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Note from the Coordinator
We are now at the tail end of the direct
activities of the 9th ICSLS. The founding of the Sri Lanka Studies
Network is an important event. In keeping with ICSLS tradition, the 9th
ICSLS became a forum for scholars from many countries for a healthy
exchange of views on each other's work. The 9th ICSLS also recorded
several steps forward over the previous conferences. The conference
venue being in Sri Lanka provided many young academics from Sri Lanka
to interact with and initiate new academic relationships in a truly
international environment. For the first time in ICSLS history, all
conference abstracts were made available online (via the 9th ICSLS
homepage). More importantly, the new initiative on Sri Lanka Studies
Network was mooted at the 9th ICSLS.
Organizing the event brought me personally,
important challenges. I enjoyed and learned from it. I deeply
appreciate the support of my colleagues in Ruhuna and by the members of
the International Organizing Committee and the National Advisory
Committee.
The Sri Lanka Studies Network builds on the
experiences gained over the last 17 years and I am indeed happy to
serve as the coordinator of the Network during its founding years.
Please give your cooperation and participate in our activities. We
welcome your suggestions. Our doors are always open.
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9th ICSLS Abstracts and Full Papers Now Online
Abstracts
and Full Papers of the 9th ICSLS are available online via the 9th
ICSLS Homepage (http://www.ruh.ac.lk/conference/icsls.html)
All files are in pdf format. To download
files, right-click the link and select save target as in the menu.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open files. This software can be
downloaded for free from http:www.adobe.com/
Printed copies of the abstract book are available through university
libraries in Sri Lanka.
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Introduction
to Sri Lanka Studies Network ( Networking Towards Academic
Excellence)
9th ICSLS Business
Meeting emphasized the need for increased interactions among
researchers, a clearer focus on the studies conducted and fast
dissemination of findings. Although the ICSLS served the purpose of a
formal academic venue for such interactions, lack of activities in
between conferences was a hindrance to achieve these goals. The aim of
the Sri Lanka Studies Network is to facilitate frequent interactions among scholars
studying Sri Lanka. The network membership is open to
participants of the past ICSLSs.
The mission of the Sri Lanka Studies Network is knowledge networking
for academic excellence. The network will harness the strengths of an
international, multi disciplinary, and experienced membership to make
Sri Lankan studies community more interactive and open.. The rich
diversity and resourcefulness of members and closer interactions will
increase the impact of research through a clearer focus and
better policy relevance. Network activities will
include knowledge dissemination, promoting identifying and undertaking
of thematic research, and facilitating dialogue leading to a sustained social science research
capacity. The steering
committee of the SLSNetwork would depict adequate diversity in academic
disciplines, institutions and gender.
Challenges to the growth and sustainability of similar initiatives
often emerge from inadequate institutional and personal commitment. The
steering committee recognizes the need for a nodal point to coordinate
the network activities. University of Ruhuna will function as the
Sri Lanka Studies Network Nodal Point during the initial years. The experience gained by University of
Ruhuna in organizing the 9th ICSLS will bring momentum to the SLSNET
activities to bring it a success.
SLSNetwok
Newsletter will be published quarterly and available electronically for
free distribution.
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10th
ICSLS
The 10th
Conference on Sri Lankan Studies (10th ICSLS) will be held in December
2005 in Kelaniya University, Sri Lanka. Both the year 2005 and the 10th
ICSLS are historic events. The former as it marks the 500th Anniversary
of the arrival of the Portuguese and marked the beginnings of an
era of unequal interactions with the West. The ICSLS to be held
in 2005 is the 10th in a chain of academic conferences on Sri Lankan
studies. Holding the conference in Sri Lanka at this important
year is expected to bring wider participation of scholars
from Sri Lanka and elsewhere makes the gathering more diverse and
representative.
The theme “Sri Lanka after 500 Years of Western Colonization and Future
Perspectives” will explore various facets of the past and the future of
Sri Lanka in the global context. Kelaniya University, the direct
successor to the Vidyalankara Pririvena, the seat of higher learning
and the cradle of the contemporary nationalist political thought is an
ideal venue for the event. Conference announcement will follow
shortly.
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Social Sciences in
Sri Lanka
Sociological Association of Sri Lanka Resurrected
The professional body of sociologists, the Sociological Association of
Sri Lanka was founded in early 1980s. After a period of inactivity, it
has been now resurrected in the last year. The association now holds
regular meetings and hopes to organize events relevant to the sociology
profession.
For membership information, contact: Dr. K. Karunatilake
/Secretary, SASL
E-mail: kkaru@kln.ac.lk
Telephone: 94-11-2914490
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Conference
Announcements
Leonard Woolf Memorial International Conference
17th and 18th December 2004 - University of Ruhuna
2004 marks the year of arrival of Leonard Woolf, the administrator and
well known writer to Sri Lanka. The Cultural Center of the University
of Ruhuna and the Sri Lanka Studies Network will jointly organize a
conference to promote scholarly exchange of views on colonialism and
related issues in the context of culture and society. Abstracts
less than 300 words can be submitted before 30th October 2004.
Further details are available at
http://www.ruh.ac.lk/conference/leonard_woolf/leonard.html
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Young Researchers’
Corner
[ * ] Graduate Studies
Opportunities Abroad
One way to promote a healthy academic culture is to learn from others.
Graduate study opportunities abroad are an important means of learning
the academic practices of other countries and making networks.
[ ** ] Information on studying in the United
States of America
http://www.edupass.org/about/
[ ** ] Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship
Program
The program supports postgraduate studies in economics, management,
science and technology, and other development-related fields at
participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region.
http://www.adb.org/JSP/default.asp
[ ** ] Joint Japan World Bank Graduate
Scholarship Program
http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/scholarships/scholarshipsEnglish/jjwbgsp/overview.html
[ * ] International Foundation of Science (IFS)
Research Grants for Young Researchers from the South
Researchers below 40 years are eligible to apply. Closing date for
submission for the next round of the competition is 31 December 2004.
Details are available at: http://www.ifs.se/
[ * ] Social Science Research Council (United
States of America) South Asia Fellowship Program
The South Asia Program of Social Science Research Council (the United
States) in collaboration with its partner institutions in South Asia
offers competitive fellowships for university and college teachers
based in Sooth Asia. Annual competitions are based on a selected
theme. Past themes include, Resources and Society (2002-03), Migration
(2003-04) and Boundaries of Bodies States and Societies (2004-05).
Applications are usually available beginning early March. SSRC’s
partner institution in Sri Lanka is the Social Scientists' Association.
For more program details visit:
http://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/southasia/
[ * ] Information on South Asia Imprints of two
useful books from Sage-India
[ ** ] Writing Your Thesis
PAUL OLIVER( University of Huddersfield School of Education and
Professional Development)
June 2004 Sage India/Vistar Imprint
This book uses simple language and easy-to-read style to advice
students on how to write a thesis. It is an essential reading for
students working on their MPhil and PhD thesis.
ISBN 81-7829-392-7
http://www.indiasage.com/browse/book.asp?bookid=806&Subject_Name=&mode=1
[ ** ] Designing and Managing a Research
Project: A Business Student’s Guide
MICHAEL JAY POLONSKY Victoria University, Melbourne
DAVID S WALLER University of Technology
October
2004, Sage India/Response Imprint
Designing and
Managing a Research Project is a concise, easy-to-read text designed to
guide business students through the various aspects of designing and
managing research projects. The focus is on research projects that have
a solid academic basis, although some implications for some applied
projects are also highlighted
ISBN 81-7829-459-1
http://www.indiasage.com/browse/book.asp?bookid=842&Subject_Name=&mode=1
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Resources for
Researchers
[ * ] SANEI Secretariat Relocates
South Asia Network of Economic Research Institutions (SANEI)
secretariat is now hosted by Pakistan Institute of Development
Economics. SANEI is a regional partner of the Global Development
Network (GDN). SANEI membership is open to institutions in south Asia.
Joining to SANEI will open valuable opportunities for capacity building
in reseach.
Internet address: http://www.saneinetwork.net/index.asp
[ * ] Directory of Open Access Journals
This service covers free, full text, quality controlled scientific and
scholarly journals. There are now 847 journals in the directory.
http://www.doaj.org/
[ * ] Publish your Research
Peer reviewed publications are an essential addition to the portfolio
of an academic. Peer reviewed journals published in Sri Lanka would be
a first step in publishing your work. We provide links to two journals
in social sciences.
[ ** ] Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences
Published by the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, the Sri
Lankan Journal of Social Sciences is a bi-annual journal. Papers from
all disciplines of social sciences are accepted. More information can
be found at: http://www.nsf.ac.lk/jss.htm
Or Contact:
Ms. Subadra Tillekeratne
Scientific Officer/National Science Foundation
E-mail: http://www.geocities.com/slageconr/mailto%20:jss@nsf.ac.lk
[ ** ] Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural
Economics
This journal is published by the Sri Lankan Agricultural Economics
Association
Full Text articles are available online at the journal website http://www.geocities.com/slageconr/sjae.html
For submissions, contact,
Editor,
Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics,
Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management,
Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Peradeniya,
Peradeniya-20400
Sri Lanka
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Organizational
Profiles
[ * ] Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement
of Science (SLAAS )
Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science is the largest
learned society in Sri Lanka. Established in 1944, its membership
consists of scientists from all institutions and academic disciplines
across the nation. SLAAS promotes its objectives of fellowship, science
situation and science education. SLAAS operates under seven sections of
which social sciences section (section F) covers areas of economics,
sociology, anthropology, archeology, political science, management
studies, history, defense studies, education, and geography. The most
important contribution by SLAAS is its annual scientific sessions.
Sessions are usually held in December. Social sciences section of
the SLAAS has pioneered in assisting the growth of young social
scientists and expects to continue its mission in the future. Become a
member of SLAAS section F and be a part of the social science community
and explore the multi-faceted nature of science.
SLAAS Website Address:
http://www.naresa.ac.lk/slaas/
[ * ] Jawaharlal Nehru University
Based in New Delhi, India, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a
center of academic excellence in South Asia. Programs are
organized around nine schools and four special centers and span from
aesthetics and languages to computer science and biotechnology. JNU
resembles a microcosm of India. Its student body is diverse in all
aspects. Overseas students’ share is about 10 percent.
The aims of social science training vary from ensuring proficiency of
students in the basic knowledge and analytical methods at the taught
masters’ degrees level to more inter-disciplinary and pragmatic
approaches at the research degree level. Organized around eight
centers, JNU’s school of social sciences proved its innovativeness by
introducing programs such as science policy and social medicine. JNU
recently initiated a partnership with Bandaranaike Center of
International Studies to promote its presence in Sri Lanka.
Internet Address: http://www.jnu.ac.in/index.asp
[ * ] Sri Lankan University websites
[ ** ] University of Jaffna Website
http://www.jfn.ac.lk/
[ ** ] South Eastern University Website
http://www.seu.ac.lk/
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Other Research Networks
[ * ] SWEDISH SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES NETWORK
(SASNET)
SASNET is a Swedish national network for research, education, and
information about South Asia. SASNET’s nodal point is based at Lund
University. The aim of SASNET is to encourage and promote an open and
dynamic networking process, in which Swedish researchers co-operate
with researchers in South Asia and globally. The network is open
to all sciences. Priority is given to co-operation between disciplines
and across faculties, as well as institutions in the Nordic countries
and in South Asia. The basic idea is that South Asian studies will be
most fruitfully pursued in co-operation between researchers, working in
different institutions with a solid base in their mother
disciplines. SASNET hosted the European Conference on South Asia
Studies in July 2004.
For more information: http://www.sasnet.lu.se/sasnetf.html
[ * ] American Institute of Sri Lankan Studies
(AISLS)
The American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies (AISLS) was established
in 1995 to foster excellence in American research and teaching on Sri
Lanka, and to promote the exchange of scholars and scholarly
information between the United States and Sri Lanka. The Institute
serves as the professional association for US-based scholars and other
professionals who are interested in Sri Lanka.
AISLS Sri Lanka Office is located at,
5/22, Sulaiman Terrace,
Colombo 5, SRI LANKA
Tel: 94-11- 4-308716 Fax: 94-11-2508512
E-mail: mailto:%20aisls@eureka.lk
For more information visit:
http://www.aisls.org/
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New Books
[ * ] Professor Siri Hettige’s latest
collection of essays on contemporary social issues is Sri Lanka “
Varthamana Samaja Arbudaya ( The Present Social Crisis)” (in
Sinhala) was published by S. Godage Brothers. The book has 19
essays. Issues and relevant policy concerns addressed include poverty,
unemployment, education, agriculture, public transport and
health.
ISBN: 955-20-7041-4
[ * ] Sinhala Consciousness in the Kandyan
Period 1590s to 1815
Michael Roberts ( the University of Adelaide, Australia)
This book constitutes an important challenge to those who have
attributed the emergence of distinct ethnic identities in Sri Lanka to
the impact of colonial rule and consequent modernization. Arguing that
such a claim has been overly reliant on written sources, Roberts turns
to verbal compositions, poetry, visual-iconic, kinesic and dramatic
communications to establish the existence of a Sinhala consciousness,
which predates British rule and which was implanted not simply amongst
the political elite. (Review by Dick Geary, Professor of History at
Nottingham University, extracted from the publisher’s website)
ISBN: 955-8095-31-1
Publisher: Vijitha Yapa Publications, 2004
Read on the author at: http://www.ozlanka.com/profiles/roberts.htm
The book can be purchased online at: http://www.srilankanbooks.com/
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SLSNET Newsletter
is a quarterly publication of the Sri Lanka Studies Network.
( c)
Sri Lanka Studies Network Secretariat
Department of Sociology,
University of Ruhuna,
Matara – 81000
Sri Lanka
E-mail: slageconr@yahoo.com
[ * ] Contribute to the SLSNet Newsletter
Please send contributions for the next issue by 15th December.
Comments on
the contents of this newsletter and suggestions for further
improvements are welcome.
[Disclaimer]
Compilation and editing of this newsletter was done with best possible
care to present readers updated and relevant information.
Responsibilities on the content of the indicated websites remain with
respective website managers.
[Production Credits]
SLSNret Newletter
compiled by : Dushmanthi Silva/ Sri Lanka Studies Network Secretariat
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