University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Sustainability Literacy through Japanese Folktales: A Pathway to New Humanism
No full textThe ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ calls its member states to strive for a sustainable future. A fundamental approach to achieving this objective is advocating ‘sustainability literacy’. Resorting to human interventions: sustainability human factors’ which encompass beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors as opposed to non-human interventions is of prime importance in this process. Folktales are a classic carrier of these human factors from one generation to another. Although the importance of storytelling and folktales is well demonstrated in extant literature, studies conducted in a Sri Lankan perspective, focusing on Japanese folktales have been sparse. Hence, this study brings into limelight, the potential of Japanese folktales in promoting sustainability literacy. The versatile nature of folktales to be reproduced into other popular forms like anime, their resemblance to Sri Lankan Jathaka katha justifies the significance of this study. Adopting a qualitative approach, 16 Japanese folktales adapted into Sinhala are subjected to thematic analysis which yielded 5 major themes: T1: Values, T2: References to Buddhism, T3: Beliefs, T4: Fantasy, and T5: Historical references with several sub-themes under them. Traits of characters and moral lessons of the stories illustrate exemplary societal ideals, and the stories are creatively reimagined by disseminating warmth, hope, human touch, care and taste to advocate sustainability human factors. Going beyond the traditional boundaries of ‘new humanism’, we extend its definition by showing how these factors are embedded into the lives of the modern man by relating the stories in an appropriate and innovative language, narrative style and through the incorporation of fanciful, novel, and original illustrations.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i02.1
Cultural Beliefs and Occupational Practices of Fishermen in Negombo Fishermen
No full textCultural beliefs play a significant role in shaping fishermen's daily lives and professional practices in Negombo. This study explores how religious and traditional beliefs influence their work ethics, decision-making, and lifestyle. This research, conducted using a mixed-methods approach, involved sixty-seven respondents selected through simple random sampling from five fishing villages in the Negombo District. Interviews and participant observation were used to collect data. Findings reveal that the fishing community in Negombo is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, with Roman Catholicism playing a central role in both personal and professional life. Religious practices and communal activities significantly shape their daily routines, reinforcing a strong sense of identity and belonging. Fishermen often rely on faith-based rituals and customs to guide and protect them at sea, and cultural and professional decision-making. Cultural values also influence their perceptions of risk, cooperation, and conflict resolution within fishing communities. The study highlights how these beliefs contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the fishing industry while presenting challenges such as resistance to modernization and external regulations. Understanding the role of cultural beliefs in the lives of fishermen in Negombo provides valuable insights into the socialization of traditional fishing communities. This research highlights the importance of integrating a cultural perspective into policies aimed at protecting the unique heritage of fishermen and improving their livelihoods. Fostering interfaith and community participation will seek to maintain support and coexistence among the community.
 
Cinema as a Cultural Communication Medium: A Sri Lankan Perspective
No full textThis research study on Convergence of Cinema and Literature with Culture in Sri Lanka as a quantitative study on the perceptions of the youth perception, examines the multifaceted links between cinema, literature, and culture from a Sri Lankan perspective, focusing on the perceptions and experiences of young adults between the ages of 20-25. This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional survey research designed to acquire Sri Lankan youth's perceptions regarding the convergence of cinema and literature with culture under four important themes aligned on Cultural Heritage and Literature, Cinema and Cultural Representation, Cultural Identity Formation, and, Future Cultural Directions. In a methodical survey of 260 members across the four thematic dimensions, the research assesses how Sri Lankan youth navigate the connection of classic literary heritage, emerging cinematic form, and evolving cultural identity. The study discovers significant correspondences among media consumption patterns, cultural preservation natures, and identity formation processes across Sri Lankan youth. It underscores the necessity of youth generations cultural engagement via cinema and literature in education, industry, and policy initiatives that considered their enthusiasm for authentic cultural expression.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v11i01.0
Comparative Study on the Antibacterial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Strains
No full textAntibiotic resistance is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century, leading to increased global healthcare expenditure due to the necessity for more complex and expensive treatments. In response, researchers are investigating target product profiles as alternative antimicrobial sources capable of combating this prevalent issue. Medicinal plants used in traditional practices have emerged as promising candidates for developing new drug leads effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants against common human pathogenic bacteria; Escherichia coli (ATCC® 25922™) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 29213™). The plant materials examined included Abelmoschus moschatus (leaves and stems), Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr. (leaves and stems), Celosia argentea (leaves and flowers) and Nauclea orientalis (leaves and roots). A sequential extraction procedure using industrial solvents, methanol, ethyl acetate, nd hexane, was performed, followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis to identify secondary metabolites present in the extracts. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the EUCAST disk diffusion assay. As the main findings of the research, the methanolic crude extracts of all plants exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation and growth of both test microorganisms. Among all plant extracts, 400 µg/mL concentrated crude methanolic extracts of Nauclea orientalis leaves exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Gram-negative E. coli (12.67±0.58 mm) and Gram-positive S. aureus (10.00±2.65 mm). Preliminary phytochemical screening of plant extracts was conducted using standard qualitative methods; Hager's test, foam test, alkaline reagent test, and Ferric chloride test revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, respectively. The antibacterial activity was observed in the plant extracts may be caused by the presence of these secondary metabolites. Hence, his study emphasizes the potential of the selected medicinal plants as sources of novel antibacterial agents that can be further improved and developed for pharmaceutical applications against antibiotic resistant bacteria
"ශෘංගාරාලංකාරයෙන්” නිරූපිත අනංග සංකල්පය The Depiction of the Ananga Concept in “Shrungalankaraya”
No full textThis study examines how the Ananga concept is artistically represented in the 18th-century literary text Shrungalankaraya. Although the author remains unknown, he is thought to belong to the royal court of King Narendrasinha. The text Shrungalankaraya was primarily composed to stimulate romantic and sensual feelings, intended for the king’s delight. The main literary device is the use of the “Ananga” or “Kamadeva” legend. In Hindu mythology, Ananga or Kamadeva is the divinity of erotic love. The poet applied this concept to depict the psychological dimension of the passion of narcissism. This study examines the poetry of Shrungalankaraya through qualitative research to assess the value of the Ananga concept, how the poet integrates mythological themes, and how he stimulates the erotic passion of Shrungalankaraya which has largely been considered as an erotic literary text. The mythological significance of Kamadeva concept has not been previously analyzed. This study evaluates the poet's artistic imagination while highlighting for the first time the relationship between narcissistic desire and eroticism, in a Sinhala literary work, in the context of the concept of Kamadeva. It also demonstrates how mythology and psychology are interconnected
Reading Winds: Indigenous Navigation Knowledge Among Sri Lankan Fishermen
No full textThe sophisticated but little-researched maritime traditions that have supported coastal communities for generations are reflected in the indigenous nautical knowledge systems used by Sri Lankan fishermen. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes participant observation during 17 fishing expeditions, ethnographic interviews with 45 elder fishermen, and validation through meteorological data gathered over 18 months, this paper investigates their methods for reading winds, seas, celestial bodies, and biological indicators. This research reveals intricate classifications of winds and sea conditions, sophisticated methods for assessing sensory input and the incorporation of biological insights that allow for accurate navigation and weather forecasting without the need of contemporary equipment. An important complementarity between traditional and scientific knowledge systems is suggested by the study’s 78% correlation between indigenous predicting techniques and community-led preservation activities while analysing threats to knowledge continuity, such as changing socioeconomic patterns and climate change. While there are real-world applications for disaster preparedness, climate adaption plans, and sustainable fisheries management, the theoretical ramifications also reach into conventional ecological knowledge frameworks and epistemological debates. This research supports integrative approaches that acknowledge indigenous knowledge as a valuable resource for addressing modern maritime challenges while also contributing to broader scholarly conversations on ethno-navigation by placing these practices within their historical development and cultural context.Key Words: Maritime, Sri Lanka, Fishermen, Indigenous, Wind
Repellent Effect of Homemade Vaporizer on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae); using Essential Oil of Tagetes erecta (Asteraceae) Flowers
No full textAedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito, a major vector for dengue fever, poses a significant public health issue in Sri Lanka. Synthetic repellents are commonly used; concerns over their safety and environmental impact highlight the need for effective natural alternatives. This study evaluates the effectiveness of essential oil derived from African marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers as a natural mosquito repellent, presenting an eco- friendly alternative to synthetic repellents. The essential oil was extracted using steam distillation. Approximately 100 g of air-dried marigold flowers were used per extraction, yielding about 0.25 mL of oil per 100 g of flowers. The repellent efficacy was assessed following World Health Organization guidelines, using one control cage and three treatment cages [size (30×30×30) cm3 , temperature 28 ± 3 °C, and a humidity of 80 ± 5%] each containing 50 Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Six different concentrations of the essential oil diluted with ethanol (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10%) v\v were applied to a 600 cm² area on the forearms of a single volunteer, restricting the mosquitoes' landing area to the hands. Each concentration was tested in triplicate, with a 30- minute interval between applications to maintain consistency. Mosquito landings were counted, and percentrepellence was calculated as a proportion of the number of mosquito landings on the treated arm to the number of landings on the control arm of the same individual. Probit values of repellence were plotted against log doses. Statistical validation of the equation was tested through linear regression analysis. The essential oil of Tagetes erecta demonstrated high repellent efficacy in both laboratory and field settings, with ED₅₀ and ED₉₉.₉ values of 5.98 ± 0.92% and 9.64 ± 1.63%, respectively, and provided complete protection for up to 150 ± 10 minutes under controlled conditions. Field application using a homemade vaporizer containing the essential oil (25 mL) extended protection up to 180 minutes, confirming the effectiveness of African marigold essential oil as a natural, eco- friendly repellent against dengue vector mosquitoes
Ayurvedic Concepts of Water: Types, Seasons and Forms for Healthy Living with Scientific Evidence
No full textWater is the most limited resource in the world and additional water resources must be found to provide clean and safe water for the growing population. Aim of this study is to analyze the ancient Ayurveda knowledge and to integrate with modern science to achieve global water need. Extensive literature survey was done on water based on ancient Ayurveda texts including Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha as well as published journal articles across the databases of google scholar, PubMed and Science Direct to justify the purpose of the study. Ayurveda classifies water as Divya jala (water from sky) and Bhauma jala (terrestrial water) and has extensively indicated their health benefits. Bhavaprakasha and Susruta samhita both have recommended specific types of water to be used for domestic purposes during specific seasons depending on their qualities and therapeutic actions to the body. Accordingly, lake and tank water is recommended during early winter, water from wells and waterfalls or springs during spring and summer seasons. All types of water are suitable to be consumed during autumn season due to natural purification by the Agastya nakshatra (star Canopus) because water collected during the Star Canopus scientifically proved of reduced levels of pH, total alkalinity, chlorides, CaCO3, biological oxygen demand and microbiological bacterial count. Ayurveda text also explains the suitable forms of water for consumption for adults and children, storage of water in different types of vessels and their health benefits. Therefore, the traditional knowledge of Ayurveda on water is valuable information at the present scientific context, to provide safe and clean water for the growing population for healthy living
Predictors of Voting Intentions among First-Time Voters in a Rural Municipality in the Philippines
No full textThis study examined the factors that influence the voting intentions of first-time voters in a rural municipality in the northern Philippines. This study employed a quantitative research design guided by Singh et al.’s (1995) Voting Behavior Model, with 148 first-time voters (N = 148) completing a researcher-developed survey questionnaire. Descriptive results showed that respondents held more favorable attitudes toward individual candidates than toward political parties and perceived both their social circles and mass and digital media as influential in shaping their voting considerations. Regression analysis indicated that the overall model was significant (F 4,143) = 17.84, p < .001). However, only attitude toward individual candidates (β = .634, p < .001) and mass media subjective norms (β = .241, p < .01) significantly predicted voting intentions. Attitudes toward political parties and interpersonal norms were not significant predictors. These findings suggest that first-time voters rely primarily on candidate-specific qualities and media portrayals rather than party affiliations or interpersonal influences. These results offer concrete implications for designing youth-focused civic education initiatives and electoral communication strategies.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v11i01.0
Analysis of Trace Element Composition in Leafy Vegetables in Sri Lanka: Implications for Human Diet
No full textLeafy vegetables (LV) are a vital component of the Sri Lankan diet due to their richness in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients. However, concerns have been raised about their potential contamination with trace elements, including heavy metals, which may pose health risks. Some heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb), have been controversially associated with health issues, including chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu). However, their causal role remains under investigation. This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb in three commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Sri Lanka—kankun (Ipomoea aquatica), mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessilis), and gotukola (Centella asiatica)—sourced from local markets in multiple districts. Samples were prepared using microwave digestion and analyzed via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results revealed that, trace element concentrations in the order of Pb > Cd > As, with gotukola showing the highest Pb (7.24 mg/kg) and Cd (2.45 mg/kg) levels. Over 80% of samples exceeded Codex maximum limits for Pb, while all the samples analyzed were within acceptable limits for As. These findings highlight the need for routine monitoring and regulatory control of trace elements in leafy vegetables to ensure food safety. The study underscores potential dietary exposure risks and supports informed policy decisions regarding agricultural practices and public health interventions