SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities [SICASH] 2021
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Publication Embargo Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adults’ Recollections of Others’ Reactions to Their Early Gender Non-conformity(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Munasinghe, K; Marecek, JGlobally, gender non-conforming (GNC) behaviours are identified as one of the earliest precursors of same sex orientation. The role of reactions by key persons such as parents, teachers and peers to such behaviours is crucial to sexual identity development. In Sri Lanka, there are currently no scholarly data on LGB adults’ recollections of their early experiences, particularly those involving how others reacted to their early GNC and gender atypical behaviours. Through narratives, this exploratory research paper addresses this gap by presenting how 26 LGB adults recalled the manner in which their parents, teachers, and peers responded to their gender-atypical and gender non-conforming behaviours during childhood and adolescence. A participant-focused thematic analysis highlighted the following findings: permissiveness of adults towards childhood gender non-conformity for both boys and girls; how adults’ attitudes shifted during adolescence to be more regulatory; and how adolescent girls and boys recalled experientially different reactions to their GNC behaviours by their peers. These results suggest the nuances of recollections growing up as GNC children and adolescents, and the impact these experiences had on the acceptance of a sexual identity. Future research could begin by observing actual gender nonconformity and gender atypical behaviours in children and adolescence.Publication Embargo The effect of different ethylene concentrations on different maturity stages on the postharvest quality of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminate) cultivar, ‘Grande Naine’(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Subasinghe, S. M. J. C; Kodithuwakkuge, V. N; Attanayake, U; Wasala, W. M. C. B; Dammullage, I; Beneragama, C. KBanana is one of the most cultivated fruit crops in Sri Lanka and 5% of total production is exported. Due to a lack of knowledge on harvesting maturity, artificial ripening and other postharvest technologies, 20% of the yield is lost during the post-harvest handling of banana. This study was conducted to examine the effect of application of different ethylene concentrations at different maturity stages on postharvest quality of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminate) cultivar ‘Grande Naine’ under tropical climate conditions. Mature bananas combs (hands) at twelve weeks, thirteen weeks and fourteen weeks after flowering were exposed to 0, 85 and 170 ppb of ethylene gas for 24 hours at 24 ˚C and under 75% RH. Different physicochemical properties were obtained and analyzed statistically. There was a significant interaction effect between the maturity stage and ethylene concentration on weight loss, TSS and pH at the table-ripe stage. The fruits lost weight steadily down to 8.5%, possibly because of the rapid rates of metabolism as well as water loss. Meanwhile, TSS increased from 4% to 20% and pH decreased gradually with the ripening of banana. The results revealed that the best stage of maturity for harvesting Cavendish bananas is at 11-12 weeks after flowering for improved physicochemical and sensory properties at the table ripe stage. Further, it can be concluded that the use of ethylene concentration of 85 ppb for ripening Cavendish banana instead of the higher concentrations that are commercially applied, would be cost-effective without decreasing the fruit quality.Publication Embargo A Trend Towards "Due Diligence Law": Curbing the Corporate Impunity(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Dawood, SCorporate must respect human rights wherever they operate. This has been a long-standing debate to include human rights elements in businesses, to control corporate freedom in countries hosting foreign investments. For this, several attempts were made to bring a multilateral agreement at the international level, as well as some developed states introduced draft legislation to regulate their subsidiaries abroad, none of which were adopted for various reasons. Nevertheless, the argument on human rights is consistent. Consequently, the soft law; voluntary standards developed by international organisations, was adopted as internal corporate policies. Recent evidence of human rights violations in some developing countries raises the question of the adequacy of existing voluntary standards as they are most impacted in subsidiaries supply chain/ activities. The due diligence test focuses on the role of corporations to uphold best business practices, and it ensures a duty of care when large corporations do business without a strong mechanism to ensure their accountability in the event of failure. A handful of developed states – France, Germany, the Netherlands and the European Union - have enacted legislation to combat corporate freedom and take responsibility for human rights abuses in their subsidiaries, subcontractors or supply chains. This paper provides a comparative analysis of such recent laws on duty on Due Diligence and studies how they regulate human rights and business. The paper adopts doctrinal analysis that combines descriptive and analytical approaches and concludes that if the laws are effectively enforced, the corporations would be held accountable for their human rights violations by the court of the country where parent corporations are located.Publication Embargo Development and Validation of a Record Sheet for the Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation 0f Swallowing(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Amunugama, E. M .D. W. H. L; De Silva, M. D. KFibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is an emerging assessment in speech therapy practice in Sri Lanka. Lack of consensus of reporting the findings of FEES across different clinical settings and failing to conduct essential subareas of the assessment process has been noted as major issues due to the lack of an appropriate documentation system. Therefore, this study is focused on developing and content validating a documentation system for FEES for patients who have not undergone any clinical examination on swallowing. Modified Delphi method was conducted on 7 speech therapists who are involved in conducting FEES in government hospitals and private sectors. Online questionnaires were used to finalize and content validate the developed record sheet. The record sheet for FEES got finalized with the accepted components and suggestions from two Delphi panels. The Delphi panellists agreed on the content with an excellent content validity index score. The finalized record sheet was designed in a user-friendly manner, and consisted of 3 subsystems; pre FEES, FEES findings, and post FEES.Publication Embargo Geo-graphical Distribution and Morphological Characterization of Terminalia catappa L. (Tropical Almond) in the Galle District, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Ketipearachchi, K.G; Subasinghe, S; Vidanapathirana, N.P; Silva, T. DMorphological variations occur in phenotype-based on environmental conditions. This research aimed to study the variations in morphological characters of Terminalia catappa L. plants found in different geographical locations in Galle District. The data was collected from 70 individual plants and sampling sites were identified through the snowball sampling technique based on referrals named by the primary contacts. The study found that the T. catappa plants varied in height from 8.0 - 40.0 m with irregular or spreading canopy. Bark colour had four colours and the diameter at breast height varied from 10 - 57 cm. The immature leaves were light green in colour and covered with brown hairs. The leaves were obovate with mucronate or obtuse tips and auriculate or subcordate at the base. The inflorescence length varied from 6.0- 30.0 cm and flowers were white, greenish white or cream in colour and 0.5- 1.1 cm in length and 0.2- 0.6 cm in width. The fruit varied in length and in width. Fruits were ovoid to ovate in shape and rarely rounded, green when immature and yellow or bright red when ripe. The ripe fruit weight varied from 8-35.5 g. The seed weight varied from 0.4-1.5 g.Publication Embargo Phytosociology and Mangrove Ecology in Trincomalee and Implications for Conservation(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Arulnayagam, A; Park, JMangrove forests are one of the intertidal wetlands dominating the tropical and subtropical coasts. They are keystone ecosystems providing pivotal ecological and economic services and have acknowledged roles in coastal productivity and connectivity. However, increasing natural and anthropogenic disturbances have imposed a question on their sustainability. Proactive mangrove conservation requires science-based inputs at local and regional levels. Considering above, the present study aimed to investigate the floristic structure, phytosociology, and the ecological linkage of floral assemblages in a mangrove forest in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Forest survey was done with 10m wide belt transects of different lengths at ten stations in the site (P1-P10). Mangroves along the transects were identified, enumerated, and measured diameter at breast height (DBH). Forest structure was assessed with a value index and niche width. Subsurface water samples were taken from the stations to measure environmental parameters (n=30). Floristic survey revealed a heterogeneous mixture of five mangrove species. Overstory was dominated by Avicennia marina, Luminitzera racemosa, and Rhizophora apiculata. R. apiculata showed the highest niche width (9.77). The site revealed a Shannon index of 1.08, Simpson index of 0.38, and Pielou’s evenness of 0.69. Cluster analysis classified the sites into two groups, which were then used to perform site-specific discriminant analysis of floral assemblages. Distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA) showed that salinity, dissolved oxygen, tidal amplitude are key factors controlling mangrove assemblages in the site. The data presented in the study would be fundamental in site-specific management and implementing conservatory actionsPublication Embargo Development of Ginger, Turmeric and Pomegranate Peel Extracts Incorporated Pasteurized Milk with Immune Boosting Active Compounds(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Jayathilake, P. A. L; Jayasinghe, M. A; Walpita, J; Dilani, K.P. R. IThe purpose of this study was to develop a pasteurized milk that could improve human immune responses due to active compounds of ginger, turmeric and pomegranate peel extracts with acceptable sensory properties and to evaluate proximate composition, physiochemical properties and microbial acceptance of developed pasteurized milk. Active compounds of plant extracts were identified through GCMS analysis and the best formulation for the product was selected through a sensory evaluation by 5 point hedonic scale. The formulation of 300ppm of ginger, 100ppm of turmeric and 300ppm of pomegranate was found to be significantly best with relevant to aroma, mouthfeel, taste and overall acceptability at 5% level of significance. Proximate composition of milk samples was determined at first days of shelf life. Total plate count, coliform content and yeast and mould content were evaluated at 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day of storage to confirm 5 days of shelf life. The pH and titratable acidity of milk samples were checked every day of shelf life and antioxidant activity and gallic acid equivalent phenolic content of milk samples and plant extracts were determined at first days of shelf life. When considering physiochemical properties of the final product, antioxidant activity (40.615±0.447) and gallic acid equivalent total phenolic content (0.532±0.004) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the newly developed product. Antimicrobial properties of plant extracts were checked using agar well diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. All 3 extracts have shown inhibition towards selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi.Publication Embargo Biotive Molecules in Canadian Gooseberry and Blackcurrant(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Wijekoon, C; Sura, SWild berry varieties are widely distributed in Canada and are mainly used by the indigenous population as food. Gooseberries and blackcurrants are the two tart berries with a strong taste that are used to make preserves such as jams, jellies, and wines. Fruits such as berries provide significant health benefits because of bioactive compounds and their high antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds and fatty acids are the predominant bioactive metabolites present in these berries. Recently, researchers are more interested in exploring the fruits such as berries for functional properties that benefit human health. However, research evidence related to the profiling of bioactive molecules in these wild berries such as Canadian gooseberry and blackcurrant is limited. These traditional wild berries may help to address the issues related to indigenous populations’ food insecurity and chronic diseases. In this study, we assessed and compared the bioactive phenolic and fatty acid composition in these two berries using liquid and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The cyanidine glucoside, which is a polyphenolic anthocyanin present in blackcurrant is significantly higher compared to that in Canadian gooseberry. However, fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic, and alpha-linolenic acid, which are important in cardiovascular health, are present in both blackcurrant and gooseberry. Further characterization of these berries for antioxidant activity, bio-accessibility, and bioavailability studies will improve the value of these two types of wild berries to harness their full potential as a functional food.Publication Embargo The Desirability and Feasibility of Adopting the CISG: Analysis of the UK and Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Hewage, TThe United Nations Convention on International Sales of Goods (CISG) 1980 is implemented for unification of sales law among trading nations and for overcoming uncertainty of rights and duties of trading parties. The UK and Sri Lanka have not ratified the CISG owing to the importance already attached to English common law (ECL) in international sales of goods. The desirability of ratifying the CISG is attributed to cost and time saving, providing a conducive regime for buyers and sellers, uniformity of legal concepts, progress with modern technology and etc. The nonfeasibility of ratifying the CISG can be assigned to competitive advantage of ECL over the CISG. Therefore, the CISG should be amended by seeking recommendations from interested parties. Similar experiences can be drawn from Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP) and International Commercial Terms (Incoterms).Publication Embargo Effect of Three Types of Biochar in Cocopeat Medium on Shoot Cutting Production of Chrysanthemum(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Kathriarachchi, A. S; Wimalasiri, E. M; Ampitiyawatta, A. D; Kumara, G. D. K; Weerasinghe, W. W. B. P. BBiochar is a popular growing media amendment that increases fertilizer and water use efficiency, nutrient retention and crop productivity in floricultural crops. In Sri Lanka, cocopeat is used as the major growing medium for most of the floricultural crops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to incorporate biochar as a potential media amendment to improve the performances of plants through the enhancement of media properties. The performance of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) was tested in amended media, as Chrysanthemum shoot cuttings is one of the most important floricultural products exported from Sri Lanka. The experiment was conducted with four treatments: B1 - 80% Coir dust+ 20% paddy husk biochar (v/v); B2 - 80% Coir dust+ 20% coconut shell biochar (v/v); B3 - 80% Coir dust+ 20% pine wood biochar (v/v) and C - 100% Coir dust (control). Incorporation of biochar significantly (p < 0.05) changes pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and water holding capacity (WHC) of the growing medium. Compared to the control, the time taken by Chrysanthemum shoots to reach standard size and quality did not show a significant (p > 0.05) difference in B1 while B2 and B3 showed significant (p < 0.05) differences. The number of shoots produced per plant three weeks after the first pinching and the post-harvest life and rooting performance was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among treatments. The incorporation of biochar into the coir dust growing medium for Chrysanthemum showed promising results which need to be assessed using other substrates and different mixing ratios.Publication Embargo Comparing Trends in Data (with Applications to COVID and Image Data)(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Amaratunga, D; Cabrera, JMany applications involve looking at and comparing trends in data. We will discuss some statistics that can be used to assess the similarity or dissimilarity between pairs of cumulative trends. These statistics can then be used to study sets of trends – for example, to cluster them or to compare them across different groups We will describe one possible approach and illustrate its use in two case studies. In the first case study, we studied the trend over time of COVID-19 in New Jersey in the USA– it was found that areas close to New York City had significantly different (more rapidly increasing) cumulative trends compared to areas further from New York City during the early days of the pandemic, but this difference dissipated as the pandemic progressed and spread within New Jersey itself. In the second case study, we compared two sets of CT scan images of lungs – a significant difference could be detected between COPD-diseased lungs and normal lungs. Overall, the method performed well and detected insightful differences.Publication Embargo Exploration of Electrical and Optical Characteristics of Cuprous Oxide Synthesized Using Benedict’s Reagent(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Wickramasinghe, G.C; Perera, V.P.S; Senthilnithy, RIn the current study, cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were synthesized using Benedict’s reagent. In this reaction, glucose was used to reduce copper(II)−citrate complex to obtain yellow, orange and red colour Cu2O by varying the reaction time and temperature. The synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles were fabricated on Fluorinedoped Tin Oxides glass plates by using doctor bade method to obtain thin films for characterization. The electrochemical impedance and UV-Visible spectra were used to characterize the three cuprous oxide films for electrical conductivity and calculate their direct energy band gap to test the suitability of material for diverse applications. Nyquist plot of thin films of Cu2O were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Simulated results of Nyquist plots clearly revealed that charge transfer resistance of the red colour Cu2O thin film was lower than that of yellow and orange colour thin films. The maximum absorption peak at 300 nm confirmed the presence of Cu2O in all the samples. The board absorption peak around 610 nm in the UV-visible spectra of red cuprous oxide was an evidence for the presence of copper nanoparticles in this sample. The direct energy band gaps of samples of Cu2O were calculated from tauc plots using the results of UV-visible spectra. Values of direct band gap of yellow, orange and red colour cuprous oxides nanoparticles found to be 2.15, 2.72 and 2.45 eV respectively.Publication Embargo Pro-Choice v. Pro-Life: A Perennial Conundrum- An Alternative Discourse for Abortion in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Antony, SAbortion is a highly contested issue all over the world. In Sri Lanka, the abortion discourse is emotionally charged and dictated by religious and customary norms and practices that regulate female morality and sexuality. Several attempts at introducing menial changes to the law have failed. Regulation of women in the private sphere, subject to a different set of norms, convolutes the theory of abortion as a right to autonomy and bodily integrity. In the United States, the pro-choice versus pro-life debate has been central to the discourse on a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy. Since the ruling in Roe v. Wade, activists from both spectrums have fought aggressively to utilize the forces of politics and law to catalyst change. Contrastingly, most Western European states decriminalized abortion whilst maintaining a normative disapproval of abortion. The legal processes adopted in Western European countries situated the debate within broader social and public policy concerns. In this paper, it is argued that the abortion discourse in Sri Lanka should be isolated from the pro-choice/pro-life dichotomy that pits women against their unborn children, limiting possibilities and compromises. The paper advocates an alternative approach by engaging in a comparative analysis. It draws attention to the limitations of the privacy doctrine beyond Roe and repositions the debate within a broader socio-legal framework which encapsulates the real concerns of women.Publication Embargo An Investigative Study on The Professional Development of Mentors in the Process of Mentoring Prospective Teachers(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Karunathilaka, W. L. PMentoring plays a vital role in the life of a teacher. The present qualitative study investigates how mentors enhance their professional development through the process of mentoring. Researches have shown that how observational learning with mental activity construct self – regulation towards the accomplishment of the professional goals of the mentor. As a pilot study, the case study method was applied to 10 participants., five new mentors, three sectional heads and vice principals working as mentors. Semi-structured interview method was applied to collect data. The questions of the interview were based on how mentors define their role as a “mentor” and how they enhance their professional development under five components. According to the findings of the study, five mentors without much experience in mentoring, mentioned that they were able to develop listening, empathetic responding and questioning skills when conversing with them. The second objective of the study was to identify how mentors gain benefits in mentoring. It is clear that all the participants gain some skills throughout the process of mentoring. It is obvious that mentoring supported mentors in different means in their professional development. It is suggested that the duration of mentor training should be extended. If mentors gain benefits from mentoring, it is apparently an investment for teacher education.Publication Embargo Heuristic Approach to Solve Interval Transportation Problem(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Gunarathne, H.A.D.R; Juman, Z.A.M.SThe transportation problem is a special type of linear programming problem in which commodities are transported from a set of sources to a set of destinations subject to the supply and demand quantities of sources and destinations respectively such that the total transportation cost is minimized. This plays an important role in logistics and supply-chain management for improving services, reducing cost, and optimizing the use of resources. Researchers have given considerable attention to the transportation problem with fixed demand and supply. Many algorithms are available to solve transportation problems with the above conditions. However, in realworld applications, demand and supply quantities may vary within a specific interval due to variations in the global economy. Finding an upper minimal total cost of interval transportation problem (ITP) is an NP-hard problem. Thus, less attention has been given to this type of transportation problem. Heuristic approaches are preferred to solve this type of problem. Genetic algorithm is a powerful algorithm to solve NP-hard problems because of its special characteristics. In this paper, a solution procedure based on the concept of a genetic algorithm is proposed to solve ITP.Publication Embargo War Theories Depending on International Humanitarian Law: Study Based on Just War Theory(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Premarathna, P. K. B. IThis research focuses primarily on just war theory and International Humanitarian law. Therefore, this analysis will track the historical progress of the theories into their modern manifestations, and focuses on the Just War Theory primarily in that context. The main purpose of the research is to provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of war theories and just war theory of international humanitarian law. It also studies and analyses the relevance of just war theory as a major war theory in international humanitarian law today, as well as the role of international humanitarian law and the impact of war debt. Just war theory shifted generally from a morally-grounded calculus that subjects rulers’ decisions to make war to limiting questions of justice in war primarily to whether the means used are relative. Research shows that just war theory has had a positive and negative impact on international humanitarian law from historical times to the present. It is clear that human rights, humanitarian law, the prevention of conflict and the realization of one's aspirations through war vary according to the nature of the war. An alternative definition, and a compilation of worldwide wars, is put up for the modern great-power system, which is considered in terms of a Eurocentric focus and the primacy of military security matters.Publication Embargo The Depiction of Post-Independence Sri Lankan Social Dynamics in Punyakante Wijenaike’s Giraya(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Alwis, OIn the aftermath of the three decades following the independence in 1948, post-colonial Sri Lanka as a nation has witnessed drastic political shifts, socio-economic development and violent ethnic conflicts that directly impacted Sri Lankan society and its citizens. The colonial social hierarchy was coming to a standstill, transferring social power from the colonizer to the local aristocracy and eventually to the middle class. Post-independence economic and social reforms empowered the rural middle and lower classes providing them with the opportunities of social mobility and advancement. This study aims to qualitatively explore the trajectories of postindependence Sri Lankan social dynamics depicted in Punyakante Wijenaike’s novella, Giraya (1971), in relation to its character and incident portrayal. As a Sri Lankan writer of English fiction, Wijenaike subtly captures the submerging feudal authority in post-colonial Sri Lanka. The walauwe, once a symbol of prestige and privilege in its decay, symbolizes the shift of social power from the Sinhalese aristocracy to rural middle and lower classes. The study, stemming from a detailed textual analysis of Giraya, its character and incident portrayals explores the social dynamic nuances based on post-independence decline of traditional Sinhala walauwe feudal system, its property ownership, post-independence religious reforms and emergence of the rural middle class in power. The analysis of the novel unveils that the denial of the transitioning post-colonial social systems, industrialization and educational empowerment of middle and lower classes of the society is fostering the downfall of the Sinhalese aristocracy.Publication Embargo Role of Education Administrators in Implementing 21st Century Skills at National Colleges of Education(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Rohan, R. M. DThe current changes taking place within the Sri Lankan education system focus more on integration of 21st century skills to the learning teaching approach. However, . majority of the teachers have no idea about 21st century skills and their integration to the curricular. This is research conducted to explore the role played by the education leaders to the curriculum of National Colleges of Education where pre-service teacher education is conducted. Two different questionnaires were administered for the Vice Presidents (Academic and Quality Assurance) and 50 lecturers of seven (7) National Colleges of Education where English medium courses are held. Also, semi-structured interviews for the Vice Presidents and lesson observations of (10) lecturers were conducted for data gathering. Data were analyzed both statistically and qualitatively. It was revealed in the process of data gathering that though the lecturers, prospective teachers and Vice Presidents possess a little knowledge about 21st century skills, integration of them in the curriculum has not been effectively done. The Vice Presidents lack strength and capacity of acting swiftly to achieve the expected targets in relation to the 21st century skills. A radical change to the role of Vice President is suggested to support 21st century skills. Capacity building and skill strengthening programs are suggested to help the Vice Presidents overcome their inability of making right decisions at the time of need. Further, it was suggested that the Teacher Educator service minute is revised so that more capable dynamic, young officers can come to these responsible positions.Publication Embargo What Does Your Physical Activity Level Say About the Flexibility of Your Body?(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Rikas, A. M. M; Ajmala, H; Hana, M. H. F; Herath, H. M. G. S; Karunaratne, N. G .Y. W; Senarath, M. K. I. D; Banneheka, B. M. H. S. KPhysical inactivity is a leading risk factor for global mortality with flexibility being the key factor for determining an individual’s health status. This study explored the impact of physical activity on the flexibility of the lumbar spine and the lower extremities of undergraduates. A sample of 60 undergraduates from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya was selected using stratified random sampling method. The students were divided into three categories (low, moderate, and high) based on their physical activity level. Modified Schober test was used to measure the flexibility of the lumbar spine while Sit-and-Reach and Groin Flexibility tests were used to measure the flexibility of lower limbs. It revealed a weak positive correlation (r=0.236, p = 0.048) between physical activity and flexibility of lower limbs whereas nonsignificant correlation (r = -0.179, p = 0.701) was found in between physical activity and flexibility of the lumbar spine. It explored a strong positive correlation between the flexibility of lumbar spine and lower limbs in subjects who were low in physical activity but not in subjects with moderately and highly physically active. In addition to that, the study indicated the males to be more flexible in both lumbar spine (22.26) and lower limb (7.46) compared to females (21.4), (6.66) respectively. This study concluded by emphasizing the fact that being physically less active may reduce the flexibility irrespective of its specificity to each joint or area of the body. Thus, importance should be given clinically to alleviate physical inactivity in order to improve the general status of health.Publication Embargo A Successful Surface Sterilization Technique for in vitro Establishment of Dracaena sanderiana Sander ex Mast. Nodal Explants(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Seneviratne, K. L; Malwattage, G; Weerakkody, G. K; Peiris, S. E; Peiris, C. NDracaena sanderiana Sander ex Mast. is the number one cut foliage exported from Sri Lanka and it is also a popular potted plant. In order to promote dracaena cultivation, micropropagation techniques can be employed to produce high quality large number of clones as planting materials. However, severe microbial contaminations in the in vitro establishment stage mitigate the micropropagation application on this species. Therefore, this study was undertaken with the objective of using silver nitrate (AgNO3) to eliminate surface adhered microorganisms to obtain high amount of contamination free cultures at the in vitro establishment stage. Investigations also carried out to explore reusability of AgNO3 after the first wash in surface sterilization. Apical parts of about 8 cm of D. sanderiana cv ‘White’ were used in this study. Silver nitrate solution in 200 mg/L and Clorox™ in 10% concentrations were used for the surface sterilization of the nodal explants. Results revealed that 200 mg/L AgNO3 produced 90% and 10% Clorox produced 20% contamination free cultures after 8 weeks of establishment in vitro. Also, in the experiment of investigation of reusability of AgNO3 it was observed that the second and third washings of AgNO3 produced 80 and 70% non-contaminated cultures, respectively. Results of this study suggest that AgNO3 is a highly effective low-cost non-toxic material which can be used in surface sterilization of D. sanderiana nodal explants. With this promising results it can be suggested that 200 mg/L AgNO3 solution can be considered to replace toxic heavy metals such as mercuric chloride frequently used in Micropropagation.