannangara, D. N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; Wijeyaratne, P.; Hapugoda, M. D.
Wells in rural areas and sub-urban areas with relatively clean water are the main breeding sites for Anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Knowledge on the existence of disease vectors in these remote and relatively inaccessible locations could improve epidemiologic understanding and control capabilities. This study identifies mosquito species, their relative abundance and physicochemical characteristics of water in built wells in the District of Mannar, Sri Lanka. Four hundred and thirty two (432) samples of water from 48 built wells were taken at sampling locations in the District of Mannar from April 2013 - December 2013. A ladle dipper was used to obtain samples of larval mosquitoes. Larval species were identified microscopically using taxonomic keys. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and turbidity of the well water were measured in-situ using digital meters. Statistical correlation analysis and ANOVA were used to analyze the associations between physicochemical parameters and mosquito abundance. Of 381 larvae, three species of Anopheline mosquitoes; 𝘈𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴 (96%), 𝘈𝘯. 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘢 (4%) and 𝘈𝘯. 𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 (0.5%) bred in the built wells. However, the abundance of 𝘈𝘯. 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴 and 𝘈𝘯. 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘢 showed significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with conductivity, salinity, DO, TDS and turbidity. Temperature and pH were negatively correlated with larval abundance of An. subpictus and 𝘈𝘯. 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘢 breeding in built wells. However, all physico-chemical parameters with 𝘈𝘯. 𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 did not correlate significantly (p > 0.05). The samples mean (range) values of the seven parameters analyzed in the water samples were as follows; temperature = 30.71 (28.71-32.70) °C, pH = 7.77 (7.15-8.53), DO = 4.99 (2.97- 6.93) mgL⁻¹, conductivity 1699 (493-6739) μScm⁻¹, salinity 875 (215-3562) mgL⁻¹, TDS 1137 (278-4537) mgL⁻¹ and turbidity 4.67 (0.26-24.90) NTU. Built wells were identified as potential breeding habitats for secondary and other potential malaria vectors in the district of Mannar. There was variability in breeding of Anopheline mosquitoes in different habitats, which should be considered in control of mosquito breeding sites. Potential breeding sites in wells should be made inaccessible to adult female mosquitoes by placing removable covers, such as mosquito-proof lids or by fitting a wire mesh screen. Wells can also be made mosquito-proof by closing them with cement slabs and installing hand pumps.
Case Study - Ttberculosis in the peritonneum: a not too rare form
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Gnanarathne, D. M. S. T.; Dissanayake, A.,; Rathnayake, P.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem globally. Few decades back it was quite common and gynaecologists managed patients with either peritoneal TB or genitourinary TB. It is very rare to find a patient with such complications in current medical practice. Although WHO reports a reduction in overall incidence of TB, the prevalence and the number of deaths due to TB still remains high. The abdominal form of TB is the sixth leading site of extra pulmonary TB, after lymphatic, genitourinary, osteoarticular, miliary and meningeal TB. Case history - A young Sri Lankan woman presented to a medical ward with generalized abdominal pain. She complained of loss of appetite and abdominal distension without loss of weight. Haematological and biochemical investigations and ultra sound scan of abdomen were performed. The scan revealed ascites and other test were within normal limits. The patient was referred to the gynecology team for further management. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed peritoneal seedlings covering all the aspects of peritoneum and almost all abdominal viscera. Multiple firm nodules were biopsied which lead to the diagnosis of peritoneal TB. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of widespread peritoneal tuberculosis which is very rare in routine clinical practice. This type of patient can present to any medical speciality but the diagnosis and the management may be delayed if the clinician does not take into consideration the possibility of extra pulmonary TB as a possible diagnosis in a patient presenting with ascites
Investigation of the day-of-the-week effect on stock returns in an emerging market: the case of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Peter, S.; Fernando, K.
Calendar anomalies in security market returns that have been documented extensively in financial literature are inconsistent with the Efficient Market Hypothesis. Among the different seasonal effects observed in stock markets, the day of the week effect has attracted wide interest. This paper examined the prevalence of the day of the week effect in Sri Lanka’s fledgling Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The CSE, with a market capitalization of only US$ 12 billion, however, is a vibrant market and is attracting a lot of interest with the conclusion of the long standing ethnic conflict that drained precious resources and investor confidence in the country. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) was evaluated over a 24 year period between 1985 and 2009. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was used to test whether there is any statistically significant difference among index returns on different days of the week. The results found strong support for the existence of the day-of-the-week anomaly at the CSE. Friday returns are abnormally high while Tuesday returns are negative and recorded the lowest. The period between 1994 and 2009 which signified major changes in the political landscape was sub divided into four periods. The results were similar with the full sample results for three of the four periods considered. In the period between 1999 and 2002, Monday returns and not the Tuesday returns provided the lowest return. The Milanka Price Index and three other sector indices, namely, diversified (DIV), banking, finance and insurance (BFI), and telecommunication (TELCO) were evaluated to establish whether the Tuesday effect was driven by foreign investor activity. The MPI, DIV and BFI indicated the prevalence of the dayof-the-week effect. The returns on Friday were significantly different from those on Tuesday. For the period between 1985 and 1994, where the market was growing and creating local investor interest, it was found that no differences could be established for daily returns during this period, enhancing the possible link between foreign investor activity and the prevalence of the-day-of-the-week effect.
P–T–t path of the southwestern Highland Complex around Balangoda, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Wickramasinghe, G. G. M. S.; Perera, L. R. K.
Mineral reaction textures in calc-silicate gneisses and siliceous dolomitic marbles are important to understand the P-T-t path of high-grade gneiss terrains. To-date, only one such study has been undertaken in Sri Lanka from the Southeast of the Highland Complex (HC), although the P-T-t path of the granulite-facies terrain has been determined using pelitic and mafic rocks. In the present study, mineral reaction textures in calc-silicate rocks and siliceous dolomitic marbles around Balangoda have been investigated to understand the P-T-t path of the HC in the Southwest. In the studied calc-silicate rocks, zones of medium to coarse-grained (4-6 mm) anorthite + wollastonite, and scapolite + wollastonite occur between very coarse-grains of grossularite garnet (7 cms) and quartz (3 cms) suggesting the prograde reaction, grossularite + quartz = anorthite or scapolite + wollastonite (1). Fine-grained (0.05-0.1 mm) rims of retrograde grossularite + quartz around the product anorthite + wollastonite, and scapolite + wollastonite suggest reversal of the prograde reaction (1). In siliceous dolomitic marbles, areas between coarse-grains (8-15 mm) of corundum and dolomite are occupied by coarse-grains (5-10 mm) of spinel occurring in a medium-grained (2-4 mm) calcite + dolomite matrix suggesting the prograde reaction, corundum + dolomite = spinel + calcite + CO₂ (2). Formation of medium grained (2-4 mm) corundum between product spinel in the calcite + dolomite matrix suggests reversal of prograde reaction (2). In addition, retrograde formation of diopside after forsterite, and tremolite after diopside in siliceous dolomitic marbles, and wollastonite after calcite + quartz, and garnet + quartz after diopside + plagioclase have been observed in the calc-silicate rocks of the study area. The reaction (1) is discontinuous in P, T space, and therefore, is critical in assessing the maximum temperature attained during granulite-facies metamorphism in the HC. According to available experimental data, the reaction (1) occurs at 600oC, 700oC, 800oC and 900oC at pressures of ~2kb, ~5kb, ~7kb and ~9kb, respectively. Thus, reaction (1) in the study area suggests that prograde decompression may have occurred from a pressure of at least a few hundred bars above a given reaction temperature to the maximum temperature of metamorphism, which is at least a few tens of degrees higher than the reaction temperature. Reversal of the prograde reactions (1) and (2), taken together with formation of garnet + quartz after diopside + plagioclase suggests near-isobaric cooling after reaching the metamorphic peak. The retrograde formation of diopside after forsterite, and tremolite after diopside in siliceous dolomitic marbles suggest continued cooling towards a lower temperature. Local presence of thin wollastonite rims after calcite + quartz suggests isothermal decompression at high temperature following near-isobaric cooling. The above prograde and retrograde reaction textures suggest that the P-T-t path of the HC in the Southwest around Balangoda is similar to that of the Central and Southeastern HC. Particularly, the reaction (1) and its reversal have been noted in calc-silicate rocks from the HC in the Southeast too.
Prevalence of injuries among under 5 years old children in a selected community in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Welgama, I. P.; Chandradasa, A. D. P. P.; Dharmaratne, S. D.
Traumatic injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst children throughout the world. Sri Lanka is no exception and the community prevalence of traumatic injuries amongst children here is unknown. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to find the community prevalence of injuries amongst children under 5 years of age in a selected community in Sri Lanka. This was a community based descriptive, cross sectional study covering a randomly selected area of the Homagama Medical officer of Health division in the Colombo District. The population was children under 5 years who were permanent residents of that area for the past six months and a single child under the age of 5 years was randomly selected from each household. A structured, pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire with trained interviewers, was used for data collection, over a period of 3 months period. Pictorial guide was included to identify the injury types. Of the sample of 2136 respondents, 602 (28.19%) had a history of injuries, and of them 91.69% had had an injury during the past 1 year. Of the 1077 (50.42%) male children, 28% have had injuries, while 27% of females too had injuries. Children between 2 to 4 years were mainly vulnerable for injuries, while 35.3% of children have reported only one significant (as perceived by parents/guardians) injury during the past year and 33.9% have had at least 3 significant injuries within the past one year. Most common injury types were abrasions (43.7%), followed by lacerations (18.3%) and contusions (9.5%). Of those reporting injuries, 2.35% had suffered fractures. Most of the causes for these injuries were falls (74.0%), followed by falling objects, animal attacks and burns. 67.9% of injuries had occurred at home while 16.8% had occurred in the home garden. 4.9% were road injuries. It was seen that the incidence of injuries were almost similar amongst boys and girls, however in international studies boys had a higher incidence than girls. The most common injury types reported here were abrasions and lacerations, followed by head injuries and burns, but globally, the commonest were short term head injuries and open wounds, followed by burns. The common mechanisms of injuries in our study were falls and falling objects, followed by animal attacks which were comparable to foreign studies. However, road traffic injuries were less common in this study. Similar to previous findings, this study too revealed that home injuries were the commonest among preschool children. Thus, the community prevalence of injuries amongst the under 5 years old children of this population was found to be 28.19 per 100 children of that age group.
(Alpha)-amylase and (alpha)-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of three Sri Lankan plants
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Liyanaarachchie, L. C. P. T.; Bandara, B. M. R.; Jayasinghe, L.; Gunatilaka, M.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that has become a major health problem worldwide. Diabetes is associated with increased blood glucose levels and slowing down the metabolic conversion of carbohydrate to glucose is an effective strategy for managing the disease. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitors retard the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose. The search for such inhibitors in medicinal plants is attractive because of the anticipated low adverse effects and high efficacy of natural products present in medicinal plants. 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘻𝘦𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘮(Retz.) Blume (Burseraceae) and 𝘖𝘴𝘣𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘢 𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 (L.) DC. (Melastomataceae) are plants endemic to Sri Lanka and are used in the treatment of diabetes in the indigenous system of medicine. 𝘗𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘦 L. (Piperaceae) is also known to have antidiabetic properties. In this study α-amylase- and α-glucosidase-inhibitory activities of the extracts of these three plants were investigated. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and antioxidants may provide therapeutic benefits. Hence, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was also investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Powders of shade-dried 𝘊. 𝘻𝘦𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘮 bark and 𝘖. 𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 leaves and freeze-dried 𝘗. 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘦 leaves were separately extracted into hot water and a mixture (1:1) of dichloromethane and methanol. The concentrated extracts dissolved in aqueous dimethylsulfoxide (1%) were used in the enzyme-inhibitory bioassays. For the DPPH assay, the concentrated extracts were dissolved in ethanol. The average concentration of each extract for 50% inhibition of activity (IC50) in the bioassays was determined by performing the experiments in triplicate. The extracts of 𝘗. 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘦 did not show enzyme-inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ > 5000 μg/ml) while the extracts of 𝘖. 𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 had some α-glucosidase-inhibitory activity (IC₅₀, 43-128 μg/ml). The extracts of 𝘊. 𝘻𝘦𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘮 displayed the highest enzyme-inhibitory and antioxidant activities (IC50: α-amylase, 8-65 μg/ml; α-glucosidase, 3-22 μg/ml; DPPH, 0.2-1.1 μg/ml). All extracts showed considerable antioxidant activity (IC50, 0.2-67.4 μg/ml) compared to butylated hydroxyanisole (IC₅₀, 0.6 μg/ml).
Prevalence of neck pain among female sewing workers due to bad posture in garment factories of Kurunegala
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Senarath, M. K. I. D.; Rajeev, P. R.; Ranathunga, R. M. R. U.; Rasenthiram, A.; Senavirathna, S. A. D. C. S.; Senavirathna, D. N. K. M.; Somarathna, H. N. T. M.; Maduwanthika, K. S. P.; Rajarathne, A. A. J.
Neck pain is a major public health problem with considerable expenditure for individuals and the society. Therefore, prevention is imperative. Neck and arm symptoms have many causes and risk factors for developing pain can be physical, psychological, social or personal. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of neck pain among female sewing workers due to bad posture in garment factories of Kurunegala district. Two hundred and twenty seven subjects from randomly selected five garment factories participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. Anthropometric measurements and cervical goniometric measurements in working position were obtained. This study showed a point prevalence of 39.64% for the neck pain in sewing workers. There was a significant association between neck angle and neck pain at 0.05 significance level. The neck angle in working position was graded into three. Grade one (0-100) was the best, Grade two (11⁰-25⁰) was good and Grade three (>250) higher than the average. There was an estimated risk of getting neck pain in Grade two (Odds ratio-0.23) and Grade three (Odds ratio-1.22) neck angles than in grade one. There were three grades of chair heights used by the workers, Grade one was average, Grade two was higher than average and Grade three was lower than average. There was a significant association between chair height Grade two (Odds ratio-0.20) and neck pain. Present study clearly shows that the neck pain was commonly seen among female sewing workers with grade two and grade three neck angles in working position and grade two chair height rather than other variables (age, BMI, height, weight, table height, disability index, tiredness level). Further studies with a larger sample size across the island will be useful to confirm same. Relaxation exercises and strengthening exercises should be recommended to all female workers with concern of neck pain to improve their symptoms and others for prevention of potential future neck disorders.
Adsorption isotherm studies of heavy metal ions on rice husk
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Priyantha, N.; Navarathne, A. N.; Kulasooriya, T. P. K.
Heavy metals cause a severe problem to the ecosystem due to their highly toxic nature. Consequently, their removal from the environment, mainly from wastewater systems, is of essential to maintain the health of the environment. Use of naturally occurring, environmentally friendly substances has been attractive in this regard. Ability of rice husk, in its natural size, to remove heavy metal ions from simulated industrial effluents and is reported in this research. Different shaking and settling times at 150 rpm speed indicates that the optimum time period for the removal of all heavy metal ions investigated [Cd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Pb(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)] is 10 minutes. Further, variation of solution pH and firing temperature of rice husk with the extent of heavy metal ion removal leads to the optimum firing temperature and the solution pH of 100 °C and 4.0-5.0, respectively. Adsorption isotherm experiments conducted with metal ion solutions of initial concentrations varying from 2-1000 ppm under optimized conditions demonstrate that all six heavy metal ions follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with a high regression coefficient of about 0.99. According to linearized Langmuir isotherm plots, the highest adsorption capacity of 5000 mg g⁻¹ is observed for Pb(II), and the capacity of other metals varies in the order of Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni > Zn > Cr.
The pass-through of global food price inflation to domestic inflation: empirical evidence from Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Sivarajasingham, S.; Balamurali, N.
In a globalized world, food price became an important determining factor of domestic inflation. This study investigated and assessed how international food price surge affects the domestic inflation process in producer and consumer prices in Sri Lanka. The data set for this study was collected from the Central Bank and FAO website. The empirical results were derived by using confidence ellipse, non-parametric regression (Kernel), GARCH model, Granger causality test, co-integration and error correction technique. The line graph showed that food price in Sri Lanka has been higher with an increasing trend compared to global food price dynamics. The line graph showed that pass-through is asymmetric. The series of world food price, domestic food price, non-food price, overall CPI in Sri Lanka were non-linear, non-stationary series with stochastic trend, I(1). The cointegration results confirmed that global food inflation, local headline inflation and domestic food inflation are co-integrated. Global food price did not influence statistically significant non-food price inflation in the short run. The global food price pass-through was statistically significantly influencing CPIfood inflation, WPIfood inflation and WPI inflation and Headline inflation in the long run and in the short run. However, the global food price inflation passthrough elasticity was more for domestic producer prices (WPI) than consumer prices in the long run as well as in the short run. The volatility of global food price inflation was also positively related to domestic inflation. The spillover effects from producer food inflation to domestic consumer food inflation, and headline inflation was also statistically significant in the long run as well as in the short run. The results of this study have various policy implications for monetary policy, food and agricultural policy and trade policy for Sri Lanka. Policy attention needs to shift towards efforts to increase food production and lower the vulnerability of the poor.
Buddha’s reinterpretation of religious words of contemporary India
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Dhamminda, G.
The Buddha, who investigated not a new religion but the nature of conditionality (𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘵ā) as the first, was reluctant to speak of his new discovery. The way-out for this difficulty was to use the available language with new connotations or with new interpretations. This must have no doubt, became a linguistic issue, where completely new ideas had to be presented in the available language. This philosophy was known as the dependent arising (𝘱𝘢ṭ𝘪𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘱𝘱ā𝘥𝘢). Here, the Buddha had to express his new thoughts or observations using the same stereotyped vocabulary. At the very beginning, it was quite difficult to convey these ideas to the ordinary human beings in an easy way. In this paper I wish to suppose that it was the reinterpretation that became important to introduce some of religious words for introducing non-speculative teachings of Buddhism. For instance: ‘𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢’ is used to mean ‘discourse’ which distinguishes 𝘨𝘶ṇ𝘢 (quality, virtue); 𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘶 (cause, condition); 𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢 (truth, non-substantiality); 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘯ā (instruction); and 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘪 (text, canonical text). For the term 𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢, it had occurred even in the pre-Buddhist philosophical movement as ‘𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢’. With the sense of dhammaas the liberating law discovered and proclaimed by the Buddha, can be found through the 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘪ṭ𝘢𝘬𝘢. 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢-𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘬𝘢 [the Wheel (realm) of the Law], 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘯ā (Exposition of the Doctrine, 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢-𝘥𝘩ā𝘵𝘶 (Mind-object element), 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮ā𝘯𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘯ā (Contemplation of the mind- objects) 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮ā𝘯𝘶𝘴ā𝘳𝘪 (the Dhamma Devotee), 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮ā𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪 (Recollection of the Law); and 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮ā𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘢 (Mind-object as Base) are some of them. In this paper I will collect and give analytical conceptions for some of those terms. Some of eminent scholars like Prof: TW Rhys Davids, Prof: DJ Kalupahana, and Prof: H. Nakamura have written based on the Buddha’s standpoint that tells linguistic expressions should not be taken as an essential burden to be carried on. Here we may differ from those writings and research for the means of reinterpretation as a new dimension for analysis of the Buddha’s way of expression. Objectives of the paper would be as follows: (i) Finding of 15 such doctrinal terms that have specific Buddhist connotations (ii) How they stress distinctive ideas in different contexts of the Canon (iii) The flexibility and fluidity of those words Considering all these objectives, the research basically goes with the relevant references from the Canon and secondarily post canonical texts, books and Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Conclusion of the paper will be come up with new suggestions that are more applicable in Linguistics.
Quantitative estimation of ruffling of luminal surface membrane of endothelial cells in the colonic capillaries of monkeys infected with shiga toxin producing 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 O157:H7
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Ambikaipakan, S.; Shankar, N.; Koshi, R.
Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) is known to cause morphological changes in the microvasculature of the colon of monkeys. The objective of the study was to estimate the difference in the ruffling of the luminal surface membrane of endothelial cells of capillaries from monkeys infected with STEC and control animals. A total of 24 capillary profiles from the colon of two non-diarrhoeic monkeys given non-pathogenic 𝘌. 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 were selected. One monkey was sacrificed at 6 hours and other at 24 hours after administering the pathogens. Sixty five capillaries from the colon of diarrhoeic monkeys given STEC were selected. Of these, 37 capillaries were from monkeys sacrificed at six hours post infection (PI) and 28 were from monkeys sacrificed at 24 hours PI. Onset of diarrhoea in the infected group was observed after 24 hours. The perimeter of the lumen (P) and area of the lumen (A1) for each capillary were determined using a computer programme. The Compactness Index (CI) of the lumen, P/√A1 was calculated for each capillary and used as an indicator of ruffling of luminal membrane. Higher values of the CI indicate more ruffling. Group differences in the CI were estimated using an independent sample T-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The mean CI in controls (8 ± 3) and STEC treated monkeys (11.6 ± 5.7) were significantly different (P = 0.001) from each other. The CI in monkeys sacrificed at 6 and 24 hours was 11.4 ± 5.4 and 11.7 ± 6.1, respectively. The one-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the three groups (P = 0.016) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests showing significant differences in the CI between control capillaries and capillaries from STEC infected monkeys at both time points. However, there was no significant difference in the CI between the capillaries of STEC-infected monkeys at 6 hours and 24 hours PI. The significantly higher CI in capillaries from STEC-infected monkeys compared to controls suggests that STEC contributes to ruffling of the luminal membrane of the endothelial cells. This change is well developed at 6 hours PI and is maintained till 24 hours PI. This study reports a novel way of quantifying the ruffling of the luminal membrane of endothelial cells in injury or perturbation.
The dual role of a woman as mother and wife: a comparative study on Jocasta and Suppadevi
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Dharmasiri, M.
The woman in a family becomes oppressed in so many situations as a mother, wife, daughter and sister. Due to the hierarchical difference between man and woman, the latter is oppressed socially, culturally and politically. This factor is brought into light by the playwrights Sophocles and Sarachchandra respectively through Jocasta and Suppadevi; the leading female characters in 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘴 and 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘩𝘶. There are many criticisms against these stylistic and traditional dramas, mainly stating that they fail to address issues that are pertinent to contemporary society. However, this comparative study shows the fact that they do not act out a “mere myth”, but a slice of life. Both these characters perform the role of a mediator among the quarreling men. Jocasta was both wife and mother of Oedipus and the sister of Creon. On the other hand, Suppadevi was trapped between her children and her husband. They are not forced in any way by any person, but are pressured by the prevailing circumstances in the family to mediate the family crisis as a mother and wife. Accordingly, Sophocles and Sarachchandra seem to be approaching and presenting a real world scenario by adapting these known myths into their dramas. The striking similarities denote how even in relation to two different cultures, the depiction of a female role can be very much similar with regard to their role in a family. The different roles a woman has to play within the family makes her quite vulnerable, even in the eyes of these playwrights, and any decision a woman takes would be under the microscope of the society. It is interesting to observe the similarities and differences in the perception of women in 5th century BC in ancient Greece and contemporary Sri Lankan theatre productions that reinterpret these stories. The evidence gathered through a library research and observation of the Sri Lankan productions of these plays shows that both these characters portrayed the roles a woman had to play in contemporary society. Therefore, it is vital to note that these plays are not mere reproductions of ancient myths, but serious renderings and depictions of life struggles of men and women.

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