http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9154 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:46:35 GMT 2026-04-23T19:46:35Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9160 Processing of Active Sentences with Different Accusative Markers /Ôa/ Accusatives vs. /va/ Accusatives in Spoken Sinhala language Kanduboda, A.B.P This paper examines whether active sentences with different accusative markers illustrate identical circumstances when processing canonical ordered sentences and scramble ordered sentences. Specifically, this study focuses on Double Object Markers (DOM) phenomenon in Sinhala language with relation to sentence processing. Sinhala language is said to possess DOM for active sentences consisting of transitive verbs (/Ôa/ and /va/). Previous studies in experimental linguistics in Sinhala language have examined the canonical word order in active sentences consisting of transitive verbs with /Ôa/ accusatives, and have provided evidence that the canonical word order is decided based on the information provided by grammatical functions (Subject-Object-Verb). Since /va/ and /Ôa/ accusatives accompany different verbs, it is important to examine the sentences with /va/ accusatives in order to ascertain the fact that the canonical word order is constructed according to the grammatical information (i.e., Subject-Object-Verb) in all active sentences consisting of transitive verbs in the spoken form of the Sinhala language. Thus, this study conducted two experiments (EX#1 with /va/ accusatives, and EX#2 with /Ôa/ accusatives) using the nature of scrambling effects to seek whether SOV word order remains canonical and grammatical functions still provide necessary information to determine the canonical word order. A series of one-way ANOVAs was conducted on reaction times and error rates of the responses. The results show that the canonical order remains Subject-Object-Verb for active sentences consisting of transitive verbs with /va/ accusatives which in turn suggest that the information of grammatical function is still applicable regardless of different accusative types in active sentences of the Sinhala language. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9160 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9159 Querying the Queer: A Study of the Queer Identity in the Sri Lankan English Novel Siriwardena, D Employing the insights gleaned from queer theory, this paper engages with the literary representation of tabooed sexualities by scrutinizing the depiction of the queer character in the post- Independence Sri Lankan novel. The methodology of the study is based on a textual examination. The primary texts under scrutiny are three texts by the two pioneers of the Sri Lankan English novel, Punyakanthi Wijenaike (Giraya and Amulet) and James Goonewardena (An Asian Gambit); in which one finds the earliest appearance of the queer character in Sri Lankan English fiction. In a nutshell, the paper examines how these authors negotiate with what the feminist critics term, “the perceptual screen provided by our patriarchal cultural conditioning” by attempting to see if the works of these authors hold any subversive potential. This end is achieved by examining whether the depiction of the queer character in the novels of these authors is employed as a means of tracing a redefinition or a reaffirmation of the patriarchal social institutions such as love and family. In the exploration it becomes evident that especially in Wijenaike’s work there is a critical recognition the discriminatory aspects of certain patriarchal institutions. Nevertheless, the study unearths that in spite of the authors’ ostensibly radical move of engaging with tabooed sexualities in the Sri Lankan society in their novels, their depiction of the queer character is predominantly governed by homophobic, heterosexist undercurrents. It is hoped that this paper will throw new light on the preoccupations of the Sri Lankan English writers, enable new readings of old texts, and illuminate a previously unexplored area of experience in Sri Lankan English fiction. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9159 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9158 Alcoholism and Social Evils in 19th century Sri Lanka: Some Insights from Contemporary Sinhala Poetry Candasiri, O A campaign to outspread the use of alcohol was considered by colonial rulers as a way of enrichment, and they strove to popularise it in every possible manner. This approach resulted in an increased demand for alcohol from workers, while the profit from these ventures enriched a sector of the indigenous population. ‘Fleecing the last penny’ seemed to be the foundation, on which the colonials based their economic policy. As was traditional amongst the colonial elite, alcohol and beer were served at celebratory functions. Some groups in the society and social workers opposed to the increased use of alcohol amongst the population and objected via public protests, but the government considered this as a source of increased revenue. Popularising alcohol would steadily lead to disastrous social consequences. Aim of the present study is to find whether a directlink prevailed between heavy drinking and violence. To realize this objective, this research study utilisedprimary and secondary sources from original booklets written on the subject obtained from Sri Lankan Museum Library, National Archives in Sri Lanka, and London British library. Data analysis and other collected information revealed a direct link between the increased use of alcohol and violence, which led to a radical change in the society. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9158 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9157 An Overview of Nigerian Universities’ Presence on Social Media Platforms Amali, I.O.O; Bello, M.B; Mubarak, A; Tilakasiri, S.L Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9157 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z