Browsing by Author "Bandara, A"

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Addressing Child Labour in SAARC: The Synergy of Education, Health and Economic Growth Towards SDGs
(John Wiley and Sons, 2025-11-09) Muthugala, H; Magammana, T; Perera, A; Bandara, A; Jayathilaka, R
Child labour remains a critical socio-economic challenge in the SAARC region, closely linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study investigates the determinants of child labour by examining the roles of education, health and economic growth using a robust methodological framework. The analysis captures the non-linear country-specific relationships between these variables and child labour, employing advanced methodological approaches, including multiple polynomials, stepwise and simple polynomial regression. The findings reveal a complex interplay of factors, with each variable showing positive and negative effects on child labour in country-specific contexts. Improved access to education generally reduces child labour, but disparities in quality and affordability can have the opposite effect. Health improvements significantly lower child labour rates, yet unequal healthcare access perpetuates exploitation among vulnerable groups. Economic growth shows dual effects: it promotes adult employment and alleviates poverty, yet unregulated expansion in specific sectors can heighten the demand for child labour. This study makes a novel contribution by integrating socio-economic determinants with child labour within a regional framework, providing actionable insights while aligning with SDGs 3, 4, 8 and 8.7. Key policy recommendations include fostering regional collaboration, ensuring access to free education, enacting and enforcing new laws, improving healthcare infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. These measures align with global SDG commitments but aim to secure a brighter future for the region's children by achieving these goals by 2030.
Open Access
Breaking the cycle: long-term socio economic determinants of child labour in SAARC countries
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-11-19) Magammana, T; Muthugala, H; Bandara, A; Perera, A; Jayathilaka, R
Background: Child labour remains a critical issue in SAARC countries, driven by various socio-economic factors. While previous studies have explored individual determinants, limited research has been conducted on their collective long-term impact. Understanding how structural and economic conditions shape child labour trends is essential for designing effective policy interventions. Methods: This study engages panel cointegration techniques to examine the long-term relationship between child labour and key socio-economic drivers in SAARC countries. It assesses the impact of education, access to healthcare, economic conditions, labour market dynamics, foreign investment, and urbanisation on the prevalence of child labour. Results: The findings confirm a stable, long-term relationship between child labour and these determinants in each SAARC country. Improvements in education and health significantly reduce child labour. However, economic growth and urbanisation have complex, country-specific effects. Higher unemployment and increased FDI may also influence child labour, emphasising the need for targeted policy responses. Conclusions: The study highlights the significance of ongoing investments in education and healthcare. Labour market reforms are crucial to mitigate the impact of unemployment, while inclusive economic policies ensure that growth benefits vulnerable populations. Targeted strategies for FDI and urbanisation are necessary to prevent unintended consequences on child labour. Combating child labour in SAARC countries requires a multi-sectoral approach. Regional collaboration is crucial for sharing best practices, developing unified strategies, and enhancing cross-border initiatives. Holistic policies integrating education, health, and economic planning are key to reducing child labour.
Open Access
Impact of Terminal Handling Charges on the Performance of Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers with Special Reference to the 2013 Government Regulation
(Emerald Publishing, 2022-12-01) De Silva, M; Vilasa, S; Bandara, A; Weerasekara, H; Karunarathne, N; Galappaththi, K
: Before the imposition of the regulation, terminal handling charges for containerized cargo were included in the all-inclusive freight listed in the bill of lading and were recovered from consumers at discharging ports. Since the regulation's implementation in 2013, terminal handling charges for containerized cargo can only be recovered from the contractually obligated party to pay them, not from the consumers. In this study, the researchers argue that the former is easier to execute because even though the government has implemented these regulations to secure the consignees and shippers, there are many negative impacts of the regulations on the non-Vessel operating common carriers, as well as indirect impact on the whole shipping industry and the economy of the country. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data gathered through semi-structured interviews, and thirteen initial codes were identified under three themes during the analysis. Through the findings, the researchers have examined the impact of terminal handling charges in the Colombo port on the non-Vessel operating common carriers after enforcing the 2013 government regulations, analyzed the functions of non-Vessel operating common carriers and their relationship with the major shipping lines, and last suggested the strategies to overcome the negative impact on nonVessel operating common carriers after enforcing 2013 government regulations. This study can guide future researchers and business sectors to construct their plans and processes to ensure that organizations run smoothly and consistently.
Open Access
Unveiling the Economic Determinants of Child Labour in Africa: A Comprehensive Study of 37 Countries
(Springer Nature, 2025-02-28) Muthugala, H; Magammana, T; Bandara, A; Perera, A; Jayathilaka, R
This study investigates the impact of unemployment, household income and expenditure, globalisation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) on child labour across 37 African countries from 2010 to 2021, employing panel and multiple linear regression models. The findings reveal diverse impacts: rising unemployment significantly increased child labour in countries like Ethiopia and Niger, while in Cameroon and Kenya, it had a negative effect. Globalisation’s influence varied, strongly reducing child labour in Ghana but exacerbating it in Burundi. Household income and expenditure generally reduced child labour, particularly in Ethiopia and Zambia. The effect of FDI was also mixed, decreasing child labour in Madagascar but increasing it in countries with weaker governance. These insights underscore the necessity for tailored, country-specific policies that consider local economic conditions and governance quality. Future efforts to combat child labour must focus on developing sustainable solutions that address these complex dynamics.
Embargo
Unveiling the Economic Determinants of Child Labour in Africa: A Comprehensive Study of 37 Countries
(Springer Science and Business Media, 2025-03-10) Muthugala, H; Magammana, T; Bandara, A; Perera, A; Jayathilaka, R
This study investigates the impact of unemployment, household income and expenditure, globalisation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) on child labour across 37 African countries from 2010 to 2021, employing panel and multiple linear regression models. The findings reveal diverse impacts: rising unemployment significantly increased child labour in countries like Ethiopia and Niger, while in Cameroon and Kenya, it had a negative effect. Globalisation’s influence varied, strongly reducing child labour in Ghana but exacerbating it in Burundi. Household income and expenditure generally reduced child labour, particularly in Ethiopia and Zambia. The effect of FDI was also mixed, decreasing child labour in Madagascar but increasing it in countries with weaker governance. These insights underscore the necessity for tailored, country-specific policies that consider local economic conditions and governance quality. Future efforts to combat child labour must focus on developing sustainable solutions that address these complex dynamics.