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The impact of gender in political activities- a study based on Sri Lanka
Full text linkThis study investigates the impact of gender on political activities in the Republic of Sri Lanka.
It aims to determine the extent to which gender influences political participation,
representation, and the nature of political policy-making processes. Utilizing a mixed-methods
approach based on quantitative and qualitative data, data on electoral participation and
representation at various levels have been analysed, and conclusions have been drawn from
politicians, activists, and citizens. Primary data for this were collected through questionnaires,
interviews, and discussions, while secondary data were obtained from previous election result
reports, newspapers, and magazines. This study highlights the challenges and opportunities
faced by different genders in political participation within the Sri Lankan landscape, and the
findings of the study can contribute to an understanding of how the political sphere can be
shaped in the future
Bridging the chasm: strategic pathways to elevate educational access and stem the tide of student dropout
Full text linkThis qualitative study explores strategies to reduce dropout rates from the Certificate Level course
at the Koggala Regional Hotel School, part of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel
Management. Drawing from the perspectives of course directors, semi-structured interviews were
conducted with diverse stakeholders, including former students who left the program, current
students, parents, academic and non-academic staff, and experienced hoteliers from various
establishments. Key strategies emerged in three primary areas: academic achievement, student
integration, and financial support, reflecting the insights and experiences of students and
institutional staff alike. Departing students particularly underscored the importance of supportive,
close relationships with lecturers, along with individualized counseling and mentoring programs
that foster both academic and personal growth. Personalized support programs, such as student
loan options, academic assistance, remedial sessions, and supplementary learning opportunities,
were identified as vital in alleviating the financial and academic challenges that often lead to student
withdrawal. The study further highlighted the role of innovative, interactive teaching methods,
alongside technology integration, as essential in engaging students actively and creating a dynamic
learning environment. Such approaches not only capture students' interest but also align
educational experiences with the evolving demands of the hospitality industry. Overall, the
findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to student retention that integrates academic,
financial, and socio-emotional support, fostering a nurturing educational environment. This
research advocates for a multi-dimensional strategy that addresses the complexities of student
dropout, suggesting that incorporating feedback from course and curriculum developers is crucial
in shaping effective institutional policies. The study’s outcomes serve as a valuable foundation for
future research and policymaking, aimed at enhancing student resilience, boosting success rates,
and supporting students on their academic and professional journeys
GEO informatics application for sustainable micro-level wastewater management for Urban areas
Full text linkGlobally, the counties are moving toward measures for sustainable development to develop
sustainable cities in their territories. However, there are many challenges to such development. It
signifies that all the countries are working on constructing sustainable cities, but the various
challenges affect the city development's long-term viability. Among these, waste disposal is a
serious issue that can devastate a sustainable city. Thus, Water that has changed due to harmful
compounds like chemical and biological properties is referred to as wastewater. Wastewater is
categorized into three types based on its origin: home waste, industrial waste, and rainfall waste.
Therefore, Sri Lanka is a country with excellent water resources. Based on that, this study focused
on the Moratuwa MC area in Colombo district, the western province of Sri Lanka. However, water
consumption is high in this area, as are water treatment and sewage discharge. The main objective
of the study is to identify sustainable micro-level planning for effective wastewater management
in this area. The sub-objectives are to identify the sources of wastewater and hotspots
contaminated by wastewater in the study area and propose reuse strategies for wastewater
treatment. Primary and secondary data were collected for the study. The primary data were
collected through Digitizing, direct observation, questionnaires, interviews, and discussion. On the
other hand, the secondary data were obtained through books, previous research publications,
magazines, website data, municipal council, urban development authority, data from water supply
drainage board, etc. The data was gathered and evaluated using geospatial tools such as ArcGIS
10.3, JOSM, OSM, Google Earth Pro, HOT Tasking Manager, etc. Finally, the analysis reveals that
only 19 of the 42 GNDs in the study area have a Centralized Treatment Plant (CTP) located as
WWM treatment plants. Geographic information tools were primarily utilized to study to discover
more GNDs in Moratuwa MC's sustainable WWM initiatives. Plans for integrating a gravity-based
sewer network and constructing Decentralized Treatment Plants (DTP) were also recommended
UAV applications in coastal studies: a thematic review
Full text linkThe application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) provides higher spatio-temporal data
for the research activities. It is a thriving method in coastal studies which are subject to
frequent modification due to natural and man-made factors viz. wave and tidal actions as
well as the marine infrastructure development. The application of the UAV provides
significant contribution to the decision-making process of coastal management and
planning by providing frequently changing coastal environment and with high spatio
temporal resolution imagery. Therefore, this study is to review the applicability of the UAV
data in coastal researches by collecting published researches from various reputed
databases executing the systematic literature review. Accordingly, the findings reflect that
the UAV is a blooming method which is widely applied in the coastal studies where the
other Remote Sensing (RS) platforms i.e. satellite imagery provides limited features in
terms of spatio-temporal aspects and so does limit the researches in multifaceted ways.
Also, the low-cost and user-friendly feature of UAV supports the researchers to collect the
data whenever they want the high spatio-temporal resolution data. The study concludes
that the UVA applications in rapidly increasing method in coastal studies which would
engulf the research opportunism in future too
Regional backwardness and Its causes: a case study of Iyankerni in the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division
Full text linkAlthough human beings continuously adapt their standard of living to meet the evolving needs
of the times, disparities in regional development remain evident. On a regional scale, some
areas exhibit significant progress, while others continue to lag behind. This study addresses the
issue of regional backwardness in the Iyankerni area under the Eravur Pattu Divisional
Secretariat Division, with the primary objective of identifying the underlying causes of such
developmental disparities. To achieve this objective, the study employed both primary data
including questionnaires, direct observations, and discussions and secondary data such as
reports from the Divisional Secretariat. Analytical methods included Excel-based analysis and
descriptive statistical techniques. A total of 111 questionnaires were administered, representing
3% of the local population. The findings reveal backwardness in several key areas education,
infrastructure, life expectancy, and socio-cultural stability. Notably, a high prevalence of
female-headed households and cultural degradation were observed. Further contributing
factors include drug abuse, school dropouts, early marriages, low income levels, administrative
neglect, and limited employment opportunities for women. Statistical data underscores these
challenges. 68% of students in the study area have not completed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level,
while only 31% have completed it. Alarmingly, over 75% of the population is reportedly
involved in drug use, with active drug sales also noted in the area
A comparative study in the view of Indian social reforms of raja rams Mohan Roy and E.V. Ramasamy
Full text linkSince the pre-colonial times of rule, the Indian society that was under the grip of traditions,
norms and customs could not get rid of them until the 20th century. That is to say; historically,
the racial structure, female slavery, reactionary character which were seen in the Indian society
where Brahmin society was highly influential had led the then Indian society. It had continued
even during the colonial period. Hence, the said fraction of the society considered themselves
as elite and the rest of the people had lived in India without rights and humanity. As a result,
some agitations and oppositions arose in several parts in India from the educated, rationalists
and progressive thinkers against this reactionary attitudes. Even some of the English rulers
joined these so-called social reformers and took some initiatives. However, it was a great
challenge for them during that period. It is noteworthy to mention here that Raja Ram Mohan
Roy from the North India in 19th Century and E.V.Ramasami known as Periyar from South
India in the 20th century were two of them who planted the societal reformatory opinions.
Even though there were many similarities in many of the social reformatory opinions of them,
there was not any direct relationship between them. This study is based on the historical
approach of documentary and comparative explanations. Reports and policy declarations were
used as primary data and books; newspapers and articles were used as secondary data for this
study. The problem statement of this study is that the reformatory opinions and thoughts put
forwarded by these reformers have not brought changes during the period of their lives and
thereafter. The main objectives of this study are to find out the traditions and superstitions
which deeply rooted in the south Indian society in the 19th and 20th century and to study the
actions taken by the reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and E.V.Ramasamy who evolved
against these in this period and to study the similarities and differences of their opinions.
However, there is no second opinion that the reformatory actions that these two reformers
undertook had had impact on the people living there in during that time
Environmental and socio-economic implications of landslides: a case sStudy of Nuwara Eliya of Sri Lanka (2001-2023)
Full text linkA landslide is a regular natural disaster worldwide and is a geological phenomenon in which large
amounts of rock, soil, and debris flow down a slope due to gravity. With major effects on the
environment, society, and economy. They are especially common in hill country regions like
Nuwara Eliya, which are vulnerable to frequent occurrences because of their distinct topography,
soil composition, and climate. These events pose serious risks to human settlements and the
environment, upsetting ecosystems, agricultural activities, and livelihoods while putting
infrastructure and human lives in risk. The research's additional objective is to investigate examine
the socioeconomic and environmental effects of landslides in the Nuwara Eliya region and offer
suggestions for a long time prevention and mitigation during the 2001-2023 period. And the sub
objectives of the study is (a) to Identifying and analyzing the environmental factors causing
landslides in the Nuwara Eliya region (b) To evaluate the socioeconomic challenges that the
impacted communities face as well as (c) To assess current mitigation strategies and provide
sustainable, region-specific ways to lower the risk of landslides Both qualitative and quantitative
data were gathered for the study. Focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and field surveys were
used to gather the essential primary data. Secondary data were gathered from trust worthy and
applicable department sources, these both data set were analyzed for get the output by used GIS
10.3, RS, QGIS and Google earth pro tools to evaluate the socioeconomic implications. Finally,
this study aims to determine the social and economic issues surrounding the landslide disaster and
how to propose mitigation strategies to lower the potential risk of landslides in this study region
Application of human language and the theoretical differences: a comparative analysis on Ferdinand de Saussure and Karl popper
Full text linkThe concept of language is too broad to be defined in a single expression. In general languages are
forms of symbolic representation. Certain meanings are represented through the use of other
certain symbols. The definition may be used for formal languages as well as for natural languages.
This paper attempted to explore philosophical account of human language based on two eminent
thinkers. They are Ferdinand de Saussure and Karl Popper. Saussure points out a triple
classification viz; Langage, Langue and Parole. Langage is the ability to use a system for
communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs, or marks. This skill is peculiar to
humans. Langue refers to the ideal Abstract system composed of socially conventional symbols
viz English, Turkish and etc. Parole expresses the actual use of language in real environment
conditions. Karl Popper classified four functions of language viz; Manifestation of oneself, sign
interchange, description and argumentation. He proposed that animals are similar to humans in
the first two and basic functions. But animals are different from humans in that they cannot set
forth descriptions and argumentations. Since there are chaos in explaining the use of language, it
leads to think the actual use of language. The research problem is that what are the factors
determined the differences. On that basis, the objective of the study is to analyze the conceptual
explanation of the said thinkers and bring a conclusion about the usage of language. Qualitative
research method was employed to carry out the study. Saussure’s Course in General Linguistics
and Karl Popper’s Objective knowledge were taken as primary sources for the study. Based on the
derived data, critical analysis was carried out. Mind is core to create language and make differences.
The upper level and lower-level functions of language make augmentation and debate on language
usag
Palaiyakkaras in Tamil Nadu politics
Full text linkThe Palaiyakkara system is a political, economic and social system introduced in Tamil Nadu during
the rule of the Nayaka kings. The word Palaiyam refers to land ownership and Palaiyakkara refers
to the people who headed the Palaiyams. This Palaiyakkara system is similar to the feudal system
seen in Europe during the Middle Ages. The Nayaka Empire was divided into 72 Palayams and
Palayamkars were selected and appointed for each Palayam. They were given complete responsibility
and authority to manage the Palayams. The Palayakkars were the ones who supported the Nayaka
regime in Madurai. Their main duties were to pay tribute to the empire, administer justice in their
camps, and maintain the forces of the rulers. While the Palaiyakars had acquired administrative
powers for themselves, they also appointed some officials with the aim of facilitating their
administrative activities. The Palaiyakars protected the state from foreign invasions and rendered
various services to the ruler and the people. Even after the expansion of the Nayaka rule, the
Palaiyakars were the ones who posed a great challenge to the early administrative activities of the
British in the southern states. Due to this, the British, intending to bring them under their control
from time to time, attempted to collect a large amount of tribute after 1792 by raiding the territories
of the Palaiyakars. The study is based on historical methodology and descriptive method and uses
primary and secondary sources (books, articles, and journals) to collect data as needed. The
objectives of the study are to highlight the influence of the Palaiyakars in Tamil Nadu politics and
to identify how their activities posed a challenge to the British during their rule. Although the
Palaiyakkara system was created by the Nayaks for their own protection, in later times, they were
seen as a group in Tamil Nadu that created problems for their rule and created fear for the British.
People like Pulidevan, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Oomaithurai were also Palaiyakkaras who
fought against the British
A study on feminist literature in the postcolonial era in Sri Lanka
Full text linkPostcolonial literature in Sri Lanka explores the lasting impact of colonialism. In postcolonial Sri
Lanka, feminist literature provides an essential forum for examining how women's voices emerge
from the historical margins to subvert prevailing narratives influenced by national politics,
patriarchal conventions, and colonial legacies. In addition, Sri Lankan women writers have created
new avenues for expressing their lived experiences through literature, ranging from domestic life
to the traumas of war. The study examines how language, ethnicity, and class interact to shape
feminist viewpoints, concentrating on works written in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. This body of
literature exposes the often unseen burdens that women bear in postcolonial and post-war contexts
and challenges the constraints imposed by tradition by highlighting the everyday struggles and
resiliency of women. With close readings of a few chosen literary works that demonstrate how
storytelling turns into a tool for reclaiming agency, the analysis is based on feminist and
postcolonial theory. This study examines how colonialism and its legacy impact women’s lives and
representation in literature drawing on postcolonial theory, textual analysis. Also this evaluates the
key authors and the reception of feminist literature in Sri Lanka. This paper investigates how the
women portrayed through a patriarchal lens in literature. By doing this, it illustrates how Sri Lankan
feminist literature serves as a vibrant forum for cultural resistance, introspection, and reimagining,
making a significant contribution to national discourse as well as more general discussions within
the framework of global feminist thought