SLIIT Journal of Humanities and Sciences [SJHS]
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/2238
Browse
75 results
Search Results
Item Open Access Multifaceted Instructional Design Strategies in Improving Generic Science Skills (GSS): A Review(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-10-20) Agalya, V; Seneviratne, D. V. K. P.Sri Lanka’s Advanced Level Biology curriculum, known for its competitiveness, has been criticized for being overly theoretical and lacking essential Generic Science Skills (GSS), crucial for fostering scientific competence. This study aims to clarify the concept of GSS, identify its components, and determine suitable teaching methods, instructional design strategies, and assessment techniques to enhance students’ GSS proficiency. Adopting a deductive approach, a qualitative systematic review was conducted following the ENTREQ framework. Data were collected from four databases-Google Scholar, ERIC, World Wide Science, and Science.gov-between June and August 2024 using the keywords “Generic Science Skill” and “Science Generic Skill.” Of 773 articles retrieved, 60 met the inclusion criteria: published between 2010 and 2024, in English, with relevant keywords in the title. GSS are conceptually synthesized and defined as fundamental competencies that enable individuals to think critically and apply scientific knowledge in decision-making. Ten core components of GSS were identified: direct observation, indirect observation, awareness of magnitude, symbolic language, logical consistency, logical framework, logical inference, cause and effect, mathematical modelling, and abstraction. Effective teaching methods found in the literature include inquiry-based learning, ethnoscience approaches, and problem-based learning. Instructional design models such as ADDIE, SSCS, 4D, and Mini-Course Design were recognized as effective for developing GSS, while the PLOMP model was identified as an effective assessment framework for evaluating GSS proficiency.Item Open Access Towards Real-Time Market Intelligence: Event Detection and Latency Analysis in High Frequency Trading Dashboards(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-10-18) de Silva, U; Perera, S; Liyanage, U.P; Erandi, HHigh Frequency Trading (HFT) relies on millisecond level decisions, where market responsiveness and system latency directly determine profitability. Traditional dashboards offer real-time visualizations but often fail to detect abrupt market shifts or quantify the delays in system reactions. This paper presents an AI-aided Market Pulse and Latency Panel that integrates candlestick pattern recognition, statistical change point analysis, and latency measurement into a unified trader-facing dashboard. The system identifies technical patterns, detects structural regime shifts, and quantifies latency. Experimental evaluations demonstrate that the panel captures both microstructural signals and broader regime changes while exposing critical latency bottlenecks, such as API-induced delays. By combining event detection with latency analytics, the panel advances dashboards beyond descriptive visualization, providing traders with actionable insights for strategy adjustment and infrastructural optimization.Item Open Access Human Primary Stem Cell Cultures as Screening Platforms for Botanical Preparations as Alternatives to Animal Models: Evaluating Cell Proliferation Stimulatory and Inhibitory Effects(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-10-15) Udalamaththa, V; Ratnayake, P; Udagam, PAnimals are widely used as human “models” in scientific research, yet primary human stem cell cultures provide an alternative under the 3R (Reduction, Replacement and Refinement) concept to reduce and replace animal models. This study investigated the cell stimulatory effects of selected botanical preparations on primary human stem cell cultures. In-house established primary human fibroblast (hFSC), mesenchymal (hMSC), and haematopoietic (hHSC) stem cells, derived from surgical waste, were characterized by immunophenotyping. The proliferation effects of Carica papaya leaf concentrate (MLCC), Vernonia/Mallotus (VMD), and Ficus benghalensis (FBD) distillates were assessed using the MTT assay. MLCC significantly stimulated proliferation in male and female hMSCs and hHSCs (p<0.05). FBD promoted proliferation in male hMSCs and hHSCs but inhibited female hMSCs. VMD inhibited both male and female hMSCs yet stimulated female hHSCs at 0.6%. Notably, VMD at selected concentrations exhibited approximately 1.5-fold higher cell stimulation than the positive control (p<0.05). These findings highlight effective botanical concentrations for cell proliferation, demonstrating the utility of primary human stem cell platforms as “models” in biomedical research. This approach aligns with the “replacement” principle of the 3R concept, promoting ethical and humanrelevant alternatives to animal testing.Item Open Access Assessment Literacy in Practice: A Study of Formative Writing Assessment Methods Among English Teachers in Wattala International Schools(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-09-15) Hafsa, S.F; Rathnasena, UResearch into the technicalities of Writing Assessment Literacy (WAL) is an expanding domain with many scholars stressing that its complex practical elements have not been fully developed in both pre- and in-service teachers due to oversights in teacher education and professional development. This study used survey data (n=20) and interviews (n=5) to investigate the practices of English language teachers related to the selection of formative writing assessments and the use of such assessment data from international schools in the Wattala Divisional Secretariat. The results complement existing findings that a majority of teachers mirror summative assessments in the practice of formative writing assessment, encounter challenges in the use and understanding of rubrics and feedback, and face limitations in the effective use of assessment results. The study concludes that specialized training in theory and practice related to WAL is needed to broaden the scope of classroom assessment methods used by international school teachers with focus on alternative assessment, transparent feedback practices, and purposeful collaboration between educators.Item Open Access An Examination of the offence of “Non-Consensual Pornography”: In search of an Effective Law(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-05-30) Jayamaha, S; Harasgama, K.This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of revenge porn legislation, focusing on essential components such as actus reus and mens rea of the offence, platform liability, victim protection, and the remedies and penalties available. Non-consensual pornography, commonly referred to as “revenge porn,” has experienced a concerning increase across multiple jurisdictions, resulting in significant and often catastrophic consequences for its victims. The study examines the laws of the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, India, and Sri Lanka, revealing both similarities and differences in their approaches. Although the actus reus component of these legal frameworks demonstrates a certain level of consistency, notable differences arise concerning the mens rea requirement. Jurisdictions like the UK and US demonstrate restricted scopes, a limitation further exacerbated in the US by the granting of special immunities to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and website/platform hosts. The paper underscores the necessity of implementing a comprehensive dual strategy that includes both civil remedies and criminal legislation to effectively combat NCP. This paper seeks to offer a comprehensive analysis of the most effective legal strategy concerning the key components identified, against the backdrop of prevalent challenges arising from the intrinsic characteristics of NCP in the digital era.Item Open Access The Impact of Samurdhi Bank’s Microloans on the Economic Stability of Households in Padukka Divisional Secretariat(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-05-27) GJayasooriya, N. D. H. D.; Thathsarani, U. S.An important aspect of sustainable national development is household financial stability. The accessibility of financial services remains a problem for low-income households in Sri Lanka. This paper aims to analyze the effect of microfinance initiatives on the economic stability of low-income families within the Padukka Divisional Secretariat division in Sri Lanka, specifically their contribution to enhancing income, consumption stability, and economic shock resilience. A structured questionnaire was chosen to acquire data from a random sample of 150 microfinance beneficiaries. The data were analyzed through using partial least squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that microfinance has a large positive effect on household income and level of savings, and also leads to improved management of consumption needs and alleviation of financial vulnerability. In addition, households that had been involved in the microfinance program longer had better financial literacy and investment in productive assets. Nevertheless, issues like high interest rates and a lack of financial training diminish the benefits that are likely to be realized by certain borrowers. Importantly, the study found that while productive loan utilization significantly improves economic stability, larger loan amounts were associated with reduced stability, suggesting a risk of over-indebtedness. Overall, the results indicate that microfinance is effective in enhancing the financial stability of low-income earners in Sri Lanka, and the government should initiate policy options like offering financial literacy education, decreasing the interest rate burden, and providing other support services in order to optimize the sustainability of microfinance in the long term.Item Open Access Between Absence and Dreams: A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Malaiyaha Tamil Children with Migrant Mothers(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-05-27) Wathna, S; Mahaliyanage, E; Senarath, K; Rajapaksha, S; Sethini, R; Kodikara, V; Subasinghe, V; Selvaratnam, N.D; Ponnamperuma, LMaternal labor migration has become a significant socioeconomic strategy among structurally marginalized communities in Sri Lanka, particularly within the Malaiyaha Tamil estate sector. While existing research has largely focused on economic and educational outcomes, there remains limited understanding of children’s lived experiences within these contexts. This study aimed to explore how Malaiyaha Tamil children make sense of their mothers’ migration for overseas employment. A qualitative design informed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 12-17 years residing in plantation communities. Data were analyzed ideographically before identifying shared experiential patterns across cases. The analysis generated three interrelated superordinate themes: (1) mother as emotional anchor and “absent presence,” (2) childhood reassigned through role reorganization and educational vulnerability, and (3)living between longing and aspiration within structural constraint. Findings indicate that maternalmigration is experienced as a relational paradox, where financial provision coexists with emotionaldisruption. Children described ambivalent attachment experiences, shifting family roles, and variededucational engagement shaped by available support systems. Despite these challenges, participantsarticulated future aspirations that reflected resilience within structurally constrained environments.Drawing on Attachment Theory, Ecological Systems Theory, and Ambiguous Loss Theory, the studyconceptualizes maternal migration as a relational and ecological process rather than a singular economicevent. The findings highlight the coexistence of vulnerability and agency and underscore the importanceof context-sensitive interventions for children in migration-affected communities.Item Open Access Perceived Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Academic Integrity in Higher Education in Sri Lanka: Perceptions of Teachers and Learners(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-05-25) Wijayasiri, K. D. S.NThis study investigates perceived impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on academic integrity in Sri Lankan higher education from the perspectives of both teachers and learners. Employing a mixedmethods explanatory sequential design, quantitative survey data from 350 participants across six universities were complemented by qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The study examined AI awareness, perceived usefulness, perceived risk, and academic integrity attitudes. Findings indicate that AI awareness and perceived risk positively predict academic integrity, while perceived usefulness exerts a negative influence when AI is viewed as a means to shortcut academic effort. Qualitative themes revealed concerns about plagiarism, originality, assessment credibility, and insufficient institutional support, alongside recognition of AI’s potential for enhancing learning efficiency and language support. The study calls for explicit institutional policies, ethical AI leadership, AI literacy integration, and assessment redesign in Sri Lankan higher education.Item Open Access A Blend of Arbitration and Mediation: Analysis of the Possibilities and Challenges in Utilising MedArb Practice in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2024-12-31) Vithanage, PThe ADR landscape is evolving at a rapid level across the world and one of the latest trends in such is transferring dispute resolution into Arb-Med-Arb and Med-Arb. Arbitration and Mediation are recognised as two favourable dispute resolution methods, especially in commercial dispute resolution. When considered in isolation, both mediation and arbitration have unique features. Despite a few substantive and procedural drawbacks in both methods, mediation, and arbitration have gained popularity recently. While transferring into a mixed approach of MedArb and Arb-Med-Arb is still in its infancy in the context of Sri Lanka, this paper examines the possibility of utilising MedArb practice within the existing landscape in the country. Arbitration practice in Sri Lanka has a long history and the Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995 and its amendments suggested which are to be in force in the future lays the statutory framework for arbitration. Notably, the background for Mediation in Sri Lanka started with community mediation and now it has reached a significant milestone in commercial mediation as the enabling legislation for the Singapore Convention was enacted recently. This paper uses a doctrinal approach in dealing with primary resources as well as secondary resources when conducting the research. This paper uses an exploratory analytical method. It also includes a comparative study that examines the MedArb practice in Hong Kong as a progressive Common law jurisdiction. In its findings, the paper highlights that the MedArb practice is adaptable in Sri Lanka within the existing statutory framework and the institutional setup. However, it urges that the professionals and the commercial community pay attention to the points discussed in the recommendations for the successful functioning of the MedArb practice.Publication Open Access Learning and Innovation Skills in the General English Textbook for Advanced Level in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Content Analysis(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-12-31) Lawrence, D; Wijesekera, H. DThe dawn of the 21st century and the associated technological, demographic, and socio-economic changes necessitated reforms in language education to equip learners with a diverse variety of skills, commonly referred to as 21st century learning and innovation skills, in addition to content and knowledge. Language teaching material, an integral and important element in teaching/learning, must evolve correspondingly to meet the demand for these skills. Centrally developed textbooks are the primary materials used in English as a second language teaching/learning in the Sri Lankan public education system. This paper investigates the representation of learning and innovation skills (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration) in the current General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (G.C.E. (A/L)) English textbook of Sri Lanka. Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) was employed as the research methodology, and a coding frame was developed and utilized as the primary analytical tool. Two additional independent co-coders with diverse expertise also engaged in coding to boost the study’s trustworthiness. The findings reveal that the textbook contains a variety of activities that promote Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration skills. However, the results indicate that certain subskills are not adequately emphasized to enhance the holistic development of the 21st century skills. The study offers insightful recommendations for curriculum and material developers.