University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

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Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

The Translation Methodology used by Acharya Ariyadasa Kumarasinghe in the Provision of a Sinhala Translation and Commentary of Caraka Samhita
(World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2021) Molligoda, S.P.; Sooriyaarachchi, B.S.M.M.
This research article concerning the critical compilation of the translation methodology used by Ariyadasa Kumarasinghe in the provision of a Sinhala commentary of the Caraka Samhita. Mainly this research is comprises of three parts. Namely, the main source of the Caraka samhita (Sanskrit text), target text of Caraka Samhita (Sinhala translation) and the translation methodology used. Both the Caraka Samhita and the translation of languages have a long history. The Caraka Samhita is the main medical text in Ayurveda. When translating scientific facts from one language to another we cannot underestimate the responsibility of the translator. Furthermore, when providing a commentary, it has to be extremely accurate because this is a medical text. Among the facts to be considered in the translation of languages are the lexicon, grammar, idioms and the background of the relevant language culture. The translator needs to be aware of these facts. Since this translation supplies the meaning and purpose of words, we can consider this as a traditional language translation.
Physiochemical Characteristics of Termite Mound Clay and Potter Wasp Nest Clay used in Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine in Sri Lanka: A Critical Evaluation
(International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, 2021) Molligoda, S.P.; Herapathdeniya, S.K.M.K.; Sooriyaarachchi, B.S.M.M.; Nilantha, P.A.D.
Ayurveda is a sacred precept of rule or commandments which guides about the all aspects of life. Traditional medicine is the Health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularlv or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain wellbeing. Termite mound clay and potter wasp nest clay are used by Ayurveda medical practitioners and traditional medical practitioners in Sri Lanka. Classical manuscripts of Sri Lanka are enriched with traditional knowledge for the management for skin diseases, bites of bees, mosquitos, poisonous conditions, tonsillitis, edema, trauma etc. As per the reference to these manuscripts, termite mound clay and potter wasp nest clay has many therapeutic actions and uses. Therapeutic action of these two clay types are mentioned as follows; cooling and soothing effect helps to dryness of the skin, to purify the skin as scrubs, as powerful absorptive agent to treat for topical maladies. Pharmaceutical products containing these two clay types have been used for different kind of diseases in Ayurveda. Research objective of this study was to analyze physical and chemical properties of the termite mound clay and potter wasp nest clay, Data was assimilated by using available literature surveys on physical and chemical parameter analysis tests. Clay types were collected and chemical compounds and physical properties of each sample were analyzed. Results showed different chemical compositions relevant to the zone. According io the analyzed data, the clay collected from potter wasp nests from dry zone contained water extractable P (phosphorus) 29.94 (9.40) ppm. These phosphates are readily available in plants. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to identify the different mineral values of these different clay types.
Buddhism as an Oriental Philosophy: A Review of Selected Theravada Buddhist Teachings
(Scientific and Academic Research Publishing, 2026) Amarasinghe, Kusal
Theravada Buddhism is widely regarded as the oldest and most authentic school of Buddhist thought, preserving the original teachings of the Buddha as recorded in the Pali Canon. Theravada Buddhism presents a comprehensive philosophical framework centred on the understanding of human existence and the cessation of suffering. Its teachings, collectively known as the Dhamma, are founded upon key doctrinal principles, including the Middle Path (Madhyamā-pratipadā), the Four Noble Truths (Cattāri Ariya Saccāni), and Dependent Origination (Paṭicca Samuppāda). These principles provide a rational and systematic approach to understanding the nature of reality, suffering, and liberation. The ultimate objective of Theravada Buddhist practice is the attainment of Nirvana, the state of complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. According to Theravada philosophy, the realization of Dependent Origination and the Four Noble Truths through adherence to the Middle Path constitutes the essential pathway toward achieving Nirvana. This paper examines these foundational concepts and their significance within the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
A Critical Review on the Role of Varnya Ghana in the Management of Vyanga with Special Reference to Melasma
(Faculty of Indian Medical System, SGT University, 2025) Rajapaksha, R.A.J.W.; Molligoda, S.P.; Palathiratne, S.M.
Undesirable skin hyper-pigmentation can occur due to various disorders, including melasma, pellagra, Addison's disease, and Cushing's syndrome. Being visibly recognizable, facial hyperpigmentation raises a multitude of concerns. Melasma is characterized by hyperpigmented patches over the light-exposed oral region, forehead, and nasal tip; moreover, melasma dominantly affects females. Excessive melanogenesis is mediated by overactive melanocytes under the influence of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), while the tyrosinase enzyme catalyzes the melanin synthesis. On the other hand, Vyanga is distinguished by the discoloration of facial skin in particular and is elaborated under Kshudraroga in Sushruta Samhita. Despite the volume of published studies on Vyanga and Varnya Ghana, scientific studies reviewing the potential of Varnya Ghana in controlling the biosynthesis pathway of melanin and hyperpigmentation are minimal. Hence, this study was emphasis on its inhibitory action on melanogenesis and hyperpigmentation.
Reading on Paper and on Screen of Teenagers: A Pilot Study of Two Schools in Colombo District, Sri Lanka
(Asian Journal of Information Science and Technology, 2018) Ratnayake, R.M.S.N.
With the development of computers, mobile phones and other digital devices with the internet, reading on screen has become an everyday activity as well as reading on paper. It is understandable that the task of reading has become more complicated with reading on screen. Therefore, the society is concerned about Reading on Paper and on Screen, especially of children and teenagers. The aim of the study is to gain an understanding of the nature of reading habits of teenagers in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Main objectives of the study are to investigate the nature and extent of reading habits of teenagers, to find out the medium that the teenagers prefer when reading and to find out the attitudes of teenagers towards reading paper and screen. Both groups use e-media as well as read books. Though the majority prefer Paper as the medium of reading, they use the Screen medium too. Since the teenagers are much used to screen, we can use it to improve reading.