VISTAS JOURNAL
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
VISTAS is a peer-reviewed journal that serves as a distinguished platform for the dissemination of original research and scholarly insights across all disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Call for papers for VISTAS is open now!
Submissions are due as follows:
For Volume 1 Issue 1 –
For Volume 1 Issue 2 –
Editor-In-Chief: Dr. S. Pathmanesan <vistas@ou.ac.lk>
Journal Information
Prospective authors are invited to submit their research articles and book reviews for consideration in VISTAS – Journal of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka. VISTAS is a peer-reviewed journal that serves as a distinguished platform for the dissemination of original research and scholarly insights across all disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences. The journal welcomes contributions from both emerging and established scholars, offering publication opportunities in both online and print formats.
FOCUS OF ISSUE 01 & 2 OF 2025
This issue broadly aims to reflect on the role of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in contributing to nation-building efforts, inspired by four decades of engagement with Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodologies.
Specifically, we invite contributions that examine the critical role of public policy in fostering national development, with particular emphasis on democratic governance and associated themes such as transparency, accountability, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence. Submissions from all branches of the social sciences are welcome, and we strongly encourage a pluralistic approach that embraces diverse and even opposing ideological viewpoints. Suggested themes for scholarly inquiry include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Innovative policymaking and implementation for national development
- Strengthening good governance and accountability at all levels
- Multidisciplinary approaches in the humanities and social sciences
- Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and the role of IMF support: challenges and prospects
- Using Open and Distance Learning (ODL) for nation-building
- Law, justice, and grassroots empowerment for social equity
- Promoting pluralism and peaceful coexistence through language, literature, and culture
Deadline for Manuscript Submission: Manuscript submissions are open year-round; however, the first five research papers and one book review received will be prioritized for inclusion in the First Issue, while subsequent submissions will be considered for the Second Issue.
Form of submission: Kindly send your manuscript to the email address: vistas@ou.ac.lk
Author Guidelines
Only original, unpublished manuscripts will be considered for publication in VISTAS. Authors are solely responsible for ensuring the originality, authenticity, and linguistic accuracy of their submissions. All articles must be written in English. The editorial board reserves the right to decline any submission that does not meet the journal’s academic and editorial standards.
Every submission should have the following: Title page, Abstract, Biography of author/s, application and addresses (including email addresses).
Abstract: An abstract with 250-300 words should be sent with every paper.
Key Words: Include 4-5 key words
Biography of Author (s): A short description of the author in 50-60 words, with contact information (mailing address and email) for each author, to be published at the end of the paper.
Corresponding Author: The last name with initial/s and given name is required. The email address for correspondence should be clearly indicated.
Instructions to Authors:
- Paper size: A4 (210*297mm).
- Manuscripts should be typed (single spaced) using MS Word with a word count of 3000- 6000.
- The paper should have an introduction, review of related literature, objectives and research questions, methods of data collection, findings, and conclusion.
Instructions on Formatting:
| Margins | - Top 1”, Bottom 1”, Left 1.5”, Right 1” |
| Font Size | - 12 Points |
| Font type | - Times New Roman |
| Paragraph | - Justified, No Indent |
| Line spacing | - Single |
| Headings and subheadings |
- Bold, Headings (Font size 14 points) - Sub-headings (Font size 12 points) - Numbered e.g.: 1 1.1 1.1.2 |
References: References should be cited according to guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) – 6th Edition. www.apastlye.org/manual/
Contact Information
Dr. S. Pathmanesan
Editor in Chief
VISTAS, Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Open University of Sri Lanka,
Nawala, Nugegoda
Sri Lanka
Web: www.ou.ac.lk
Email: vistas@ou.ac.lk
Telephone: + 94 112881533