Research Papers - Dept of Information of Management
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Publication Embargo Impact of Political Corruption on International Tourism Demand: A Panel Data Analysis of 22 Asian Countries(University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication, 2026-06-01) Weerasinghe, P; Bandara, C; Indrapriya, A; Jayasekara, K; Yapa, S.R; Dayapathirana, NBackground: Tourism serves as a critical driver of international economic activity, particularly for developing nations that rely on the sector for employment generation and foreign exchange earnings. However, tourism performance varies significantly across jurisdictions, suggesting that institutional factors, such as political corruption, may play a decisive role in shaping industry outcomes. Objective: This study investigates the impact of political corruption on tourism demand across Asia. Specifically, it seeks to determine whether, and to what extent, corruption levels significantly deter international tourist arrivals in these countries. Methodology: Adopting a quantitative research design, the study utilises panel data analysis covering 22 Asian countries from 2002 to 2020. Simple linear regression models were employed to examine the relationship between political corruption indices and international tourism demand. Results: The findings reveal a statistically significant negative relationship between corruption and tourism demand. The regression analysis demonstrates that higher levels of perceived corruption are associated with a marked decrease in tourist inflows. Although the model exhibits relatively low explanatory power, the consistency and significance of the negative effect indicate that corruption is a critical institutional determinant of tourism performance. Conclusion: The study concludes that political corruption is a major deterrent to the growth of the tourism industry. Reducing institutional uncertainties and curbing corrupt practices are essential prerequisites for countries aiming to enhance their competitiveness and attract international visitors. Unique Contribution: This research contributes to the intersection of governance and tourism literature by providing long-term empirical evidence from the Asian context. It highlights the importance of institutional quality as a primary factor in the patterns of international tourism flows. Key Recommendation: Governments and policymakers in the Asian region should prioritise anti-corruption reforms as a strategic tool for tourism development. Strengthening institutional transparency and reducing political risks will create a more favourable environment for international travellers and foster sustainable economic growth.Publication Open Access Determinants of under-five mortality in Africa: evidence from a two-decade panel analysis for public health policy(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026-06-17) Rathnasekara, H; Jayathilaka, RBackground: Child survival is a critical indicator for a nation’s health and its progress is important in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. Understanding the regional and country-specific dynamic and interplay of various determinants of under-five child mortality is vital for the African continent, which remains one of the most vulnerable regions for child mortality globally. Methods: This study investigates the association of economic, health-related, social and demographic, environmental, and infrastructure-related factors with under-five child mortality. It integrates generalisable regional associations using a standard fixed-effects panel model and examines illustrative country-specific associations of the selected determinants through multiple linear regression, based on a balanced panel dataset of 45 countries over a 22-year period. Results: Fixed-effect analysis reveals that the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) immunisation and total fertility rate (TFR) are robust regional determinants of under-five mortality across specifications. While health expenditure, sanitation services, and malaria incidence show significant associations in the baseline model, these findings are sensitive to the inclusion of year fixed effects, suggesting they are influenced by broader temporal trends or common regional shocks rather than serving as stable independent factors within the study period. Conclusion: Regional analysis, which controls for unobserved country-specific heterogeneity over an extended period and is complemented by country-specific analysis, facilitates the formulation of policy implications at both national and international levels. Recommended policy measures include increasing immunisation coverage, implementing malaria control programmes, strengthening community health infrastructure, enhancing girls’ education, promoting widespread access to modern family planning, and improving sanitation services. These strategies are expected to contribute to the progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 in the African region.Publication Open Access Drivers of carbon emissions in G7 economies: Evidence on energy use, globalisation, urbanisation, industrialisation and innovation(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-08-26) Weerasinghe, L; Vithanage, N; Rupasinghe, D; Keesha, C; Jayathilaka, RRising CO2 emissions remain a major sustainability challenge, particularly in advanced economies that account for a considerable share of historical emissions. This study examines the key determinants of CO₂ emissions in G7 countries by jointly considering globalisation, energy consumption, urbanisation, industrialisation, and technological innovation. Using a balanced panel dataset for Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States over the period 1997–2023, the analysis applies panel regression techniques and country-specific multiple linear regressions to capture both common effects and heterogeneity across economies. The results indicate that energy consumption is a robust driver of CO₂ emissions across the G7. Technological innovation contributes to emission reduction at the panel level; however, its effect becomes statistically insignificant in country-specific estimations, reflecting cross-country differences in innovation structures and policy environments. Globalisation significantly increases emissions in Canada, while its influence is negligible elsewhere. Urbanisation shows a mitigating effect only in the United States, and industrialisation increases emissions in Canada and Italy but reduces emissions in Japan. Overall, the findings highlight that decarbonisation strategies in advanced economies should prioritise the transition to clean energy while strengthening innovation-oriented climate policies tailored to country-specific contexts.Publication Open Access Unlocking Gen Z engagement in phygital retailing: Evidence from a multi-mediated customer experience model(PloS one, 2026-08-06) Selvendran, M; Salman, S; Lakvidu, D; Dahanayaka, U; Wisenthige, K; Dayapathirana, NThis study investigates how phygital experience influences Gen Z customer loyalty in Sri Lanka's consumer electronics retail sector, addressing the limited evidence from emerging markets on hybrid retail approaches. The research emphasizes the growing relevance of integrating physical and digital touchpoints to create immersive consumer journeys and explores how such experiences foster loyalty among younger consumers. A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured 5-point Likert scale survey questionnaire was completed by 480 Gen Z customers of consumer electronics retailers in Sri Lanka. Data were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine direct and indirect relationships between phygital experiences and loyalty. The study also evaluated a serial mediation mechanism to explain how immersive, technology-enabled environments and seamless physical-digital integration contributes to loyalty formation. Results demonstrate that phygital experiences significantly and positively influence customer loyalty. Gen Z consumers place high value on interactive, technology-driven retail environments that enhance satisfaction and strengthen their commitment to brands. The findings highlight the importance of co-creation, engagement, and perceived value in shaping loyalty, while underscoring the role of digital literacy in navigating hybrid retail contexts. The study provides actionable insights for retailers seeking to design effective phygital strategies that resonate with Gen Z consumers. It offers guidance for innovation and market expansion in emerging economies. However, the reliance on self-reported, cross-sectional data from a single sector and demographic limits generalizability. Future research should extend across industries, age cohorts, and cultural contexts, incorporating variables such as trust, emotions, and digital fatigue. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on phygital experiences by contextualizing the phenomenon in an emerging market setting. It advances theoretical understanding by empirically validating a mechanism linking phygital experience to loyalty and provides practical recommendations for retailers aiming to enhance customer journeys through hybrid strategies.Publication Embargo Economic Uncertainty as a Sustainability Risk: Cross-Income Directional Evidence From 135 Countries(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026-06-15) Navamohan, P; Gamage, D; Hansika, S; Madurawala, R; Jayathilaka, R; Weerathunga, WThis paper examines the direction of causality and the relationship between economic uncertainty, suicide rates, unemployment, economic growth, and trade openness across different income levels. By situating these relationships within a sustainability framework, the study conceptualises economic uncertainty as a systemic risk affecting social stability, labour markets, and long-term development trajectories. The analysis investigates 135 countries from 2000 to 2022, employing Granger causality and Multiple Linear Regression, with robustness tests using varying lag lengths to assess the reliability of the results. The findings reveal that economic uncertainty acts as a cross-dimensional sustainability stressor influencing socioeconomic systems across income strata, confirming prior evidence while extending it through Granger-causal analysis. Our findings show that in low-income countries economic uncertainty and unemployment rates have a bidirectional relationship. In lower-middle-income countries, suicide rates and trade openness affect economic uncertainty, while in upper-middle-income countries, suicide rates, economic growth, and trade openness affect economic uncertainty. Our findings suggest that economic uncertainty can be mitigated through improvements in mental healthcare services, the promotion of free trade agreements, advancements in education and technology, and fostering economic diversification. Recommendations for policymakers tailored to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are provided in this study to mitigate uncertainty risks on sustainability. These findings contribute to sustainability science by demonstrating how uncertainty functions as a structural constraint on inclusive and resilient development pathways.Publication Open Access Management and safe disposal of unwanted medicines in community pharmacies in Sri Lanka(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-07-10) Perera, C; Herath, RIntroduction – Pharmaceutical pollutants, such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have been detected in Sri Lankan waterways. These contaminants may arise from multiple sources, including community pharmacy disposal practices. This raises concerns that improper disposal of unwanted medicines poses an increasing risk to the environment and public health. Community pharmacies—both chain and independent pharmacies—serve as the final point in the pharmaceutical supply chain at the community level and play a crucial role in managing the disposal of unwanted medicines. This study aimed to explore the current practices, factors influencing these practices, and strategies for improving the management and safe disposal of unwanted medicines in community pharmacies in Sri Lanka. Methods – A qualitative research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews using the validated interview guide were conducted with the participants. The participants primarily comprised the community pharmacists representing both chain and independent pharmacies operating in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Using the thematic analysis, emerging reporting patterns within the data were identified. Results – The study identified four main themes: current disposal and waste management practices; factors influencing and limiting disposal practices; perceptions and attitudes toward disposal responsibility; and recommendations for improvement. Community pharmacies use various methods for medicine disposal and pharmaceutical waste management. Their practices are primarily influenced by the absence of proper medicine collection mechanisms, weak regulation, limited awareness, and inadequate disposal facilities. Pharmacists suggested implementing a well-structured medicine collection system, strengthening laws, and conducting awareness programs to minimize pharmaceutical waste. Discussion – Although a regulatory framework exists for pharmaceutical waste management, implementation and monitoring within community pharmacies, particularly independent pharmacies, remain limited. Furthermore, these pharmacies have fewer facilities to carry out safe drug disposal practices. Research revealed the need for improved infrastructure, tighter regulatory supervision, and increased awareness programs to address these challenges. Implementing a well-coordinated national medicine collection program and improving awareness of safe medicine disposal are important measures for protecting the environment and public health.Publication Embargo Socio-Economic and Environmental Drivers of Food Security in Low-Income Countries: A 32-Year Cross-National Analysis for Sustainable Development(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026-04-06) Pulle, N; Sampath, P; Wijayaweera, D; Perera, S; Jayathilaka, R; Dabare, UEnsuring countries meet their basic food security needs has been a long-standing challenge. Despite numerous attempts to tackle this issue, it remains unresolved. Hence, considering the broad reach of this concern, our study aims to collectively analyse how urbanisation, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy consumption, population growth, agricultural land, and gross domestic product per capita impact food security across countries. This study tests a stepwise panel-ordered probit model, utilising data from 17 low-income countries from 1992 to 2023. The research categorises the food production index into three categories: low, moderate, and high food security, allowing for the analysis of the likelihood of falling into a category of the food production index. The outcomes reveal that in low-income countries, urbanisation, greenhouse gas emissions, population growth, and agricultural land have a positive impact on the food production index, whereas renewable energy consumption has an insignificant negative impact. This analysis contributes distinctively to the existing body of knowledge by comparatively analysing the probabilities over the given period, together with the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, thus providing insights into both events. Furthermore, this report highlights the effectiveness of policies implemented, focusing on the efficient use of agricultural land through technological advancements, promoting modern farming techniques, encouraging youth engagement in agriculture, managing population growth, and innovating climate-resilient strategies, which are directly aligned with the research findings. These recommendations address specific challenges identified in the highlighted countries, helping improve their food security and promote sustainable development.Publication Embargo Globalisation and CO 2 Emissions: Evidence From theWorld’s Largest Emitters(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026-07-01) Ansar, A; Illiyas, O; Hussain, M; Hansani, C; Jayathilaka, R; Chandrasiri, RThe study examines the predictive relationship between political, economic, and social dimensions of globalisation and CO2 emissions across the world's largest emitting countries using a country-level VAR Granger causality framework. Political globalisation Granger-causes emissions in Australia and Japan, whereas emissions exhibit predictive precedence towards political globalisation in the United States. Economic globalisation demonstrates predictive bidirectional causal evidence with emissions in India and Malaysia, while social globalisation exhibits a predictive relationship with emissions in Canada, Japan, and Mexico. The findings highlight substantial heterogeneity in the predictive relationships between dimensions of globalisation and CO2 emissions across countries, reflecting differences in governance structures, industrial composition, and energy dependency patterns. Unlike panel-average estimation approaches, the country-level framework allows the identification of heterogeneous country-specific temporal dynamics across the major emitters. Nevertheless, the findings should be interpreted as a predictive relationship rather than definitive structural causation and may remain sensitive to omitted variables and long-run equilibrium dynamics which are not captured within the short-term VAR framework. The study contributes to additional country-specific evidence relevant to climate governance and sustainability-orientated policy discussions among major emitting economies.Publication Open Access Impact of Economic Globalisation on Agricultural Value-Added: The African Region Experience(Springer, 2026-01-27) Wisenthige, K; Jayathilaka, RGlobalisation has been a critical driver of economic growth in many nations. However, the agricultural sector has yet to realise its full potential in terms of agricultural value-added and the distribution of benefits to primary producers within value chains. Notably, the African region possesses a high potential for agricultural value-addition compared to other regions. This research examines the impact of economic globalisation on agricultural value-added within the African context. Using advanced statistical techniques, including panel data regression and multiple linear regression, the study assesses the influence of globalisation on agricultural value-added across 26 African countries from 2000 to 2021. The findings indicate that, while certain countries have benefitted significantly from economic globalisation, enhancing their agricultural value, the majority still require a greater focus on optimising agricultural value addition. Senegal exhibited the most pronounced impact on agricultural value addition, whereas Burkina Faso, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda showed negligible impacts. Policies aimed at optimising fertiliser inputs, advancing technology, developing the technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the agricultural labour force, facilitating foreign market access for raw materials, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices could help enhance value addition and support the overall economic development of the African region. This research contributes to the knowledge-based economy by providing empirical insights into the factors driving agricultural value-added, underscoring the role of knowledge creation, diffusion, and application in boosting agricultural productivity and economic growth in the African region.Publication Embargo Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Life Expectancy: A Global Perspective Across Income Levels(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026-01-26) Kaluarachchi, S; Jayathilaka, RSocioeconomic factors influencing life expectancy are still underexplored across different income groups in global research. This study investigates the socioeconomic determinants of longevity across global income levels, drawing on World Bank data to analyze how various economic and social factors influence lifespan worldwide. A stepwise panel data regression analysis was conducted to examine the determinants. The findings indicate that increase per capita gross domestic product and health expenditure substantially enhance lifespan, whereas increase population size, death rate, and infant mortality rate adversely impact life expectancy globally. In low-income countries, increase per capita gross domestic product, population size, and death rate significantly shorten life expectancy. In lower-middle-income countries, growing population size and death rate progressively lower life expectancy. In upper-middle-income countries, higher per capita gross domestic product significantly boosts longevity, while increase carbon dioxide emissions, population size, death rate, and infant mortality rate substantially reduce life expectancy. In high-income countries, increase male education significantly raises lifespan, while increase population size and death rate reduce life expectancy. These findings can help policymakers, governments, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, and the World Bank address key issues affecting life expectancy, promoting global health and sustainable economic growth.