The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a multi-disciplinary Faculty of the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS).
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. H. H. A. Karunarathna
Ajiththa Suganthan
Art History Department, Florida State University, USA, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
W.K.M. Wijayarathna
Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIIBS campus, Sri
Lanka.
P.N. Abhayasundere
Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri
Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
P.M. Jayaweera
Faculty of Computing, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
D.M.K.G.K. Dissanayake
Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
A. Harini Navoda De Zoysa
Lecturer in Department of Indigenous Health Sciences, Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences and Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka.
W.A.G. Perera
Senior Professor, Department of Philosophy and Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of
Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
K.G.C.C.I. Piyasena
PhD Scholer, Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
Ali Lubna
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
R.M. Dhanapala
Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
U.P.N.N. Pathirana
University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Ajiththa Suganthan
Art History Department, Florida State University, USA,
Department of History and Archaeology, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
This paper has explored the imperative role of multidisciplinary approaches within archaeological research, advocating for the integration of diverse scientific and scholarly disciplines as a means to enhance the understanding of past human activities. Through a thematic analysis, the paper elucidates the evolution of archaeology as a multidisciplinary field, drawing upon historical perspectives and contemporary case studies. These case studies illustrate successful integrations of geospatial technologies, bioarcheology, and ancient DNA analysis, among other disciplines, underscoring the rich insights gained from such collaborative endeavors. The discussion further delves into the challenges inherent in multidisciplinary research, such as logistical coordination, methodological discrepancies, and the hurdles of cross-disciplinary communication. Nevertheless, the benefits, including comprehensive site analysis, improved conservation strategies, and informed policy development, are presented as overwhelmingly justifying these challenges. Looking forward, the paper suggests promising new research directions and emphasizes the crucial need for supportive funding and institutional frameworks to foster and sustain interdisciplinary collaboration. The conclusion reiterates the thesis, emphasizing that multidisciplinary methodologies are not merely beneficial but vital to the progression and relevance of archaeological inquiry. Through this synthesis, the paper serves as a call to action for the archaeological community to embrace and further integrate multidisciplinary perspectives, ensuring the field’s growth and the rich interpretation of our shared human past.
Keywords: Multidisciplinary, Archaeology, Integrative approaches, Collaborative research, Interdisciplinary
Read full articleW.K.M. Wijayarathna
Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIIBS campus, Sri Lanka.
P.N. Abhayasundere
Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
P.M. Jayaweera
Faculty of Computing, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
D.M.K.G.K. Dissanayake
Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
Culture is a rich and comprehensive term that is dynamic and always developing rather than stagnant. Religion, a fundamental component of culture, includes beliefs, rituals, values, and a higher power that control human conduct and society’s purpose. This paper attends to interpret the transformation of Sri Lankan Buddhism through the impact of digitalization. The study’s fundamental research question is how to create a complete Digital Buddhism manifestation from popular Buddhism in a cultural anthropological background, and the main research objective is to provide a new definition for the modern popular Buddhism in Sri Lanka, impacted by digitization. As a qualitative exploratory research based on qualitative data, the interpretive paradigm was utilized by the researchers with a phenomenological research design. As a theoretical foundation, the first principle of digital anthropology (dialectic nature of digital culture) proposed by Daniel Miller and Heather Horst in 2012 was applied. Key cases from digital platforms pertaining to digital Vesak celebrations were purposively selected and critically analyzed to achieve the research objectives. According to the key findings of this research we concluded that the modern popular Buddhism of Sri Lanka promptly changing due to the impact of digitization and the existing cultural change can be examined through the principles of digital anthropology. As a conclusion of the research, we identified the prominent academic gap in contributing new knowledge in modern Sri Lankan Buddhism. This study paves the path for numerous new research subjects in humanities, social sciences, and etc.
Keywords: Buddhism, Dialectic, Digital, Popular Buddhism, Sri Lanka
Read full articleA. Harini Navoda De Zoysa
Lecturer in Department of Indigenous Health Sciences, Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences and Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka.
W.A.G. Perera
Senior Professor, Department of Philosophy and Psychology, Faculty of Humanities,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
Professional ethics provide a clear framework for employees to understand the values and principles that guide their work. Employees who exhibit good work ethics conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. When employees believe in and align with ethical standards, they can enhance their motivation and drive to perform their work more effectively and efficiently. However, the issue is that neglecting to foster proper work ethics in the workforce can negatively impact both employee motivation and organizational performance. The main objective of the study was to find out the effects of employee attitudes towards professional ethics on motivation. 260 employees were chosen as the sample, and data were gathered using a quantitative approach. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were used. Data analysis was done using the descriptive analysis method. In order to achieve the research objective, linear regression analysis was performed. Based on the research findings, it was revealed that employee attitudes towards professional ethics affect employee motivation in the organization. Additionally, this paper discusses the value of professional ethics in the organization and encourages top management to motivate their employees by fostering strong professional ethics in the working environment.
Keywords: Employee attitudes, Professional ethics, Employee motivation, Work ethics, Organizational performance
Read full articleK.G.C.C.I. Piyasena
PhD Scholer, Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
Ali Lubna
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
R.M. Dhanapala
Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
Social science education is a field of study that focuses on the teaching and learning of social science subjects. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including curriculum development, instructional methods, and assessment strategies. With its deep roots in history, social science education presents a unique set of challenges due to its inherent complexity and multifaceted nature. There are many research studies in the field of social sciences, and also in the field of the OBE approach. However, there are limited studies on the OBE approach in social science education. Therefore, this study aims to fill the research gap of the viability of the OBE approach in social science education. This research entirely depends on declarative knowledge. Existing literature has highlighted significant advantages of OBE. Similarly, there are notable differences between traditional teacher-centered content-based education and student-centered OBE approach. Social science education plays a vital role in preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens in a complex and ever-changing world. By addressing the challenges and embracing new approaches, educators can continue to enhance the quality and effectiveness of social science education for all students by selecting a proper mix of traditional teaching approaches and student-centered OBE approaches.
Keywords: Outcome-Based Education, Social Science Education, Centered Content-Based Education
Read full articleU.P.N.N. Pathirana
University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Abstract:
This study was aimed at investigating how Sinhala-English language mixing in Sri Lankan advertising on food and beverages impact purchasing decisions of youth. The study was conducted among 50 undergraduates belonging to Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in December, 2022. Data were gathered using convenience sampling, and were analyzed using SPSS 25 version. The key results highlighted that while students offering English medium degrees and English as main study stream were positive about these shifts in language, those pursuing Sinhala, Pali and Buddhist subjects had completely negative or mixed feelings towards the notion of code-mixing. Expectation of language purity was identified as the driving force for those students to be discontented with it. Fast foods and snacks were recognized as the products for which code-mixing has been chiefly used. Overall, it was understood that respondents did not perceive code-mixing as derogatory to Sri Lankan culture and language, but view it as a feature of novelty. Moreover, participants considered code-mixed language as contributing to linguistic improvement and bridging inter-cultural harmony. Hence, the study determined that Sinhala-English code-mixing is a strong instrument in ‘persuasive advertising’ that convey a convincing and manipulative tone. It is concluded that English-Sinhala code-mixed advertising does not only reflect language change but also transformation in Sri Lankan gastronomy, culture and way of life as a whole.
Keywords: Advertising language, Code-mixing, Consumer behaviour, Food advertising marketing
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