University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN MAIZE PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN BATTICALOA, SRI LANKA
Get PDFMaize is largely a subsistence food under promotion as food security and it is also the source of income for small-scale farmers in rural areas. Considering food insecurity and poverty, the study of technical efficiency directs small-scale farmers to compare the expected potential yield and the actual yield sustainably using productive resources. Especially small-scale farmers in Koralaipattu North Division tend to underutilize or over utilize some of the factors of production. Therefore, 100 maize farmers were randomly selected as respondents among 150 farmers for the study to estimate the technical efficiency of maize and its determinants in Koralaipattu North, DS division from December to March 2022. Cobb Douglas, Stochastic frontier production function was applied to identify the impact of each input on maize production and the findings revealed that log forms of the inputs such as land size, labour hours and fertilizer significantly affected the maize production in this study area. Further, the findings indicated that the mean value of technical efficiency was 78 percent. An inefficiency effect model indicated that the coefficient for farmers’ experience, education, and farm income and credit assistance were statistically significant and negative which reduced the technical inefficiency. The findings of the study suggest that the government should initiate programs to exchange farm experience among the community and promote farmers’ education which encourages the adoption of new farming techniques and management. Further, providing additional income and credit facilities improves the efficiency of maize farming and their income in the future
Study of Nutritional Characteristics of Silages from CO3, CO5, Red Napier (BH18), and Super Napier among Small Holder Dairy Farms in Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka
Get PDFA study was conducted to examine the nutritive values of the silages made from major grasses available in the Kilinochchi District. Inadequate quality forage and the lower availability of forage crops are considered as a limiting factor for livestock production. Introducing different silage grasses helps to overcome these problems all over the dry zone. In the dry zone of Sri Lanka, insufficient fodder production is one of the main factors restricting dairy production. Silage is a feed that has been preserved by acidification as a result of fermentation in the absence of oxygen. “Ensiled forage” or “silage,” can remain intact for up to three years when stored properly. The lack of high-quality forages and their accessibility may be a factor in Sri Lanka for the lower dairy productivity of livestock. In the dry zone of Sri Lanka, insufficient fodder production is one of the main factors restricting dairy production. The main objective of this study is to find out the nutritional characteristics of silage made from different grasses (Indian red Napier, CO5 grass, and other Napier grasses, CO3 and super Napier) grown in the Northern part of Sri Lanka. Properly matured grasses were harvested and four silage samples (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were prepared according to the standard procedure. The proximate composition of different types of silage made from different grasses was significantly different (p<0.05). Among the silages, CO5 had the highest percentage of crude protein (CP) (16.07 %) and moisture (75.04 %) meanwhile super Napier had the highest percentage of fiber (31.43%), lowest percentage of ash content (2.5%) and lowest percentage of fat content (1.16%). Based on the above results, we can conclude that the super Napier silage has a higher nutrient value compared with other silages. Therefore, silage made from super Napier can be suggested for the Kilinochchi district farmers to provide better yield and growth performances
Preparation, Characterization, and in vitro Anti-arthritic Activity of Microcapsules Loaded with Bridelia retusa Aqueous Bark Extract for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Get PDFn this study, aqueous bark extract (ABE) of Bridelia retusa was encapsulated into the calcium alginate microcapsules.Prepared microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopic analysis and Fourier Transform-Infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency, the release profile and the in vitro anti-arthritic activity of themicrocapsules were evaluated. Prepared microcapsules were in spherical appearance and the average size was foundto be less than 1 µm. The FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of ABE within the microcapsules while confirming thecross-linking of the polymers. The maximum encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules was 8.34 ± 0.01% and thecumulative release profile of microcapsules showed a prolonged releasing behavior. The anti-arthritic activity of ABEloaded microcapsules has shown a stronger anti-arthritic activity compared to the anti-arthritic activity of free ABE.The slow release of ABE from microcapsules could promote a prolonged and increased anti-arthritic activity for thetreatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
Overnight versus Intraday Momentum and Investor Heterogeneity: Evidence from the Korean Equity Market
Get PDFI provide aheterogeneity-based explanation for robust overnight and intraday momentum, as well as offsetting cross-period reversals in the Korean equity market from 2014 to 2017, using investor-type trade flow data. I demonstrate that retail investors' attention-based trading on overnight returns and domestic institutions' arbitrage trading on intraday returns drive these relationships, employing Fama-Macbeth (1973) cross-sectional regressions. Finally, I show that the trading behavior of sentiment-prone retail investors weakens when overall market sentiment is pessimistic, particularly during down markets and financial crises. This study has significant implications for the literature on investor heterogeneity and stock prices
Book Review of “Entrepreneurial Finance for MSMEs: A Managerial Approach for Developing Markets” by Joshua Yindenaba Abor
Get PDFEntrepreneurial finance is a specialized field within finance that focuses on the unique financial aspects of startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures. It encompasses the financial activities, strategies, and decisions involved in starting, managing, and growing a business. Entrepreneurial finance is essential for driving economic growth and fostering innovation by providing funding and expertise to startups and small businesses, leading to the creation of new ventures, job opportunities, and wealth generation. These ventures introduce innovative products, services, and business models, contributing to increased productivity, competitiveness, and market dynamism. Additionally, entrepreneurial finance encourages risk-taking and experimentation, crucial for sustained economic development, ultimately enhancing overall economic resilience and prosperity
Navigating the Dearth of English Braille Study Materials for Visually Impaired Undergraduates
Get PDFStudy materials play a crucial role in the education of English as a second language for both sighted and visually impaired learners. Undergraduates with visual impairment can use braille, audio, and screen reading study materials, with braille being particularly instrumental in developing reading and writing competence. This research explores the dearth of braille reading materials for visually impaired undergraduates in the acquisition of ESL. The objectives include examining this dearth of braille English study materials while proposing viable solutions. Employing a qualitative approach, the research involved interviews with two special needs instructors as well as thirty students, fifteen each with and without visual impairments, from the second and third-year batches at two state universities. A comparison of the reading materials used by these students revealed a contrast, with sighted students having Ample resources than the visually impaired. Despite both universities offering English instructors and audio study materials for blind students, there is an absence of textbooks in braille for English. Although braille question papers are provided for some students, it takes time to read as the braille material is bulky. For some, computers are provided instead of braille facilities. The study recommends enhancing facilities for visually impaired students, including the provision of textbooks, question papers, and handouts in braille. Additionally, specialized instructors proficient in braille can contribute to improving English as a second language proficiency among the visually impaired
MULTIPLICATION CHALLENGES ON THE DEMOCRACY OF SRI LANKA
Get PDFSri Lanka’s democracy faces significant challenges, particularly in the wake of the 2022 economic crisis and political unrest. Since gaining independence in 1948, the country has struggled with issues such as executive overreach, corruption, and economic mismanagement. These problems have weakened democratic institutions and deepened public distrust. The research examines the impact of the concentration of power in the executive branch, especially following constitutional changes like the 20th Amendment, which limited checks and balances. The 2022 economic collapse intensified public dissatisfaction, leading to widespread protests against the ruling class. The study uses both primary and secondary data. Primary data includes interviews with civil society experts, political analysts, and legal professionals, providing insights into socio-political dynamics. Secondary data comprises constitutional amendments, government reports, and legislative documents to trace governance changes. Findings reveal that weak political institutions and corruption undermine democracy, even as external pressure for reform grows. Key issues include a lack of judicial independence, exclusion of marginalized ethnic groups, and poor governance. The study underscores the need for political and civil society collaboration to rebuild public trust and strengthen democratic values. Reforms focusing on reducing corruption, ensuring an independent judiciary, and promoting inclusivity are essential for long-term democratic stability. Without decisive action, the vision of a united, democratic Sri Lanka remains at risk
A Linguistic Study of Noun and Verb Derivation in the Gadhi Language
Get PDFNo one can say exactly how the history of the Rodi people began. To any human belonging to any nation or tribe, language is essential in expressing their thoughts. Accordingly, the Gadi people have built their own language tradition. They have used this language as a secret communication method, and in the history of the Sri Lankan language, it is known as the Gadi or Rodi language. The purpose of this research is to linguistically study how nouns and verbs are formed in the Gadi language, to investigate them according to word formation theory, and to identify the peculiarities of the formation of Gadi words. The research question addresses how nouns and verbs are formed in the Gadi language and whether they have occurred in accordance with word formation theories. The data for the present study was collected through qualitative research methodology using primary and secondary sources. Interviews were conducted with a few randomly selected Gardi people, and literature containing information about this language was studied. The data set was then analysed according to the linguistic word formation theory. Accordingly, it was recognised that they had used their own methods in forming the words of the Gadi language, which has a minimal vocabulary, and that those words contain certain theoretical features of word formation. There, the most pioneering feature of word formation evident is compounding. It seems that the Gadi language, which does not claim to have a written form, has been strongly influenced by the Sinhala language and due to that situation, it is threatened with extinction. The present study is important as it expands the existing knowledge of the Gadi language and recognises its word formation patterns. Thus, it can be concluded that the words of the Gadi language have been formed in a unique manner, which contains certain theoretical features of word formation
Catalysts For Growth: The Role of Microfinance Services in Empowering SME’s in Western Province, Sri Lanka
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of microfinance services on the financial performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Recognized as a crucial sector for economic growth, regional development, employment generation, and poverty reduction, SMEs in Sri Lanka benefit significantly from the tailored financial and non-financial services provided by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Despite the recognized importance of SMEs, many in Sri Lanka face significant challenges in accessing traditional financial services, hindering their growth potential. This study addresses the gap in understanding how microfinance services, including micro credit, micro savings, and training programs, contribute to the financial growth and sustainability of SMEs in the region. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 162 SME owners in the Western Province. The analysis employed descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships between these microfinance services and financial performance indicators, including net profit margin and return on assets (ROA). The results reveal that both micro credit and micro savings significantly impact SME financial performance, particularly net profit margin and ROA, while training programs, although beneficial, did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect on these financial outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for more tailored microfinance initiatives that focus on credit and savings services while improving the accessibility and relevance of training programs. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers and microfinance institutions (MFIs) aiming to enhance the effectiveness of microfinance in fostering SME growth, regional development, and economic sustainability in Sri Lank