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Life of veddas in Sri Lanka : a literature review
Full text linkThe ‘Vedda’ is a well-known tribal community in Sri Lanka. Veddas live in various regions in
the country with their own and unique cultural heritage. As an indigenous community, Veddas
follow their traditions and customs in different places in Sri Lanka namely; Mahiyangana
(Dammbana), Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ratnapura and Anuradhapura. Many studies have been
undertaken by numerous researchers to explore and address the lifestyle, issues and challenges
faced by the Vedda community in Sri Lanka. However, these studies have focused
onunderstanding different issues and matters of Vedda's life through several
perspectives. Thus, this study aimed to review previous literatures and amalgamate the
different ideas on the life of Veddas in Sri Lanka. This study designed a qualitative method to
review the literature systematically. The journal article, reports, books and other relevant
literature have been used for this systematic review. Throughout the review, this article
revealed the lifestyle, livelihood, group setting, socio-cultural background, development,
challenges threatening their daily life and lifestyle changes occurred in different segments
among Veddas. This review has been documented as a source of information about Veddas
and their life-experience, social change, issues and challenges faced by the popular tribal
community in Sri Lanka. This review providesinformation and helps researchers to explore
and address further issues experienced by the Vedda community comprehensivel
Impact of urbanization on energy intensity in SAARC countries: an empirical analysis
Full text linkThis study aims to examine the effect of urbanization on energy intensity in SAARC countries and compare Sri Lanka’s status with other SAARC countries between 1990 and 2015. This study used the urban population as a proxy variable for urbanization. Other control variables in the model are per capita income and squared value of per capita income (PCI), capital formation, industrialization, labour and carbon dioxide emissions, squared value of carbon dioxide emissions and six country dummy variables to detect country effect. Fixed effects model and Least Squared Dummy Variable model (LSDV) with country-urbanization interactive variables model were employed in the estimation. Our results indicate urbanization in the SAARC region increases energy intensity in all countries except Sri Lanka. With urbanization, Pakistan has the fastest increase in energy intensity. Our results confirm Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis which is consistent with the literature. Industrialization and labour force participation lower energy intensity. Carbon dioxide emission and the squared value of that variable show a U-shaped behaviour with energy intensity. This implies higher energy use further increases energy intensity and needs mitigating policies to curb higher energy use. According to the results, Pakistan has the lowest energy intensity and Sri Lanka has higher energy intensity among SAARC countries. Sri Lanka needs to lower the energy intensity by reducing inefficient energy use in all possible sectors such as transportation. Since urbanization significantly reduces energy intensity in Sri Lanka, efficient public transportation coupled with planned urbanization will help to lower our energy intensity in the long run
Impact of social media on body image perception and self-esteem among adolescents: a sociological and psychological analysis
Full text linkThe rapid expansion of social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook has
significantly transformed the way adolescents perceive themselves and their bodies. This study
explores the relationship between social media usage, body image perception, and self-esteem
among adolescents. Adolescence is a critical period for identity development, and heightened
exposure to idealized body standards on social media has raised concerns about psychological wellbeing. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and semi-structured
interviews with adolescents aged 13–19 years in Sri Lanka. Quantitative data were analyzed using
standardized scales, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a body image satisfaction
questionnaire, while qualitative insights were drawn from thematic analysis of interview responses.
Findings indicate a strong correlation between frequent social media use and low self-esteem, with
adolescents often engaging in upward social comparisons leading to body dissatisfaction. The study
also highlights gendered patterns, with female adolescents being more vulnerable to negative body
image perceptions. This research emphasizes the urgent need for educational interventions,
parental guidance, and policy measures aimed at promoting media literacy, fostering positive selfconcept, and mitigating the harmful effects of unrealistic body standards perpetuated online. The
findings contribute to a deeper sociological and psychological understanding of adolescent
development in the digital er
Environmental problems and marginalized communities
Full text linkMarginalized communities across the globe disproportionately bear the burden of environmental
degradation, despite contributing the least to its causes. This paper explores the intersection of
environmental issues and social inequality, with a focus on how pollution, deforestation, climate
change, and resource exploitation adversely affect vulnerable populations such as indigenous
peoples, Dalits, rural poor, coastal dwellers, and urban slum residents. Lacking political power,
legal protection, and access to resources, these groups often reside in ecologically fragile or
hazardous zones—such as floodplains, mining belts, and industrial peripheries—where
environmental hazards are most concentrated. Drawing on case studies from India and other
developing regions, the study reveals how environmental injustice manifests through forced
displacement, loss of traditional livelihoods, exposure to toxic pollutants, and restricted access to
clean water, air, and land. Additionally, climate change-induced events such as droughts, floods,
and rising sea levels further exacerbate their socio-economic vulnerability. Women and children in
these communities face even higher health and safety risks due to intersecting inequalities. While
the challenges are immense, the paper also highlights emerging environmental justice movements
led by marginalized groups themselves. From tribal forest rights campaigns to grassroots climate
activism, these communities are asserting their right to a safe and sustainable environment. The
paper calls for inclusive environmental governance, recognition of community-based knowledge
systems, and stronger legal frameworks to protect ecological rights. In conclusion, addressing
environmental problems in marginalized communities is not only an ecological imperative but also
a matter of social justice. Sustainable development must prioritize equity and empowerment
alongside conservation
Taxation policy in countries following the arrival of us president trump in 2025: focus on Sri Lanka
Full text linkThe shift in United States tax policy, particularly following the assumption of office by
President Donald Trump in 2025, has generated significant global economic repercussions,
with developing nations like Sri Lanka experiencing tangible impacts. This paper addresses the
problem of how unilateral changes in US taxation—especially tariffs and modifications to
international tax agreements—affect foreign economies by disrupting trade flows, altering
investment patterns, and influencing domestic fiscal policies. The central objective of this study
is to examine the implications of post-2025 US tax reforms on Sri Lanka’s economy, focusing
on areas such as trade competitiveness, foreign direct investment, and remittance dynamics.
Key research questions include: How do US tax reforms reshape trade and investment
relations with Sri Lanka? What mechanisms transmit these global fiscal changes to local
economic outcomes? And how is Sri Lanka adjusting its taxation framework in response to
emerging international standards? By utilizing both quantitative data analysis and qualitative
insights, the study explores the challenges Sri Lanka faces in mitigating adverse effects on local
businesses and economic growth, while also identifying potential opportunities for aligning
national policy with evolving global norms. The findings contribute to a nuanced
understanding of international economic interdependencies and provide evidence-based
recommendations for strategic policy responses that could enhance Sri Lanka’s resilience and
adaptability in the context of a shifting global fiscal landscape shaped by the post- Trump era
of US tax policy
Sustainability challenges of rural water supply system: a case study
Full text linkThe rural water supply system operated by the CBOs as an alternative approach to provide
safe drinking water to the rural people. These schemes experience several issues including
sustainable challenges particularly in Ampara district of Sri Lanka. This study focuses on the
selected CBO-managed RWS schemes and their sustainability challenges using case study
method. Three CBO schemes were selected in Veeracholai, Malligaitheevu and Kannahipuram
villages in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka in order to examine the sustainable condition using
qualitative measure. This institutional case study aimed to investigate the nature of community
participation and sustainability issues of RWS schemes in the selected areas in Ampara district.
Each institutional case is unique and represents the problems in operating rural water schemes
and sustainability issues. Three case studies were conducted in three different locations in
Ampara district and presented key discussion in an interpretative method. Based on the case
study analysis, this study observed that community participation has not been adopted in an
expected level in operation and maintenance of RWS schemes. Further, this study noticed that
CBO-managed RWS schemes struggled to ensure their long term success and sustainability
due to numerous factors. Each case is unique, however, each scheme has similar and different
challenges. The common issue of each case is the sustainability challenge due to the
environmental, financial, technical, social and institutional factors. This case study helps future
researchers to investigate further challenges and postulate sustainable mitigation measures to
overcome the issues
Contemporary issues and shoorah
Full text linkAs a result of several factors that put Muslims at a late stage on the ladder of material progress
in science and technology, which led many to accuse Islam of being the reason for the
backwardness of Muslims and that it has become incompatible with the current era, with its
reactionary and backwardness, it calls for dictatorship, and not giving non-Muslims as well.
Women have their rights, especially political ones, and the ruling system sanctifies the ruler,
just as the system was in Europe before the industrial revolution. It is a religious state. These
are some of the concepts that are raised. In this paper, the researchers tried to clarify the truth
of these concepts and Islam’s relationship to them by clarifying the position of Islam, which
is based on the principle of consultation. Which contradicts the idea of the religious state, as
well as drawing a quick comparison about democracy and shoorah, and the position of Islamic
jurisprudence on the rights of women and non-Muslims to exercise their right to exercise
shoorah within society and countries
Challenges of youth political participation: a study focused on Akkaraipattu divisional secretariat areas
Full text linkPolitical participation refers to the engagement of citizens in the political processes of their
country. The concept encompasses the activities of through which individuals to express their
opinion, influence decision - making, and engage in actions that shape governance.in a democratic
system, Political participation is not limited to voting in elections. It also includes joining political
parties and participating in public activities as well as other forms of civic engagement. Particularly,
youth political participation is crucial for a thriving democracy. As it ensures the Representation
of the young generation’s needs and interest, it brings new perspective and Drive significant
political and social change. In many democratic nations, young people constitute a significant
proportion of the population, underscoring their potential impact on societal development.
However, in the Akkaraipattu divisional secretariat areas, political participation among youth
remains notably low, the main objective of the research is to identify the challenges hindering their
involvement in political participation process of youths. Living in areas under the Akkaraipattu
divisional secretariat and to provide recommendations to address these challenges. In order to
achieve the objective of the research, primary data was collected through the structured
questionnaires and interviews targeting individuals aged 24 to 30. The study was based on mixed
research methodology using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Accordingly, a
convenience sampling method was utilized to select participants from the target demographic, and
secondary data was sourced from the internet, research papers, reports and journals. The findings
of the research reveals several key barriers to youth political participation in the selected research
area. These include a lack of awareness about the benefits of political involvement, Lack of
economic resources, insufficient political knowledge, and low level of trust in political intuitions,
inadequate civic education, and cultural barriers. These insights are expected to assist policy makers
and youth leaders in enhancing effective strategies to promote political participation among youth
people in particular research area, thereby contributing to the strengthening of democratic
processes
An investigative study on the factors affecting the formation of subcultures in Sri Lanka
Full text linkAlthough Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, it possesses diverse topography and climate.
Its status as an island has historically allowed for frequent maritime contact with other regions.
As a result, various ethnic groups have settled in Sri Lanka over time, especially along its coastal
areas. In 1815, the entire island came under British rule. During this period, the British brought
thousands of Tamil laborers from India to work on the country’s colonial plantations. This
influx altered the composition of the local folk culture. These new ethnic communities
eventually integrated with the Sinhalese—the majority population in Sri Lanka who speak
Sinhala as their mother tongue. This study investigates the formation of subcultures in Sri
Lanka and explores the commonalities among these groups. Prolonged linguistic and cultural
contact has led to the emergence of hybrid languages and blended cultural practices. When
such cultural exchanges persist over one or two generations, a new cultural identity often
emerges, incorporating elements of both the dominant and minority cultures. Sri Lankan
culture has historically been shaped by Indian influence, especially through the introduction of
Buddhism. With state support, this new cultural framework gradually replaced pre-existing
local traditions. The aim of this study is to explore the transformations that occur when one
culture absorbs or blends with another, while also preserving some original features. There
have been periods in which Tamil influence significantly shaped Sri Lankan society,
contributing to increased cultural and linguistic complexity. Later, coastal regions fell under
Portuguese control. A community of Portuguese descendants still resides in the Batticaloa
district, where the influence of nearby Tamil culture remains strong. Cultural adaptation and
mutual influence have been ongoing between these groups.One notable case is the village of
Mailankarachchi in the Batticaloa district, which emerged for professional reasons. In the
1950s, Sri Lanka’s first paper factory was established in Valachchenai—a predominantly Tamil
and Muslim area. The factory attracted Sinhalese workers, some of whom married into the
local Tamil community and settled in Mailankarachchi. Data on their cultural assimilation was
gathered through participant observation and documentary analysis. Initially, the settlers
established a Sinhala-medium school and a Buddhist temple. The second generation—born of mixed Tamil-Sinhalese parentage—adopted Sinhala as their mother tongue. However, by the
third and fourth generations, Tamil had become the dominant language. The Sinhala school
transitioned into a Tamil-medium institution, and the Buddhist temple became neglected. His
case illustrates how cultural hybridization can shift across generations, first integrating into the
Sinhala cultural sphere, then transitioning into the Tamil sphere. The resulting subculture,
shaped by labor migration and intercultural marriage, may be identified as the ‘paper culture’—
a subculture twice hybridized through socio-economic and linguistic contact
The effect of online video games on the stress of adolescent students. a study based on the Vavuniya District
Full text linkStress is a major psychological problem among school students. Stress affects the physical and
mental well-being of students. There are many factors that influence students' stress. This study
was carried out on the topic of the effect of online video games on the stress of adolescent
students in order to find out the impact of online video games on the stress of adolescent
students and to propose solutions to them. This research is based on the purpose of the study,
180 students were selected at a rate of 15% out of 2680 students between the ages of 12 to 19
years. Primary data and secondary data collection methods were used in the study. A self-made
questionnaire was used for the primary data and a stress questionnaire prepared by Cohen and
other psychologists in 1988. As secondary data, divisional secretariat documents, press reports,
website articles, books and previous research were used. The obtained data were analyzed
through Microsoft excel and clarified through charts and tables. There is a difference in online
games. Children from single families are more likely to engage in online video games than those
from joint families. The hypothesis that students play violent and non-violent games is proved
by the study that 66% of the selected sample experienced severe stress from games and 34%
experienced moderate stress. Males have been identified as playing more video games than
females. 57% of students play violent video games. 43% play non-violent video games Children
of single families are more likely to be stressed by video games than children of joint families.
Thus, many adolescents’ students are stressed by online video games and face many physical
and mental challenges as well as setbacks in learning. In order to prevent this kind of situation
from continuing, it is necessary to conduct various awareness seminars for the students and to
inform the parents about this, and by giving them psychological counseling and encouraging
playground games, this kind of situation can be prevented