SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities [SICASH] 2023

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Open Access
Impact of Mobile Phone Dependence on Social Anxiety among University Students
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Lakshika, R; Bulathwatta, A
Mobile phone dependence is a significant condition that people experience all over the world. Dependence on mobile phones, like any phenomenon related to other technologies, is also related to psychological issues such as anxiety, social isolation, hopelessness, and sleep problems. Thus, this study aimed to figure out the impact of mobile phone dependence on social anxiety among students University of Peradeniya. A snowball sample of 115, 79 female and 36 male participants were selected from the Faculty of Arts. Data was gathered administrating a questionnaire as a google form. Quantitative data was gathered by a self-constructed questionnaire that measures mobile phone dependence and social anxiety was measured by using Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-SR). The correlational analysis shows that there is a relationship between mobile phone dependence and social anxiety. It shows that dependence, loneliness, anxiety positively correlate with mobile phone dependence. The results show that there is a significant impact of mobile phone dependence on social anxiety among undergraduates. This study expected to have a positive relationship between mobile phone dependence and social anxiety among university students. Results revealed that the variable anxiety contributes the most to social anxiety among university students. In conclusion, university students depend on mobile phones for their academic activities and entertainment. Especially with the Covid-19 pandemic mobile phone dependence behavior of university students may have increased and it might be influencing their social anxiety.
Open Access
Predicting Factors Towards the Attitudes of Family Involvement in Nursing Care among Second-Year Nursing Students in a Selected School of Nursing in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Dilrukshi, K. T.; Amarasekara., T. D.
Family involvement is a vital component of patientcentered care. This study aimed to examine the predicting factors towards the attitudes of family involvement in care among second-year Nursing students in a selected School of Nursing in Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing students (N=237) at the School of Nursing Kalutara. Convenience sampling method was used. A Families’ Importance in Nursing Care – Nurses’ Attitudes (FINC-NA) scale, which includes four dimensions: family as a conversational partner, a coping resource, a resource in nursing care, and a burden, was used to collect data. The scale’s internal consistency was compared and assessed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of more than 0.7. Both, descriptive and inferential statistics was used. The student nurses have positive attitudes toward family as a resource in nursing care (M= 37.69, SD = 4.62), and as a conversational partner (M=30.96, SD = 3.78). Family as a conversational partner significantly differs for males and females (t = -2.06, p=0.04). Female nursing students have a higher positive attitude toward family as a conversational partner (M=31.06, SD =3.76) than that of male nursing students (M= 29.77, SD = 3.77). According to the individual significance values of the linear regression model, gender (β = 3.67, t = 2.22, p < 0.03) presented a significant effect on the attitude of nursing students towards family involvement in nursing care. Cultural and regional influences on attitudes towards family involvement is still researchable. Further research is needed on this phenomenon.
Open Access
Incorporation of Digital Games in a TESL Methodology: An Innovative Approach to Teaching and Learning English Grammar in the ESL Classroom
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Poshitha, M. G . S.
The incorporation of digital games in the TESL methodology is considered an innovative approach to teaching and learning English based on its popularity over traditional teaching methods due to its ability to engage and motivate learners. In learning English grammar, digital games have proven mechanisms to offer an interactive fun way, enjoyable but challenging, for learners to practice and reinforce the newly learned grammatical elements with better retention and mastery. Accordingly, this paper proposes that using digital games to teach English grammar can be an effective and an engaging way to help Sri Lankan students improve their English language skills. In Sri Lanka, where traditional methods of teaching English often emphasize rote learning and memorization, approaches to learn based on digital games can be an effective innovation that boosts student-centred and immersive learning by allowing students to proceed at their own pace, receive immediate feedback, and practice skills in a safe and supportive environment. Against this backdrop, this study explores the perceptions of teachers and students about digital game-based learning in a Junior secondary ESL classroom in the Baddegama Educational Division, Sri Lanka. The data is investigated by a questionnaire served to 35 junior secondary level (grades 8-9) students and 10 English teachers in the age group of 24– 35 years. Although most of them responded positively, they pointed out several limitations in the usage of digital games in the classroom and accorded digital games only a supplementary status in TESL endeavours in the Sri Lankan context. The collected data was analysed manually using graphs, pie charts and tables.
Open Access
Exploring the Influence of Intermittent Heat Exposure on Spontaneous Mutations in Drosophila melanogaster: Assessing the Role of Vitamin C in Mitigating Heat Stress and Examining Inheritance Patterns of Induced Mutations
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Gammanpila, H. W.; Manjula, K. R.
Climate change poses a significant threat to the well-being of organisms. It has a detrimental impact on the survival of smaller organisms in response to climatic shifts, posing a substantial danger to biodiversity, which is already under stress due to habitat loss, emerging invasive species, and diseases. This study aimed to assess the influence of fluctuating temperatures on the physiology and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as to investigate whether such temperature fluctuations have any effect on phenotypic expression through potential spontaneous mutations. Genotypic changes were examined by observing cytological alterations in the salivary gland chromosomes. Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to intermittent heat conditions for a period of two weeks. The experimental setup was divided into four groups: a control group maintained at room temperature (25±2°C), a group at room temperature supplemented with vitamin C, a group exposed to heat at 38±2°C, and a group exposed to 38±2°C with vitamin C supplementation. Revival of the flies was noticeably better in the vitamin C supplemented group. These flies exhibited a higher revival rate even after exposure to the heat stress. Salivary gland chromosome analysis provided intriguing insights. More balbiani rings were observed, indicating elevated mRNA production during the heat exposure. Furthermore, an increase in the number of puffs in polytene chromosomes was noted, suggesting an overall increase in mRNA production in the heat-exposed flies. Additionally, the evaluation of wing mutants yielded important findings. It became evident that these mutations were not related to vestigial or curly wing traits. Instead, they indicated that heat exposure was damaging wing formation, resulting in abnormal wing patterns. These results suggest a substantial impact of temperature fluctuations on insect behavior, which can even lead to the induction of mutations. Generational studies further indicate that these mutations can be inherited.
Open Access
Coping amid Crisis: A Study of Field Midwives’ Resilience Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Pathirana, J. M. P; Edirisinghe, N. P.; Amarasekara, T.D.
The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted people’s physical and mental health. The use of coping strategies plays a major role in combating psychological stressors. The aim of the study was to describe the use of coping strategies among field midwives (FMs). A descriptive crosssectional study was conducted among FMs in selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the Matara district. Participants included FMs with at least six months of experience in the field, and those on maternity leave were excluded. Data were collected using a validated Brief COPE questionnaire and a pre-tested sociodemographic questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. A total of 145 study participants had a mean age of 41.4±12.0. The majority of participants (64.8%) employed an avoidant coping style, while 44.8% utilized a problem-focused coping style, and 51% employed an emotion-focused coping style to maintain positivity in the face of challenges. The highest scores were reported on active coping, positive reframing, acceptance, and informational support, while the lowest scores were on substance use and humor. In conclusion, the majority of FMs used problem-focused approaches as a coping strategy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Health policymakers might use this data to have a basic understanding of FMs’ coping mechanisms.
Open Access
From Off-time to Offline: Recognising Right to Disconnect under the Sri Lankan Labour Law System
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Rathnayake, S
This study aims to interrogate the possibility of acknowledging the Right to Disconnect (RTD) under the labour laws of Sri Lanka. RTD which emerged as a response to the increasing demand for online and hybrid work, recognises employees’ right to remain disconnected or disengaged from any work-related activities such as answering phone calls or responding to emails after working hours. Research on RTD has focused on its practical implications for building a healthy and sustainable work force, but less has been said about its incorporation to domestic legal environments, especially in developing countries. The present study therefore critically reviews the Sri Lankan labour laws and the labour laws in other jurisdictions that have acknowledged RTD, to understand the potential of acknowledging this right in Sri Lanka. Through its data analysis this study revealed that, despite the existence of legal measures that ensure employees’ Right to relax and leisure (RRL), a little to no focus has been given to the new working environments such as online and hybrid work, and the rights that would emerge from them. While highlighting the best practices relating to RTD from other jurisdictions, this study also examines the legal dilemmas that may thwart such attempts of recognising this right in Sri Lanka. Thus, it highlights the need to update Sri Lankan labour laws to match the contemporary labour market while strengthening labour tribunals to play an active role which will be essential to acknowledge novel rights such as RTD under Sri Lankan labour laws.
Open Access
Pronunciational Swings: British and American Influences on the English Pronunciation of English as a Second Language Learners in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Amaraweera, S; Dissanayake, S
In Sri Lanka, which used to be British Ceylon for nearly 15 decades, BrE used to hold a dominant position in all aspects of life. Under globalisation, a shift is observed taking place towards AmE due to numerous developments in science, technology, industry, commerce, politics, and popular culture. Academics and professionals depend on audiovisual recordings of presentations produced either in Standard British English (BrE) or Standard American English (AmE) and broadcast in public media. Against this background, this paper examines the dynamicity of English pronunciation in Sri Lanka caused by BrE and AmE, to which the ESL learners on the island are daily exposed. It also investigates the extent to which BrE and AmE respectively influence English pronunciation in Sri Lanka, filling a notable gap in the existing literature. The research provides valuable insights into some emerging trends in English pronunciation in Sri Lanka, the conditions that influence the Sri Lankan speakers’ attitudes toward the two varieties of English, and the support the ESL teachers can derive from their awareness of pronunciational swings between BrE and AmE in organising teaching practices and materials. Further, some major pronunciation differences between BrE and AmE are explored, highlighting both disparities and exceptions consistent in certain phonetic features. Finally, it explores the dynamicity of English pronunciation in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need to consider both local and global factors in ESL teaching, with suggestions for effective language learning and communication in global contexts.
Open Access
Statutory Adjudication for the Sri Lankan Construction Industry
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Rajapaksha, D.N.S.; Edirisinghe, V.; Perera, A.N.
Disputes are pervasive in the Sri Lankan construction industry, causing project delays and financial burdens. Common dispute resolution methods include negotiation, conciliation, mediation, adjudication, and arbitration. While adjudication is mandatory in Sri Lankan construction contracts, its ineffectiveness and lack of enforceability have prompted the exploration of statutory adjudication. This study investigates the barriers to implementing statutory adjudication in Sri Lanka’s construction industry and proposes solutions. Using a qualitative approach, the study involves literature reviews and interviews with industry professionals. Findings indicate a growing preference for adjudication due to its efficiency and reduced adversarial impact. However, the absence of legislative support poses a significant obstacle. Recommendations include enacting statutory adjudication laws, government involvement, creating frameworks and guidelines, and establishing dispute resolution organizations and court systems. Comparable systems in the UK, Australia, and Singapore provide insights into the types of disputes eligible for resolution. Overcoming operational issues such as biased authority nominations, short adjudication timeframes, and insufficient adjudicator regulations is crucial. Implementing statutory adjudication can enhance confidence among stakeholders, cash flow management, and dispute resolution in Sri Lanka’s construction industry, ultimately fostering its growth and sustainability. This study emphasizes the need for legislative backing, government engagement, and comprehensive system development to facilitate statutory adjudication’s successful integration. Recommendations also include promoting awareness, training adjudicators, and encouraging professionals to become adjudicators in the industry, ensuring the construction sector’s continuous improvement.
Open Access
A Study of ICT Literacy of Grade 10 Students in Nuwara Eliya District
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Munasinghe, J.G.A; Perera, K.G.S.K.
Since ICT is fundamentally linked to the majority of human daily activities, exploring possible opportunities for improving ICT education is therefore seen as being extremely important in this era. This research aims to critically analyzing the ICT literacy level in grade 10 students in Nuwaraeliya district, to determine the factors that affect ICT literacy and to propose possible advancement to overcome the difficulties in ICT-based education in Sri Lanka. This is a quantitative study in which data were collected using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using statistical methods. Based on the analysis it was discovered that the students do not have adequate ICT literacy. The findings suggest that, ICT should be taught at school commencing as early as possible with more time being allocated, trained and competent teachers should be recruited to teach ICT subjects and infrastructure facilities should be enhanced.
Open Access
Antibacterial Activity of Zn Decorated TiO2 Nanocomposites
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Kumarasinghe, N.M.A,; Thambiliyagodage, C; Jayanetti, M; Liyanaarachchi, H
Bacterial infections have a significant public health impact. Infections are caused by bacteria in animals, plants as well as humans. Pathogenic bacteria can produce toxins, which are chemical poisons that interfere with cell function such as digestion of normal human enzymes, evasion of infection-fighting white blood cells, and immune clearance. Antibiotic prophylaxis is used to prevent bacterial infection. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious concerns in world health. Antibacterial nanoparticles are one possible answer to antimicrobial resistance. These nanomaterials not only kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria through various modes of action but, they can also be employed in conjunction with existing clinically relevant antibiotics to help overcome antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. In this study, anodized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods were treated hydrothermally with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to give titanium (Ti) antibacterial properties. The antibacterial activity of synthesized samples was investigated by Agar Well Diffusion method at 40 mg/ml concentration, against gram negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. To determine the antibacterial activity, the diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured, and the resulting data were statistically analyzed. Zn/TiO2 nano particles were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) Analysis.
Open Access
Determining Differentially Expressed Genes in Dengue Patients during Disease Progression
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Coorey, H.; Jayatillake, R.; Jayathilaka, N.; Ambanpola, N.
Gene expression studies on gene transcription to synthesize functional gene products have been used extensively to understand the biological differences between different disease conditions. Thus, this study determines differentially expressed genes in dengue infection during disease progression following the three phases: Febrile, Defervescence and Convalescent. Integrative data analysis of two publicly available longitudinal datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database has been employed to accomplish the prime objective of exploring temporal gene expression patterns. The Friedman test was given more emphasis due to the non-normality distributions of data. Since previous studies on gene expression have not primarily relied on normality assumption, repeated measures analysis of variance and linear mixed models were implemented to examine the potential of detecting differentially expressed genes despite non-normality. The Friedman test indicated that gene expression levels differentiate with different phases in dengue disease over time, resulting in a high number of significant differentially expressed genes compared to the other two techniques. The pathway analysis approach consists of significant differentially expressed genes derived from the Friedman test. The results identified 27 and 26 upregulated pathways for the “Febrile and Convalescent” and “Defervescence and Convalescent” groups respectively. Moreover, genes available in pathways were not identified by the two parametric tests for non-normal data implying that the parametric approaches resulted in the least significance for data with non-normal distributions.
Open Access
Intellectual Property Rights in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Challenges and Expanding the Boundaries
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Mahingoda, C.B
This article delves into the tangled web of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP) rights. It investigates the issues raised by AIgenerated works such as machine-generated art, music, and literature, as well as the issues of ownership and authorship in these cases. The essay also examines the influence of AI on conventional intellectual property domains such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks, as well as the legal and ethical consequences of AI-driven innovation. This article provides ways for balancing IP protection and supporting innovation in the AI age by studying case law, international treaties, and developing policy.
Open Access
Enhancement of Semiconductor Properties of ZnO and Cu2O for Photovoltaic Applications
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Kariyawasm, M; Hewage, J
The Photovoltaics phenomenon is one of the major turning points in the battle against the depletion of fossil fuels. Sunlight being the main resource in photovoltaics, there still remains a quest to harvest it efficiently, to generate electricity. This study is focused on designing a basic, cost-effective prototype solar cell using ZnO and Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) under normal university laboratory conditions. An ITO-coated glass was used as the substrate of the solar cell and a modified low-temperature chemical bath deposition method was used to fabricate the solar cell. Both ZnO and Cu2O were synthesized by aqueous precipitation methods while cobalt co-doped Ag-ZnO NPs were synthesized by solvothermal method. The UV-spectroscopic analysis confirmed the characteristic band of ZnO-NPs at 367.5 nm, Cu2O at 360 nm and cobalt co-doped Ag-ZnO at 378 nm. The FTIR spectrum showed sharp peaks at 460 cm-1 and 606 cm-1 for the corresponding Zn-O bond and Cu-O bond respectively with a broad peak at 1329 cm-1 for Cu2O FTIR, due to the chemisorbed and/or physisorbed H2O and CO2 molecules on the surface of nanostructure. The EDX analysis showed the presence of carbon impurity in ZnO-NPs which resulted in a deviated XRD pattern for ZnO while Cu2O showed the characteristic XRD pattern. The solar cell, which was illuminated under three different lux conditions had a characteristic J-V plot when measured through Gamry Potentiostat. This simple, cost-effective technique can be adopted by large-scale solar cell manufacturing firms to build small prototype solar cells.
Open Access
The Workplace Challenges Encountered by Female Academics in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Gunathilake, S
Gender equality in academia is a challenge endured globally with the under-representation of females in leadership and decision-making positions. Despite the numerous and diverse efforts taken by the universities to encourage gender equality, women in academia struggle to overcome the challenge of inequality. Around the world, the gendered academic organizational climate as well as the day-to-day interactions cause a major impact not only on female participation within academia but also on how they perceive their future in academic institutions. This research presents the results of a survey conducted with 48 female academics in Sri Lanka attempting to study female academics’ experience with gendered challenges in academia. The research concluded that female academics are challenged in building networks and in reaching their desired career goals. It also revealed that there is a difference in the level of challenges faced by female academics in Sri Lanka depending on their marital status and childcare responsibilities. To prevent the withdrawal of female academics from the field and improve their satisfaction, it is crucial for academic institutions and the relevant authorities to understand the sources of these challenges in academia and implement effective solutions to create a better working environment for women academics in the country.
Open Access
Effectiveness Of Multimedia Projector-Based Instructional Methods In Enhancing Students’ Learning Of Science
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Madushani, U.V.S; Perera, K.G.S.K.
Multimedia-based instructional strategies play an important role in enhancing students’ performance as well as students’ motivation towards the learning of science. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of multimedia projectors in enhancing students’ learning of science and students’ motivation towards multimedia in learning vs traditional chalk-and-board method. A quasi-experimental research design was used to investigate the performance and motivational effect of the usage of multimedia projector. A convenient sample of 30 students in grade eight was used in this study. The experimental group of 15 students were taught using a multimedia projector and the control group of 15 students were taught the same science lessons using traditional chalk and board method. Students’ performance was evaluated using a pretest and a post-test. The motivational scale based on the Keller’s ARCS model of motivation was administered on the experimental group to study the degree of motivation displayed in the use of the multimedia projector for instruction. The findings of this study supported the hypothesis that the use of multimedia-based instruction is more effective than the traditional methods in students’ learning of science. Further, it was found that the students’ motivation was also high in the use of the multimedia projector to teach science.
Open Access
Patient Information and Electronic Health Records: A Legal Appraisal with Reference to European Health Data Space
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Rathnayake, A.K
The field of medicine deals with personally identifiable health information regarding individuals. Traditionally, individual records have been stored manually. However, the increased application of information technology and digitalization caused the use of electronic health information to make the provision of healthcare. ‘Personal health information’ is unique because, it deserves legal protection. The disclosure and leakage of such information in an unauthorized way can lead to embarrassing and discriminatory circumstances. The digitalization of healthcare services has earned a reputation for enhancing quality and efficiency. The involvement of personal health information and the advent of Electronic Health Record (EHR) create a conflict on the base of privacy. The paper deals with three main objectives namely to analyse the purview of patient rights and medical information, to analyse the concept of EHR and the emergence of digital health privacy, and to study the legal aspects with reference to the regulations of the European Union and ‘Electronic Health Data Space’. Further, it extends to analyse the drawbacks in the Sri Lankan jurisdiction as well. The methodology adapted by the author in the research paper is qualitative in nature. The paper is involved with the analysis of literature pertaining to the subject of law and in addition to the desk review, the doctrinal methodology supported in the study of domestic and national legislations. In conclusion, the author has recognized the balancing of rights between the patients and clinicians in handling EHR. The author proposes a framework for Sri Lanka by setting EU Recommendation on European Health Record Exchange Format as an example to facilitate the digitalization of health data.
Open Access
Living Colours: Development of Microbial Culture Collection for Use as Microbial Colour Pigments in Textile Dyes
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Hewagama, H.L; Somarathna, G.M.T.K.; Herath, L.; Peiris, S.E
The textile industry is one of the largest worldwide polluters of clean water due to the heavy use of synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes are harmful to aquatic life and to human health. To overcome this, natural dyes are being explored as a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative. Several advantages such as ease of extraction, availability, high yields and no seasonal variation make microbial pigments the most ideal source of natural pigments. This study was done to isolate colour pigment producing bacteria and fungi from soil collected from organic farms from various locations in Sri Lanka. In total, 9 pigment producing bacteria and 3 pigment producing fungi were isolated. Gause’s synthetic agar yielded the most pigmented isolates. Extracellular pigments produced by 5 of the bacterial isolates were extracted by a waterbased method. The antibacterial activity of the pigments in their crude and concentrated forms was tested using the well diffusion method against E.coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P. Inhibition zone against S.aureus was observed for both crude (12.33±0.58mm) and concentrated pigments (9.67±0.58mm) extracted from purple pigment producing bacterial isolate (BPU). This pigment has the potential to be used in antibacterial textile preparation. Extracted pigments were used to dye scoured cotton fabric with the use of 3% alum as mordant. Pigment from BPU isolate resulted in better coloured fabric.
Open Access
Effectiveness of Using Prepared and Impromptu Speeches to Evaluate Undergraduates’ Oral Proficiency in English as a Second Language Classroom
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Jayathissa, K. D. M
Proficiency in English language can be considered as crucial because it has been commonly used as a lingua-franca in communication. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using prepared and impromptu speeches to evaluate undergraduates’ oral proficiency in English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. The undergraduates’ perception on the importance of testing oral proficiency and the effectiveness of prepared and impromptu speeches to evaluate oral proficiency of the undergraduates were investigated. A sample of 74 first year undergraduates who are reading up for Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Software Engineering were selected for this study as a convenience sampling. The data were gathered under three stages by following a mixed methodology. As the first stage a questionnaire was distributed and as the second stage a prepared speech was done. As the third stage, a prepared-impromptu speech and an impromptu speech were evaluated. The data collected from the questionnaire and the marks of the three speeches were analyzed to answer the research questions. The analyzed data emphasized that the participants have identified the importance of oral proficiency in English language for their future career and prepared and impromptu speeches can be used as a testing technique to evaluate undergraduates’ oral proficiency. Thus, oral proficiency in English language is crucial for the undergraduates, as English language has been used for communication purposes. Hence, prepared and impromptu speeches can be considered as an effective testing tool to evaluate students’ oral proficiency in English Language in the Sri Lankan ESL classroom.
Open Access
A Needs Analysis in Second Language Teaching (English Language): A Study on Grade 10,11 Students in the Sri Jayawardenapura Educational Zone
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Boteju, T; Rathnasena, U
The purpose of this study is to investigate the needs of English language learners in grades 10 and 11 who attend schools in the Colombo area specifically within the Sri Jayewardenepura Educational Zone. Statistics demonstrate that a significant number of students failed the Ordinary Level English paper, despite evaluations and curriculum reforms undertaken by the government. A thorough needs analysis was required to determine the causes and provide a solution to this situation. The objectives of this study are to investigate the purpose of students learning English as a second language, to conduct a needs analysis to critically analyze the needs, necessities, and lacks in grade 10, 11 students in Colombo District, and to suggest and recommend ideas to incorporate needs analysis findings. For this mixed-method study, information is collected using questionnaires and interviews, and the quantitative data is represented through graphs and tables, while the qualitative data is shown through a theme-based analysis. Based on the outcomes of this study, it is anticipated that the current curriculum will undergo modifications and adjustments to align with the authentic needs and requirements of students, thereby ultimately achieving a high level of student proficiency.
Open Access
Development of SARIMA Model to Predict Quarterly Apparel and Textile Export Revenue in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Piyasiri, K. G. V.; Kasthuriarachchi, U. P; Nirmani, K. G. R; Tilakaratne, K.I.; Peiris, T. S. G
Apparel and textile exports play a significant role in the Sri Lankan economy. The USA, UK, Italy, Germany, and Belgium are the main markets of apparel and textile exports in Sri Lanka. Advanced knowledge of export revenue is vital important for various reasons. A Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model of the type (1,1,0) x (0,1,1)4 was developed to model apparel and textile export revenue in Sri Lanka using quarterly data from year 2004 quarter 1 (2004Q1) to year 2021 quarter 4 (2021Q4). The errors of the model were found to be random and have a constant variance. The best fitted model was identified by comparing various statistical indicators, namely, the Akaike info criterion, Schwarz criterion, Hannan-Quinn criterion, Log likelihood criterion and volatility of six possible models decided based on sample ACF and PACF of the stationary series. The model was validated for data from year 2022Q1 to 2023Q1. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) for the training data set and validation data set were 7.68% and 11.35% respectively. The predicted revenues (Mn USD) for the 2023Q2 to 2024Q4 are 1074.23, 1263.30, 1222.22, 1206.74, 1058.38, 1265.00 and 1216.58, respectively. The forecasted values for short-term periods can be effectively used by the decision makers for various activities. The model developed is easy to use and reliable.