Research in Sri Lanka: Dahara de Silva

I am Dahara de Silva, a graduate student currently pursuing a master's degree in International Studies at the School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies (SPPAIS) at the University of Wyoming. My research interests focus on obstacles encountered by marginalized populations in both politics and higher education. Being an international student at UW has offered me a unique and enriching experience. I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse and welcoming academic environment.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to investigate the socioeconomic and political barriers encountered by female political representatives at the national level in Sri Lanka. This study was undertaken as part of my graduate thesis. The journey would still be an unfulfilled dream if I did not get the generous support from three research funds provided by the university: the Student International Research Grant offered by the Center for Global Studies, the John P. Ellbogen International Studies Internship and Research Excellence Fund, and the Susan McKay International Research Fund.

Having left the United States on the 3rd of July, I embarked on a lengthy 30-hour journey before landing in Sri Lanka on the 4th of July. I could not stop thinking, if I was in the US, I would have been enjoying the July 4^th celebrations. However, though the journey was arduous and long, my tired limbs were comforted upon witnessing the captivating beauty of the island and the warm-hearted gestures of its people.

                 

I commenced my data collection promptly the day after my arrival. Prior to my trip, I established communication with some of the female political representatives in Sri Lanka. Upon arriving, I had the opportunity to conduct in-person interviews with these representatives, amounting to a total of twelve interviews. Some of the interviews involved female politicians currently serving in the Sri Lankan parliament, and a few belonged to the ethnic minority of the island. Due to language barriers, I engaged the services of translators for certain interviews. Additionally, employing the snowball sampling technique facilitated the identification of additional participants for my study.

During my time in Sri Lanka, I also had the privilege of meeting with local academics whose research centered on ancient Sri Lankan women. This interaction proved beneficial as it allowed me to access archival data pertaining to historical women in positions of power within this island nation. I also visited the Department of Archives the following week to gather secondary data. The practical lesson I learned is that doing field research work takes a lot more effort, time, and especially patience than I assumed. However, I am happy that I was able to practice the methods that I learned in the classroom while I was doing the study.

My study contributes to the goals and mission of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Global Studies, and the University of Wyoming as a whole. This research project engages the University of Wyoming’s ability to broaden its investments in education and international relations, increase its outreach and diversity, develop, and maintain international partnerships, and bolster academic resources available to the campus community. As a UW research student, I could help enhance the university’s reputation and global standing by conducting this type of international research. It also contributes to the field by generating theoretical and practical implications, which are vital to the field. In a more practical sense, the study also develops evidence-based recommendations to improve the conditions of women in politics in Sri Lanka. I also expect this research study to encourage future research focusing on women in politics in different demographic and geographic contexts. I am grateful to the university for supporting my research endeavors and providing a platform to contribute to the global discourse on gender and politics.

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To learn more, email Dahara at abalaged@uwyo.edu or visit the SPPAIS website.