Information for:

2023

Issue 01

ABSTRACT
This research paper aims to examine the relationship between disability and the field of social work. It highlights the significance of social workers in recognizing disability as a distinct diversity group and promoting inclusive interactions that go beyond traditional, charitable and welfare approaches. By utilizing the secondary sources of data, this paper identifies the core values and principles that underpin social work practice with the disabled, elucidates the application of a multicultural approach, and also explores the role and space of social workers in fostering the development and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Thematic analysis was used to construct the sub-themes for confirming the main theme of the study.

KEYWORDS: Disability, Social Work, Inclusion, Empowerment, Diversity.
ABSTRACT
Marital dissatisfaction affects people of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds and often leads to divorce and conflicts within the family. Both can have negative implications that last for years. Social workers and other allied professionals recognize pre-marital counselling work to ameliorate marital discord and improve marital satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pre-marital counselling on sustainable family life. The family, either extended or nuclear is the most significant structure in the society. It is found that the concept of family is well maintained and nurtured by society throughout history, in the way of marriage system or other. The families are made by the bond of love of individuals and to provide love to the world. Unfortunately, this significant institution is under the threat of an alarming increase in divorce, family breakage, fear of marriage, discontent of marriage life and it led to suicide finally. Therefore, this study commenced to identify the causes of family discord and to safeguard the biggest social institution of family. Furthermore, it is also to find a proper solution in order to strengthen the family institution. Interviews of key informants, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to collect data to support this research. Altogether, fifty individuals were selected for the study and were given a questionnaire to fill, further three Quazies were interviewed for information and several social activists and officers from some NGOs as the participants for focus group discussions. The collected data was analysed using qualitative mixed methods and findings were very much significant for the need of the Pre-Marital counselling.

KEYWORDS: Pre-Marital Counselling, Sustainable Family Life
ABSTRACT
The elephant-human conflict was established as a well-known protracted social conflict in the society due to the introduction of modern large-scale development projects to develop rural infrastructure and not paying attention to the balancing factors of the natural environment. In particular, elephants’ habitats and movement areas become human habitats, land parcels and clearing for commercial agriculture, invasion of their basic needs by human society can be identified as prominent issues of elephant-human conflict. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the conflict contains characteristics of homogeneity and heterogeneity and that the conflict has built the background necessary for socialization into a horizontal protracted social conflict. The main objective of the study is to identify the nature of the incomplete relationship between the political power structure model and elephant-human conflict. How the political power structure relationship has influenced the development of elephant-human conflict was used as the study problem. Mixed methodology was used under survey method for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and focus group discussions and retrospective studies were used to collect qualitative data. Stratified sampling was used under random sampling for the study and 50 respondents were selected in relation to the sample. Hambegamuwa and Hambegamuwa Colony Grama Niladhari Divisions belonging to Tanamalvila Divisional Secretariat Division of Monaragala District were used as the field of study. For this, two central and peripheral villages, which are different socially, economically and culturally, have been used for the study. Hambegamuwa was used as the central village while Hambegamuwa Colony used the peripheral village and Hambegamuwa was used as the central village because it was built from traditional residents. In particular, it was possible to find out how the political power structure model works in the rural level in the lease of land based on the new tax policy, becoming protected human habitations based on political goodwill. With the power structure model, it can be revealed that the micro and macro political power structure has provided the background factors to create a conflicting relationship between the needs of the human and animal community by purchasing land by large-scale entrepreneurs and private businessmen, giving it to forest-protected business agriculture through gazettes. These dilemmas seem to have set the stage for the creation of a hetero-nationalization from a political homogenization. Especially when considering the macro and central issues of the conflict, it was possible to identify the collapse of the security mechanism, domestic violence, and early marriages as visible factors of the conflict. Domestic violence, psychological isolation and frustration due to the breakdown of the protection mechanism in the family can be identified as social factors. By paying attention to the situational factors of the conflict, the characteristics of a prolonged social conflict can be identified and the ups and downs of the conflict with seasonal times can be identified. It can be concluded that the conflict has turned into a protracted social conflict due to the mobilization of the political power structure model in the rural society and the mobilization to disrupt the welfare process in the human household and the spatial background necessary for the creation of a fed-up group in the rural environment. Therefore, rather than preventing the conflict, the necessary measures should be prepared to lead to a resolution process through mediation work.

KEYWORDS: Elephant-human conflict, political power structure, protracted social conflict, large-scale development projects, homogenization
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to identify the psychological, social and economic challenges faced by WHHs in the post-war context and the role of social work, to propose social work intervention to promote sustainable livelihood activities. The Karachchi is one of the DS Divisions that was by the armed conflict in the Northern Province. It’s seen that the WHHs encounter many psychological, social and economic challenges in their livelihood initiatives. Although many have worked hard to create sustainable livelihood, not all have been successful due to ambiguity and lack of effort by the WHHs, lack of commitment and inefficiency in service delivery by government and non-government organizations. Sustainable livelihood refers to the lifestyle adopted to lead a satisfactory standard of living that includes adequate mechanisms to generate income for the future generation of the WHHs concerned. A qualitative method was used systematic stratified sampling. Respondents were selected in 42 Grama Niladari Divisions in Karachchi Divisional Secretariat and 20% villages were selected through systematic stratified sampling method and from them 61 respondents were selected based on Purposive Sample. The results show that 85.25% of WHHs face psychological challenges in improving livelihood. Also, 67.22% of WHHs face social challenges, physical illnesses, childcare, lack of family support. Social challenges include social exclusion, misperception of society, lashing out, bullying and jealousy. 87% faced economic challenges and 13% did not face economic challenges. Social work interventions by government and non-governmental organizations are found to be inadequate in improving livelihoods of women and those who have achieved subsistence livelihoods have improved due to self-effort and dedication. Therefore, more research on social work interventions can be done to encourage sustainable livelihood of WHHs.

KEYWORDS: Women Headed Households, Sustainable livelihood, Empowerment
ABSTRACT
In the contemporary world, “Education” is the essential aspect. It is also the basement for the improvements of society in various manners. The educational activities of students should be to reveal best outcomes and results. But the lack of interrelation between the parents and children causes to the nonimprovement on children’s education. The occupational movement of parents is the main course for the lack of interrelation of parents with children, lack of continuous attendance to school, having fights with classmates in classrooms, disobeying the teachers, use of alcohol and school dropouts. Regardingly, five schools in the Eravur Education Zone where senior intermediate students are learning have been selected on the basis of objective sample for the study. five principals, 50 teachers,105 students, 25 parents on the rate of 1:5 per 05 parents for school have been selected as the research sample. As per the research findings, due to the occupation of parents and the lack of interrelation between parents and children. Children are subjected to the problems of psychology, health, social, discipline and difficultly in learning and these aspects are heavily affected the education of children. Recommendation are presented as increasing the contribution of parents in children’s education to make it effectively, making awareness to clarify the worth of time to the parents which the parents are giving for their children and educating the parents that their engagement must motivate their children’s education.

KEYWORDS: Occupation, Movement, Learning, Influence

2022

Issue 02

ABSTRACT
Respect for cultural diversity is a fundamental value of the social work profession. The Professional Associations in social work charge social workers with the ethical responsibility to be culturally competent and set out the indicators to achieve the standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Researchers associate the major focus of social work literature in cultural diversity with ethnic minorities. This paper comprehensively addresses the concept of cultural competence, suggesting the importance of considering how differences between professional culture and lay culture are created within the same ethnic group. The main objective of this paper is to present a conceptual analysis of cultural competence and discusses how it informs the best standards for social work practice. The study is based on a semi-systematic review of the literature. Working systematically through literature the researcher identified topics that are progressively integrated into key themes, the importance of which lies in their ability to address the objective of the study. The paper suggests that cultural competence should be defined by the capacity to apply models and practice methods in a more ‘culturally appropriate manner’ in the practice context. The paper further argues that cultural competency simply does not imply that all actions taken in social work practice should be in accordance with the cultural regularities of the service users that they serve, as it also informs social work professionals to look at culture through a critical approach, the problematic context in which culture must be negotiated.

KEYWORDS: Cross-Cultural Situations, Cultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Social Work Practice, Social Work Standards
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of the classroom environment on science learning in the Badulla Education Zone, Sri Lanka. A sample of 300 students and 25 teachers from 21 schools was selected. Utilizing mixed methods, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Analysis revealed that 48% of teachers are aged 20-30, with a predominance of female teachers (92%). A linear correlation was found between science scores and classroom environment (p = 0.017), indicating that proper management of physical resources positively influences student engagement and achievement in science. The findings suggest that the arrangement and management of classroom resources are crucial in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. By enhancing these physical aspects, educators can significantly improve students’ interest and performance in science, paving the way for more effective educational strategies in the Badulla Education Zone.

KEYWORDS: Correlation, Science score, Classroom Environment, Pearson correlation coefficient.
ABSTRACT
Tertiary education is distinct from general and basic education, emphasizing research and knowledge sharing. While free education is available in Sri Lanka, access to equitable tertiary education remains a challenge. Factors such as limited admissions to state universities based on Z-Scores, societal perceptions of private degrees, delays in obtaining degrees, and gaps between the job market and education contribute to declining interest in tertiary education among youth, particularly in the Thenmarachi educational zone. This study utilized primary and secondary data, employing purposive sampling for data collection through in-depth interviews with 14 youths, 5 service providers, and key informants. Findings revealed lower participation of men in tertiary education compared to women, challenges in completing external degrees on time, financial constraints, and a lack of recognition for private degrees. Women represent a higher percentage (61.6%) in the provincial workforce compared to men (38.4%). The research underscores the challenges faced by youth in accessing and completing tertiary education. Social work interventions targeting youth, families, and organizations are essential for enhancing motivation and improving attitudes towards tertiary education, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for educational attainment.

KEYWORDS: Participation, Youths, Formal Tertiary Education, Factors, Trends.
ABSTRACT
Education has been severely impacted worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing millions of educators and students to shift from conventional classrooms to an online education system that was new to them. This research focuses on the impact of the pandemic on school children in the Hambantota district, exploring the challenges, resources, outcomes, and effects of adapting to online learning. A random sample of 100 students was selected to examine their experiences with this transition. Using a mixed methodology, data were collected through online surveys, analytical data sets, interviews, and questionnaires. The study highlighted significant challenges, particularly in rural areas where students faced issues with English and computer literacy. Findings revealed that the local administration was unprepared for the shift, with inadequate budgets for schooling. Despite these challenges, the pandemic provided an opportunity for students to engage with a new form of education, presenting both risks and benefits of online learning.

KEYWORDS: Covid-19, Learning, Online Education, School, School Children.

2022

Issue 01

ABSTRACT
Children with hearing impairment have been identified as one of the extremely vulnerable cohorts globally and the pandemic caused multiple impacts on receiving education, protections and emotional wellbeing of them. With the intention of leaving no one left behind, few student social workers were placed in the Centres during the pandemic in order to work with hearing impaired children, family members and groups. This social work research study examined the challenges faced by the hearing impairment children during their educational activities in Sri Lanka and the experiences from the student social workers during their placement in the same selected centers located in western province. The research design adopted in this study was qualitative and the respondents were students with hearing impairment, teachers, caregivers and the student social workers. Sixteen students, five teachers, four caregivers and five student social workers participated in the study. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to identify the respondents who were in the status of revealing their actual situations. The study has found three types of challenges. The type one was that the children with hearing impairments were experienced various sexual harassment and abuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The type two was that they have experienced numerous emotional challenges such as being isolated from family and friends. Finally, the educational challenges were extreme due to various reasons such as lack of skilled teachers, acoustic issues, outdated devices, absence of trained social workers, shortage of hearing aids & caregivers with limited sign language skills. The findings are disseminated to relevant stakeholders to take necessary remedial and developmental measures to strengthen legal acceptance of sign language to protect their rights as a preventive measure.

KEYWORDS: Covid-19, Hearing Impairment, Child Abuse, Educational Challenge, Social Work Reflection/Intervention
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the covid-19 epidemic, one of the recent most devastating and catastrophic events in the Sri Lankan context. It explores the psychological problems faced by people during the covid-19 period and the role of the mental health social worker in alleviating these problems. This study is a quantity based qualitative research. Twenty mental health social workers who mediated for communities during the covid-19 pandemic were selected as the sample under the purposive sampling method. Colombo District was selected as the study area. The main reason for this was that this district was subjected to more restrictions than other districts during the Covid 19 pandemic period. Interviews were used for data collection and this was done to collect qualitative data. Data analysis was performed under the method of narrative analysis using cognitive theory and functional perspective. The study has shown that changes over time have had an impact on a person’s mental health as well as their social status. Similarly, social changes have also affected the mental health of individuals. Mental health impact of Covid-19 can be divided into two main sections; mental health issues and mental disorders. The role of the mental health social worker is to accurately assess problems and make relevant referrals, to intervene at the individual and family level, to assess the consequences of such psychological problems and to address issues through coordination with relevant parties, as well as through using mental health methods. In macro level, the mental health social worker conducts awareness programmes as well as various programmes to equip people to face the psychological problems.

KEYWORDS: Psychological problems, Covid-19 pandemic, Mental Health Social Work, Sri Lanka and Human wellbeing.
ABSTRACT
During the last two years over 1.6 million people across the globe have lost their lives because of COVID- pandemic. The negative impacts of the disease have not only been limited to the loss of life but also have severe psychosocial impacts on people. Lockdowns have resulted fears, anxiety, and sadness among people and which has led to an alarming increase in suicides and other mental conditions. However, the impact of this pandemic on women has been worth exploring. Domestic Violence (DV) against women has been perceived as silent suffering within the family. It is also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV) or family violence occurs when one person attempts to control another in an intimate relationship. The destructive impacts of violence on women in domestic sphere are severe. Domestic violence has increased in many covid-19 affected countries and in Sri Lank also a number of domestic violence cases have been reported during the lockdown period as compared to previous years. The main objective of this study is to explore the contextual factors of Domestic Violence against women to identify social work intervention. Qualitative research as a multimethod in focus and involving naturalistic approach to its subject matters in their natural setting adopted here to understand the prevailing situation about the domestic violence incident. Using case studies produced more in-depth and comprehensive information for the study. The purposive sampling was fit for this sample and reported cases for a counselling officer in the district secretariat during 2020 -2021 were analyzed to explore the causes of Domestic Violence against women to identify social work intervention. Semi structured interviews were mainly used for the data collection. The major findings of the study indicated that several contextual factors, including socio-economic instability, the power imbalance within the marital relationship, lack of access to the justice system, failure of service delivery system caused by the pandemic have led raise of DV cases in the country and as a result of these causes of domestic violence increased the vulnerability to physical, sexual and emotional problems natively impacted on women during the pandemic period. As this is deeply rooted problem, it can be minimized only when the contextual factors are addressed. The study emphasizes the need for socio-cultural appropriate social work intervention to overcome this problem and the study will contribute to ongoing DV prevention research pushed for continued prevention and social adjustment initiatives both in practice and in research.

KEYWORDS: COVID -19, lockdown, domestic violence, women, prevention, Sri Lanka
ABSTRACT
They Tamil Diaspora have the tendency to maintain transnational involvement with their own country people in many ways. Many organizations and institutions provide social services with the participation of Tamil Diaspora community in Sri Lanka. The Diaspora engages in service-oriented activities in North and many parts of the East. They also have different social interests for the benefit of their people. The main aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of Tamil Diaspora to the social services of the Gurunagar J/69 Grama Niladhari Division. Mixed method approach was used for this study employing snowballing sampling method. A total of hundred samples was selected from the beneficiaries who got the diaspora’s assistance in the GN Division. Primary data was collected through the interviewer administered questionnaire, case study methods, focus group discussion and, key informant interviews methods. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Quantitative data was analyzed using a descriptive statistical method with the support of SPSS. Results of this study showed, the Diaspora provide s assistance for the education, professional assistance, contributions to Religious affairs, contribution of community level organizations and assistances to the needy people. Almost 23% of respondents said that diaspora have special concern on the educational supports. About 98% of respondents said that social services also contributed to the development of the community. In the study area, Diasporas focus on their birth place, which plays an important role in promoting social services through the organizations run with the contribution of Diasporas.

KEYWORDS: Covid-19, Hearing Impairment, Child Abuse, Educational Challenge, Social Work Reflection/Intervention
ABSTRACT
The impact on educational involvement is the main reason for increasing criminal and juveline deliquency amony teenage students. Therefore, every country has taken many steps to improve education including Sri Lanka. But Sri Lanka is facing many difficulties to improve educational level of teenage students. The objective of this study is to identify the influence of family factors on teenage students in type ii School in kayts educational division from sociological point of view. This is a mixed method research. Schools in eight to eleven classes were selected. Total sample comprised 814 teenage students, 90 from six schools. Primary data gathered through questionaire, casestudy, keyinformer interview and observation and secondary data gathered through available literature reviews and kayts educational devision. The study concluded that family low economic status, poor parent’s educational level, family structure mainly single parent family structure, poor school – family relationship and learning environment at home were influence an educational involvement of teenage students. So, parents must give higher level of psychological and economic support for their children to encourage the study. Government’s assistance and programmes for awareness on education system is important to enchance the teenage student’s educational involvement.

KEYWORDS: Teenage, Academic Involvement, Type ii schools, Family structure, Family socioeconomic status

2021

Issue 02

ABSTRACT
The main objective in this study is to find out the reasons why the elderly people are turning to elders’ home care in Sri Lanka. There are two research questions that are addressed by this study as: what are the socio-economic factors directing elders to the care of elders’ homes? and what are the attitudes that motivate elders to turn to care at elders’ homes? The study was based on the two elders’ homes in Kandy district since it is considered as one of the fastest growing age districts. 20 elders were selected for the study; 10 from each elders home, 5 males and 5 females from each home. Economic hardships, changing social relationships and networks, unbearable family work and responsibilities and poor mental and physical health were the main socio-economic and cultural reasons for many elders to move into elders home while protect the dignity, attitudinal changes regarding institutional care, ultimate purpose of life were the attitudes that elders to turn into elders’ homes. The socio-economic and cultural causes that influence for elders to move into the elders homes in this study were quite common with the other research done globally.But when analyzing the attitudes that motivated elders to move with elders’ homes, there are new trends that could be observed as many elders accept this as a favorable alternative mechanism with the rapid social changes. However, gender differences could be observed in the causes that motivated elders to move with elders’ homes. Finally, this study recommends that practitioners, policy makers, social workers and other people who are responsible for elderly people can introduce more elderly friendly institutional mechanisms that link with the family members which contribute to have a comfortable life for both elders and family members.

KEYWORDS: Aging, Elders’ Home Care, Family Care, Attitudes, Sri Lanka.
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the nature of societal beliefs of Sinhala-Catholics to understand if there is any ethno-religious fragmentation from Sinhala Catholics’ perspective in the post-Easter Sunday bomb attack context. The study was qualitative in design with a constructivist philosophy. At the same time, the in-depth interview was the data collection technique employed to collect data from ten respondents selected through purposive sampling from the Galle Catholic parish. The inductive approach of thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The main focus was to examine the Sinhala Catholics’ perspective on the Muslim community. A group of Muslim suicide bombers who had links with international Muslim extremists engaged in the attack in the name of Islam, which took the lives of innocent Catholics. They had been attending holy mass in three different churches and some civilians in Sri Lanka. The transcriptions of the responses were coded and analyzed for themes. As a result, three main themes emerged: religious value anxiety, fundamentalism phobia, and a positive sense of security appeared high intensity. The religious value anxiety being the highest intense theme shows a collective memory fluctuation between religious teachings and the practical application of those in real-life situations among Sinhala Catholics in the Galle parish. However, the results of this study show that there is no apparent ethno-religious fragmentation between Sinhala-Catholics and Muslims in the Galle parish as far as the out-group relationship and the sense of security are concerned, though the Sri Lankan pluralistic society has ethno-religious divisions.

KEYWORDS: Societal Beliefs, Religious Fundamentalism, Parish, Ethno-Religious Fragmentation.
ABSTRACT
Marriage is an important factor in any society as it helps to generate population and the existence of society. Therefore, marriage is considered an important phenomenon in all societies in this world. Also, marriage is made human relationships among people and primarily these relationships make massive role to society. The marriage that is an organization in society is highly considered as a major component of society and its impact can be considered positive and negative way. Therefore, marriage is not mere legal bondage between a woman and a man. There is worth of having a marriage life not only biological but also sociological. Therefore, when people get matured, they tend to find a suitable partner for their marriage. Once married a couple continue their journey until the end of the breath. But some couples do not interest in a long journey with one partner and they decide to stop their marriage life. Causing the different reasons, the marriage life can be damaged likely dissatisfaction of sexual life, conflict of ideology or any other reasons. Even though marriage life makes many advantages for their life and society, when they decide to divorce, it would adversely impact society and family. Therefore, the government involvement also the social worker intervention to establish welfare facilities for divorcees is most important. This paper discusses divorce and its impact on society and the importance of social worker intervention in families’ crises.

KEYWORDS: Marriage, Divorce, Divorce Law, Social work Intervention, Sri Lanka.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public mental health. Therefore, monitoring and oversight of the population mental health during crises such as a pandemic is an immediate priority. Symptoms of the Coronavirus infection include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhoea. In addition to the physical impacts, COVID-19 can have serious effects on people’s mental health. At the individual level, people are more likely to experience fear of getting sick or dying, feeling helpless, and being stereotyped by others. Nervousness and anxiety in a society affect everyone to a large extent. Recent evidence suggests that people who are kept in isolation and quarantine experience significant levels of anxiety, anger, confusion, and stress. Due to the pathogenicity of the virus, the rate of spread, the resulting high mortality rate, COVID-19 may affect the mental health of individuals at several layers of society, ranging from the infected patients, and health care workers, to families, children, students, patients with mental illness, and even workers in other sectors. Such conditions are even more significant for populations with poorer health conditions. In the under-developed and developing countries the epidemic conditions of COVID-19 impose greater psychological effects on the population, given that these countries are also affected by many other infectious diseases. This contagious virus has not only raised concerns over general public health, but has also caused a number of psychological and mental disorders. According to our analysis, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic can affect mental health in individuals and different communities. However, psychological states change with the passage of time and with the alterations in one’s surrounding environment. Therefore, it is necessary to portray the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 catastrophe over a longer and more forward-looking period. This paper throws its light on the psychological effect during quarantine, coping up strategies etc.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Virus, Quarantine, Stress, Isolation.

2021

Issue 01

ABSTRACT
Social cohesion refers to the degree of social togetherness within a defined geopolitical entity, such as a university. It is characterized by reliable social relations, emotional connectedness, and a focus on the common good. Universities, representing a diverse student community, are ideal for promoting social cohesion. However, issues like ragging in hostels present significant challenges, particularly in the context of psychological abuse faced by new students. This study aims to identify these issues and offer recommendations to foster social cohesion among university students in Sri Lanka. Using a mixed research methodology, data were collected from undergraduates at a selected state university (n=1765) through structured questionnaires and interviews, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS software. Findings revealed that students experience psychological issues such as social isolation, harassment via social media, and the spread of rumors. These experiences negatively impact students’ university life and social cohesion, highlighting the need for interventions to address psychological acts and promote a supportive university environment.

KEYWORDS: Community Cohesion, University Students, Psychological Acts, Ragging, Sri Lanka.
ABSTRACT
This study aims to identify the practical application of social work within the context of community-based corrections in Sri Lanka. It explores the community correction process, its applicability, and the significance of social work’s role in this framework. A purposive sampling method was employed to select 10 community corrections officers from the Western Province, with key informant interviews conducted for data collection. The narrative analysis method was utilized for data analysis, supported by David Farabee’s model of corrections and cognitive behaviour theory. Findings indicate that community corrections primarily address individuals who have committed minor offenses and may resist traditional punishment. Community corrections officers engage in various social work roles, including educator, facilitator, coordinator, regulator, advocate, and community animator, aimed at enhancing clients’ social well-being and empowerment. The study concludes that the expertise of community corrections officials is vital for the effectiveness of community-based processes, and further professional training in social work significantly enhances the success of these initiatives.

KEYWORDS: Community-Based Corrections Process, Crimes, Professional Role, Social Work, Sri Lanka.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the trends of suicide in Sri Lanka, a sensitive and significant social issue with various social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions. In 1995, Sri Lanka had the highest suicide rate globally, with 8,519 recorded suicides (47 per 100,000). Recent preventive programs have contributed to a decline in these rates. The study explores sociodemographic factors such as ethnicity, age, gender, marital status, educational level, and their relation to suicide. The research addresses the question, “How do declining morals affect suicides in Sri Lanka?” Its objectives include identifying the causes and characteristics of suicide trends. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study tests Durkheim’s Index of Poverty of Morals theory based on secondary data from police crime statistics and census data. Findings reveal that suicides are least reported among Muslims, with married individuals having higher rates than unmarried ones. The most common causes identified include marital conflicts, family issues, disappointments, psychological disorders, and chronic diseases, indicating that the fundamental factor related to suicides in Sri Lanka is social.

KEYWORDS: Suicide, Sri Lanka, Sociodemographic, Anomic, Disintegration, Moral System.
ABSTRACT
The relationship between environment and population growth has garnered long-standing attention as an interdisciplinary field. Classical Malthusian theory posits that environmental crises worsen with population increase; however, post-Malthusians argue that other factors contribute more significantly to environmental issues. Despite this, heavily populated regions often face considerable environmental challenges, while developed nations’ consumer cultures create substantial ecological crises independent of population size. This research aims to conduct an environmental-demographic analysis of the inter-relationship between population growth and environmental problems, particularly in the Sri Lankan context, where limited scholarly work exists in Sinhala. This study relies on thematic and discourse analysis due to challenges in empirical research. Findings indicate a quantitative correlation between population growth and environmental issues, but socio-economic patterns and consumer culture play more significant roles in resource utilization. Environmental crises, such as waste disposal and water pollution, primarily stem from attitudes and behaviors rather than population growth alone.

KEYWORDS: Inter-Relationship, Population, Environmental Crisis, Malthusianism, Social Work.

2020

Issue 02

ABSTRACT
This current study is about the indigenous medicinal knowledge and its utilization. Many countries around the world are researching a suitable vaccine to defeat the chronic virus. Indigenous medicinal knowledge is being used as a quarantine strategy to prevent the coronavirus in Sri Lanka. The government encourages to use indigenous medicines. Indigenous medicine can be administered to both infected and non-infected cases. The research problem was to identify the practice of indigenous medicinal knowledge related to personal health care. Findings can be summarized as; people have an indigenous medicinal knowledge related to hygiene, Sri Lankans have a healthy life pattern, there is a trend of increasing communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and there is a gap between knowledge and practice related to indigenous knowledge. The study suggests that the ultimate goal of the social work is to uplift the human capacity to solve their problem by themselves. Make their intervention in micro and macro levels. Under micro level, he directly works with the individuals and families. In macro level social workers working towards the group and communities and make intervene for the problems in national and international level through the social policy and social work research. The government and non-Government agencies have good opportunity to uplift this relationship between Indigenous knowledge and the contribution of the Social Work Practitioner.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Indigenous Medicinal knowledge, Practice gap, Raising Awareness, Social Worker

ABSTRACT
Low- and middle-income countries are ageing at a much faster rate than richer countries, especially in Asia. This is happening at a time of globalization, migration, urbanization, and smaller families. Older people make significant contributions to their families and communities, but this is often undermined by chronic disease and preventable disability. Social participation ca n help to protect against morbidity and mortality. We argue that social participation deserves much greater attention as a protective factor, and that older people can play a useful role in the prevention and management of chronic conditions. We present, as an example, a low-cost, sustainable strategy that has increased social participation among elders in Sri Lanka . The objective of the study to assess how elders’ clubs improve the social participation of older people. The study was carried out as a randomized contr ol trial in Nuwara eliya district. It was found that elders clubs immensely contribute in active socia l participation of older people and contribute to healthy ageing.

KEYWORDS: Elder club strategy, social participation, older people, social relations, randomized control
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study was to explore the applicability of collaborative social work method in the practice of social work in Sri Lanka. The study examined what the collaborative method is, the use of collaborative method in Social Work and the professional challenges fa c ed by social workers when implementing this method. This is a qualitative study and therefore, descriptive method was used. Five social workers who use the collaborative method were selected as the study sample, using the purposive sampling method. For this study, semi -structured interviews and field observations were used as data collecting techniques. The concepts of working relationship and individual working project of help were used as the conceptual basis for analysis. Research findings revealed that the collaborative social work leads to the solutions for personal problems through the client’s interpersonal relationships. It was also evident that this methodology strengthens the client’s network of relationships and empowers him/her through it. While this method came into use in the social work profession, it is clear that this method can be us ed constructively by the social worker in resolving personal problems of clients. Despite the effectiveness of this method, there are various challenges that may arise in the use of this method due to personal factors and relationship issues of the client.

KEYWORDS: Collaborative social work, human relationships, descriptive study, social work method and Sri Lankan context
ABSTRACT
Social work as an action oriented profession to minimize social problems, is still struggling to deal effectively with the prevention of contemporary social problems which have emerge as a result of rapid social changes in Sri Lanka. This paper examines the future directions of social work education and practice. It also identifies the key changes in the content in Bachelor of Social Work program which require improving social work professional involvement i n preventing and assuaging soci al problems in Sri Lanka. The study was based on an empirical study conducted using 10 purposive samples of faculty members and 20 students who were from Sri Lanka School of Social work. The methods for gathering data included interviews and used a semi structured approach. Competency based learning model based on learning theory served a s the theoretical foundation for this study. The result indicated that there was a great need for expansion of the existing curriculum and practice to identify social probl ems with an emphasis on intervention at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social work educational curricula need to adopt a social development approach and empowerment practice with the understandings of oppressed and excluded people and social work policy educations effectively tackle the various social problems in the country. Therefore the study focuses on What changes are more appropriate in Bachelor of Social Work program which require improving social work professional involvement in preventing and assuaging social problems in Sri Lanka. The only conclusion to be drawn at this point is that the developments of social work education and practice in Sri Lanka require effective design and changes for strengthening curriculum in order to help communities deal with new waves of Social problems.

KEYWORDS: Social work education, social work practice, social problems, Social work curricula, Prevention
ABSTRACT
The human wildlife conflicts have become worst scenario in Sri Lanka due to unsustainable development activities and various political ecological issues. Today human elephant conflicts have been identified as a leading socio-environmental problem of the country. This crisis is mainly found among the farming community of dry zone and many mitigation plans put forward became fruitless. However, it reveals that ecological social works are supposed to be good solution to this problem in many other parts of the world according to the existing literature based on green social works. The primary objective this paper is to analyse the impact of human elephant conflict on the social and family life of people in dry zone. This paper also looks at the role of social workers in minimizing the grievances of people affected by the conflict in dry zone. The methodology of this paper is based on the existing knowledge in the relevant l i terature and primary data collected from Dehiattakandiya divisional secretariat of Mahaweli zone. The data was qualitatively analysed based on themes and discoursessuch as vulnerability, social risk, ecologicaldemocracy and green social work. The humanelephant conflict has made entire life of dryzone farmers complicated and vulnerable. It has negatively influenced the husband-wiferelationship, socio-physiological life family and marriage and education of children. The politicized mitigation actions and compensation programs have created many new livelihood and gender challenges among the dry zone families. Farmers are adapting to new social risk life depending the complexities of human wildlife confli cts. The contribution of ecological social work is very minimum in the context of human wildlife conflicts in Sri Lanka.

KEYWORDS: Human elphant conflict, Dry zone farming families, Political ecology, Green social work

2020

Issue 01

ABSTRACT
A culturally diverse society has fashioned certain disadvantages on females in comparison to the males which is identifiable in varied countries in the world. The proposition of this study is to examine through Sri Lankan context whether the Relationships in the society around the women are assist to empower them towards social position. The study is conducted based how rural women comprehend the empowerment in their household and social life with respect to the cultural competence. Hence, numerous treaties and laws existed to promote the women’s rights in Sri Lanka, women are still been subject to various women rights violations lacks political, social and economic empowerment due to the chain which tied up women to play the traditional role. The study presented on deep rooted cultural and gender disparities values specially rise in rural setting through Focused Group Discussions, Interviews, Observations, Questionnaires and Case studies. Further, it apparent the absence of social interventions by Authorities to empower the women and a need of relevant involvement. Discrimination from serving meals to decide the carrier has been manifested within cultural competence. Propose attentions to significant social intervention in the course of establishing partnership-oriented approach on identifying sensible matters and to take Affirmative Action to evolve a sustainable empowerment of Rural Women’s Societies through social work by commencing entrepreneurial and self employment. Further intentions made to promote a saving module as a joint mechanism with the state in order to advance the economical empowerment. Sensitized broader dialogue on women’s right subjected to violate emerged due to gender discrimination shall commence and ascertain the strengthened legal framework on women with secured rights to improve their social position.

KEYWORDS: Cultural Competence, empowerment, Relationships, Social Position, women’s Rights.
ABSTRACT
The global population is increasing at alarming rate and it would reach ten billion in another twenty years’ time. The changing lifestyle, consumer culture and development projects over utilize all the available natural resources. The collective responsibility of society towards conserving environment and ecological resources are always challenged by individualization, modern lifestyle, political ecological conditions and political economy of development projects. The number of natural and man-made disasters are also going up and millions of people become victims of disaster. The environmental problems and disasters are causing social vulnerability and ecological injustice among people more than ever before in the history. The main objective this paper is to explore the role of green social work in ecological justice and collective environmental actions at contemporary society. This paper is based on the method of critical analysis of related literature of social responsibility of ecological conservation, green social work and environmentalism. The concepts, theories and arguments found in the literature are discussed here based on the discourse analysis. The ecological or green social works has provided interdisciplinary platform for social workers to freely function in the changing context. Since human and social rights of people are violated through environmental degradation, the environmental social works is emerging as popular sub-discipline within social work. The green or ecological social work is further empowering under the risk and vulnerable conditions of disasters. It is revealed that social work is connected to environmentalism. The modern risk society always seeks the service of green social workers more and more to minimize the environmental vulnerability. Green social workers have to work in collaboration with changing power relationship from local to national level context. The green social work functions as leading and crucial mechanism of making the development activities sustainable and it be making important sub-discipline in the field of ecological democracy in the future.

KEYWORDS: Ecological justice, Environmentalism, Disaster, Green social works.
ABSTRACT
This evidence-based practice paper attempts to reflect learning of a particular problem through qualitative inquiry of working with individual, families, and group of institutionalized elderly women. It reflects the elderly problems, intervention process, and outcome of the social work practice. It attempted to analysis the planned use of empirically supported assessment and intervention methods combined with the use of monitoring and evaluation strategies for the purpose of improving the psychosocial well being of the elderly women. It recommends that enhancement of family social work to strengthen the interpersonal and intergenerational relationships in both aging and elderly care. The family’s role as a provider of social welfare may become salient in the promoting psychosocial wellbeing of the elderly.

KEYWORDS: Elderly, Institutionalized, Interpersonal relationships, Social welfare, Psychosocial wellbeing.
ABSTRACT
Communication is the process individuals share information, facts, feelings, emotions and knowledge. Physical inability could constraint one’s communication and that has a prospect to discontinue communication. Individuals with speech and hearing impairments enable communication through Sign Language. Therefore learning and teaching of Sign Language is significant to increase the communication among people with speech and hearing impairments. The role of Sign Language and interpreters recognized as prominent in Sign Language practice and development. The educational interpreters in any given context need to be identified as professionals and competent in required knowledge and skills to maintain the minimum standard of the profession. In present Sri Lankan context there is an increase of the persons with hearing and speech impairments and only limited professionally qualified interpreters and training courses are available. This paper therefore aims to provide an overview of the development and provisions of field education services available for followers of Sign Language Diploma conducted by National Institute of Social Development in Sri Lanka. Data for the study was gathered through in-depth interviews with purposefully selected 15 Sign Language Diploma followers and Key Informant Interviews were carried out with qualified Interpreters .The findings of this study indicated, Regional Differences in Sign Language Interpretations, absence of National Standardization for Sign Language, Code of Ethics violation in practice, protecting privacy and confidentiality ,Lack of language practice and teaching in the primary education standard, priority for lip reading practice than learning signs with less professional recognition for the language and interpreters. The study derived following recommendations to enhance the standard of the interpreters, proper training and recognition for interpreters, teaching sign language at primary level at schools and maintaining national standard of the sign language.

KEYWORDS: Interpreters, Speech Impairment, Sign Language, Communication

2019

Issue 02

ABSTRACT
Despite the fact that sexual characteristics are attributes commencing from the birth of human beings, this biological substance has generated certain tribulation within the social and cultural context ever since the origin of human society. The said multiplicity is the key factor being discussed within the subject of gender awareness. This diversity which has originated within the social context has fashioned certain disadvantages on females in comparison to the males which is identifiable in varied countries in the world. The proposition of this study is to examine through Sri Lankan society whether there are blockades affecting of rights of education of women in comparison to the males when selecting opportunities for education. The selected study area of the research is comprised by 7 districts namely; Galle, Ampara, Monaragala, Jaffna, Anuradhpura, Kurunegala and Gampaha. The selected number of data providers 700 were selected from each district with the representation of 100 employed women and the age limits were from 18 to 55 years. Data were collected through questionnaires, focused group discussions, case studies and observations. In concern with the achievement of subsequent education after marriages, it was revealed that 24.56 % of respondents had entered into higher education. It was a factor disclosed that several blockades are there for women to enter into higher education. A noticeable feature was that more positive support is available for males within the family settings in compared to women. Also prominent that needed assistance for male partners for higher education was available from the whole family including, children and wives, yet, it is not the situation on females. Business of domestic issues and responsibilities is the leading factor for above outcomes. Also recommended to interact male persons too, and to implement series of programmes in pursuance of changed attitudes of male partners, policy makers and community leaders to eliminate mythological attitudes based on gender concerns.

KEYWORDS: Gender, Education, Opportunities, Employed women
ABSTRACT
Medical treatment system is a pattern of social institutions and cultural traditions functioning with an aim to find an effective cure for illnesses and diseases.Thenative medicine system in Sri Lanka is perceived by number of scholars as Ayurveda or the traditional native therapeutic system or a mixer of both these systems.Some researchers stated that the Ayurvedic medical system is practiced along with the native traditional medical system which had been originated and flourished in the island. However, some other scholars believed that Ayurveda has originated in India and subsequently expanded it into Sri Lanka. As still there is no unified idea on this matter,this study attempts to investigate and analyze those views and to recognize the identity of indigenous medical system in Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study is to identify the native medical system and this system specific concepts and characteristics. This research is mainly based on secondary data which is drawn from the literature includes some written works and documents published by Ayurvedic doctors, native therapists, or “Sinhalese Doctors” and other publications on native medicine by intellectuals and archeologists. This study identifiessome characteristics inherent to Ayurveda and traditional native therapeutic system while comparing and contrasting these two systems. Finally, it has been concluded that Ayurveda in Sri Lankais themixture of these two medical treatment systems.

KEYWORDS: Medical system, Ayurveda, Native system, concepts, Sri Lanka
ABSTRACT
Natural disasters affect human life short and long-term and usually include multiple stressors that can have different effects on survivors. Children who affected by the natural disasters, increase their psychological problems and mental disorders; anxiety, posttraumatic stress, depression, somatic complains, emotional problems, issues in social relationships and difficulties in education significantly. The objectives of the study were to examine review of empirical literature on the disasters related psychological problems, theoretical aspects of the Hatha yoga and its’ physiological and psychological effects, to review the natural disasters related psychological problems,’ studies and non-studies with Hatha yoga interventions, to review the relationship and develop hypothesis, that Hatha yoga is as the intervention for psychological wellbeing for affected children by the natural disasters. Sample survey design and purposive sampling method were employed the present study and data were collected from 17 studies with natural disasters and its psychological consequences. Twenty six empirical articles were reviewed related on different natural disasters with other psychological problems studies and Hatha yoga interventions. And yoga related literature were examined that theoretical aspects of yoga; Hatha yoga and its psychological and physiological effects. The findings of the study proved that children who have been affected by the natural disasters presented substantial psychological problems. Hatha yoga intervention studies proved that those problems can be decreased significantly. Affected children have shown the changes of negative thoughts; improve the coping skills and increasing concentration and self-control. The present study can be concluded and predicted that there is a relationship between natural disasters related psychological problems and the Hath yoga interventions. Accordingly it can be suggested that Hatha yoga interventions were the most suitable to decrease the psychological problems of the affected children significantly.

KEYWORDS: Natural disasters, Affected Children, Psychological problems, Hatha yoga, Psychological well-being

ABSTRACT
Social networking has become most used communication method to exchange information and to interact with each other. Facebook, Twitter, imo, viber, whatsapp are some most popular social network sites providing the electronic communication within society. The impact of social media can either be good or bad on school children and in their academic activities. This study investigated the effects of social media usage as a classroom management tool on students’ achievement and their behavior in class. The study was conducted random sampling method in the K/Bandaranayaka Vidyalaya, Payagala Grama Niladhari Wasama, Kaluthara District. The sample size of 67 secondary school students was involved in the study through questionnaire data gathering technique. Questionnaire was used for collecting data. The study recommends among others that, students with mobile phones having internet facility should be encouraged to use it to supplement their research in the library rather than the usual chanting with friends all the time. Since the use of social media sites had affected the academic work of students negatively there is the urgent need for the introduction of students to the availability of novels and other information resources or materials that can help them academically.

KEYWORDS: Social Media, Female student’s, Academic performance, Social Networking, Communication
ABSTRACT
This study was aimed to explore the impact of the family for the rise of child mothers, which is an issue in Sri Lanka in an investigative manner. The factors influencing the rise of child mothers, impact of the family on that, and the strategies to prevent such situations were also studied. Data was analyzed using functionalism and symbolic interactionism. For this descriptive study, a rural village area in Ampara where the percentage of child mothers is higher was used as the study field. 20 child mothers were selected from that village using purposive sampling method. Non-participatory observations and case studies were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. This study made it clear that the factors related to the child and the society are having an impact on children in such scenarios. The unhealthy family conditions and the risky backgrounds where they come from are distinctive in this context. Individual factors such as the personality of the children can also contribute in such situations. It is crucial that the children are educated enough to stay safe from this kind of situations, and it is essential that they are given a formal sex education. To control such incidents, the family should assure that the responsibilities and duties towards the children are ensured. While the sensitivity and consciousness of the community should also be improved for child safety, as of a country, it is a timely requirement to ensure the safety of the children on legal and policy bases.

KEYWORDS: child mothers, family, relationships, sexual harassments and children.
ABSTRACT
he first census in the history of the Sri Lanka was conducted in 1871, giving a total population 2.4 million. In the census 2012, 141 years after the first census, the adult population recorded was 2.5 million. Accordingly, it is clear that there is a rapid growth of the adult population (Department of Census and Statistics: 2015). According to the cultural characteristics of the Sri Lankan society, the elderly are taken care of by their children and other relatives. The overall subsistence rate in Sri Lanka is 60.2 and the old dependence rate is 19.8. This means that 60 dependents are taken care of by 100 people in the workforce. Of these 60 dependents, 20 are elderly dependents (Department of Census and Statistics: 2015). In the Past traditional Sri Lankan society, social security for the elderly was provided through the family. However, due to family structure and socio-economic conditions, the family is undergoing a transformation. Therefore, families are unable to work for the elderly. In this situation, caring for the elderly has become most of a social challenge. This situation in particular, has a profound effect on modern nuclear families. In addition to the role of the family corporation in caring for the elderly, the institutional role has also become important over the time. Elderly Care is implemented in Sri Lanka through Elderly Homes and Elder Day Care Centers. Elderly homeless adults suffer from problems such as isolation, breakdown in social relationships, and depressive moods without prospects. Elderly caregivers face problems due to stress caused by lack of proper training, lack of satisfaction with pay, lack of facilities, and insufficient number of adults to care for them.

KEYWORDS: Elder Day Care Centers, Elder homes, Social Relationships, Elder Care, Isolation

2019

Issue 01

ABSTRACT
The author puts forth the argument that the professional intuition of Social Workers is context specific and should be used to cultivate practice-wisdom. Drawing from Buddhist framework the study of practice-wisdom should be opened up for debate and dialogue as is being done in various platforms and teaching-learning spaces. Additionally, tacit knowledge and intuition could be space through which to research the unexplored territory of practice wisdom in social work.

KEYWORDS: Parentless school going adolescence, Coping, Self-esteem
ABSTRACT
The topic of this study is the “family conflict situation in Sri Lanka at present and using a Buddhist approach to resolve them”. Today’s society has changed significantly compared to the past. This study discusses the conflict of the family institution occurred due to the issues faced by the families in the contemporary society. The main objective of this study is to find out how Buddhist teaching can be used to avoid and prevent such family issues. The issues faced by the contemporary families are not well identified by the religious organizations. A successful effective model should be formed based on the Buddhist teachings to address the family issues in the contemporary society. On this study data was collected on existing family issues especially in relation to married life and analyzed using the qualitative and quantitative methods to find out the real causes of the issues and Buddhist canonical teachings were also used to offer solutions for these issues.

KEYWORDS: Family conflict, Family institution, Family issues, Contemporary society, Buddhist teaching
ABSTRACT
Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanism has been used in Sinhala and Muslim community in Panagamuwa for many years. The main purpose of this study was to study the status of traditional conflict resolution methods used in Sinhala and Muslim communities in Panagamuwa in Kurunegala district and this was addressed by focusing on the study objectives thus; to identify the types of conflicts seen in area, to examine the nature of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in Sinhala and Muslim communities in Panagamuwa, to identify the strengths, trends, challenges, weaknesses, to produce suggestions to improve traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and to suggest the recommendations. Both primary and secondary data were used to conduct this research. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and focused group discussions. Random sampling was done and the sample of one hundred (100) respondents as thirty (40) from Sinhala community and thirty (60) from Muslim community was randomly picked. The categories of people had varied backgrounds included religious leaders, village officers (Grama Niladhari), teachers, other government sector jobs representatives, staff from Community Based Organizations (CBOs), businessmen, others who included elders, women and youth, especially the elders. The data analysis was supplemented by using computer software packages of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word and data were also presented sequentially according to the research questions of the study. Quantitative data were presented through the summary of the results for the statistical tests through charts and graphs when necessary. It is recommended that the government needs to strengthen the implementation process by offering formal recognition to traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and linking it with various government agencies, conduct conflict education and training to elders to enable them understand conflict resolution methods of arbitration, negotiation and facilitation, involve all stakeholders especially educated women and youth.

KEYWORDS: Conflict, Conflict resolution, Arbitration, Negotiation, Facilitation
ABSTRACT
Human family is a major factor which decides the existence of each society. It is a universal concept. Primary socialization is happened through family. Also person exist his existancy at the society based on family functions. As a small organization in social structure, family supports to fulfill human physical, mental, social and materialistic needs. Family can be chanted timewise due to norms and values. Family has existing mission on it. When comparing previous Sri Lankan society, it is obvious that there are no specific changes in family functions. Therefore, this focuses to identify the family, its functions and the way human relationships change in Sri Lankan society.

KEYWORDS: Human family, Socialization, Social institution, Functionalism, Social Solidarity
ABSTRACT
The traditional law interprets the marriage as a fundamental institution and it depends on the family system in the society. (Westermarck, 1926:26). When comparing with historical evidence in Sri Lankan context, it is no doubt that, traditional marriage has mutual relationship between family and kinship. Factors affecting marriage have become common, not only in traditional society but also in the present society. The argument in this article, reveal that the factors affecting the marriage are differed by the social structure. Accordingly, the actions of the entire social, economic, political and cultural corporations and sectors appear to have been affected. The traditional marital institutions were started by the form of cluster direction and it is in present direct individualization. So, therefore, the objectives, task and the trends in present marital intuition were generalized in this article. Comparing with literature, when analyzing various historical ethnographies, academic research and the articles as resources, the research finally conclude that, there is no more changes in present while comparing with traditional marriages in past but there are some modernizations in current family structure in the society.

KEYWORDS: Marital institution, Traditional marriage, Pre-colonial era, New trends, Social structure

2018

Issue 03

ABSTRACT
The author puts forth the argument that the professional intuition of Social Workers is context specific and should be used to cultivate practice-wisdom. Drawing from Buddhist framework the study of practice-wisdom should be opened up for debate and dialogue as is being done in various platforms and teaching-learning spaces. Additionally, tacit knowledge and intuition could be space through which to research the unexplored territory of practice wisdom in social work.

KEYWORDS: Parentless school going adolescence, Coping, Self-esteem
ABSTRACT
The topic of this study is the “family conflict situation in Sri Lanka at present and using a Buddhist approach to resolve them”. Today’s society has changed significantly compared to the past. This study discusses the conflict of the family institution occurred due to the issues faced by the families in the contemporary society. The main objective of this study is to find out how Buddhist teaching can be used to avoid and prevent such family issues. The issues faced by the contemporary families are not well identified by the religious organizations. A successful effective model should be formed based on the Buddhist teachings to address the family issues in the contemporary society. On this study data was collected on existing family issues especially in relation to married life and analyzed using the qualitative and quantitative methods to find out the real causes of the issues and Buddhist canonical teachings were also used to offer solutions for these issues.

KEYWORDS: Family conflict, Family institution, Family issues, Contemporary society, Buddhist teaching
ABSTRACT
Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanism has been used in Sinhala and Muslim community in Panagamuwa for many years. The main purpose of this study was to study the status of traditional conflict resolution methods used in Sinhala and Muslim communities in Panagamuwa in Kurunegala district and this was addressed by focusing on the study objectives thus; to identify the types of conflicts seen in area, to examine the nature of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in Sinhala and Muslim communities in Panagamuwa, to identify the strengths, trends, challenges, weaknesses, to produce suggestions to improve traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and to suggest the recommendations. Both primary and secondary data were used to conduct this research. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and focused group discussions. Random sampling was done and the sample of one hundred (100) respondents as thirty (40) from Sinhala community and thirty (60) from Muslim community was randomly picked. The categories of people had varied backgrounds included religious leaders, village officers (Grama Niladhari), teachers, other government sector jobs representatives, staff from Community Based Organizations (CBOs), businessmen, others who included elders, women and youth, especially the elders. The data analysis was supplemented by using computer software packages of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word and data were also presented sequentially according to the research questions of the study. Quantitative data were presented through the summary of the results for the statistical tests through charts and graphs when necessary. It is recommended that the government needs to strengthen the implementation process by offering formal recognition to traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and linking it with various government agencies, conduct conflict education and training to elders to enable them understand conflict resolution methods of arbitration, negotiation and facilitation, involve all stakeholders especially educated women and youth.

KEYWORDS: Conflict, Conflict resolution, Arbitration, Negotiation, Facilitation
ABSTRACT
Human family is a major factor which decides the existence of each society. It is a universal concept. Primary socialization is happened through family. Also person exist his existancy at the society based on family functions. As a small organization in social structure, family supports to fulfill human physical, mental, social and materialistic needs. Family can be chanted timewise due to norms and values. Family has existing mission on it. When comparing previous Sri Lankan society, it is obvious that there are no specific changes in family functions. Therefore, this focuses to identify the family, its functions and the way human relationships change in Sri Lankan society.

KEYWORDS: Human family, Socialization, Social institution, Functionalism, Social Solidarity
ABSTRACT
The traditional law interprets the marriage as a fundamental institution and it depends on the family system in the society. (Westermarck, 1926:26). When comparing with historical evidence in Sri Lankan context, it is no doubt that, traditional marriage has mutual relationship between family and kinship. Factors affecting marriage have become common, not only in traditional society but also in the present society. The argument in this article, reveal that the factors affecting the marriage are differed by the social structure. Accordingly, the actions of the entire social, economic, political and cultural corporations and sectors appear to have been affected. The traditional marital institutions were started by the form of cluster direction and it is in present direct individualization. So, therefore, the objectives, task and the trends in present marital intuition were generalized in this article. Comparing with literature, when analyzing various historical ethnographies, academic research and the articles as resources, the research finally conclude that, there is no more changes in present while comparing with traditional marriages in past but there are some modernizations in current family structure in the society.

KEYWORDS: Marital institution, Traditional marriage, Pre-colonial era, New trends, Social structure

2017

Issue 01

ABSTRACT
Behavior modification is one of the counseling approaches for reducing psychological problems in both adults and children. Today, it has been successfully used to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), phobias, and bedwetting. This approach not only treats disorders but also increases desired behaviors, primarily through positive reinforcement, which encourages certain actions via a system of rewards. Additionally, behavioral modification can discourage unwanted behaviors by implementing negative reinforcement, which may involve the removal of a privilege or an undesired event. The behavior modification approach employs several techniques to address psychological issues, including modeling, role play, Subject Unit of Difficulties (SUD), assertive training, social skills development, self-management, and token economy. The researcher applied these techniques to a case study aimed at reducing bedwetting and enhancing interpersonal relationships. The objectives of the study were to understand the psychosocial problems of the client, comprehend the theories and techniques related to bedwetting, intervene effectively, and provide solutions. The researcher utilized token economy, simple relaxation, modeling, and social skills development. Ultimately, the client overcame her behavioral challenges and achieved relaxation, illustrating the effectiveness of the intervention in modifying her behavior.

KEYWORDS: Modeling, Subject Unit of Difficulties (SUD), Assertive training, Social skills development, Token economy.

ABSTRACT
In fact, it is increasingly recognized that nearly 70% of Sri Lankan communities still living in rural settings or in close proximities of plantation sector with minimal infra structural facilities. Hence they used to earn their living income either being employed in the plantation or through other ways, and it is typical that eldest children are entrusted to take care varied family needs when parents are busy in their daily work. Taking care of younger brothers and sisters, cooking, washing clothes are some of the tasks assigned to them. However, it was revealed that this practice had ushered negative effects such as higher drop-out on education and also causing diverse impact on their childhood. The objective of this study is to identify the causes and effects that influence the adolescents due to the prevalent causes explained above. Also intended to diagnose the impact caused on the adolescents and their education and psycho-physical growth and very specially to study possible strategic interventions that can set in motion within rural communities to create positive living status of children and adolescents as well. It is also necessary to initiate productive dialogue too, to discuss best possible ways to implement appropriate social action once the facts revealed on the poor responses of parents such as the carelessness or disregarding risks of abusing adolescents. In this regard, a sample survey was steered in 12 villages comprising with a sample of 475 families within 5 Divisional Secretarial divisions.

KEYWORDS: Adolescents, Childhood, Desperate Future, Rural, Social Work.
ABSTRACT
Undue usage of psychoactive substances, on the other hand substance abuse among the school children is presently increasing highly in Sri Lanka. Since, Substance abuse significantly associated with serious violent acts in the community it is becoming a socio economic problem. Therefore, it is important to pay more attention immediately to identify the direction to preventing the problem. Many school children start using this kind of licit and illicit substances cause of influence on peer groups. The parents and other authorities must pay high attention regarding the problem and the policies must stricter. Children who addicted to substance, the pursuit and use of substance take center stage in the line and become even more important than family, studies and their own welfare. The main objective of the research is to identify the most popular licit and illicit substance among the school children and its physical and mental harmfulness to them. To establish proper linkage between existing government institutions which presently act on the issue, parents, educators, community leaders and other government officials are sub objectives of the research. The study depends on the non probability sampling methods and according to that random sampling method was used for data collection. According to the sample 09 schools where selected by three Districts in western province in Sri Lanka. The study conclude that the undue usages of Psychoactive substances among the school children are increasing highly and government and nongovernment organizations highly taken action to prevent the problem. Establishing an agency to protect the school children from substance is recommended.

KEYWORDS: Psychoactive Substances, Substance Abuse, School Children, Mental and Physical Disorders, Addiction
ABSTRACT
Social work is to empower women through development activities which build empowerment. This paper is about the small group intervention with women of a cooperative society. It is a temple based organization and facilitated to empower themselves. It is a self-help group of 75 women members. A cooperate society consists of 15 groups with 5 members for each group making the total members of 75. This group is located at Danvilana, Weyangoda in Gampaha district, which was established in March 2001 with a small group intervention of social work facilitation. Women’s co-op is a cooperative society as a self-reliant membership organization which was built, owned and operated exclusively by the economically challenged women in the village. It is being facilitated to use their own and community resources, ideas and support of its own members to raise their socio-economic and cultural status. Main objective of this self-help groups is to facilitate saving scheme and motivate women to cooperate and help each other for building mutual aid system to enhance harmony in their own life. The aim of this practice based study is to ascertain how women with social work intervention could empower themselves, in accordance with their rights and strengths. It further highlights the gaps in current service delivery in the selected locality. The practice based study finds highlight that the factors, such as family relationships, group inter relationships, perception of roles and status of family members, attitudes towards dependency and thinking patterns were changed to enhance their social functioning. The study also de- mystified the general belief that the potential of the women in contributing to the developmental activities and leadership at community level is limited. In fact the family harmony is enhanced through transforming their values into their interrelationships with family members and community.

KEYWORDS: Social work intervention, Self-help group. Women empowerment, Cooperative society, Small group
ABSTRACT
Children are the most important generation in any society as they hold the future. How we treat the children today, will tell what kind of society we will have in the future. In order to be better and responsible citizens they need to have a better today and everyone is responsible for that. But it is very clear that this has not been happening in many countries and lots of cases are reported where children do not even enjoy their basic rights. Education, social protection and relaxing are much important to them. When a child becomes laborer S/he is deprived of their rights. The case becomes even worst if the child has become a sexual laborer. This in turn results in children losing the security and their education and prone to exploitation.The present study aims to find out the impact of family on a child becoming a sex laborer. When the family fabric is destroyed, this matters on deciding child’s future. When a child becomes a sexual laborer, they are unsecured by all means. In fact the family itself or relatives have been the causes of making children as sexual laborers. Victimized many children belong to age category of 10-18 and the brokers are someone whom very close to them (family or relatives). The study has proved that the probability of a child being subjected to sexual laborer is high if the family is broken. Therefore adequate arrangements for the care of the child should be made in order to protect them. Dondra Divisional Secretariat have been selected as the study area of this research. The primary and secondary data have been gathered by using number of tools. The case study method, Questionnaires and observations are used as primary data collecting tools whereas the books, magazines and internet sources have been used as secondary data collecting tools.

KEYWORDS: Child Labour, Socialization, Child Sexual harassment, Broken Family, Child Right
ABSTRACT
Every human being who is under 18 years is consider as a child and according to Sri Lankan Law Education is a must for every child who is under 18 years of age. During this period of time of education behavior of students can be varied and students can be categorized according to their behaviors. Mal-adaptive behavior is one of such sub-type of behaviors. Mal-adaptive behavior is an obstacle for the process of education of School Children. Mal-adaptive behavior is a type of behavior which makes a person to avoid adapting to certain situations. A person expects to stay away from Anxiety situations using this type of behavior. Evading such Anxiety situations make them to escape from social norms and it considers as social misbehavior. The interventions of psychological counselors and Social Workers is timely important in order to decrease the mal-adaptive behaviors of the school children. Social workers and Counselors practice theoritical and practical procedures in order to minimize the maladaptive behavior of school children. Sample of this research has been chosen according to non- random sampling in order to select the Purposive sample. Data collection was done by using questionnaire method, Observations, Interviews as well as Secondary data.

KEYWORDS: Childhood, Mal-adaptive Behavior, School Children, Social Workers, Psychological Counselors

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