Philosophical approach should integrate sociological and psychological principles as an essential part of the campaign

by Prof. Athula Sumathipala

Clean Sri Lanka; what does it entail?

The mission of the “Clean Sri Lanka” project” is to reposition the nationwide efforts of environmental, social, and governance initiatives through introducing change, integration, and collaboration”.

As stated on its official website, “Clean Sri Lanka project aims to address a cleaner physical environment and a nationwide moral commitment to enhance ethical principles. Enhancement of the three pillars of sustainability; Economic, Social and Governance (EESG), have been identified as the framework to address the overarching objectives of this strategic plan with specific stakeholder goals, actions, time lines and outcomes”.

Human nature of resistance to change

Human nature is such that they are resistant to change. That is why so many people especially as organiations, when presented with a new initiative or idea—even a good one, with tons of benefits—will resist it.

We have already witnessed such resistance, in relation to the clean Sri Lanka project; threat to strikes, misinformation campaigns etc. No surprise. That resistance can also be easily exploited by the opportunists who wants to derail this programme for their own gains, no matter what the overall benefits the proposed programme brings.

The role of “proactive change management”

Proactive change management happens when leaders actively seek to manage the challenges and opportunities in a program. Every change projects comes with many unpredictable aspects. A proactive change manager will anticipate such potential challenges and plan for such problems well in advance. Thereby, they will be equipped to create contingency plans for unexpected challenges.

The role of the brain in facing changes

The brain has three main parts: the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is composed of right and left hemispheres. They interpret sights, sounds and touches. It also regulates emotions, reasoning and learning.

Cerebellum maintains the balance, posture, coordination and fine motor skills.

Brainstem, regulates many automatic body functions.

Part of the brain, the amygdala interprets change as a threat and releases the hormones leading to fear, fight, or flight. (See Figure 1)

In particular, the function of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for complex thinking, self-regulation, and future orientation, is only completed around the age of 24.

Because the brain’s prefrontal cortex is still developing, teenagers rely more on a part of the brain called the amygdala to make decisions and solve problems than adults. The amygdala is involved in emotions, impulses, aggression, and instinctual behaviour.

The limbic system, often referred to as the emotional centre of the brain, is responsible for processing emotions, forming memories, and regulating behaviour. It includes key structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, each playing a vital role in emotional and social processing.

Therefore, biologically, we can conclude that the younger generation acts more emotionally than rationally compared to the adults. However, that does not mean all adults are acting rationally. Understanding this phenomenon is in no way justifying and normalising it.

Hence, adolescents and also adults should learn about emotional regulation and improve their skills to communicate their frustrations, anger, disagreements in an acceptable and civilised manner.

Such frustrations, anger, disagreements are potential manifestations of the Clean Sri Lanka programme which could be easily exploited by opportunists.

That’s why the science and the art of science should be carefully integrated into proactive change management using cognitive behavioural principles, conformity theory and principles, as they are key components in this, Clean Sri Lanka project for successful implementation.

Emotional regulation

Emotional regulation is the conscious or unconscious processes of monitoring, evaluating, modulating, and managing emotional experiences and expression of emotion in terms of intensity, form, and duration of feelings, emotion related physiological states and behaviours.

Being able to regulate emotions is important since our emotions are closely connected to how we think and behave. Our thoughts and feelings help us to decide how best to respond to a situation and what action we should take. Essentially, emotional regulation can influence positive and negative behaviour.

Learning skills to regulate emotions means that, instead of acting impulsively and doing something that may be regretted later, we are able to make thought-out choices. It also helps out to manage our conflicts of interest or competing interests.

This means that we can learn to manage relationships with others, solve problems, and have better control over our behaviours.

To do so, one need to develop emotional intelligence. Positive attitudes and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. That is why it’s so important.

Attitude is a way of thinking or feeling about something, it’s a psychological construct which governs behaviours. Negative or destructive attitudes are like flat tyers, without changing one cannot go anywhere.

Emotional intelligence (EI)

In a book written by Daniel Goleman in 1995, on emotional intelligence theory, he outlined five components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Self-regulation; helps openness to change, motivation; helps a passion for work beyond monetary returns, energy and persistence, empathy; putting yourself in others’ shoes, social skills; ability to find common ground and rapport, and persuasiveness. People with EI makes good leaders as they can use their ability to recognise and understand their own emotions to make more informed and rational decisions. They can also use their ability to empathise with the emotions of their team members to take into account their perspectives and needs when making decisions

Emotional Intelligence can matter more than IQ; “intelligence quotient”. In his book, Goleman pointed out that emotional intelligence is as important as IQ for success, including in academic, professional, social, and interpersonal aspects of one’s life. It’s something which can be developed through coaching and mentoring.

Conformity principles

Conformity is a form of social influence that involves a change in the common belief or behaviour of a person or group of people to fit into how others are. This may have a good outcome or bad outcome.

Solomon Asch conducted several experiments in the 1950s to determine how people are affected by the thoughts and behaviours of other people. In one study, a group of participants was shown a series of printed line segments of different lengths: a, b, and c (Figure 1). Participants were then shown a fourth line segment: x. They were asked to identify which line segment from the first group (a, b, or c) most closely resembled the fourth line segment in length. (See Figure 2)

Each group of participants had only one true, outsider. The remaining members of the group were confederates of Ash. A confederate is a person who is aware of the experiment and works for the researcher. Confederates are used to manipulate social situations as part of the research design, and the true, outside participants believe that confederates are, like them, uninformed participants in the experiment. In Asch’s study, the confederates identified a line segment that was shorter than the target line a, the wrong answer. The outside participant then had to identify aloud the line segment that best matched the target line segment.

Asch (1955) found that 76% of participants conformed to group pressure at least once by indicating the incorrect line. Conformity is the change in a person’s behavior to go along with the group, even if he does not agree with the group.

Research shows that the size of the majority, the presence of another dissenter, and the public or relatively private nature of responses are key influences on conformity.

The size of the majority: The greater the number of people in the majority, the more likely an individual will conform. In Asch’s study, conformity increased with the number of people in the majority, up to seven individuals. At numbers beyond seven, conformity leveled off and decreased slightly. The presence of another dissenter: If there is at least one dissenter, conformity rates drop to near zero (Asch, 1955).

The correct answer to the line segment question was obvious, and it was an easy task. But the outsiders who participated in the study gave wrong answers. Researchers (Deutsch & Gerard, 1955) have categorized the motivation to conform into two types: normative social influence and informational social influence

In normative social influence, people conform to the group norm to fit in, feel good, and be accepted by the group. However, with informational social influence, people conform because they believe the group is competent and has the correct information, particularly when the task or situation is ambiguous.

So, what is happening in current society. The great majority of good people conform to the bad minority allowing the wrong thing to happen. Therefore, the very same conformity principles can be used by empowering the majority of good people not to conform to the bad or wrong minority.

To achieve that people should get out of the “learned helplessness” mode, which was described by Seligman in 1976. Learned helplessness is what social science researchers call it when a person is unable to find resolutions to difficult situations, even when a solution is accessible. People that struggle with learned helplessness tend to complain a lot, feeling overwhelmed and incapable of making any positive difference in their circumstances. The feel that they are powerless to change others who have conformed to the “norm”. They give up and just get one.

There is also the bystander effect, or bystander apathy. Social psychological theory states that individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim or initiate an action in the presence of other people. They simply assume that the other person will do it. If everybody expects the other person will do ultimately no one will do it.

Social psychology is the scientific study of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. Social psychologists explain human behavior as a result of the relationship between mental states and social situations, studying the social conditions under which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors occur, and how these variables influence social interactions.

The best way to describe what to do in the context of all the above phenomena are operating, is using Cognitive behavioural theory and interventions based on that. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory states that human thinking determines human behaviour and feeling. Therefore, by changing one you can change the other.

The triad; behaviors, thoughts and feelings

The basis of cognitive behavioral theory is that a person’s thoughts, ideas, and beliefs underpin their emotional reactions and behaviors. (See Figure 2)

As described in the above diagram we have assumptions and core beliefs about us, the others, the future, the country, the world and so on. We call it a schemata. We process information using these schemata. Some of these can be positive and useful (functional) and some are negative and counterproductive.

The easiest way to understand this is to learn about Kisa Gothami’s story. When Kisa Gothami’s newborn son died, she did not realize so and she ran to Lord Buddha asking him to cure her son. Lord Buddha at once knew that the baby was dead but wanted Kisa Gothami to learn about death herself. Lord Buddha asked her to find a handful of mustard seeds from a household where no one has died. She went knocking on all the doors in the village but could not find a single house without a death in the family. Soon she realized the lesson Lord Buddha was trying to teach her: that no family is spared the occurrence of death. Lord Buddha used a bahaviour to teach Kisa Gothami to change the way she thinks about death. We call it cognitive restructuring.

Compatibilities between cognitive approaches to therapy, such as CBT, and Buddhism have been acknowledged by its originators Aron Beck (2005) and Kwee & Ellis (1998).

Our nation needs mass scale cognitive behavioural interventions to change the way they think about many things; us, others, future, country, what is rights and wrongs, one’s responsibilities and duties. We need to change our learned helplessness mentality created through the so-called bankrupt society that has no future.

Without addressing these assumptions, core beliefs, and thinking errors; the schemata, by using scientific principle and interventions, to change the crucial behaviors and thinking neither the President nor 159 MPs alone will be able to do much for the nation who expect a paradigm shift in the development of a nation. Their duty was not finished by voting a new President and a Government into power with the 2/3^rd majority.

Each citizen who is seriously thinking of a prosperous nation need to change first to change the country and it;s wrong doings. If you want the Government to stop bribery and corruption you need to first stop offering bribes. Reflect on your self first and also inculcate such attitudes in the younger generations with optimism.

Role of media in behavioural change

The media has an undisputed role in influencing behavioral change by shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and creating awareness.

Raising awareness through campaigns can promote positive behaviors, changing stereotypes, bringing progressive narratives. modeling behaviors in films or on social media, can inspire individuals to adopt similar behaviors.

Creating social pressure through peer Influence challenging conformity, learned helplessness, conducting campaigns on social media encouraging widespread behavioral change, educating and empowering, supporting and influencing public policy and reinforcing positive behaviors are a few.

However, be mindful that media is a double-edged sword, it can inspire positive change when used responsibly but can also perpetuate negative behaviors if misused. Its influence on behavior depends largely on the accuracy, ethics, and creativity of the content it disseminates.

Be mindful, for the first time in history, the essential and fundamental conditions; objective and subjective, have come together offering a golden opportunity for a genuine change. The political leadership should not leave any stone unturned to use the scientific advances of science relevant to

three fundamental components: biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. These elements are not isolated; they interact dynamically to shape the way we perceive the world and respond to it. They should understand how these foundational aspects of behavior provide a framework for understanding the complex nature of human actions and how to change them.

The author of this article is an internationally renowned academic with a strong track record in research especially carried out in Sri Lanka using cognitive behavioural principles. Some of his interventions are considered front line in post disaster situations.

He is an Emeritus Professor at Kings College London and Keele University. He is also the Director, Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social care and the Chairman of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies.

He had been an invited plenary speaker at the 11th International Congress on Behavioural Medicine, Washington DC, USA (August 2010), 19th World Psychiatric Association (WPA), World Congress of Psychiatry, Portugal, Lisbon (August, 2019). Melbourne, Australia (February, 2018). 16th Congress of the International Federation of Psychiatric Epidemiology Melbourne, Australia (Oct, 2017), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZAP) Napier, New Zealand (Oct 2007), to name a few related to cognitive behavioral theory/therapy.

by Ifham Nizam

In a world grappling with the realities of climate change, understanding how plants adapt to environmental stressors is more critical than ever. A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Kaushalya Rathnayake and Amy L. Parachnowitsch at the University of New Brunswick offers compelling insights into how drought influences the evolution of floral traits in Brassica rapa, commonly known as field mustard.

Published in the Annals of Botany, the study reveals the dual pressures exerted by drought and pollinators on the plant’s evolution. The researchers used controlled experiments to manipulate water availability and pollination methods, simulating real-world scenarios where plants must adapt to survive.

Speaking to The Island, Dr. Rathnayake added: “Drought isn’t just a physical stressor—it’s an evolutionary force.” The research found that drought conditions strongly select for earlier flowering. This adaptation, known as “drought escape,” allows plants to complete their lifecycle quickly before resources are depleted.

However, he said that this survival strategy comes at a cost. Plants exposed to drought produced fewer flowers and seeds compared to those in well-watered conditions. Despite these reductions, pollinators continued to influence flower size, suggesting that even under stress, the relationship between plants and pollinators remains pivotal.

“Our results show that drought not only changes plant traits but also alters how natural selection acts on those traits,” he noted.

The study also highlights the critical role of pollinators in shaping floral characteristics. While drought drove selection for earlier flowering, pollinators influenced flower size, favouring larger flowers even in water-stressed conditions. “Pollinators seem to prefer larger flowers, and this preference drives their evolution, regardless of the challenges posed by drought,” Dr. Rathnayake added.

Interestingly, the researchers found that plants subjected to hand pollination did not perform as well as those left to natural pollination, suggesting that human interventions might not always replicate the nuanced relationships plants share with their pollinators.

Implications for agriculture and biodiversity

These findings have far-reaching implications for agriculture and conservation. As climate change intensifies, understanding how plants adapt to stressors like drought is crucial for developing resilient crop varieties. “Our work provides a framework for predicting how plants might respond to future environmental challenges,” said Dr. Rathnayake.

The research also underscores the importance of conserving pollinator populations. “Pollinators are not just visitors; they are active participants in the evolutionary process,” added Amy Parachnowitsch, the study’s co-author.

The study serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between environmental and biological factors in shaping ecosystems. As climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases the frequency of droughts, plants like B. rapa will continue to evolve. The question remains: will they adapt quickly enough to keep pace with a rapidly changing world?

By combining scientific rigour with ecological insight, Rathnayake and Parachnowitsch’s work sheds light on the mechanisms of plant resilience, offering hope and direction in the face of global climate challenges.

Drought and Evolution: How Kaushalya unveils Nature’s adaptive dance

As climate change tightens its grip on ecosystems worldwide, drought has emerged as one of its most devastating symptoms. Beyond its visible impacts on agriculture and water resources, drought silently shapes the evolution of plants and their relationships with pollinators. In a pioneering study, Kaushalya Rathnayake, an evolutionary ecologist, sheds light on these intricate dynamics. His research on Brassica rapa offers profound insights into how plants adapt to water scarcity while negotiating their dependence on pollinators.

The evolutionary adaptations to drought

“Drought is more than a stressor; it’s a driver of evolution,” Dr. Rathnayake explained. His research reveals that in water-scarce environments, plants accelerate their life cycles, prioritiaing reproduction over growth. “We found that plants experiencing drought conditions tend to flower earlier than those in well-watered environments,” he said.

This evolutionary strategy ensures that plants can produce seeds before resources are completely depleted. Dr. Rathnayake’s experiments with Brassica rapa, a plant known for its short lifecycle, demonstrated how environmental pressures like drought independently drive selection for earlier flowering. “It’s nature’s way of adapting to a harsh reality,” he added.

While drought influences when plants flower, pollinators shape how they bloom. The research also delves into the role of pollinators during periods of water scarcity. “Pollinators become more selective when floral resources are limited, favouring larger, more attractive flowers,” he explained. This behaviour exerts evolutionary pressure, encouraging plants to develop traits that maximise their appeal to pollinators despite challenging conditions.

These dual influences – drought and pollinators – highlight the complexity of plant survival strategies. Rathnayake emphasised, “The interplay between abiotic stressors like drought and biotic agents like pollinators is key to understanding plant evolution in a changing climate.”

Kaushalya taking phenotypic measurements, soil water contents of Brassica rapa plants in the lab

A Lifetime of ecological curiosity

Kaushalya Rathnayake’s journey into the world of biodiversity began in the lush landscapes of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Inspired by the rich flora and fauna of his homeland, he pursued a degree in biodiversity conservation at the Rajarata University. His early work focused on pollination networks in Sri Lanka’s dry zones, laying the foundation for his future studies.

After contributing to environmental initiatives in Sri Lanka, Rathnayake moved to Canada to advance his academic pursuits. At Memorial University, he explored the interactions between mosses and flies. Now, as a PhD graduate from the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Rathnayake applies his expertise to both research and industry. He works as an Integrated Pest Management Specialist and shares his knowledge as a sessional instructor.

Implications for global biodiversity

Rathnayake’s findings have far-reaching implications. “If drought continues to drive earlier flowering and pollinator relationships become mismatched, entire ecosystems could destabilise,” he warned. Such mismatches could lead to reduced crop yields, threatening food security.

He advocates for a multi-pronged approach to tackle these challenges. “We need policies that address water scarcity, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and protect pollinator populations,” he urged.

As ecosystems face increasing pressure from climate change, Rathnayake’s research serves as a clarion call. By unraveling the intricate connections between plants and their environment, he underscores the urgent need for collective action. “The survival of biodiversity hinges on understanding these dynamics and acting swiftly to mitigate their impacts,” he concluded.

Through his work, Rathnayake exemplifies how curiosity and dedication can illuminate the path to sustainability, reminding us that every small action matters in preserving the intricate web of life on Earth.

Double Whammy: Drought and pollinator mismatch

Flowering plants (angiosperms) rely heavily on pollinators like bees for reproduction and genetic exchange. However, with increasing water scarcity and prolonged droughts becoming a global phenomenon, both plants and their pollinators are experiencing significant disruptions.

The study highlights how water stress alters flower morphology, blooming patterns, and pollinator interactions. Flowers under drought conditions bloom earlier, produce fewer blossoms, and often exhibit changes in shape and size. These alterations not only reduce the plants’ reproductive success but also confuse pollinators, who struggle to recognize the flowers they depend on for food.

Dr. Amy Parachnowitsch, Associate professor, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB Canada

Key Findings from the Study

Earlier flowering under drought:

Plants exposed to water scarcity accelerated their life cycle, prioritising reproduction over prolonged growth. This adaptation helps them ensure the survival of their genetic material in challenging environments.

Selective pollinator preferences:

During drought, pollinators showed increased selectivity, preferring larger and more conspicuous flowers. This suggests that only plants that adapt their floral traits to attract pollinators may thrive under water-scarce conditions.

Reduced yield and biodiversity risks:

Drought drastically reduced flower, fruit, and seed production. This not only threatens agricultural yields but also endangers plant species’ long-term survival and biodiversity.

Why this research matters

This study bridges the gap between climate change, ecology, and evolution. It underscores the cascading effects of drought on ecosystems, from disrupting the balance between plants and pollinators to threatening agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

Implications for conservation and agriculture

The findings call for urgent attention to climate-resilient agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation strategies. Protecting pollinators and ensuring sustainable water management are critical to maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Therefore, the stark reality is that until 974 MCM of water is available, the vast network of infrastructure under the NWSIP Programme would be conveying ONLY 223 MCM of water. This is a colossal waste of capital and resources. So, there is an urgent necessity for the NPP government to insist that the NWSIP curtail its current programme and limit it to the demands in the North Central Province.

by Neville Ladduwahetty

Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda in his article titled, “Mahaweli Water Security Project: AKD’S first failure in the making?”, describing the programme to transfer Water to the North: “Through a system of reservoirs, canals and tunnels, this ambitious initiative seeks to divert surplus Mahaweli to the island’s North Central Province (NCP), Northwestern Province (NWP), and eventually further north, reaching up to Chemamadu Kulum Tank in the Northern Province” (Daily FT, January 7, 2025).

Regardless of whose vision it was to transfer water to the North, it is the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme (NWSIP) that has to be held responsible and accountable for the particular manner in which the vision is made a reality.

Rohan Pethiyagoda says the NWSIP Programme has three components. “The first involves the rehabilitation of the 74 km-long Minipe Left-bank Canal and its associated infrastructure. This component he labels as “good news” and the rest as “downhill”. The remaining components are associated with the Upper Elahera Canal starting from Moragahakanda.

THE UPPER ELAHERA CANAL

As stated in the article cited below: “The Upper Elahera Canal (UEC) was conceived with the objective of transferring water from the Moragahakanda reservoir in the Central Province to existing reservoirs in the North Central Province and eventually to water deficit areas in the North via a 92-km canal that includes a 27.7-km tunnel. The UEC is designed to convey 974 MCM (Million Cubic Meters) of water annually. This design capacity is based on the premise that 772 MCM of water would be transferred north starting from Randenigala to Moragahakanda through a series of reservouirs and canals, first to Kalu Ganga and eventually to Moragahakanda” (https://island.lk/revisiting-ongoing-upper-elahera-canal-project).

“Since the infrastructure needed to transfer 772 MCM from Randenigala has not commenced, and is not likely to become operational for well over a decade, the only water that would be available at Moragahakanda during the interim would be what is transferred from Bowatenna (496 MCM) and from its own catchment (344 MCM) making a total of 840 MCM. However, before any water could be conveyed to the North Central Province through the UEC, water has to be diverted to the Minneriya Yoda Ela (617 MCM) to irrigate lands served by the Minneriya, Kaudulla, Kantalai and Giritale tanks (Ibid).

Therefore, the stark reality is that until 974 MCM of water is available, the vast network of infrastructure under the NWSIP Programme would be conveying ONLY 223 MCM of water. This is a colossal waste of capital and resources. So, there is an urgent necessity for the NPP government to insist that the NWSIP curtail its current programme and limit it to the demands in the North Central Province.

The alternative source of water to the Northern Province should be based on the seminal work of the former Senior Deputy Director, Irrigation Dept. S. Arumugam; it contains a wealth of information relating to past and present Irrigation in his book “Water Resources of Ceylon”. Apparently, Iranamadu Kulam (82,000 ac. ft) “was the first tank to be constructed by the Irrigation Department”. However, Arumugam also refers to several ancient tanks whose antiquities are not known, such as Akkarayan Kulam (17,000 ac ft); Kalmadu Kulam (9,150 ac. ft); Muthu Iyan Kaddu Kulam (41,000 ac. ft); Thannimurippu Kulam 15,000 ac. ft) assigned to King Aggabodhi [575 -608], Furthermore, what is remarkable is the fact that the cumulative capacity of ONLY these 4 ancient tanks match the capacity of Iranamadu Kulam, demonstrating that the practice of harnessing North-East Monsoonal rains to irrigate the North was clearly an ancient irrigation practice.

CONCLUSION

The NPP government should ensure the revised NWSIP Programme incorporates the following:

1. Reject the concept of “Water to the North” by transferring water from Randenigala to Moragahakanda.

2. Reduce the scale and scope of the current NWSIP Programme and transfer available water at Moragahakanda to the NCP via the UEC.

3. Water for the Northern Province to be based on harvesting N/E monsoonal rains as practised historically.

4. Revisit power generation with Mahaweli water and double the capacity of the Victoria Hydro Power Project.

If the NPP government is serious about avoiding “failure”, the recommendations cited above should be given the attention it deserves. Furthermore, by implementing the recommendations cited above, the NPP government will be conforming to the objectives of the Original Master Plan signed in (1964) between the government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Special Fund, which was to irrigate the dry zone of the North Central Province.