SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities [SICASH] 2021
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Publication Embargo Analysing the Processing Ability of Cinnamon Stems Under Different Planting Systems(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Aluthgamage, H. N; Fonseka, D. L. C. K; Benaragama, C. KCinnamon contributes largely to the country’s economy, being one of the major agricultural export crops in Sri Lanka. But shortage of skilled cinnamon peelers is one of the major problems. Therefore, enhancement of the efficiency of processing procedure is crucial. Hence, the study was conducted to optimize the processing ability of common stems based on spatial pattern, type of planting material and harvesting interval to enhance the efficiency of cinnamon processing. Seedlings and vegetatively propagated plants (VP) of cinnamon; variety Sri Gemunu were planted under three spatial patterns as (A) 1.2×0.6 m with three plants per hill, (B) 1.2×0.4 m with two plants per hill and (C) 1.2×0.2 m with one plant per hill at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. Stems were harvested in two planting intervals as 6 and 8 months. The study was conducted after four years from field establishment. Harvested cinnamon stems were processed with the support of a skilled cinnamon peeler. Scraping ability, rubbing ability, peeling ability and overall processing ability were recorded based on a scoring scale as, Bad-1, Normal-2, Good- 3 and Best- 4. The results revealed that, only the impact of planting material was significant ( p < 0.05) for Scraping ability, rubbing ability, peeling ability as well as overall processing ability of the cinnamon stems. Seedlings were observed to have better ability of processing than vegetatively propagated plants. Current findings can be used for further studies on efficiency enhancement of cinnamon processing.Publication Embargo Assessment of Drought Tolerance Ability of Selected Finger Millet Varieties in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Thakshila, G. P. G. I; Gimhani, D. R; Koodalugodaarachchi, VFinger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertnis is a highly nutritious cereal crop widely cultivated in Sri Lanka. Drought is a major abiotic stress which leads to limit plant’s growth and productivity. Two cultivated finger millet varieties (Rawana and Oshada) and three promising accessions (ACC: 7090, ACC: 7088, and ACC: 12415) were screened in a poly-house for drought tolerance using morpho-physiological traits and assessed using 5 selected Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers (UGEP3, UGEP10, UGEP24, UGEP60, and UGEP78). Drought response was assessed using 9 morpho-physiological parameters. Through parallel analysis with control plants, it indicated that the variety Oshada performed effectively under drought stress compared to the other genotypes while Rawana indicated more sensitiveness to water withholding. DNA from each finger millet genotypes was amplified using selected SSR markers separately. Even though all five selected SSR markers exhibited comparatively higher polymorphism among the finger millet genotypes in previous studies, none of the markers showed the presence of polymorphism in the narrow genetic variation among the studied five genotypes. Interrelationships among the different agronomic traits measured were studied using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA revealed that shoot dry weight (SDW), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot length (SL) and root dry weight (RDW) have contributed to the two principal components collectively. Hence, these traits can be effectively used in breeding programmes to generate variability. Furthermore, studies should be conducted with a greater number of SSR markers in order to have an in-depth assessment of genetic variability in the cultivated finger millet genotypes.Publication Embargo Biomonitoring of HgCl2 with Dracaena sanderiana under Two Different Irradiance Levels: Effects on the Photosynthetic Apparatus(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Jayasooriya, L. S. H; Wijethunga, W. M. U. D; Kumarihami, H. M. P. C; Attanayake, U; Beneragama, C. KHeavy metals such as Hg are phytotoxic. Interference of heavy metals with photosynthesis has been a topic of intensive research during the last few decades. Some plants can be used in biomonitoring and the remediation of such pollutants. It is important to assess the biomonitoring potential in ornamental plants as they do not enter into the food chain. This experiment was conducted to examine the effect of HgCl2 on the photosynthetic apparatus in Dracaena sanderiana to assess its potential to use in biomonitoring. D. sanderiana cuttings were subjected to heavy metal stress (100 μM HgCl2), along with control (distilled water) under two contrasting irradiance levels (High light-: 22,500±2,000 lux and Low light-: 750±200 lux). OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were conducted using a fluorometer (FluorPen, FP-110). The measurements were recorded four times a day (9 am, 12 noon, 3 and 6 pm) continuously for four days after imposing the treatments. Specific energy fluxes per reaction center, flux ratios and Performance Index (PI) were recorded. There was a significant reduction in PI, maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (φPo) and quantum yield of electron transport (φEo) with the time in HgCl2 treatment compared to the control. This indicates the negative effects of Hg+ on the photosystem II. However, the visual rating of the foliage quality was at a satisfactory level. Moreover, there was a significant increase/progress/growth in effective antenna size (ABS/RC) and maximum quantum yield of nonphotochemical de-excitation (φDo) in HgCl2 with time. Except in electron transport efficiency (ψo), a clear unimodal circadian variation was observed in all OJIP parameters under high light condition. Photosynthetic apparatus of D. sanderiana is affected by the Hg+. However, the plant was able to cope up with the heavy metal stress during the experimental period indicating that, it can successfully be employed in short-term biomonitoring of mercury. In the experiment, the temperature effect could not be eliminated, thus future experiments for studying that might be crucial.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 Characteristics of Fibre Extracted from Leaves of Banana (Musa spp.) Cultivar Ambun(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Priyadarshana, R. W. I. B; Kaliyadasa, P. E; Ranawana, S. R. W. M. C. J. KProduction processes are now shaping toward the concept of environmentalfriendly and sustainable development. Waste biomass of various plants are widely utilized to extract natural fibers to be used in a diversified range of applications. Among these plants, banana carries a vast potential for extracting fibers from its pseudostem and leaves. In this study, fibers from leaves of banana cultivar Ambun (AAA) at harvesting stage were extracted by a decorticator machine. Fresh weight of the leaves (as mid ribs and leaf blades separately) used for extraction was measured. During fiber extraction, mid ribs of banana leaves were fed to the decorticator as they were, and parts of leaf blades were folded before feeding to the decorticator. After extraction, the fibers were hung up to air dry and the dry weight was measured. The yield of the fibers was influenced by the part of the banana leaf. Fiber extracted from mid ribs showed a significantly high amount of fiber compared to fiber extracted from leaf blades. The fiber quantity was 4.25 g of dry fiber per 100 g of fresh mid ribs whereas 0.88 g of dry fiber per 100 g of fresh leaf blades. The highest average tensile strength (breaking load of 1.34 N) was shown by the fiber separated from the mid ribs. Therefore, mid ribs can be suggested as the most economical part of the leaves of Ambun cultivar in extracting fibers due to its higher strength and quantity parameters for making use in fiber-based industries.Publication Embargo A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Audiobooks and E-Texts on Comprehension in SLA(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Wijesuriya, K; Rajapakse, R. W. D. N. KThe objectives of the study are to assess the impact of the input derived through audiobooks and e-books on comprehension and the retention level in second language learners. Forty Engineering undergraduates in their first term at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) B1 level in proficiency were randomly divided into two comparison groups: E-Text Group (EG) and Audiobook Group (AG). Data was gathered via two parallel zoom sessions conducted at different intervals in the learning process. The participants were exposed to the short story: The Lottery Ticket by Anton Chekhov through an E-text (pdf) and Audio respectively. They were instructed to understand the context of the story under minimal teacher intervention. First, the students’ general perception towards reading was examined via a Likert scale survey; afterwards, similar immediate tests and posttests were administered in groups via quizzes created in Google forms to check the effectiveness of comprehension. The findings showed that both the E-text and Audiobook modes have significantly improved student comprehension. While the mean of the E-text group was higher than that of the Audiobook group in both tests, the difference is not statistically significant in immediate and longterm retention. Neither of the modes has been demonstrated superior to the other at the immediate test and the post-test levels. Therefore, both E-texts and audiobooks of literary texts are recommended as supplementary material in facilitating students’ comprehension and retention in Second Language Acquisition.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 Compelling Reasons for L1 Use in ESL Classrooms; a Study of the Perspective of Teachers in Schools of Kegalle(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Wickramarathna, G. K. M; Perera, UThe use of the first language (L1) to teach English as a second language (L2) has been a subject of controversy over the years. The present study aimed to identify the reasons which compelled the teachers to use L1 in ESL teaching, based on teachers’ perspectives. The primary data were collected from fifteen teachers, teaching grades 10 and 11, from six government schools of the education division of Kegalle. Data were collected through interviews and were analyzed using Thematic Analysis Method. According to the findings L1 was used to facilitate students with different proficiency levels, to facilitate students from low socio-economic backgrounds, to overcome anxiety related issues and also to facilitate the teaching- learning process by making it more efficient but with the ultimate motive of meeting the demands of the authorities to make the students pass the O/L examination. According to the study, the teachers’ insufficient knowledge in ELT methods is one of the major reasons that compelled the use of L1. According to the study the teachers do not always use L1 for accepted reasons in literature. For them, it was not a "strategy" but a last-minute "option". It was clear that the education authorities have a great responsibility towards the ESL teachers, to give them necessary methodological, strategic knowledge in pre – and in-service training. The exam-oriented mindset should be changed starting from higher officials. Further classroom realities such as learner diversity should be taken into consideration in making policy guidelines and making improvements in the sector.Publication Embargo Compulsory Licence a Myth or Reality; Analysis through Experiences of India and Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 Pandemic(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Adikari, CThe Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) provides compulsory license as one of the exceptions for patented pharmaceuticals. The issue is whether compulsory license is an effective solution for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in responding to a global health pandemic like COVID-19 since all countries are not homogeneous. Most of the LMICs are countries that have low or no manufacturing capacities. Further, due to fear of granting a compulsory license, most of the pharmaceutical products have not been patented in LMICs. Hence, when there are no operating patents in the own jurisdiction of LMICs, they are unable to proceed with generic drug productions by using a compulsory license. This doctrinal research reveals that the existing social economic legal and political disparities of LMICs have exaggerated the inability of realising compulsory license as an effective solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the global community is currently considering several alternatives like COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP), and TRIPS waiver proposals to remove barriers associated with LMICs in realising compulsory license in midst of a global health pandemic. Global initiatives like C-TAP and TRIPS waiver proposals can be appreciated as timely efforts for reducing disparities in realisation of compulsory license by LMICs in responding global health pandemic of COVID-19.Publication Embargo Contribution of Organic, Biodynamic, and Conventional Tea Farming Systems for the Clean Development Mechanism(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Lankika, S. P. C; Sangakkara, U. R; Mohotti, K. MGlobal warming is a significant problem in the world today and carbon sequestration in soil is used to reduce the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. CO2 is the primary gas that causes global warming. The study was conducted at the Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle. Aall treatments were arranged in RCB Design. CO2 evolution rate of soil and roots was measured by using CO2 flux chamber and in vitro method respectively. A Bioassay was conducted using Mung bean plants. Walkley and Black method and Kjeldhal method were used to analyze organic carbon content and nitrogen content. The CO2 evolution rate of organic treatments was 58% and conventional plots showed 42%. The soil organic carbon was 8% and 3.14% in organic treatments and conventional treatment respectively. There was a 155% increment of soil organic carbon content in organic treatments compared to conventional treatments. Leaf organic carbon content showed as 57.7% in organic treatments whereas 38.7% was showed in conventional treatments. The highest root CO2 evolution rate was observed in compost treatments followed by neem oil cake and tea waste and the least was observed in conventional treatments. In BIDORCON, the highest soil CO2 evolution was observed in organic treatments, followed by biodynamic and the least was by conventional treatments. The soil and leaf organic carbon showed a similar pattern. These results indicated that organic farming supports the storage of excess carbon in the soil and plants which leads to a cleaner development mechanism.Publication Embargo A Critique on the Existing Academic View on the Prohibition of Insider Dealing in the Sri Lankan Finance Law Regime: A Comparative Analysis(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Rosairo, H. G. S; Jayaweera, H. DInsider Dealing (hereafter “ID”) is an offence which relates to trading on securities of a company using information that is unpublished and price sensitive. This may cause serious prejudice to a company. This work presents that while Section 32 of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 36 of 1987 (hereafter “SEC Act”) contains a competent prohibition of ID, that competency is diluted by the nature of the express definition given to ‘connected individual’ in Section 34 in the same Act. A persistent myth relating to Section 34 is a lack of express inclusion of shareholders to the definition of a connected individual, as a loophole. However, this paper attempts to debunk the aforesaid myth, by emphasizing the inherent implied inclusion of shareholders within Section 34. This work focuses on the issue of the definition of a shareholder in the SEC Act as limited to natural persons, would result in a significant threat to the stability and security of the corporate sector, since it is possible that a shareholder who is also a legal person would not be made liable for the offence of ID. Unlike the Sri Lankan legal context, the English law extends its prohibition of ID to a competent extent, by two actions. The first is the express inclusion of shareholders in the definition of an insider. The second is the inclusion of both legal and natural persons into the definition of an insider. This paper intends to shed light on the said pressing concern, with a sincere hope that the legal system of Sri Lanka will be better equipped to implement a competent prohibition of ID.Publication Embargo Defining Determinants of Anxiety Underlying Psychological Impact of Online Testing(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Wijerathna, S. M. C; Ekanayake, G. B; Lecamwasam, D. RThe Covid-19 pandemic exercises an authoritative influence on the global academic milieu, necessitating institutes fully converting their mode of delivery from an in-class construct to a distant learning factor. Similarly, this urgency drives Sri Lankan educators to rethink of the shift in learner assessment as remote electronic testing is a relatively novel experience to the local student body. This study expects to bridge this gap by establishing the stance; as the causative agents of anxiety generating online impact on the psychology of the online test takers are only moderately influential, they can be mitigated through accurate identification and application of qualified mechanisms. The research incorporated a mixed methods design involving undergraduates of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, of the Rajarata University, Sri Lanka. Both descriptive analysis and Thematic analysis were used. The questionnaire detailed five divisions of information: anxiety on content and structure of the question paper, anxiety on time management, anxiety on technical issues and computer literacy, anxiety on change of exam atmosphere, and demographics. The question guide of interview delved deep into the above categories. Typing speed, technical failures, change of exam setting, lack of experience, and excessive belief in physical exams were distinguished as the undoubtable causes of anxiety. Pessimism towards the alternative process and inconvenience caused by incidental circumstances propelled aversion towards online testing. The perpetuated exposure to online testing accompanied by remedial measures will breed positive perspectives. The teachers should be more attentive in designing the tasks and implementing the test. More research should be initiated to establish what further variables in online testing environment can catalyze adverse effects on the local student population.Publication Embargo Demanding higher standards for animal welfare legislation into exiting law in Sri Lanka: with special reference to Domestic Animals in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Thilakarathne, W. G.T. YWe live in a society where human rights are highly considered to be valuable. However, the requirement of higher standards of animal welfare remains as a loophole in the current legal framework. Many stories in relation to animals’ welfare remain appalling. Animal welfare Law requires to be more alive today as it is as a burning Sociolegal problem. Sri Lanka has seen its last amendment to law which addresses cruelty to animals in 1995 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Ordinance 1907 under which welfare of animals is taken into consideration. The recent past is evidence of many unpleasant news relating to degrading treatment of domesticated animals. The society love animals yet simultaneously perpetrate extreme violence against them. Animals though domesticated should be adequately given freedom within boundaries. The issue is whether this is allowed in Sri Lanka. Cruelty against animals has become a key issue today for Sri Lanka. The published incidents of animal cruelty are just the tip of a large iceberg. A few could have happened due to a lack of awareness but majority of them are deliberately done. These incidents have left a question to think whether the current Law is adequate to secure the innocent lives of pet animals in Sri Lanka. Adopting the qualitative method, the researcher intends to build and elaborate on this research critically, based on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance No 13 of 1907.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 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 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 Development and Validation of a Scale: Assessing Secondary School Students’ Pro-Environmental Behviour and Attitudes(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Alwis, R. De; Perera, C; Keppetigoda, DThe main purpose of this study is to develop and validate an instrument to assess levels of Pro Environmental Behavior and Attitudes (PEB) of grade 8 and 10 students in the Sri Lankan context. First, related previous studies and related scales were studied and an item pool was established. Relevant common items were identified in different scales and some items were moderated or redesigned to make them more suitable for grade 8 and 10 students in the Sri Lankan context. The first draft of the questionnaire containing 45 items was reviewed by a panel of experts and according to the expert recommendation, 5 items were eliminated. The final questionnaire was based on a five-point Likert scale (Strongly disagree - 1 to Strongly agree - 5) was administered to a randomly selected 972 (529 male and 443 female) students. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with varimax rotation were used. Adequacy of sample size for EFA was tested by the Kaiser-Meyer- Olkin (KMO) and Barlett Sphericity tests (0.714). Reliability analysis was done using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient (0.894) for the whole scale. The final version of the scale contained 32 items that explain 49.7 of total variance with six factors (i.e., Household behavior - 8 items; Civic action - 5 items; Recycling behavior - 6 items; Environmental Sensitivity-5 items; Environmental Awareness - 4 items and Environmental values - 4 items). The final scale consists of 32 items proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing attitudes and behavior of junior secondary students in the Sri Lankan context.Publication 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 Differences in Counselling practices between Male and Female Practitioners(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Ranga, M; Mananpreet, ACounselling skills and related factors of the practitioners / counsellors in a specific Indian context were addressed. The objectives of the research were to study the challenges faced by counsellors in their practices of counselling and to identify the differences in counselling practices between male and female counsellors. Research method- used was the purposive sample of size 60 counsellors (25- 55 years) in an online survey, using skilled counsellor scale. The hypotheses of the study were: the overall counselling would be different between male and female counsellors and the counselling skills of male and female counsellors would belong to different domains. The result of the study indicated that the counsellors showed significant gender difference in their counselling skills. Gender is the factor affecting the counselling skills. The counsellors with more than ten years’ experience in counselling showed better counselling skills. The female counsellors were using more skills during counselling like- attending skills, questioning, and reflecting, decision making and contracting.Publication Embargo The Doctrine of Confidential Information and Privacy in United Kingdom and Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Mahindagoda, C.BThis paper aims to discuss whether the doctrine of confidential information and privacy in Sri Lanka (SL) & United Kingdom (UK) adequately safeguards individuals. European Convention on Human Rights Article 8 gives effect to the “right to private and family life” with the objective of protecting individuals from unsolicited interference and disturbance to their private life. However, UK who has ratified the ECHR appears to be unenthusiastic and lethargic in incorporating “right to privacy” into their own domestic law, thus the courts are left to interpret it in a favourable manner. Similarly, SL has failed to recognize the “right to privacy” within the fundamental rights chapter of the SL Constitution, even though it has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which provides for the right to privacy in Article 17. However, there are cases that demonstrate that the courts have made effort to acknowledge the concept of privacy, granted that the focus has only been in a rather narrow section of the right to privacy.