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Sri Lanka’s global reputation as the “Island of Gems”
Full text linkSri Lanka, often referred to as the “Island of Gems”, has carved out a unique identity in the global
gem industry, boasting a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. Renowned for producing
some of the world’s finest sapphires and a wide range of semi-precious stones, the island’s
gemstone legacy is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage, trade history, and tourism appeal.
From ancient maritime trade routes to royal courts of Europe and Asia, Sri Lankan gems have
long been sought after for their exceptional clarity, color, and craftsmanship. This Abstract
examines the factors contributing to Sri Lanka’s global gem reputation, focusing on the geological
abundance in regions such as Ratnapura apparently named as “The City of Gems” as well as the
traditional mining techniques, skilled lapidary craftsmanship, and the government's regulatory
frameworks that support the industry. It further explores the role of the gem industry in shaping
tourism, with gem tourism emerging as a significant niche that attracts both collectors and casual
travelers. Gem museums, mining site tours, gem exhibitions, and certified gem markets have
become integral components of the tourist experience, offering insights into both the natural
formation and cultural significance of gemstones in Sri Lanka. The paper also discusses how Sri
Lanka leverages its gem heritage for nation branding and economic development, while addressing
contemporary challenges such as illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the need for
ethical sourcing practices. With increasing global demand for ethically sourced and sustainable
gemstones, Sri Lanka is presented with both opportunities and responsibilities in maintaining its
reputation. In conclusion, the Abstract emphasizes the importance of preserving Sri Lanka’s gem
heritage not just as a matter of national pride, but as a sustainable pillar of its tourism and export
economy. By integrating heritage conservation, responsible tourism, and international market
strategies, Sri Lanka can continue to shine as a global leader in the gem industry
Transportation challenges caused by terrain differences: a study based on Udathalawinna Area
Full text linkEarth’s Surface processes create and change landforms .These are classified in to three
erosional levels based on elevation: low lands, and highlands. in this regard ,my study area
udathalawinna faces enormous physical and human challenges as it has diverse topography
that is different from the lowlands. Transportation challenges are becoming more important
and the main objective of the study is to identify transportation challenges caused by the
differences in topography of the study area and solutions have been proposed. The data
required for this study were collected through primary data such as observation, participation
in observation and questionnaire methods. data was collected from secondary sources such as
previous studies, journal reports,regional articles, newspapers, databases, GN statistical
reports,research articles,websites and land survey data .Analysis has been done using Arc GIS
10.7.1 and Google Earth pro Software.in that way we cannot provide a solution to the
transportation challenges of the study area.but measures have been proposed to fully address
them. and this study was conducted to fill a gap as this research topic has not been researched
before
Exponential developments of quantum dots ecosystem for solar energy conversion and photocatalytic reactions: From photoanode design to renewable energy applications
Full text linkQuantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) present a promising approach for advancing solar
energy conversion due to their tunable optical properties, quantum confinements and superior
charge carrier dynamics. This review explores recent innovations in photoanode materials,
focusing on the integration of functional quantum dots such as CdS, CdSe, PbS, and other novel
QD materials like nickel phosphide, plasmonic, carbon/graphene, hexagonal-boron nitride, and
black phosphorus, etc. Several studies show that optimally configured QDSSCs can reach power
conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 8.6% in systems sensitized with PbS/CdS QDs on ZnO
nanorods, marking significant advancements in light harvesting and energy conversion
capabilities. Notably, core-shell architectures such as TiO₂-SiO₂ have been shown to enhance
light scattering and optimize electron transfer pathways, resulting in PCEs of approximately 3.6%,
a substantial increase over conventional designs. The review highlights the design of photoanodes
with enhanced surface area, structural diversity, and light absorption, emphasizing the role of
multi-band energetics, inter-band transitions and composite interactions. Additionally, this
review offers insights into how optimized photoanode morphologies and QD coupling can
mitigate surface charge recombination, enhance catalytic activity, and elevate green hydrogen
production. By addressing key developments in material engineering, this work aims to guide
future research towards more efficient and sustainable energy technologies
The relationship between health expenditure and inflation in Sri Lanka (2000 - 2021)
Full text linkHealth expenditure plays a crucial role in ensuring quality and accessible healthcare services. On
the other hand, inflation erodes the real value of these expenditures, particularly in developing
countries like Sri Lanka. This study examines the relationship between health expenditure and
inflation in Sri Lanka from 2000 to 2021. The sub-objectives include analyzing both short-run and
long-run relationships and proposing relevant policy recommendations. Data were collected from
the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the World Bank. Microsoft Excel and E-Views software were
used for analysis, employing models such as ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) and the error
correction model (ECM). The findings indicate that variables such as inflation and GDP per capita
significantly influence health expenditure. The results reveal a strong long-run correlation between
inflation and health expenditure, suggesting that the healthcare sector is persistently affected by
economic inflation. In the short run, changes in health spending exhibit a moderate response to
inflation fluctuations. Based on these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations to
address gaps in Sri Lanka’s healthcare financing system. These include increasing public funding,
improving fiscal forecasting and planning, and implementing measures to control inflation to
ensure equitable healthcare provision
Assessing residential land scarcity amid urbanization in Kandy Municipal Council
Full text linkUrbanization has significantly influenced land demand, particularly in rapidly growing cities like
Kandy, Sri Lanka. As urban expansion accelerates, residential land scarcity has emerged as a critical
challenge, affecting housing affordability, infrastructure development, and sustainable land use.
This study aims to examine the challenges of residential land demand amid urban development in
the Kandy Municipal Council area and propose effective solutions. The study area, Kandy, a
historic and economically significant city in Sri Lanka, has experienced rapid urban growth in
recent years. With increasing population density, expanding commercial zones, and growing
infrastructure needs, the availability of land for residential purposes is shrinking. The KMC, which
governs urban planning and development, faces difficulties in balancing land demand with
environmental conservation and heritage preservation. This study employs a mixed-method
approach, combining interviews, questionnaires with random sampling methods (68). On the other
hand, Land Use and Land Cover Change analysis for understanding the transformation of land
use in the selected areas in KMC between 1998 and 2023, Spatial Interpolation Analysis
(Inverse Distance Weighted), was used to identify patterns in environmental changes,
illustrating areas most affected by land transformation, and Suitability Analysis also used to
evaluates suitable regions for sustainable land development based on environmental and socio
economic factors, ensuring effective land management strategies. The study highlights that rapid
urban expansion has led to an increase in residential land prices, reducing affordability for middle
and lower-income groups. Encroachments, unplanned developments, and inadequate regulatory
frameworks have exacerbated land scarcity. Furthermore, environmental constraints, including
hilly terrain and protected areas, limit the expansion of residential zones. The study also finds that
existing urban planning strategies struggle to accommodate the rising demand, leading to informal
settlements and inefficient land utilization. To address residential land scarcity, the study
recommends implementing comprehensive land-use planning strategies, promoting vertical
development, and enforcing stricter regulations on unplanned construction. Additionally,
enhancing public transportation and infrastructure in suburban areas could ease urban congestion and expand residential options. Introducing incentives for sustainable housing projects and improving governance mechanisms for land allocation are also crucial for mitigating future land shortages
The role of commercial law and cybercrime legislation in promoting development and strengthening democracy in Sri Lanka: a study towards future legal developments
Full text linkThis research explores the pivotal role of commercial law and cybercrime legislation in
promoting economic development and strengthening democratic governance in Sri Lanka. As
the nation transitions into a digital economy, understanding the interplay between legal
frameworks, development, and democracy becomes essential. The study examines existing
commercial laws and cybercrime legislation, offering a comparative analysis with international
standards to identify systemic strengths and gaps. It evaluates how commercial law facilitates
business operations, investment, and entrepreneurship, while cybercrime legislation addresses
the rise in digital threats, ensuring business confidence and the protection of digital
infrastructure. Crucially, the research emphasizes how legal enforcement strengthens
democratic principles by enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust. Effective
laws are shown to reinforce governance structures that support democratic ideals. Case studies
of legal reforms and landmark judgments are employed to illustrate these connections. Data
collection involves qualitative methods, including document analysis of legislative texts, policy
papers, and judicial decisions, alongside semi structured interviews with legal professionals,
policymakers, and business stakeholders. Quantitative data from government and international
reports are also utilized to assess trends in economic performance and cybercrime statistics.
Analysis techniques include thematic content analysis to interpret qualitative data and
comparative legal analysis to benchmark Sri Lanka’s frameworks against international models.
Triangulation ensures credibility by cross-verifying data sources. Findings reveal that while
legal reforms have improved the commercial and digital legal landscape, enforcement
inefficiencies and legislative gaps persist. The study recommends strengthening institutional
capacities, updating legal frameworks to reflect technological advancements, and promoting
legal literacy. These reforms can enhance Sri Lanka’s ability to leverage law as a tool for
inclusive development and democratic consolidation. Ultimately, the research highlights the critical nexus between law, development, and democracy, advocating for continuous legal
modernization and international collaboration to meet future challenges
Alcohol consumption in digital media platforms: a study based on Nintavur Divisional Secretary
Full text linkThis study investigates the evolving relationship between digital platforms and alcohol
consumption behaviors within the culturally and religiously significant community of
Nintavur. The research examines the technological mediation of alcohol procurement,
focusing on emerging consumption patterns, underlying motivations, and broader societal
consequences. Through a methodologically rigorous mixed-methods approach, the
investigation combines in-depth qualitative interviews with comprehensive quantitative
analyses to illuminate user engagement behaviors, technological facilitating factors, and
associated regulatory challenges. Evidence suggests that digital platforms have substantially
transformed traditional alcohol Purchas Regional ing patterns, with enhanced accessibility and
personal privacy emerging as predominant facilitators of consumption within this community
context. The research further explores the complex interplay between cultural traditions, legal
frameworks, and community values that shape residents' interactions with digital alcohol
procurement systems. By providing a contextually nuanced examination of this phenomenon,
the study contributes valuable insights to contemporary discourse regarding technology's role
in substance consumption behaviors and its intersection with localized sociocultural factors.
The findings inform evidence-based recommendations for targeted policy development and
community awareness initiatives specifically calibrated to address Nintavur's distinctive
characteristics and challenges
The application of GIS and RS to analyze land use and land cover change in Manmunai South and Eruvil Pattu from 2005 to 2025
Full text linkThis study examines land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Manmunai South and
Eruvil Pattu Divisional Secretariat of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2025. Utilizing satellite imagery
from Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI, the research apply unsupervised classification
techniques to analyze spatial and temporal changes in land cover. The findings clearly indicate
significant urban growth, with built-up areas expanding by over 3 km². Conversely, agricultural
land has sharply declined due to the encroachment of residential and industrial development.
Moreover, water bodies and marshlands have experienced substantial shrinkage.. However, it
is important to note that vegetation, particularly mangrove forests area, has expanded due to
successful post-tsunami restoration efforts. The accuracy assessment of the classified images
demonstrates overall accuracy rates ranging from 79% to 88%, supported by strong Kappa
statistics, which confirm the reliability of these results. This study highlights the need for
effective land management strategies to ensure that urban development is balanced with
environmental conservation in the region
Tamil Nadu – Sri Lanka trade relations from 6th Centuary ad to 10th centuary ad – a historical analysis
Full text linkTamil Nadu and Sri Lanka are having trade relations from ancient period till now. The strategic
location of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is very conducive for this relationship. This trade
relations with Tamilaham fetch a great importance for Tamilaham and Sri Lanka. This period
from 6 th centuary AD to 10 th centuary AD need to be analyzed for the trade relations
between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Even for the cultural expansion the trade relations are
very important reason. These relations are still continuing. The ports in the coasts of Tamil
Nadu like Kavirippatinam (Poompuhar), Nagappatinam, Korkai, Alagankulam in the coasts of
Tamil Nadu, Urkavaturai and Manthai ports in Northern Sri Lanka hade facilitated as a center
of these trade development. Through these centers not only the trade relations have been
developed but also the cultural contacts have influenced Sri Lanka. The activities of the trade
guilds (vaniha kanangal) have analyzed. The coins used for this trade also would be considered
as an important source for the trade relations. The rise of Pallava Kingdom and the later
Anuradhapura Kingdom were active in this trade relations. The main objective of this article
is to analyze the internal and external trade of Anuradhapura Kingdom and the Pallava
Kingdom of Tamil Nadu. To write this article, I consulted mainly the secondary sources like
books articles and other published articles and website sources
State of republic (plato) and thirukkural (valluvar) in political philosophy – a comparative study of their thoughts on justice
Full text linkIn the present era, the concept of Justice is considered paramount for the foundation of a nation.
It is necessary for the citizens of a country to lead their lives with equality, freedom, and rights.
Therefore, political philosophy extensively discusses the concept of justice; in this regard, the
political philosophies of Plato and Thiruvalluvar are noteworthy. This research article aims to
comparatively analyze the thoughts of Plato and the Eastern philosopher Thiruvalluvar on the
concept of justice in their respective political philosophies. This comparative study is titled “State
of Republic (Plato) and Thirukkural (Valluvar) in Political Philosophy – A Comparative Study of
Their Thoughts on Justice”. The general objective of this study is to compare two ethical theories
about justice, especially Western and Eastern thought. This study is based on secondary data and
employs methods such as the life method, distributive method, explanation method, analysis
method, and comparative method. In the realm of Tamil literature, Thirukkural occupies a
prominent place in political philosophy. Thiruvalluvar’s political thoughts are considered
significant, similarly, in Western political philosophy, Plato’s political thoughts hold a significant
position. Therefore, this research attempts to explore the similarities and whether they are
sufficient in their perspectives on justice