Browsing by Author "Weligodapola, M"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5

Embargo
Exploring Food Waste Management Practices: Insights from a Coastal Hotel in Sri Lanka
(University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication, 2025-01) Panapitiya, C; Dias, A; Aluthge, K; Ahamed, A; Weligodapola, M; Rathnayake, N
Background: Food waste is immense, accounting for over one-third of worldwide food production for human consumption, totalling 1.3 billion tons annually. Additionally, Sri Lanka's estimated daily food waste is 4000 tons, with the hotel and hospitality sector responsible for a notable percentage. Therefore, it is essential to understand how this amount of waste is generated and what strategies are being employed to manage it. Objective: The research intends to identify the causes of food waste and understand the main waste generation points and food waste mitigation techniques employed within the hotel. Methodology: This exploratory study employs a qualitative approach to examine food waste management practices at a coastal hotel in Sri Lanka’s western province. Researchers used purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews with four key informants, and participant and non-participant observations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: The findings demonstrate that the hotel implements various food waste management techniques, including operational, quality, and standards elements. These techniques vary from internal initiatives to external measures. Conclusion: Effective practices can reduce the waste generated throughout the hotel's food supply chain. This will ultimately result in better economic, environmental, and societal outcomes. Unique Contribution: This research provides useful insights and lays the groundwork for future research by addressing this timely issue prevailing within both the local and global hotel industry. These findings can be applied to other settings, such as households, retail, and emerging hotels and resorts.
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
Maritime ports and operational barriers: tracing research trajectories through bibliometric mapping
(Cogent OA, 2025-12-20) Herath, R; Weligodapola, M; Attygalle,O; Bandara, J; Yahampath, M
Maritime ports are critical nodes in facilitating global trade, yet they encounterpersistent challenges that sizably affect their operational performance and efficiency.this study is identified as a systematic review using bibliometric analysis to provide anoverview of research developments and trends in operational challenges withinmaritime ports from 2010 to early 2025. this study utilises the prisMa framework,obtaining 96 peer-reviewed journal articles from 60 sources obtained from the scopusdatabase. Data analysis was conducted using tools such as r-studio, Bibliometrix,vOsviewer and nvivo. Our analysis identified the most productive and influentialjournals, institutions, and regions, highlighting the key contributions to the field. thisstudy emphasised articles with the highest citation count, which can serve as referencepoints based on current trends. we also employed co-occurrence techniques andthematic maps to identify trending topics and concepts within the domain. thematiccoding of the literature was conducted to identify the major challenges affecting ports.this analysis provides a noteworthy trajectory of the growth in literature concerningasian nations, most prominently china, india and singapore, which emerged as leaderswithin this domain. it further shows that previous studies have emphasised emergingthemes like digitalisation, congestion, berth allocation, and port risks, which reinforcethe major operational barriers faced by ports globally.
Open Access
Psychological capital and personality traits in balancing work–life: a developing country perspective
(nature.com, 2025-10-06) Pushpika, A; Jayathilaka, R; Weligodapola, M
Achieving career aspirations while managing personal responsibilities is a global challenge for women, especially in Asian countries. Despite extensive research on work–life balance, many aspects remain unexplored. This study examines the influence of psychological capital and personality traits on work–life balance, identified as an area needing further investigation. Using a blended approach, the study integrates quantitative data from online surveys of Sri Lankan government and private bank employees and qualitative insights from online interviews. The ordered Probit regression model revealed that self-efficacy, optimism, and resilience significantly impact work–life balance, while hope does not. Among personality traits, neuroticism and conscientiousness are most influential. Thematic analysis found resilience to have the greatest impact, with personality effects varying by individual preference. Methodological triangulation was used to avoid research bias. Coping strategies for promoting work–life balance are discussed. This study is valuable for female bankers seeking work–life balance and offers insights for banking sector personnel and policymakers to develop effective strategies, contributing to the sector’s performance and economic growth.
Embargo
Transformative Impact of Predictive and Generative AI on Education Workforce in Developing Countries
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025) Weligodapola, M; Kumarapperuma, C.U
This study investigates the transformative impact of predictive and generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the education workforce in developing countries, focusing on its challenges, opportunities, and implications. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, we explored the AI's impacts, challenges, and opportunities on work within the education sector in ten educational institutions across three countries, through qualitative data collection methods, including semi-structured interviews, observations, informal discussions, and focus group discussions with students, lecturers, and administrative staff. The findings highlight the role of AI in revolutionizing pedagogy, enhancing student engagement, and optimizing administrative workflows. Educators reported improvements in teaching strategies driven by AI-powered adaptive learning platforms and AI-generated resources, which enable personalized and dynamic learning experiences. However, the research also revealed key challenges, such as resistance to AI adoption, concerns over data privacy, and infrastructure limitations that hinder effective integration. A cross-case analysis emphasized the evolving role of educators, highlighting shifts in teacher-student dynamics and potential increases in job satisfaction, tempered by new responsibilities. While students benefit from personalized learning paths, they also face hurdles related to digital literacy and unequal access to AI-driven resources. Ethical considerations around AI deployment emerged as critical, underscoring the need for clear guidelines and strong policies. The study concludes by offering recommendations for educational institutions, policymakers, and AI developers to collaborate in fostering an innovative, inclusive, and ethically responsible educational landscape. Future research is encouraged to expand on these findings across different educational contexts and explore the long-term effects of AI on teaching, learning, and workforce dynamics.