Browsing by Author "Weerarathna, R"

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Open Access
Analysis on Future Training Needs in Health Sector of Sri Lanka
(SRAC - Romanian Society for Quality, 2022-08) Weerarathna, R; Rajapakshe, W; Pathirana, G. Y; Malage, M. H
Sri Lanka holds a unique position in South Asia as one of the developing nations to provide universal health. Government spending on welfare mainly involves compromising or constraining a country's development budget. It requires sound management strategies to utilize limited resources, including the human resource of the health sector. Training and development of health professionals can be identified as a critical component in strengthening the quality of health services. Fewer studies exist on Training Needs Analysis (TNA) on health professionals in Sri Lanka, and this study assessed the Training Needs of Sri Lanka's healthcare professionals. This is a cross-sectional study collecting data from 240 health sector professionals in Sri Lanka. The Hennessey Hicks Training Need questionnaire was used to obtain data. Data from the source was analysed through the one-way ANOVA to compare the training needs of various professional groups, and the Word Cloud Online tool was applied to analyse the open-ended questions. The study identifies published research evaluation, communicates with patients, identifies viable research, introduces new ideas, prioritizing works, assessing patients' needs, using technology, undertaking health promotion activities, collecting research information, and undertaking administrative duties as current training needs. While computer literacy training, training on new medical equipment, awareness programs on workplace stress-reducing, training on quality assurance certifications like ISO, programs on effectively communicating with patients, management training, and language training were identified as future training needs of professionals in the health sector. The study concluded that, continuous training programs as the preferred approach to access the performance gap. It also demonstrates that this awareness of information regarding the training needs is beneficial for the health sector policymakers, managers, employees, and the community. Having a better understanding of their job roles, performance needs, and involvement in the decision-making process is likely to motivate healthcare sector employees to improve service quality. These benefits will be reflected in positive outcomes on service quality, improving the overall healthcare system in the country.
Open Access
Beyond compensation: effect of employee benefits on job motivation, performance, and turnover intention
(Cogent OA, 2025-12-31) Peemanee, J; Weerarathna, R; Issarapaibool, A; Boonlua, S; Rathnayake, N
This study investigates the influence of employee benefits on motivation, performance, and turnover intention within contemporary workplaces that increasingly emphasize employee well-being. Addressing a key gap in the literature, it employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and analyzes data from 387 Generation Y and Generation Z employees in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. The analysis examines how diverse benefit types influence employees’ motivation, performance, and decisions to remain with their organizations. The findings reveal a direct and positive link between employee benefits, enhanced motivation, and improved performance, which together significantly reduce turnover intention. Specifically, attraction and retention strategies, organizational support mechanisms, and a growth-oriented, well-being-focused environment emerged as critical factors in motivating employees and elevating their performance. Overall, the study demonstrates that strategically designed employee benefit packages—aligned with employee needs and workplace realities—foster engagement, productivity, and loyalty. This study contributes valuable insights for organizational leaders seeking to refine benefit systems and extends the academic understanding of the strategic importance of non-monetary benefits in promoting employee satisfaction and retention.
Open Access
Evolving Expectations of HR Professionals Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka
(researchgate.net, 2022-07) Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Perera, H; Wickramasena, D; Arambawatta, V; Kaluarachchi, R
This study explores the expectations of HR professionals in Sri Lanka in terms of their workplaces during the COVID19 pandemic. A qualitative research methodology was employed in this study with 16 semi-structured interviews of HR professionals in Sri Lanka. Results reveal that on-premise and hybrid work cultures are much preferred by HR professionals in Sri Lanka. Further, if the work culture transformation remains, their expectations are high regarding concerns in new work practices at the workplace triggered by the pandemic including worklife balance practices, crisis management practices, financial incentives, career progress and Work from Home (WFH) resources.
Open Access
Factors influencing migration intention of undergraduates in Sri Lanka: ‘About more than employment
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-01-26) Marawila, R; Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Guruge, R; Wehella, B; Udugahapattuwa, T; Weligodapola, M
The objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing Sri Lankan undergraduates' intention to migrate. Persistent economic, social, and political challenges have driven many youngsters and professionals to leave their Country of Origin (COO). The economic collapse triggered by COVID-19 further intensified this trend, leading to a sharp increase in outward migration. Recently, a growing number of Sri Lankan undergraduates and skilled professionals have expressed a strong desire to relocate abroad, often immediately after completing secondary education. For this study, a sample of 385 undergraduates from state and non-state universities across Sri Lanka was analysed. Given the national concerns of brain drain and shortages of trained and skilled workers, the study specifically focused on understanding undergraduates' aspirations to migrate. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to identify and test the variables influencing migration intentions within the Sri Lankan context. The findings provide a holistic picture of the drivers of undergraduate migration. These carry important implications not only for students but also for policymakers and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), by informing policies and strategies that could encourage young people to realise their potential within Sri Lanka rather than abroad.
Open Access
Framework to create opportunities to maximize the contribution of differently abled employees in the Sri Lankan garment industry
(Springer Science and Business Media, 2025-04) Gurudasa, P; Lokeshwara, A; Weerarathna, R; Thelijjagoda, S; Weerasinghe, C; Fonseka, S; Dananjaya, S
The primary focus of this study was on Differently Abled Employees’ (DAEs) work performance within Sri Lanka’s garment industry. Prior research revealed inadequate awareness among organizations regarding the provision of employment opportunities for DAEs. Notably, DAEs constitute a substantial portion of the economically inactive working-age population in Sri Lanka. In this setting, the study aimed to identify the crucial factors influencing the contribution of DAEs in the Sri Lankan garment industry. In this setting, the study sought to measure their impact and develop a framework that supports both DAEs and the garment industry, fostering a mutually beneficial work environment. Utilizing a mixed approach, the study encompassed a sample population of 270 DAEs. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and a Likert scale questionnaire. Convenience sampling was deployed to interview 14 DAEs, while a sample of 159 DAEs was selected through simple random sampling for the distribution of the questionnaire. Thematic analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to analyze qualitative and quantitative data. The results underscored the significance of the examined factors affecting DAEs’ contributions. Based on regression analysis results, the researchers developed a framework, which underwent further refinement through reviews and discussions. The findings proposed supportive strategies to achieve the overarching objective of the study to maximize DAEs’ contributions in the workplace.
Open Access
Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka
(Nature Research, 2025-05-06) Nandajeewa, S; Aluthwatta, S; Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Rajapakse, V; Wijesinghe, N; Liyanaarachchi, T
Malnutrition, a persistent illness, significantly reduces fat, muscle and bone levels, harming internal organs. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to widespread malnutrition among children, including adolescents experiencing growth spurts. This study identifies factors influencing malnutrition in grade 10 pupils in the Nuwara-Eliya District, with the highest rates of malnutrition and also a multicultural area with many estate sector residents. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, the data was collected from 379 respondents via a Likert scale questionnaire. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 4.0. Key findings indicate that environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation, significantly influence adolescent malnutrition. A comprehensive strategy incorporating education, healthcare, and environmental improvements is essential for this. Ongoing observation, community engagement, and cooperative tactics are crucial for sustainable solutions. Addressing environmental issues and promoting a holistic approach to health education and infrastructure improvements are vital to combat adolescent malnutrition in vulnerable populations
Open Access
Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka
(Nature Research, 2025-05-06) Nandajeewa, S; Aluthwatta, S; Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Rajapakse, V; Wijesinghe, N; Liyanaarachchi, T
Malnutrition, a persistent illness, significantly reduces fat, muscle and bone levels, harming internal organs. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to widespread malnutrition among children, including adolescents experiencing growth spurts. This study identifies factors influencing malnutrition in grade 10 pupils in the Nuwara-Eliya District, with the highest rates of malnutrition and also a multicultural area with many estate sector residents. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, the data was collected from 379 respondents via a Likert scale questionnaire. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 4.0. Key findings indicate that environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation, significantly influence adolescent malnutrition. A comprehensive strategy incorporating education, healthcare, and environmental improvements is essential for this. Ongoing observation, community engagement, and cooperative tactics are crucial for sustainable solutions. Addressing environmental issues and promoting a holistic approach to health education and infrastructure improvements are vital to combat adolescent malnutrition in vulnerable populations.
Open Access
‘Leave or remain’: intentions of Gen X and Y employees
(Springerlink, 2022-06-28) Weerarathna, R; Walpola, M. D. C. P; Piyasiri, A. D. W. D; Jayamal, I. A. U. M; Wijenayaka, T. H. P. C; Pathirana, G. Y
This study looks into a predictive model to ascertain the turnover of Generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ employees. Based on Erving Gofman’s frame analysis theory, three key factors such as the nature of working styles, social values and the personal values have been identifed as infuencing factors. The impact of these factors on workplace behavior in terms of intention to leave or remain with the organization has been tested using responses of 297 employees. The data were collected using a survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Binary Logistic Regression and the Neural Network Analysis to ensure the level of accuracy in Predictive Analysis of Generation X and Y. It was found that diferences in characteristics and behavior between the two Generations lead to a higher turnover rate in Generation ‘Y’ than in Generation ‘X’. Moreover, the researchers predicted data related to retention and intention to leave of the two Generations based on the sample
Open Access
Leave or remain: intentions of Gen X and Y employees
(Springer, 2022-06) Weerarathna, R; Walpola, M. D. C. P; Piyasiri, A. D. W. D; Jayamal, I. A. U. M; Wijenayaka, T. H. P. C; Pathirana, G. Y
This study looks into a predictive model to ascertain the turnover of Generation ‘X’ and ‘Y’ employees. Based on Erving Gofman’s frame analysis theory, three key factors such as the nature of working styles, social values and the personal values have been identifed as infuencing factors. The impact of these factors on workplace behavior in terms of intention to leave or remain with the organization has been tested using responses of 297 employees. The data were collected using a survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Binary Logistic Regression and the Neural Network Analysis to ensure the level of accuracy in Predictive Analysis of Generation X and Y. It was found that diferences in characteristics and behavior between the two Generations lead to a higher turnover rate in Generation ‘Y’ than in Generation ‘X’. Moreover, the researchers predicted data related to retention and intention to leave of the two Generations based on the sample.
Open Access
Towards work-life balance or away? The impact of work from home factors on worklife balance among software engineers during Covid-19 pandemic
(Public Library of Science, 2022-12-14) Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Yasara, I; Jayasekara, P; Ruwanpura, D; Nambugoda, S
The paradigm shifts of conventional office spaces for virtual workspaces which practiced Work from Home (WFH) due to Covid-19, created a serious change in the lifestyles of employees, due to the overlap of ‘work’ and ‘life’ domains in one’s life. Since software engineers have a possibility of permanently adapting into WFH, the objective of this study is to unveil factors which would have a significant impact on the work-life balance of software engineers in Sri Lanka, while WFH. Only a very limited researches have shed light on this context, thereby this study would contribute to fill the empirical gap. The study undertook a quantitative approach by collecting primary data through a questionnaire from 384 participants, based on simple random sampling, and analyzing collected data based on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), using Smart PLS 3.3.9 software. Study results revealed that ‘supervisor’s trust and support’ and the ‘individual workspace,’ have a significant impact on work-life balance, while ‘working conditions,’ ‘possibility to access the organization’s networks’ and ‘number of children’ have no such significant impact. Thereby the study infers that, sound support and trust extended by supervisors and a designated distraction-free workspace; as measures to demarcate the boundary of work and life. Distinctive findings of this study would primarily be fruitful for software engineers to dive into a balanced state of work and life not only during Covid-19 but in future too. Study findings will also contribute to software industry personnel and policymakers in Sri Lanka as well as other developing countries, to establish effective strategies in favor of software engineers who WFH. Further, considering IT industry’s significant contribution towards Sri Lanka’s economic growth amidst Covid-19, results of this study would be high-yielding to indirectly succor IT-services-supported economic growth amidst the pandemic-driven hardships in Sri Lanka.