Browsing by Author "Wickramarachchi, C"

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12

Open Access
ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND BLINDNESS IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR: EXPLANATORY MODEL
(Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu, 2022-01-14) Suraweera, T; Bandara, S; Wickramarachchi, C; Dewage, N; Gunawardana, T; Nanayakkara, N; Yapa, E; Thelijjagoda, S; Jayathilaka, R
Ensuring universal access to education is an effective and sustainable means of empowering people with visual impairment and blindness. Literature confirms that blindness of a person is not a barrier for learning, yet past research brings about a range of diverse obstacles for productive engagement in education due to universities being designed for the sighted persons. Given that the persons with impairment are looked after comparatively better in the western world than in the developing nations for realising their challenging academic goals. Purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a comprehensive study on the academic work of persons with visual impairment and blindness in the tertiary sector. This population included recent undergraduates and those who have completed a university degree. The two distinct outcomes presented are; (first phase) the critical factors influencing the academic performance of persons with visually impairment and blindness and, (second phase) an explanatory model that characterizes the construct ‘the academic performance’. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, purposely selected eleven key informant interviews were utilized for the first phase for the qualitative investigation. Thematic analysis was used as the main method of data analysis. The Second phase employed a sample survey. Fifty respondents who had studied in universities during the 5-year period from 2015-2020 were selected through snow-ball sampling. Exploratory factor analysis was used as the main data analysis technique. The key findings of phase one revealed that external support, physical environment, motivation to learn, instructional strategies, ICT and English literacy are major contributory factors to academic performance. The second phase of the quantitative analysis derived five composite factors. Of these, the factor labeled “Motivating influences” appears to be mostly contributing to the academic performance of persons with visual impairment and blindness. While education is a lifelong endeavor of a person, these findings can contribute to make a substantial change in the quality of life of this community in the long run.
Open Access
The Assessment of Climate Change Impacts and Land-use Changes on Flood Characteristics: The Case Study of the Kelani River Basin, Sri Lanka
(MDPI, 2022-10-09) Samarasinghe, J. T; Makumbura, R. K; Wickramarachchi, C; Sirisena, J; Gunathilake, M.B; Muttil, N; Yenn Teo, F; Rathnayake, U
Understanding the changes in climate and land use/land cover (LULC) over time is important for developing policies for minimizing the socio-economic impacts of riverine floods. The present study evaluates the influence of hydro-climatic factors and anthropogenic practices related to LULC on floods in the Kelani River Basin (KRB) in Sri Lanka. The gauge-based daily precipitation, monthly mean temperature, daily discharges, and water levels at sub-basin/basin outlets, and both surveyed and remotely sensed inundation areas were used for this analysis. Flood characteristics in terms of mean, maximum, and number of peaks were estimated by applying the peak over threshold (POT) method. Nonparametric tests were also used to identify the climatic trends. In addition, LULC maps were generated over the years 1988–2017 using Landsat images. It is observed that the flood intensities and frequencies in the KRB have increased over the years. However, Deraniyagala and Norwood sub-basins have converted to dry due to the decrease in precipitation, whereas Kithulgala, Holombuwa, Glencourse, and Hanwella showed an increase in precipitation. A significant variation in atmospheric temperature was not observed. Furthermore, the LULC has mostly changed from vegetation/barren land to built-up in many parts of the basin. Simple correlation and partial correlation analysis showed that flood frequency and inundation areas have a significant correlation with LULC and hydro-climatic factors, especially precipitation over time. The results of this research will therefore be useful for policy makers and environmental specialists to understand the relationship of flood frequencies with the anthropogenic influences on LULC and climatic factors.
Open Access
Cheers to anxiety: Granger causality insights on alcohol consumption patterns across 13 South American countries
(Springer, 2024-09-30) Palliyaguru, D; Senarathne, B; Jayathilaka, R; Rajamanthri, L; Wickramarachchi, C
Background The relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health is complex; drinking may exacerbate anxiety, and in turn, anxiety can lead to excessive drinking. This study explores the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns including wine, beer, and spirits, and anxiety prevalence in selected 13 South American nations. Methods This study utilises secondary data spanning 29 years from 1991 to 2019 obtained from the Our World in Data database. It investigates the causal link between the prevalence of anxiety and alcohol consumption in the selected countries using the Granger causality test. Results Anxiety was found to have a unidirectional effect on wine and beer consumption in Chile, Suriname, Uruguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, drinking alcohol consumption appears to impact anxiety levels in Brazil. Argentina demonstrates a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and all three types of alcohol consumption, with similar patterns observed in Brazil (wine and beer), Chile (spirits), and Paraguay (spirits). Conclusion No significant causal relationships for alcohol consumption patterns were found in other nations. The identified Granger causal links follow four distinct directions in this study. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, governments, and international investors for informed decision-making regarding regulation and policy tools.
Open Access
Diagnosing autism in low‐income countries: Clinical record‐based analysis in Sri Lanka
(Wily, 2022-06-16) Samarasinghe, P; Wickramarachchi, C; Peiris, H; Vance, P; Dahanayake, D. M. A.; Kulasekara, V; Nadeeshani, M
Use of autism diagnosing standards in low-income countries (LICs) are restricted due to the high price and unavailability of trained health professionals. Furthermore, these standards are heavily skewed towards developed countries and LICs are underrepresented. Due to such constraints, many LICs use their own ways of assessing autism. This is the first retrospective study to analyze such local practices in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted at Ward 19B of Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) using the clinical forms filled for diagnosing ASD. In this study, 356 records were analyzed, from which 79.5% were boys and the median age was 33 months. For each child, the clinical form together with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) value were recorded. In this study, a Clinically Derived Autism Score (CDAS) is obtained from the clinical forms. Scatter plot and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used to benchmark CDAS with CARS, and it was found CDAS to be positively and moderately correlated with CARS. In identifying the significant variables, a logistic regression model was built based on clinically observed data and it evidenced that “Eye Contact,” “Interaction with Others,” “Pointing,” “Flapping of Hands,” “Request for Needs,” “Rotate Wheels,” and “Line up Things” variables as the most significant variables in diagnosing autism. Based on these significant predictors, the classification tree was built. The pruned tree depicts a set of rules, which could be used in similar clinical environments to screen for autism.
Open Access
Evaluating the synergy: anxiety prevalence and alcohol consumption patterns in high-income countries using Granger causality analysis
(Springer Nature, 2025-01-20) Senarathne, B; Palliyaguru, D; Oshini, A; Gamage, J; Jayathilaka, R; Rajamanthri, L; Wickramarachchi, C
Background Alcohol consumption frequently experiences episodes of severe anxiety. This study set out to explore the long-term efects of alcohol consumption on anxiety, revealing insights into how alcohol consumption uniquely impact anxiety, aiming to inform mental health and public health approaches. This research paper explores the complex relationship between the prevalence of anxiety and the consumption patterns of wine, beer, and spirits across ffty-two high-income countries with a continental analysis. Method By employing signifcant secondary data taken from the World Health Organization and Our World in Data online databases and covering the period from 1990 to 2019, this study seeks to explore various causality relationships over this period. Its primary objective is to fll the empirical gap in existing research by using Granger causality analysis to reveal the dynamic relationships between the consumption of alcohol and the prevalence of anxiety. This study endeavours to provide a continental analysis of the high-income countries, which allows for including a comprehensive viewpoint in the context of a single investigation. Results The fndings demonstrate a variety of patterns of causality in alcohol consumption and anxiety prevalence in a one-way causal relationship across specifc continents, a bidirectional relationship in others, and no apparent causal relationship in several countries. Conclusion The inference made from the study’s results goes beyond scholarly curiosity; it establishes the foundation for further investigations and the development of customised policies aimed at reducing the mutually reinforcing dangers of alcohol consumption and anxiety disorders.
Embargo
Factors Affecting Academic Performance of People with Visual Disabilities in the Tertiary Sector
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Suraweera, T; Wickramarachchi, C; Dewage, N; Gunawardana, M; Nanayakkara, T; Yapa, N; Handapangoda, R; Wickramarachchi, C
The role of education in enriching people’s lives is an undisputed fact. Most past studies have been conducted on the factors affecting academic performance focused on the sighted learners engaged in education in the academic systems. Given that the persons with disabilities are guarded/protected comparatively better in the Western word than in the developing nations, achieving academic goals for visually handicapped persons could be further challenging. This research is aimed at exploring the critical factors influencing academic performance of visually handicapped persons in Universities of Sri Lanka, a developing nation. Adopting a qualitative approach, eleven persons were purposely selected to represent varying levels of academic achievements in universities as case study subjects. The data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews were analysed mainly through thematic analysis. Having a clear understanding of the key elements influencing academic performance of persons who are visually handicapped could make a significant difference to this community and is an eye opener for the policy makers in the tertiary education sector.
Embargo
Obstacles and Challenges for People with Visual Impairment and Blindness in Seeking Financial Services from the Banking Sector
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Suraweera, T; Wickramarachchi, C; Ranasinghe, R. A. B. N; Jayarathna, I. G. N. H; De Silva, W. P. P; Lokeshwara, A. A
In Sri Lanka, it is observed that the persons with visual impairment and blindness are experiencing several difficulties and challenges when it comes to using banking services. This paper explores the obstacles and challenges encountered by this group of customers based on qualitative approach using semi-structured questionnaire. Ten customers representing the visually impaired and blind community and seven officials representing a range of commercial banks were the interview respondents. Thematic analysis was used to obtain corresponding results. The key findings of this study shows that this community experiences various obstacles when accessing the banking services due to the banks’ reluctance and inadequate training in providing the service with accurate information. Through this outcome, it manifests a clear insight on the key factors which affect the level of financial inclusion of persons with visual impairment and blindness. This research is an eye-opener for policymakers within and outside the banking sector to make improvements in financial inclusion concerning this vulnerable community that would help enhance their social and economic empowerment.
Open Access
Parental Involvement, Demographic Factors, and its Effects on the Academic Success of Undergraduates in Sri Lanka
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Delpitiya, A; Paththuwearachchi, D; Jayalath, W; Mendis, T; Karunarathna, N; Wickramarachchi, C
Parental involvement plays a pivotal role in the lives of their offspring. Education is a highly regarded aspect at present. Parents are concerned about their children and their education. In Sri Lanka, parents are involved in their children's academic lives. Therefore, common knowledge is that parental involvement impacts the academic performance of undergraduates, this phenomenon has not yet been conducted in the Sri Lanka context. Hence, to fill this empirical gap, this study aims to understand whether there is an impact of parental involvement and demographic factors on the academic success of undergraduates. Data were collected from state and private university undergraduates in the Western Province through a simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire was developed through a thorough analysis of the past literature available in the related field. Data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Through analysis, it was found that there is insufficient evidence to prove that there is a significant impact of parental involvement on undergraduates. While the result deviates from common expectations, distanced parent-child relationships in the modern era may have caused this result. In addition to the contribution to the body of knowledge, this study assists educational institutions in policy implementation and parents and teachers in parenting and teaching respectively. Further, this study can be further extended with comprehensive coverage of undergraduates and getting the opinions from parents' side as well.
Open Access
Projected Moisture Index (MI) for tropical Sri Lanka
(Hindawi, 2021-12) Wickramarachchi, C; Samarasinghe, T; Alyousifi, Y; Rathnayake, U. S
Atmospheric moisture loading can cause a great impact on the performance and integrity of building exteriors in a tropical climate. Buildings can be highly impacted due to the changing climate conditions over the world. Therefore, it is important to incorporate the projected changes of moisture loads in structural designs under changing climates. The moisture index (MI) is widely used in many countries as a climate-based indicator to guide the building designs for their durability performance. However, this was hardly considered in structural designs in Sri Lanka, even though the country is one of the most affected countries under climate change. Therefore, this study investigates future climate change impacts on the environmental moisture in terms of MI, which can be used in climate zoning, investigating indoor air quality, understanding thermal comfort and energy consumption, etc. The moisture index was found as a function of the drying index (DI) and wetting index (WI) to the whole country for its four rainfall seasons. The temporal and spatial distributions were plotted as MI maps and showcased under two categories; including historical MI maps (1990–2004) and future projected MI maps (2021–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2100). Future projected MI maps were constructed using bias-corrected climatic data for two RCP climatic scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Results showed that the temporal and spatial variations of MIs are justifiable to the country’s rainfall patterns and seasons. However, notable increases of MIs can be observed for future projected MIs in two seasons, and thus a careful investigation of their impacts should be assessed in terms of the construction of buildings and various agricultural activities. Therefore, the outcome of this research can be essentially used in policy implementation in adapting to the ongoing climate changes in Sri Lanka.
Embargo
Relationship between Socioeconomic and Demographic Characteristics of Persons with Visual Impairment and Blindness to their Levels of Vision: evidence from two geographical areas in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Journals Online, 2022-02) Wickramarachchi, C; Jayathilaka, R; Serasinghe, W; Kollure, L; Kollure, T; Suraweera, T; Thelijjagoda, S
This paper examined the extent to which socio-economic and demographic characteristics are related to the levels of vision of persons with visual impairment and blindness. A mixed method approach was employed in this study. Data collection was conducted in Siyanethugama Village in Hambanthota district and Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat in Kurunegala district in Sri Lanka. The study deployed convenient and purposive sampling techniques. Information was gathered through questionnaires and personal interviews. Overall, results revealed that level of vision vary with several socio-economic characteristics. Age and education were not related to the levels of vision in the Polpithigama region whereas in the Hambanthota region a significant relationship between age and education with levels of vision was observed. Income was not related to the level of vision. Participants’ views and opinions of resources, opportunities, income, employment, and government activities were found to be the driving forces of quality of life related to vision. The study concluded that age and education need to be considered in improving quality of life related to vision and further investigations are needed to determine the relationships between levels of vision and socio-demographic characteristics and to explore perceptions related to vision impairments.
Open Access
Relationships between Socio-Economic and Demographic Characteristics of Persons with Visual Impairment and Blindness
(Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Ruhuna, 2022) Wickramarachchi, C; Jayathilaka, R; Serasinghe, W; Kollure, L; Thisarani, T; Suraweera, T; Thelijjagoda, S
This paper examined the extent to which socio-economic and demographic characteristics are related to the levels of vision of persons with visual impairment and blindness. A mixed method approach was employed in this study. Data collection was conducted in Siyanethugama Village in Hambanthota district and Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat in Kurunegala district in Sri Lanka. The study deployed convenient and purposive sampling techniques. Information was gathered through questionnaires and personal interviews. Overall, results revealed that level of vision vary with several socio-economic characteristics. Age and education were not related to the levels of vision in the Polpithigama region whereas in the Hambanthota region a significant relationship between age and education with levels of vision was observed. Income was not related to the level of vision. Participants’ views and opinions of resources, opportunities, income, employment, and government activities were found to be the driving forces of quality of life related to vision. The study concluded that age and education need to be considered in improving quality of life related to vision and further investigations are needed to determine the relationships between levels of vision and socio-demographic characteristics and to explore perceptions related to vision impairments.
Open Access
The Socioeconomic Consequences of Brain Drain and Migration in Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Literature Analysis
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Maussawa, G; Wijerathne, C; Gunasekara, J; Wickramarachchi, C; Thelijjagoda, S
Over the years brain drain has given risen to a lasting imprint on the economy of Sri Lanka, which has resulted variouse consequenses. Currently educated professionals from various sectors are migrating to developed countries at an increasing rate. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding on the factors influence skill migration in Sri Lanka. This study utilizes a comprehensive systematic review of past literature over the period of 22 years (2000- 2022). The findings of this study demonstrate that migration of skilled professionals has been increased up to 2022 and how social, economic, and political factors affected migration. Some identified examples for economic factors that influence skill migration are better working opportunites, higher wages and higher living standards. Some identified social factors are political violence and better facilities like health and educational services. Increasing income tax rate and loss of liberty are some recgonized political factors that affect skill migration. Some of the studies have argued that there are positive concequences of skill migration in Sri Lanka, while some other studies have brought up arguments that negative impacts of skill migration take over the positive impacts.