Browsing by Author "Silva, N"

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A Comprehensive Approach to Secure, Accessible, and Engaging Voting Systems
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026) Jayasinghe J.A.M.P; Bandara S.Y.T.D; Shabry S.M; Wickramasinghe W.A.R.M.; Rajapakse, K; Silva, N
This research presents a secure and accessible e-voting system for polling booths in Sri Lankan context, to overcome issues with the traditional voting system. It incorporates block-chain for fair vote storage, and homomorphic encryption for privacy preserving computation of results. The identity of voters is confirmed by face recognition, which includes measures to deterring any voting by impostors. Special identification model with multiple digits is beneficial for disabled voters. Public opinion is effectively gauged through sentiment analysis from social media and it puts concerns to rest, thus a whole lot of enhancement in the whole of customer engagement. Ease of use is also assured thanks to a very user-friendly interface which eliminates mistakes a lot with only a little effort generally. Experimental results demonstrate that security is greatly strengthened, transparency and usability are significantly increased traditional procedural integrity is still maintained efficiently.
Embargo
Evaluating and prioritizing delay factors in naval ship maintenance using the analytic hierarchy process: a Sri Lanka navy shipyard case study
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026) Fernando, W. J; Silva, N; Perera, C
Timely maintenance of ships and craft is critical for ensuring operational readiness, safety, and economic sustainability in the maritime sector. However, scheduled docking delays remain a persistent challenge globally, incurring significant financial losses and reducing fleet availability. This study presents a systematic, quantitative approach to identify and prioritize 22 critical factors causing delays in scheduled docking. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study evaluates the relative importance of these factors to support informed decision-making. A case study of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) demonstrates the application of the proposed framework, revealing that 97% of docking delays occur before vessels enter the dock, with 31.8% of these delays attributable to deficiencies in the procurement of materials and spare parts. While the findings are based on a single case study of the SLN shipyard, they offer context-specific insights into the unique challenges faced by naval maintenance operations in developing regions.
Embargo
Evaluating and prioritizing delay factors in naval ship maintenance using the analytic hierarchy process: a Sri Lanka navy shipyard case study
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026-02-18) Fernando, W. J; Silva, N; Perera, C
Timely maintenance of ships and craft is critical for ensuring operational readiness, safety, and economic sustainability in the maritime sector. However, scheduled docking delays remain a persistent challenge globally, incurring significant financial losses and reducing fleet availability. This study presents a systematic, quantitative approach to identify and prioritize 22 critical factors causing delays in scheduled docking. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study evaluates the relative importance of these factors to support informed decision-making. A case study of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) demonstrates the application of the proposed framework, revealing that 97% of docking delays occur before vessels enter the dock, with 31.8% of these delays attributable to deficiencies in the procurement of materials and spare parts. While the findings are based on a single case study of the SLN shipyard, they offer context-specific insights into the unique challenges faced by naval maintenance operations in developing regions.
Embargo
Evaluating and prioritizing quality culture elements in the tire manufacturing industry: A case-based DEMATEL approach
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026-01-16) Silva, N; Bandara, S; Perera, C
In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, developing a robust quality culture that supports continuous improvement and defect prevention is critical for long-term operational excellence and customer satisfaction. This study applies the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to evaluate and prioritize the key elements shaping quality culture in a leading tire manufacturing company in Sri Lanka, offering a rare empirical application of DEMATEL in this context. Using a two-phase approach, Phase 1 involved a survey of 127 employees to identify seven critical elements, while Phase 2 analyzed expert evaluations from 16 professionals to establish causal relationships among them. The findings reveal that leadership (R + C = 14.40) and employee empowerment (R + C = 13.31) are the most influential drivers, followed by teamwork (R + C = 12.67), while focus on customer satisfaction, planning for quality, improvements and innovation, and standardized processes approach are primarily dependent elements. The built-in quality maturity framework and relative importance index were applied to assess the current implementation level of each element and identify performance gaps. The gap analysis highlights that leadership and employee empowerment are underperforming relative to expected levels, requiring immediate strategic enhancement. Managers should prioritize leadership and empowerment development to strengthen organizational quality culture and sustain competitiveness.
Open Access
Factors affecting successful implementation of lean manufacturing tools and techniques in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(SSRN, 2011-04-27) Silva, N; Perera, H. S. C; Samarasinghe, D
Lean Manufacturing is a business strategy which was originated and developed in Toyota Motor Company, Japan. It is useful in identifying waste associated with processes. As a result companies can improve their productivity and quality and can achieve a competitive advantage over others. Lean Manufacturing was originated in automotive industry and then later on spread to many other industries in both developed and developing countries. In implementing this concept Toyota has introduced and developed many tools and techniques which can be used effectively. In Sri Lanka, apparel sector is the leader in implementing Lean Manufacturing. However a little research work is carried out in regarding its suitability. Therefore in order to fill this empirical gap, this research is an attempt to identify factors such as suitable methods of implementation, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits of implementing Lean Manufacturing concepts in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka. The study first undertook literature review in the field of Lean Manufacturing. Then it developed broader research questions and administered them to fifteen apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka using personal interviews and observations methods. The sample firms were selected judgmentally. In analyzing the data descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques were used. The result of the study revealed factors such as implementation strategies, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits have influenced the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing in mass production apparel industry. Since Lean is new to most of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, the full benefit is not yet achieved. But current situation suggests that the industry can go forward with Lean.
Open Access
Integration of industry 4.0 technologies to overcome lean manufacturing barriers in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector
(Emerald Publishing, 2026-02-09) Silva, N; Hettiarachchi, D. I; Perera, P; Perera, C
Purpose – This study aims to examine how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies can enable Lean Manufacturing (LM) practices in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Although LM has been widely adopted to improve efficiency and reduce waste, persistent barriers such as frequent product changes, limited real-time visibility and infrastructural constraints have restricted its full potential. The purpose of this research is to explore how advanced digital solutions, including Internet of Things (IoT), real-time analytics and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), can address these barriers and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of apparel manufacturing in a dynamic global market. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative single-case study design was used to provide an in-depth understanding of digital–lean integration. The research was conducted in collaboration with a leading Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer. Data were collected through on-site factory observations, semi-structured interviews with managers and employees and examination of company records. Using Yin’s (2018) case study methodology as a guiding framework, the study analyzed how selected I4.0 technologies were implemented alongside lean tools and how these interventions addressed identified operational inefficiencies. Findings – The study found that I4.0-enabled solutions significantly enhanced lean practices by improving production workflow transparency, defect detection and downtime reduction. Tools such as IoT-linked dashboards, electronic Kanban systems and automated performance monitoring minimized non-value-adding activities and reduced bottlenecks. AR/VR applications demonstrated potential for training and machine setup, while predictive maintenance improved equipment reliability. However, the research also identified persistent shortcomings, including data confidentiality issues, workforce adaptability challenges and high capital investment requirements. The findings highlight both the opportunities and practical limitations of integrating digital technologies into lean environments. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to a single case study of a large apparel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, which constrains the generalizability of findings. Data confidentiality policies restricted access to detailed financial information, preventing quantitative analysis of productivity gains and return on investment. Future studies could extend this research by including multiple firms across varying scales and geographies, enabling comparative insights. Broader empirical studies that quantify the financial outcomes of digital–lean integration would provide further validation and support for industry-wide adoption. Practical implications – For practitioners, the study offers a roadmap for integrating I4.0 technologies with lean practices in apparel manufacturing. The evidence suggests that digital lean tools can enhance transparency, improve workflow efficiency and support more accurate decision-making. Managers should prioritize investments in IoT-enabled monitoring, predictive maintenance and digital visual management systems while addressing workforce readiness through training programs. Attention must also be given to cybersecurity and change management to ensure sustainable implementation. These findings are particularly relevant for resource-constrained firms seeking to maximize operational efficiency while navigating global competitive pressures. Social implications – The integration of I4.0 and LM in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector holds broader social benefits by safeguarding employment in a critical export industry that provides livelihoods for over 300, 000 workers. Enhanced productivity and competitiveness contribute to economic stability and foreign exchange earnings. Moreover, digital lean practices can reduce waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and aligning with global sustainable development goals. By strengthening the resilience of the apparel sector, these advancements can help sustain jobs and improve working conditions, particularly in developing country contexts where apparel remains a cornerstone of industrial growth. Originality/value – This study provides one of the first in-depth examinations of how I4.0 technologies can act as enablers of LM in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Unlike prior studies that treat lean and digital transformation as separate trajectories, this research highlights their synergies and tradeoffs in practice. By capturing both the benefits and shortcomings of digital lean tools, the paper contributes to theory by extending understanding of lean–I4.0 integration in emerging economy contexts. It also offers practical value by providing industry-specific insights that can inform managers’ strategic decisions on digital transformation.
Open Access
Technology Assessment of Herbal Products Industry in Sri Lanka
(SSRN, 2021-06-29) Silva, N; Perera, H. S. C; Perera, L. C. D.T
Production of herbal product is not only a local business but also has global market opportunities. Therefore manufacturing with proven quality and consistency is an important aspect. The manufacturers should gain technological competence to ensure authenticity and efficacy, complying the quality and safety regulations, enhanced productivity and efficiency. In the competitive market environment technology assessment is a tool which can be used in projecting future trajectories of technology as well as current performance level of the organization. Out of the available models and frameworks for technological assessments, this study has used inputs from two models namely, the Technology Audit Model by Garcea – Areola and Outline of Innovation Management Audit by Tidd et al. these inputs have been used to develop a single model that can be effectively adaptable to herbal products industry. There are two main objectives of the study. Firstly, develop a model which includes guide lines for technology assessment of the herbal products industry in Sri Lanka. Secondly, assessment of the level of technology position of LNP Ltd using the model and presenting recommendations for future improvements. To accomplish the objectives, the study has identified five broad areas of technology, namely Technological Environment, Technological Strategy, Innovations and Technology Development, Technology Component and Technology Transfer, against which the LNP Ltd has been analyzed. A check sheet to cover these elements has been used to guide through the assessment process. The elements using a three of the point scale ranging from High to Low (High -3, Low-1). The score of 3 for each element will represent the industry standard practice against which the other practices are measured.