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The divine order and human agency in stoic philosophy: Epictetus' framework for a fulfilled life
Full text linkStoic philosophy, specifically the teachings of Epictetus, offers profound insights into achieving
fulfilment in life through the harmonious balance of divine order and human agency. Epictetus’
philosophy emphasizes the dichotomy of control—distinguishing between what is within our
power and what lies beyond it. This framework provides a practical guide for navigating life's
uncertainties and developing resilience. While contemporary psychological approaches address
similar concerns, the applicability of Epictetus’ teachings in modern contexts remains an area of
interest that warrants exploration. In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, individuals often face
existential anxieties, emotional instability, and a lack of purpose. While modern psychological and
philosophical approaches attempt to address these issues, ancient Stoic philosophy offers timeless
wisdom that emphasizes self-mastery, resilience, and alignment with a rational order. However,
the relevance of Epictetus’ philosophical framework, especially his integration of divine order and
human agency, in addressing contemporary challenges is underexamined. This paper aims to
analyse Epictetus’ framework of divine order and human agency as a means of achieving a fulfilled
life. It seeks to highlight how aligning human actions with nature and reason, as Epictetus
proposes, can address contemporary concerns related to well-being, ethical decision-making, and
personal resilience. The study employs a qualitative approach, focusing on a textual analysis of
Epictetus’ key works, The Discourses and The Enchiridion. Core themes related to divine order, human
agency, and fulfilment are extracted and analysed. Secondary sources are consulted to contextualize
these themes within modern frameworks of ethics, psychology, and well-being, providing an
interdisciplinary perspective. Epictetus’ philosophy emphasizes that fulfilment arises when
individuals align their will with the rational divine order governing the universe. He advocates for
focusing on what is within one’s control—thoughts, judgments, and actions—while accepting
external events with equanimity. His teachings on virtues, such as wisdom, courage, and temperance, provide a foundation for ethical and resilient living. These principles remain highly
relevant for addressing contemporary challenges, fostering inner peace, and cultivating personal
growth. Epictetus’ teachings provide a timeless framework for navigating modern life with clarity
and purpose. Incorporating Stoic principles into personal development programs, leadership
practices, and psychological counselling can offer practical solutions for managing adversity and
achieving well-being. Further interdisciplinary research is recommended to integrate Stoic
philosophy with modern approaches to ethics, resilience, and human flourishing
The national geospatial policy (NGP) 2022, India: an analysis of its impacts on innovation and local development
Full text linkThe National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 marks a transformative milestone in India’s geospatial
sector, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and local development across multiple industries. By
liberalizing access to geospatial data and streamlining regulatory processes—most notably
replacing prior approvals with self-certification—NGP 2022 has democratized data access,
enabling startups and enterprises to build innovative, location-based solutions without
bureaucratic barriers. The establishment of over 1,000 Continuously Operating Reference Stations
(CORS) and open-data portals has empowered sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and urban
planning to optimize operations and reduce costs. The policy’s emphasis on indigenous
innovation has spurred the growth of domestic geospatial enterprises, raising their contribution to
75% of the national market and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem aligned with initiatives like
“Startup India.” Sector-specific advancements include precision agriculture, digital twins for smart
cities, optimized logistics, renewable energy siting, and disaster management using real-time
geospatial analytics. The policy also provides regulatory protections for local firms and has boosted
geospatial exports by 18%. Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly in bridging the
rural-urban divide and addressing skill shortages, as only 15% of rural MSMEs currently utilize
geospatial tools and 40% of firms report difficulties hiring GIS professionals. The NGP 2022
addresses these gaps through capacity-building initiatives, transparent regulatory frameworks, and
support for venture capital funding. Integration with broader digital transformation efforts and
alignment with the Global Innovation Index have further solidified India’s position as a leader in
geospatial innovation. In conclusion, while the NGP 2022 has catalysed significant economic and
technological progress, sustained focus on equitable access, skill development, and local
empowerment is essential to fully realize its transformative potential for India’s innovation
ecosystem and global competitiveness
Improving university students’ comprehension of English literary texts: a digital dive
Full text linkImproving university students’ reading comprehension in English literary texts is a crucial aspect
of their academic development. By implementing innovative strategies, educators can enhance
students’ ability to understand and analyze complex literary works. Apart from traditional methods,
incorporating creative ones, especially computer technology-base methods such as multimedia
presentations and software in the classroom can make learning process more dynamic and
enjoyable for students. These approaches not only help the students grasp the nuances of English
literature but also foster a deeper appreciation for the subject matter. Further, through these
efforts, students can develop the necessary skills to navigate and interpret English literary texts
with confidence and proficiency. Having understood this fact, the researcher of this study develops
a student-friendly digital tool, called ‘Reading Comprehension Skiller’ to enhance the university
students’ comprehension of English literary texts. This research was descriptive and qualitative;
and twenty students from first year in Language Department at Eastern University, Sri Lanka
(EUSL) were the participants, who underwent a traditional pretest and an innovative post-test (i.e.
with the developed tool). Analysing the result of both tests, a high progress was observed in the
post test than the pre-test. Thus, the study concludes that the students at EUSL can become more
proficient and insightful readers to greater extent by demonstrating the potential of digital
technologies than using the traditional reading practices. Further, this innovative approach not
only makes the students get benefitted academically but also cultivates a lifelong love for literature
and learnin
Researches of Tamil department at the south eastern university: an overview
Full text linkSince the establishment of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka in 1996, special degreein
Tamil was offered at the faculty of Arts and Culture. Any undergraduate pursuing a special degree
in Tamil is required to submit an independent research in the final year. Accordingly, over 2
decades, students submitted many dissertations, yet information about their researches are not
known by the public. Hence, the objectives of this study are to compile these researches and bring
this knowledge to the society. Generally, language and literature reflect social, political and
economic aspects of any society. Moreover, researches depicting literary personalities and other
researches within Tamil literature were primarily conducted in Sri Lanka. Thus, this study will be
helpful in offering thematic analysis of these researches conducted and compile all such researches.
By doing so, it brings out the immense contribution made by SEUSL students specialized in Tamil
for the development of Tamil language and literature. It will also be helpful for the Tamil literary
enthusiasts to know the scope and gaps in Tamil language and literature for future researches.
Dissertations submitted by the students specialized in Tamil were the primary sources for this
study. Even though, Tamil unit of SEUSL has done numerous researches to enhance the field of
Tamil language and literature, this study is limited to the dissertations of students specialized in
Tamil
A critical analysis of gender discrimination in the film Aruvi
Full text linkGender discrimination is a widespread problem, and it's highly visible in the film industry,
especially in South Indian movies. This research seeks to explore and understand this problem.
Given the temporal constraints inherent in this research, a comprehensive analysis of all films
exhibiting gender discrimination was rendered infeasible. Consequently, a purposive sampling
methodology was employed, resulting in the selection of the film 'Aruvi' to specifically address
the research objective. This research employed qualitative data collection methodologies to
acquire pertinent data. Complementary secondary data was also gathered, utilizing sources
such as reports, scholarly books, research articles, and websites. The obtained qualitative data
was analyzed by a descriptive method (Thematic highlighting). In the analysis section of this
study, the research has been thoroughly examined through sub-topics such as the
characterization of female roles, the characterization of male roles and gender discrimination
in the media. Feminist theoretical frameworks and literature reviews were utilized to validate
this study. Finally, this research identified that in the film Aruvi, both gender discrimination
and gender-neutral elements were observed, although it is noted that gender discrimination is
high in rate in the movie. However, a complete solution cannot be found to eradicate this
problem completely. However, the identification of gender discrimination in Indian films can
contribute to its reduction
The geospatial technology research focus on morphological changes in the Nintavur Coastal Area
Full text linkThis research examines the geomorphological transformations occurring along the Nintavur
coastal area, with a particular focus on coastal erosion driven by both natural processes and
human activities. Leveraging advanced geographical technologies, the study aims to document
and analyse the extent and nature of shoreline changes over recent decades. The investigation
employs a combination of primary data, gathered through structured questionnaires, direct
field observations, and interviews, and secondary sources, including previous studies and
satellite imagery from 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021. Using ArcGIS 10.9 and the Digital Shoreline
Analysis System (DSAS), the research quantifies shoreline dynamics and assesses the
progression of coastal erosion. The study also evaluates associated impacts such as
groundwater degradation. By integrating multiple data sources and analytical techniques, this
work seeks to clarify the principal factors driving coastal erosion in Nintavur, assess recent
trends, and highlight the resulting environmental damages. The findings provide a
comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the region and underscore the value of
geospatial technologies in coastal management
Modelling Soil Erosion in Tropical Highland Region: A Case Study on Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka
Full text linkSoil erosion remains a critical environmental issue in tropical highland regions, with significant
implications for agricultural productivity, land erosion and ecological stability. The present
study aims to model the risk of soil erosion in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka, which is
affected by hill land use practices, especially tea cultivation. The Revised Universal Soil Loss
Equation (RUSLE) was employed in combination with geographical information system (GIS)
and remote sensing techniques to determine spatial variations in annual soil loss. Key RUSLE
parameters are: rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and steepness (LS), cover
management (C), and conservation support practices (P) were derived using 30-meter
resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), LANDSAT imagery, and localized soil and
meteorological datasets. The model results reveal that the average annual soil loss in the district
is 28.7 tons per hectare per year, with 45% of the land area exceeding the tolerable soil erosion
threshold of 11 tons per hectare. Severe erosion hotspots, surpassing 52 tons per hectare
annually, are predominantly concentrated in steep-sloped tea-growing zones (>30%), notably
in the Ragala Tea Belt, Hakgala Slopes, and Moon Plains. In contrast, forested areas recorded
minimal erosion rates (<5 tons per hectare). The LS-factor and C-factor emerged as the most
influential determinants of soil loss. The study highlights the applicability of the RUSLE-GIS
framework for erosion risk assessment in complex highland landscapes. It recommends site
specific soil conservation interventions such as contour terracing, agroforestry integration, and
regulatory land-use policies. The outcomes contribute to a replicable methodological
framework for regional-scale erosion modelling and sustainable land management planning in
similar agro-ecological contexts
A research analysis into the present situation of scientific aspects in the Purananooru
Full text linkThis research analyzes at scientific thoughts in Purananooru along with explores how they relate
to modern scientific progress. The Sangam-Age's contributions in the domains of environmental
science, weather forecasting, war technology, medicine, and the natural sciences are illustrated in
the Purananooru. The Purananooru emphasizes agricultural science, rain forecasting, human
physiology, and war tactics in particular. Since scientific thought has yet to be sufficiently explored
in ancient Tamil literature, a scientific perspective in Purananooru has been appropriately brought
to light. Today's scientific advancement is happening at an exceptionally rapid pace. Investigating
how the scientific facts in the text relate to current science therefore constitutes a question of
inquiry. The objectives of this research are to emphasize Purananooru 's scientific aspects, explain
the scientific advancements of the Sangam-Age , compare Purananooru's scientific concepts with
current scientific and technological advancements, explain how Tamils perceive astronomy,
medicine, agriculture, and military science, and investigate how Purananooru's scientific knowledge
contributes to social development. It is demonstrated by a thorough examination of how scientific
ideas are put forward in the Purananooru, how Tamil science develops, and how it differs from
modern science that literature serves both poetic and scientific purposes
Sparkling journeys: exploring the rise of gem tourism in Sri Lanka
Full text linkSri Lanka’s rich gemmological heritage has given rise to a unique and rapidly growing niche within
its tourism sector known as gem tourism. Centered primarily in gem-rich regions like Ratnapura,
famously called “The City of Gems,” gem tourism offers travellers immersive experiences that
combine natural beauty, cultural history, and economic engagement. This specialized form of
tourism attracts a diverse audience, from serious gemstone collectors and industry experts to casual
visitors intrigued by the allure of precious stones. Gem tourism in Sri Lanka encompasses a variety
of activities including guided tours of traditional and modern mining operations, visits to gem
museums showcasing rare and exquisite stones, curated exhibitions, and access to certified gem
markets. These experiences provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the geological
processes that form gemstones, the centuries-old traditional mining and lapidary techniques, and
the cultural significance of gems in Sri Lankan society. By engaging tourists in these authentic
encounters, gem tourism fosters appreciation for the island’s natural resources while supporting
local communities economically. The sector also plays a strategic role in nation branding and
sustainable economic development. Sri Lanka leverages its reputation as the “Island of Gems” to
differentiate its tourism offerings on the global stage, creating value beyond mere extraction.
However, the growth of gem tourism must be balanced with environmental stewardship and
ethical sourcing to address challenges such as illegal mining and ecological degradation.
Responsible tourism practices and regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure that the gem
industry’s benefits are sustainable and equitable. In conclusion, gem tourism represents a dynamic
intersection of heritage conservation, economic opportunity, and cultural education. By nurturing
this niche, Sri Lanka can continue to shine as a global leader in the gemstone sector while
promoting sustainable tourism that honours its unique gemmological legacy
The effects of mobile phone use among women: a sociological perspective based on Batticaloa district
Full text linkThis study investigates the sociological effects of mobile phone use among women in the
Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka. Emphasizing the intersections of gender, technology, and social
transformation. The central objective is to examine how mobile phone usage influences women’s
daily lives, with a particular focus on empowerment, communication, education, and economic
participation. The research addresses key questions: How do women in Batticaloa engage with
mobile technology? What socio-cultural and economic factors shape their usage? What barriers
limit their access to and use of mobile phones? The study identifies core problems such as the
gender digital divide, limited digital literacy, and patriarchal norms that inhibit women’s full digital
inclusion. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative data from 200
structured surveys with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for statistical correlations, while thematic analysis was
used for qualitative interpretation. Findings reveal that mobile phones have significantly enhanced
women’s access to information, social connectivity, and self-agency, particularly among younger
and urban users. However, older women and those in rural settings remain disadvantaged due to
affordability, literacy barriers, and cultural constraints. The study recommends targeted digital
literacy programs, affordable access initiatives, and gender-sensitive ICT policies to promote
inclusive technological empowerment