Transportation challenges caused by terrain differences: a study based on Udathalawinna Area

Earth’s Surface processes create and change landforms .These are classified in to three erosional levels based on elevation: low lands, and highlands. in this regard ,my study area udathalawinna faces enormous physical and human challenges as it has diverse topography that is different from the lowlands. Transportation challenges are becoming more important and the main objective of the study is to identify transportation challenges caused by the differences in topography of the study area and solutions have been proposed. The data required for this study were collected through primary data such as observation, participation in observation and questionnaire methods. data was collected from secondary sources such as previous studies, journal reports,regional articles, newspapers, databases, GN statistical reports,research articles,websites and land survey data .Analysis has been done using Arc GIS 10.7.1 and Google Earth pro Software.in that way we cannot provide a solution to the transportation challenges of the study area.but measures have been proposed to fully address them. and this study was conducted to fill a gap as this research topic has not been researched before

Historical development of marginalised communities

The historical development of marginalised communities is a complex process shaped by centuries of exclusion, resistance, and gradual empowerment. Across regions and periods, various groups— including Dalits, Adivasis, women, religious minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA individuals have faced systemic social, economic, and political marginalisation. This abstract traces the historical trajectory of these communities, highlighting key moments of institutionalised oppression such as caste hierarchies, colonisation, slavery, and patriarchal norms. Simultaneously, it foregrounds the enduring struggles for dignity, rights, and representation, including social reform movements, constitutional safeguards, affirmative action policies, and grassroots activism. By analysing both oppression and resistance, this study provides a critical understanding of how historical processes continue to influence the present realities of marginalised groups. The paper also explores the intersectionality of marginalisation and the evolving role of the state, civil society, and global human rights discourses in shaping inclusive development

Application of geospatial technologies for the promotion of tourist industry in Negombo coastal region

Tourism is a vital contributor to both global economic development and cultural exchange. The integration of innovative technologies, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has significantly enhanced the planning, management, and promotion of sustainable tourism destinations. GIS enables spatial analysis and improves tourists’ ability to understand destinations, plan their travels effectively, and access relevant location-based information. Sri Lanka, a leading tourist destination in South Asia attracts a considerable number of international visitors annually. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is largely supported by its extensive and attractive coastline. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 62% of tourists cite coastal attractions as their main reason for visiting the country. This study focuses on the Negombo Coastal Tourism Zone, a key coastal destination in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. The primary aim is to identify the existing tourism-related service facilities and evaluate their spatial distribution to inform sustainable tourism development strategies. The methodology follows the “Manual for Tourism Destination Management” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Data collection was conducted using Google Earth Pro and verified through field observations. The analysis assessed the distribution of tourism resources (e.g.,cultural and recreational attractions), community infrastructure (e.g., drainage, water supply, parking), tourism infrastructure (e.g., accommodation, communication, internet access), and tourism services (e.g., shopping, tour operators, guide and emergency services) using Arc GIS 10.8. Accordingly, the results of the destination analysis conducted identified that there is a clustering of tourism services such as accommodation, food and beverage outlets, rest and picnic areas, recreational facilities, and entertainment within the Negombo coastal tourism zone. The spatial disparities of service distribution can be identified as a major weakness in the region. Further, some of the vital services for tourism such as Money exchange centers, Entertainment, Everyday activities, Shopping Complexes, Rest and Picnic areas have been poorly established in the region. The research findings will be in cooperated to a location-based mobile application tailored to the needs of the tourists to enhance their travel experience within the Negombo region

Factor affecting online shopping intention among the customers in Ampara District

The study aims to investigate the factors affecting consumers’ online shopping intentions in Sri Lanka. The study will consider the online shopping intention of consumers with special reference to customers in the Ampara district. The research is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) which are commonly used theories in the research field of online shopping intention. Their search explores how the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, subjective norms, and trust towards the behavior affect the online shopping intention of consumers. In terms of research methodology, this study follows the quantitative approach, and the necessary data for the execution of the study were gathered through questionnaires distributed to around 105 consumers in the Ampara district. Further, the study employed regression analysis. The researchers found that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have no significant impact on online shopping intention and also attitude, subjective norms and trust have a significant influence with a positive effect on the online shopping intention of young consumers in Sri Lanka. Implications: The findings of this study have practical implications for online retailers seeking to optimize their platforms and marketing strategies. By addressing the identified factors, businesses can enhance perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, subject norms, tryst, online shopping intention, and driving sales. Additionally, policymakers can utilize these insights to develop regulations that foster a safer and more conducive online shopping environment for consumers. Originality: This study contributes to existing literature by offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted factors influencing online shopping intention. It integrates insights from both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, providing a holistic understanding of consumer behavior in the online retail context

An error analysis of the difficulties of using punctuation marks in students’ writing

This study intends to describe the difficulties students face while using punctuation marks in their writing. Punctuation mark plays an important role in conveying the meaning of a text. It remains an essential skill for good writing. The purpose of the study is to examine the difficulties of using punctuation marks and to identify the most common errors the students make while using punctuation marks. The study is conducted for the first, second, and third-year students: from the academic years, respectively, who take English as their main subject from the Faculty of Islamic Studies and the Arabic language. 56 students were taken as samples by using a purposive sampling technique to conduct the research. In order to analyze the data, an authentic text was distributed to the students without any punctuation marks, and the data were analyzed manually. A qualitative textual analysis is used in order to conduct this research. Furthermore, the punctuation marks focused on in this research are the comma, full stop, exclamation mark, inverted commas, question marks, apostrophe, and hyphen. As a result of the findings, it reveals that students make errors in using these punctuation marks. Omission (79%) is the most common type of error the students make, and 96.64% of the hyphens were due to omitting it in places where it should be placed, whereas this particular percentage of apostrophes and commas were identified as 75.45% and 64.88%, respectively. Though they are students who take English as their main subject, they still have issues in using punctuation marks due to their carelessness, lack of attention, and motivation to mark it correctly. Besides, their lack of understanding of the rules of using punctuation marks plays a major role in the difficulties of using it

The role of government policies in reducing digital inequality in Sri Lanka's disadvantaged areas

Digital divide persists in Sri Lanka, particularly among marginalized communities that are unable to participate in the digital economy because of low internet penetration, poor information and communication skills, and socio-economic status. The article critically examines the roles of government policies in addressing digital disparity by exploring some of the leading schemes, such as the e-Sri Lanka and the National Digital Economy Strategy 2030. Qualitatively, policy analysis, government reports, and interview observations of the stakeholders were conducted to determine the level at which the digital inclusion schemes are operating. There is evidence to show that government efforts to augment digital infrastructure and capacity building are adversely affected due to the unavailability of affordable internetenabled devices, local digital content, and poor public exposure to the prospect of online living. The report suggests site-specific digital literacy education, enhancing internet facilities in rural areas, and balancing policy intervention to fill the gap in the digital divide. Solutions include supporting public-private partnerships, creating investments for ICT purchase, and getting digital learning community projects implemented. These are some of the issues that need to be addressed in an attempt to construct equal access to the virtual world and establish sustainable economic and social development among the poor in Sri Lanka

Impact of social media on body image perception and self-esteem among adolescents: a sociological and psychological analysis

The rapid expansion of social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook has significantly transformed the way adolescents perceive themselves and their bodies. This study explores the relationship between social media usage, body image perception, and self-esteem among adolescents. Adolescence is a critical period for identity development, and heightened exposure to idealized body standards on social media has raised concerns about psychological wellbeing. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews with adolescents aged 13–19 years in Sri Lanka. Quantitative data were analyzed using standardized scales, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a body image satisfaction questionnaire, while qualitative insights were drawn from thematic analysis of interview responses. Findings indicate a strong correlation between frequent social media use and low self-esteem, with adolescents often engaging in upward social comparisons leading to body dissatisfaction. The study also highlights gendered patterns, with female adolescents being more vulnerable to negative body image perceptions. This research emphasizes the urgent need for educational interventions, parental guidance, and policy measures aimed at promoting media literacy, fostering positive selfconcept, and mitigating the harmful effects of unrealistic body standards perpetuated online. The findings contribute to a deeper sociological and psychological understanding of adolescent development in the digital er

Closing the digital divide in geography education: assessing Sri Lankan preparedness for 21st-century curriculum reforms

The 21st-century education paradigm necessitates integrating digital literacy into Geography education, where geospatial technologies like GIS and data-driven methodologies are transformative. Sri Lanka’s curriculum reforms prioritize digital competencies, yet Geography teachers face systemic barriers, including unequal resource access, inadequate training, and resistance to pedagogical innovation, raising readiness concerns. This study addresses a critical research gap by examining educators’ preparedness, emphasizing implications for reducing disparities between urban, rural, and estate schools. Digital literacy underpins essential geographical skills-spatial analysis, critical thinking, and global awareness—making equitable implementation urgent for policymakers, teacher educators, and practitioners. Despite progressive policies, Sri Lankan teachers encounter multifaceted challenges: limited technical proficiency, language barriers with English-dominated resources, insufficient pedagogical training, and infrastructure deficits like unreliable internet and outdated hardware. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study surveyed 90 Geography teachers (stratified equally across urban, rural, and estate schools), conducted 30 interviews, and observed classrooms to assess digital tool usage. Quantitative analysis revealed stark disparities: 65% of urban teachers demonstrated digital proficiency compared to 22% (rural) and 8% (estate), with 94% lacking formal training and 88% in rural/estate schools facing severe device and connectivity shortages. Qualitatively, themes like technological apprehension and reliance on self-directed learning via YouTube emerged, alongside 80% preferring traditional methods due to unfamiliarity or engagement concerns. Recommendations include tiered professional development (foundational workshops to advanced micro-credentials), public-private partnerships for infrastructure, localized adaptation of international standards (e.g., ISTE), peer mentoring networks, and English-language upskilling programs. By addressing infrastructural and pedagogical gaps, Sri Lanka can mitigate digital inequities, fostering a model for global educational transformation. This research underscores the urgency of systemic interventions to align teacher readiness with curriculum goals, ensuring inclusive, technology-enhanced Geography education

Leveraging geospatial technology for tourism mapping and development: a case study of Pasikuda, Sri Lanka

Tourism, defined as short-term travel for leisure or business, plays a vital role in fostering interactions between residents and visitors from diverse regions. The Pasikuda area in Sri Lanka's Batticaloa district, situated approximately 35 kilometres northwest of the city centre, stands out as a premier coastal tourism destination. Renowned for its tranquil, shallow waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, Pasikuda Beach attracts a significant number of tourists and supports a range of resorts and recreational facilities. This study aims to: Identify and map key tourist attractions in the Pasikuda region using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, Support sustainable tourism development in the area through targeted geospatial analysis. The research methodology combines primary data collected via field observations and stakeholder interviews with secondary data sourced from statistical records and graphical analyses. Utilizing GIS, the study produces layered maps that illustrate transportation networks, accommodation options, healthcare facilities, and zones designated for environmental conservation. These geospatial outputs enhance travel planning, improve tourism management, and contribute to the safety and sustainability of tourism in Pasikuda. Ultimately, the research demonstrates how GIS technology can be effectively applied to promote and manage tourism development in coastal regions

Assessing landform patterns and resource potentials using digital terrain models

This study effectively demonstrates the power of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in detailed micro level mapping and landform pattern analysis, proving particularly valuable for large-scale cadastral initiatives. Integrating GIS and remote sensing techniques, DTMs enable nuanced spatial evaluations and richer visual representations. The research methodology incorporated a synergistic blend of existing cadastral maps, elevation data sourced from SRTM and ALOS DEM, field collected GPS readings, and pre-existing Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. This integrated approach yielded several significant outcomes for detailed micro-level mapping. Specifically, DTMs facilitated a deeper understanding of the physiographic arrangement and the identification of areas susceptible to erosion. Furthermore, they aided in comparing soil distribution patterns, revealing homogeneity or heterogeneity, while 3D visualization capabilities allowed for the analysis of intricate soil-geomorphic and physiographic interrelationships. In conclusion, the study underscores the effectiveness of DTMs in micro-level spatial investigations, especially for mapping small villages or watersheds to pinpoint erosion-prone zones. This was followed by an analysis of soil-physiographic relationships and the potential for land resource mapping, ultimately assisting in the identification of critical water conservation hotspots. Ultimately, DTMs present a cost efficient methodology for natural resource mapping and streamlining field survey operations