The potential gross primary productivity of the mangrove stands at Kadolkele in Meegamuwa (Negombo) estuary was studied in relation to vegetation structure with a view to understanding the salient structural components that affect functioning of mangrove ecosystems. Structure of mangrove stands under study was characterized with plant species richness, plant (stem) density, frequency of occurrence of constituent species, plant basal area and height. The structural complexity index values calculated from above parameters revealed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) positive relationship with the potential gross primary productivity of the mangrove stands that has been calculated using data on absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by the stands that were measured using a light meter with a quantum sensor. Leaf area index (LAI) values were calculated using absorption data and potential gross primary productivity was estimated using an assimilation coefficient. Mean values of structural parameters were used to ordinate the mangrove sites through principal component analysis. Ordination showed a productivity gradient among the mangrove sites where species richness, stem density, plant height and leaf area index were the key factors that affect potential gross primary productivity of mangrove stands.DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v13i0.2209Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 13 (2008): 95-108

Diversity of marine angiosperm species (seagrasses) at Kadolkele in Meegamuwa (Negombo) estuary was studied with a view to understanding the effect of substrate characteristics on diversity. Seagrass samples were obtained along three line transects, laid perpendicular to the shoreline at 20 m intervals. Shannon-Wiener index was used to determine the species diversity of seagrasses in the study site at Kadolkele that was divided into three strata, demarcated by the distance, i.e. 0-10 m, 10-20 m and 20-30 m from the shoreline. Comparison of Shannon-Wiener index values indicated that the diversity of first stratum close to the shoreline was significantly different from that of the other two among which no significant difference was found to occur. Substrate pH, soil electrical conductivity, organic mater content and particle size distribution were measured from the substrate samples taken from each stratum. No statistically significant difference was observed with pH (3.92-6.82) and particle size distribution among the three strata. Soil electrical conductivity and organic matter content of stratum 3 however, was significantly different (p< 0.05) from the other two strata. Kadolkele seagrass bed consisted of two species and Halodule pinifolia (5822 shoots m-2) dominated over Halophila ovalis (1030 shoots m-2). The area adjacent (0-3 m) to the mangroves at the shoreline was devoid of seagrasses and H. ovalis was absent in stratum 1, indicating that substrate characteristics have a marginal effect on the species richness of the seagrasses. Although species richness was similar in the other two strata, higher (Shannon) evenness (0.231), despite the relatively low abundance in stratum 2, contributes to its higher species diversity. Present study therefore documents the subtle habitat partitioning of co-existing marine angiosperm species in a limited area in Meegamuwa estuary.DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v12i0.2217Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 12 (2007): 103-114

Mangrove forests are degraded and threatened worldwide, due to anthropogenic events. Mass production of planting material and successful germination of seeds are essential processes in rehabilitating these degraded mangrove forests. The present work was carried out to determine the efficacy of using propagule cuttings in mass production of plant materials and to determine the potential of using non mangrove soils to establish propagule cuttings for ornamental purposes. In addition air layering and stem cutting techniques were also tested for the mangrove propagation. Propagation of Rhizophora apiculata, by propagule cuttings, treated with root promoting hormones is feasible and it was possible to produce three saplings from one propagule. Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) (1000 ppm) was the best hormone concentration for inducing roots and IBA (1500 ppm) was the best for inducing shoots from propagule cuttings of R. apiculata. Air layering and stem cutting were performed with Avicennia marina and R. apiculata but none of the species was able to generate roots and therefore these vegetative propagation methods cannot be used for mass propagation of these mangrove species. Optimum growth medium and period of nursery care for mangrove saplings of R. apiculata, Ceriops tagal and Bruguiera sexangula were studied and the results revealed that best growth performance was in mangrove soils, i.e. 4.15 cm/ 4weeks for R. apiculata, 3.75 cm/ 4weeks for B. sexangula and 0.56 cm/ 4 weeks for C. tagal, while mangrove soils mixed with sand produced the second best growth for C. tagal and B. sexangula. Seedlings grown on terrestrial soils showed the lowest growth rate for all three mangrove species. However, no significant difference (P < 0.05) exists in growth rates of mangrove seedlings when grown in different growth media, indicating they can be grown with terrestrial soil for ornamental purposes. Potting media consisted only of mangrove soils as well as mangrove soils (1): sand (1), terrestrial soil alone and mangrove soil (1): terrestrial soil (1) can be used as nursery growth media for R. apiculata and C. tagal.

Introduction: Suicides are a leading cause of maternal deaths. Depression, the commonest mental illness during pregnancy, amidst its numerous morbidities, can precipitate suicides. So, early detection and treatment of maternal depression and suicidal thoughts are important for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Pregnant women's help-seeking patterns play a crucial role in this. Limited availability and accessibility of potential sources, poor knowledge, and perceptions of the condition and the help-seeking process itself ,would act as barriers for helpseeking, especially in resource-constrained settings. This study explores the help-seeking intention, preferred sources, and factors influencing help-seeking for depression and suicidal thoughts among pregnant women in rural Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. A multistage cluster sampling technique with probability proportionate to size was used. A self-completed, vignette-based questionnaire was developed, validated and pretested for the study. The vignette described the experience of a postpartum mother with symptoms of peripartum depression without suicidal ideation (part A) and the same mother developing suicidal ideation (part B). Results: Out of 624 participants, 202 (33.8%, 95%CI 30.0-37.7%) and 206 (36.7%, 95%CI 32.7-40.8%) reported they would seek help Rural and Remote Health rrh.org.au