Page 372 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

participate voluntarily. The study participants included an academic, an

administrator, two students, and a psycho-social worker in the University
setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected

purposive sample using an interview guide, and research ethics were

maintained in all phases of the research. Confidentiality and anonymity of the
information were ensured, and verbal consent was obtained before data

collection.

The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach to identify
common themes, which provided a deeper understanding of the examined

topic.

3. Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms that foster

social inclusion within the University of Peradeniya. Specifically, the study
aims to:

• Identify existing mechanisms employed by the University to promote
social inclusion

• Identify the barriers to social inclusion at the University of Peradeniya

• Propose strategies for enhancing the University's efforts to promote
social inclusion

4. Scope and Significance of the Study
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