University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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A Comparative Study of the Use of Atamagala in Suniyam Shanthikarmaya in the Upcountry, Lowcountry and Sabaragamu Traditions
Get PDFAtamagala is an unique cultural aspect related to Sinhala folk practices & applications. Among them, the use of Atamagala is more famous as a decoration of Shanthikarma. Sooniyam Shanthikarmaya, which is conducted with the primary objective of eliminating witchcraft, is unique among the Shanthikarma used in Atamagala. The primary objective was to study the use of Atamagala, which is a decoration included in the Souniyam Shanthikarma, which is held with regional diversity in the Upcountry, Lowcountry and Sabaragamuwa, in a comparative manner and does the use and utility of Atamagala change in aforementioned traditions was the research problem. This research utilizes the human genealogical method, conducted under the qualitative method. Library study and field study were used as data collection methods. The methods of field data collection were the observation of Shanthikarma which uses Atamagala, observation of Atamagala creating method and conducting interviews with the experts in the field. Twelve data contributors were selected under judgmental sampling and snowball sampling and interviewed in this research. Atamagala is a basic arrangement built as a house, which is created by using banana pith and banana leaves and a “Yantraya” with eight corners marked inside and a mat is spread in such a way that the patient can sit on it. The primary objective of Atamagala practice is to remove the dosha of the patient. According to the three traditions, diversity can also be identified in the preparation of Atamagala and related rituals in Sooniyam Shanthikarmaya. Although, the Atamagala is a formal structure in Lowcountry and Sabaragamuwa traditions, it is a primitive structure in Upcountry Sooniyam Shanthikarmaya. It is also an unique custom not to cut Atamagala in Upcountry and Sabaragamu tradition. Accordingly, the research is concluded with the fact that the use and utility of Atamagala in Sooniyam Shanthikarma varies according to the traditions.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i01.1
Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Treatments for Enhancing the Life of Stroke Patients (With Special Reference to Ballaketuwa Rural Ayurveda Hospital in Badulla, Sri Lanka)
Get PDFStroke is a consequence of modern lifestyle, ranks second in global mortality and is a primary cause of long-term disability, causing significant personal, social and economic burdens to the patient and patients’ family. Despite various treatment methods, there remains no universally accepted approach. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the efficiency of Ayurveda medicine as a treatment for stroke patients. Utilizing purposive sampling, data was gathered from 55 participants, including 50 ongoing treatment recipients at the hospital during the research period and 5 discharged patients. Structured interviews and observation methods were employed for data collection. Qualitative data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method and quantitative data was presented using Excel software. Results indicated that the majority (89%) of stroke patients were over 40 years old, with 58% being male. Initially, all patients experienced psychological distress post-stroke, but Ayurvedic treatments fostered mental (100%) and physical health (100%), along with heightened self-confidence (89%). Factors including adequate treatments, supportive environment, staff assistance, and positive social interactions contributed to this improvement. Furthermore, Patients reported seeing similar symptoms in peers, gradually regaining independence in daily activities, increased new hopes and faith about life have improved their mental health which leads to increase in the overall confidence level of the patients. Accordingly, the research concludes that community awareness on Ayurvedic treatments and their inpatient facilities is crucial, as they offer superior outcomes for stroke patients’ overall well-being.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i02.0
The Utility of Swords in Kandyan and Low- country Rituals
Get PDFThe sword, a distinctive weapon used in various countries, holds multiple utilities across cultures. Among them, rituals featuring swords are commonly found. Sword usage is also seen in folk rituals in Sri Lanka, which hold an important place in society. The main objective of this research was to explore how the sword, a destructive weapon with sharp edges, is integrated into local dance rituals in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the ritualistic offerings and performances involving the sword, the utility, and the purpose of sword usage in folk rituals were examined. The research problem was whether the original intent and the functions of the sword are represented when it is employed as a ritualistic artifact or theatrical prop in rituals. Since the study followed an ethnographic research approach, it relied on field research in identifying the exact perspectives of the community regarding the usage of swords in rituals. Additionally, secondary sources located via library surveys were used to gain further insights to provide a nuanced analysis. Using Kandyan and Low-country traditions as the limitations of the study, direct and indirect observations of targeted rituals were done, and interviews were conducted with expert artisans. The data analysis revealed that in folk rituals, the sword serves multiple roles, i.e., as an ornament of deities; a ritualistic artifact; and theatrical prop. Moreover, evoking heroic sentiment and blessings are some of the purposes of using swords. However, some characters that enact devils also wield swords. It was also revealed that the use of the sword in the Kandyan tradition is relatively minimal compared to the low country tradition. This is because the prevalence of characters enacting gods and devils is high in Low country dance rituals. With the exceptions of ritual performances like Kadupaliya and Wina Kepeema, swords are not commonly used for sacrificial purposes. In conclusion, the use of swords in local dance rituals serves psychotherapeutic purposes in different ways and demonstrates its primary application in unique manners by symbolizing the original weapon
Spatiotemporal Habitat Use of Family Viverridae in Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka
Get PDFViverrids (Civets) are medium-sized mammals belonging to the order Carnivora. There are three species of civets in Sri Lanka namely, Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphoditus), Ring[1]tailed Civet (Viverricula indica) and Golden Palm Civet (Paradoxurus aureus). A study was conducted in Kumana National Park (KNP) during August 2022 and March 2023 to examine the activity patterns and spatial habitat use of viverrids. Habitat types within the park were identified based on a preliminary survey and analysis. Trail cameras (29 trap stations) equipped with passive infrared sensors were deployed following a systematic approach within four square kilometre plots in KNP. A total of 44 footages of viverrids were documented across the survey period. The time and date of each Viverrid footage were employed for the activity analysis using kernel density estimation. The habitat preference was calculated using the relative abundance index (RAI). Vegetation, physical and food abundance parameters at each camera station were obtained to assess the occupancy (ψ) of civets within the study area. Throughout the study, all civet species were present and the RAI of Ring-tailed Civet within the study site had the highest value (RAI=1.74) among the Viverridae family. Golden Palm Civet was rarely observed within the park exhibiting a low relative abundance (RAI<1). The study findings indicated that all civet species showed predominantly nocturnal behaviour in the dry zone (Activity>0.20). Interestingly, the ring-tailed civet exhibited a higher preference for the tropical thorn habitats which provided the food and cover from the predators. In contrast, the other civet species preferred the seasonal grasslands. The occupancy analysis unveiled the ring-tailed civet has a significant correlation with the Canopy cover (CC) and the Euclidian Distance to the Water (edw). According to these findings, the most significant vegetative and physical parameters for selecting a habitat by the Viverrids in the wild were the canopy cover and the Euclidean distance to the water. The current study provides insight for the activity patterns and habitat associations of the civets present in a dry zone national park. The current study can be used as a supplement for in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs aimed at rehabilitation and reintroduction of the civets.
Keywords: Activity, Camera trapping, Civets, Kumana, Occupanc
Does Community Forest (CF) Program able to Reduce Rural Poverty in the Central Dry Zone (CDZ) in the Transition of Rural Livelihood in Myanmar?
Get PDFThe Community Forest (CF) Program was established in Myanmar in 1995 to reduce deforestation and address rural poverty. The Central Dry Zone (CDZ) is occupied 43% of the total CF area in Myanmar, while the diversification of rural livelihood is a common phenomenon due to unfavorable climatic conditions. The research was conducted in Nint Kyat Khwe village, located in the Mandalay region, where farm activities are one of the major livelihoods. This research aimed to examine the livelihood strategies of CF members and non-CF members and to explore the implication of CF on people's livelihood strategies in the transition of rural livelihood portfolios. A total of 189 households were surveyed. Three focus group discussions and two key informant interviews were conducted from February to March 2022 to collect sources of income, credit availabilities, demographic data, and fivelivelihood assets of households. For statistical analysis, a t-test was used to compare livelihood strategies, sources of income, and five livelihood assets between CF members and non-CF members. Then multilinear regression was used to examine the relationship between the diversification of non-farm activities of households and the livelihood asset of households. The livelihood diversification of local people was analyzed through sources of household income. The result found seven sources of income: dry land agriculture, small-scale livestock, toddy palm sugar production, casual labor (farm and non-farm), small business, non-farm employment, and remittance. Then, occupational diversity was classed as farm (agriculture, livestock), off-farm (toddy palm sugar production, casual farm labor), and non-farm (remittance, small business, non-farm employment). By applying the t-test, 58% of non-CFmembers pursued non-farm activities, while 34% of CF members undertook it at p<0.01. Farms contribute 44% of CF members' total gross household income, while farm income is contributed to 37% of non-CF member households' total income at p<0.05. Then, non-farm activities pursued by CF member households (0.5±0.8) are significantly lower than the non-CF member (1.0±1.0) at p<0.05. The relationship between livelihood assets and non-farm livelihood diversification was analyzed by multilinear regression. Natural assets of households have a negative relationship with non-farm livelihood diversification, while social and human assets have a positive relationship with livelihood diversification. Although CF could not provide immediate benefits from the forest to local people's livelihood, it provided secure land tenure and cultivation land for its members, thereby increasing the natural asset of CF members. The increased education and social networking extend to enable higher income generating of non-agricultural opportunities for local people. In conclusion, CF members are less diversified than non-CF members due to limited livelihood assets. Diversifying into non-farm activities is a coping strategy for rural people with better education and social networks in CDZ. Thus,CF is essential for the livelihood of the agricultural land-less vulnerable family who cannot access higher-income generating non-farm activities.
Keywords: Livelihood diversification, Migration, Community forest, Livelihood asset
Predicting Current and Future Potential Distribution of Endemic Plant Genera in Sri Lanka Through Ecological Niche Modelling
Get PDFRapid spatial and seasonal climatic variations have a significant impact on Sri Lanka's remarkable biodiversity and patterns of endemic species distribution. In terms of distribution, range size, habitat preferences, and ecological plasticity, endemic plant generics represent a uniform, threatened group within Sri Lankan flora. The present study was mainly conducted to identify the current and future potential distribution of total of 57 plant species included in 17 endemic plant genera in Sri Lanka by ecological niche modelling and to predict the extent of suitable habitat change of these species in 2070. In addition to that, the present study was aimed to calculate the niche overlap and the extent of niche overlap change in 2070. The current and future potential distribution of seventeen genera was mapped using MaxEnt v3.4.1 and ArcGIS v10.7.1 software. Layers of bioclimatic variables and species occurrence data were used as the input data for MaxEnt v3.4.1. Bioclimatic data were extracted from the WorldClim v2.1 database and the species occurrence data were gathered mainly from the specimens in the National Herbarium, Peradeniya, national and international databases. Each species' future potential distribution was projected under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs); namely, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. Isothermality (bio 3), temperature seasonality (bio 4), precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio 19) and elevation were selected for the present study to remove the multicollinearity within bioclimatic variables (Pearson cross-correlation coefficient value<±0.8). Prepared models were then threshold to a 95% suitability score and the percent of suitable habitat change in 2070 was calculated using RStudio v1.3.1093. The current and future potential distribution models were overlapped separately, and the total overlapping area was calculated. The present study detected contractions of suitable habitats of fourteen of the seventeen endemic plant genera in 2070 under both SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate projections. Phoenicanthus sp., Hortonia sp. and Podadenia sp showed expansion of habitat in 2070 under two future climate projections. The major determinant of the distribution of the endemic genera; Adrorhizon sp, Davidesa sp, Loxococcus sp, and Diyaminauclea sp is elevation. Distribution of monotypic endemic genus; Chlorocarpais sp mostly determined by the coldest quarter's precipitation parameter (bio 19). The remainder endemic generics have a significant correlation with temperature seasonality (bio4).Moreover; a reduction of the total overlapping niche area of all endemic plant genera was detected. The findings of the study are expected to apply in the conservation of endemic plant generics by suitable habitat prediction and mapping.
Keywords: Niche, Endemic genera, Modelling, Predictions 
Management of Free-floating Aquatic Weeds by Making Compost and Testing its Efficacy against Root-knot Nematode on Tomato
Get PDFAquatic weeds are one of the prime pollution causing agents in fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, free-floating aquatic weeds such as Salvinia molesta, Eichhornia crassipes, Azolla spp and Pistia stratiotes are proliferating quickly and invading rapidly to new water bodies where threatening biodiversity by impeding light penetration and altering BOD and COD of the waterbody. This research was aimed to manage the aquatic weeds by composting and testing its efficacy on root-knot nematodes. Aquatic weeds were collected, mixed with fresh cow dung in 1:1 ratio and allowed for decomposition for 21 days. The recommended dose of prepared different compost was applied to tomato along with garden compost as control. The experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. The data on nutritional qualities of the compost, plant growth parameters, and gall index were recorded. The data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS 9.1 and Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test was used to determine the best treatment combination at P<0.05. Total Nitrogen (N) content of composts were ranging from 1.42% to 5.6%. The highest significant N value of 5.6% was recorded in the Azolla spp based compost whereas the lowest N value of 1.42% was recorded in control. The highest total Phosphorus (P) content of 3.47% was observed in P. stratiotes based plant sample, whereas the lowest P value of 1.32% was recorded in the E. crassipes based compost. The total Potassium (K) content of this plant sample ranging from 1.3% to 24.4%. The highest K value of 24.4% was recorded in P. stratiotes based compost. The lowest K content of 1.3% was observed in control. Significantly higher shoot height (37.57 cm, 36.53), root length (18.75 cm and 17.5 cm), lower gall index (3.5,1.0), lower goal length (1.5 mm and 1.2 mm) and lower goal diameter (0.95 mm and 0.8 mm) were recorded in the application of S. molesta and Azolla spp based compost, respectively (P<0.05). Considering superiority of N, P and K level, and nematode suppressing efficacy, S. molesta and Azolla spp. based composts are superior than other composts. Therefore, findings conclude that the compost made from aquatic weeds are good source of plant nutrition, and can be substitute to chemical nematicieds to manage the nematodes in organic agriculture. Extensive field studies are needed for recommendation
Keywords: Aquatic weeds, Azolla spp., Compost, Root-knot Nematod
Comparison of Filter Media for Wastewater Treatment by a Prototype Trickling Filter
Get PDFThe microbial process of wastewater treatment, attached growth, has significantly improved during recent years. Different filter media are used for microbial attached growth in trickling filters (TF) in the world. One of the main functions of filter media is the high surface area for the attachment of microorganisms to grow. Major wastewater treatment plants use stones as a medium for increasing the surface area in TFs. The proper grade of stone could not always be found within a reasonable distance from the wastewater treatment plant sites, significantly increasing transportation costs. Low-cost substitute materials, instead of stones, can reduce the cost of TF while increasing their treatment efficiency. This study attempted to use crushed waste polythene as a low-cost substitute material for stones. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of prototype TF with crushed waste polythene and; to compare the treatment efficiency of two prototype TFs (with stone and with crushed waste polythene). Two prototype TFs were prepared using plastic barrels (250L) with two types of filter materials. The flow rate of the filters was 922mL/min and trickling filters were evaluated for two months for treatment efficiency. Water samples were taken before and after the trickling filter to determine the treatment efficiency. During the process of trickling filters, COD removal appeared to increase and it may be due to the adaptation of microbes to the new environment. The COD removal was comparatively higher in trickling filters with crushed polythene (62%) than in stones (42.6%). Almost similar results of pH and EC were found in both trickling filters. Total solids in treated wastewater were also almost similar in the two trickling filters. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that crushed polythene is a good alternative for stones in trickling filters.
Keywords: Crushed polythene, Filter material, Stone, Trickling filter, Wastewater 
Ammonia Capturing Capacity of Biochar and Kaolinite
Get PDFEmission of ammonia from poultry litter has numerous negative impacts on poultry, poultry house workers and the environment. When applied as a litter amendment, acidified biochar (ABC) and Kaolinite are reported to lower the emission of ammonia. Apart from reducing ammonia formation, both amendments have a capacity to capture ammonia before being released into the environment. However, capacity of those materials to capture ammonia has not been estimated. The objective of this study was to determine the ammonia capturing capacity of ABC, kaolinite and three different mixtures of them; 75% Kaolinite and 25% ABC, 50% kaolinite and 50% ABC and 25% kaolinite, 75% ABC. Each of the five amendment mixture was tested in five separate completely randomized design experiments. Poultry litter samples were incubated in ten sealed-conical flasks; each fitted with flexible tubes through which emitting ammonia was conveyed to another sealed-flask containing either a known weight of amendment (five replicate flasks) or Styrofoam; control (five replicate flasks). The weight of the amendment or Styrofoam was adjusted to have same volume of material in flasks. A flexible tube originating from the second flask was connected to another sealed-flask containing a boric acid solution so that ammonia that has not been captured by the amendment or Styrofoam in the second flask is captured. A set of tubes originating from each of the ten boric acid flasks were fitted to a vacuum pump.N content, pH, dry matter percentage of the litter before and after the incubation and the amount of N captured by the boric acid were determined. The difference between N released and that captured by the boric acid solution was considered to be captured by the material added to the second flask. Though assumed to have no capacity to capture ammonia, in all five experiments, Styrofoam reported significantly higher ammonia capturing capacity compared to respective amendments. Ammonia capturing capacity of Styrofoam was as high as 1.24g/100g/hr while that of ABC and Kaolinite were 0.40g/100g/hr and 0.14g/100g/hr), respectively. In all five experiments, the percentages of ammonia captured (of the total released during incubation) were not significantly different between tested amendments and the Styrofoam. Percentage capture of ammonia by ABC, Kaolinite and Styrofoam were 91%, 83% and 84%, respectively. The study concludes that acidified biochar, Kaolinite and Styrofoam have capacity to capture ammonia releasing from poultry litter. Further studies are needed to understand the nature of capturing.
Keywords: Ammonia, Biochar, Kaolinite, Litter, Poultry 
Degradation Potential of Some Biodegradable Polymers: Do they Degrade?
Get PDFBiodegradable products were invented and commercially introduced to curb the catastrophic impacts of non-degradable plastics. These intend to act as a green solution since they are manufactured to degrade in the environment without accumulating as waste plastics. Three commercially available products labeled as ―biodegradable‖ i.e. salad plate (SPL), lunch sheet (LS), and garbage bag (GB), were tested for degradation potential in six different exposure media i.e. seawater (SW), beach-sand (BS), freshwater (FW), freshwater sediment (FWS), compost, and ultra- violate (UV) rays, with controlled and uncontrolled conditions simulating the natural environment. Cellulose filter paper (CFP) was the positive control. SW, FW, FWS, and BS were placed in four separate glass tanks while compost was prepared in a 100L plastic storage box. A UV chamber was fabricated to expose samples to UV radiation. SW tank was equipped with a wave pump, and FW tank was continuously aerated. All samples were cleaned, cut into manageable sizes, inserted in synthetic mesh pockets (except for those exposed to UV), labeled, and placed inside the media in triplicates. UV-exposed samples were directly placed in boiling tubes inside the chamber equipped with 15 W LED UV bulbs providing 280-320 nm irradiation. Initial weights were measured and the weight loss over five months was recorded. Physical parameters including temperature, pH, salinity, and conductivity were measured in each sampling. RAMAN spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were performed initially to find out the test samples‘ chemical composition and surface structure. CFP and SPL contained cellulose, LS contained Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and Poly Butylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), and GB contained Poly Ethylene (PE) as major components. Degradation potential was calculated in terms of percentage weight loss with time, and visual remarks of degradation were recorded. The highest weight-loss percentages of CFP (100%), and SPL (100%) were observed in FWS (both in 122 days) and compost (in 92 days, and in 122 days respectively) media. LS showed faster degradation (20% weight loss in 92 days) in compost while GB showed slight fragmentation (2% weight loss in 57 days) under UV during the first five months of sampling. Comparatively minimum signs of degradation were observed in GB in all exposures. CFP, SPL, and LS samples were discoloured and fragmented into small pieces during the degrading process. All products showed lesser degradation potential in SW, FW, and UV exposures. The experiment will be continued further to understand the degradation process.
Keywords: Degradation, Biodegradable products, Abiotic degradation, Plastic pollutio