Business School Q1

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Open Access
Exploring Disparities in Happiness Index Rankings: A Comparative Study between Selected Countries
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Gevindhi, J; Dasanayaka, P; Dewappriya, R; Parinda, K
This study aims to investigate the impact of economic and certain social and governance factors on the happiness index, with a focus on estimating their relative contribution to disparities among groups of countries classified according to income levels (high, upper-middle, lowermiddle, and low). This study employs a multiple regression technique to analyse data collected from the World Bank database and the World Happiness Report spanning the years 2010 to 2019 to compare the four groups of countries categorized by the World Bank according to their income levels of each income group. The findings of this study show that healthcare expenditure and government effectiveness increase people’s happiness in all four groups of countries. Furthermore, the findings suggest that fiscal contribution matters for people’s happiness only in high income and upper middle-income countries. Additionally, infrastructure, government effectiveness, political stability and absence of violence and terrorism, rule of law and voice and accountability matter for the happiness of people in lower-middle income countries. All variables, except fiscal contribution, have a significant impact on the happiness of people in low-income countries. This paper is the first that analyses how economic and certain social and governance factors relatively impact happiness of peoples in selected four groups of countries that classified according to their all four income levels.
Open Access
Examining the influence of global smoking prevalence on stroke mortality: insights from 27 countries across income strata
(Springer link, 2024-03-19) Abeysekera, I; De Silva, R; Silva, D; Piumika, L; Jayathilaka, R; Rajamanthri, L
Background This study investigates the influence of Global Smoking Prevalence (GSP) on Stroke Death Rates (SDR) across 27 countries categorized into High-Income Countries (HIC), Upper Middle-Income Countries (UMIC), Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), and Low-Income Countries (LIC). Methods Analysing data from two distinct periods (1990–1999 and 2010–2019), countries exhibiting an increased SDR were selected. The study uses a polynomial regression model, treating income groups as cross-sectional and years as time series data. Results Results from the regression model reveal that 17 countries observed a significant impact of GSP on SDR, with only Turkey, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste resulting in negative values. However, the study emphasises that out of all 27 countries, the highest occurrence of the impact of GSP on SDR has been reported in the LMIC stratum for the period under review. Conclusion It is evident that GSP affects the risk of incidence of stroke death, specifically in the LMIC stratum. Furthermore, it has been identified that GSP is a major preventable risk factor affecting global mortality. To mitigate the risk of stroke death attributable to smoking prevalence, necessary preventive steps should be adopted to encourage smoking cessation, and essential policies should be implemented to reduce the burden of SDR.
Open Access
Impact of global smoking prevalence on mortality: a study across income groups
(Springer link, 2024-07-04) De Silva, R; Silva, D; Piumika, L; Abeysekera, I; Jayathilaka, R; Rajamanthri, L; Wickramaarachchi, C
Background Smoking significantly contributes to the mortality rates worldwide, particularly in non-communicable and preventable diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, respiratory conditions, stroke, and lung cancer. This study aims to analyse the impact of smoking on global deaths, and its association with mortality across the main income groups. Methods The comprehensive analysis spans 199 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. The study categorises countries into four income groups: high income, upper middle income, lower middle income, and low income. Results The findings underscore the profound impact of global tobacco smoking on mortality. Notably, cardiovascular disease mortality is notably affected in both upper-middle-income and high-income groups. Chronic respiratory disease mortality rates show a significant impact across all income groups. Moreover, stroke-related mortality is observed in the lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income groups. These results highlight the pervasive influence of smoking prevalence on global mortality, affecting individuals across various socioeconomic levels. Conclusion The study underscores the critical implications of smoking on mortality rates, particularly in high-income countries. It emphasises the urgency of targeted interventions in these regions to address the specific challenges posed by tobacco smoking on public health. Policy recommendations include implementing prohibitive measures extending to indoor public areas such as workplaces and public transportation services. Furthermore, allocating funds for research on tobacco and health, is imperative to ensure policymakers are consistently informed about emerging facts and trends in this complex domain.
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
Security matters: Empowering e-commerce in Sri Lanka through customer insights
(Springer Nature, 2024-12) Jayathilaka, R; Udara, I
In the fast-paced, post-COVID digital world, e-commerce presents promising prospects for significant advancement. However, customers often feel uncertain due to persistent concerns about the robustness of security measures safeguarding e-commerce platforms. The primary objective of our study was to identify factors affecting the security of e-commerce platforms based on the perceptions of Sri Lankan customers. This research was conducted using data collected from Sri Lankan e-commerce users via both online and offline surveys. An ordered probit regression model was utilised, demonstrating that transaction security, privacy, vendor system security, and platform quality positively impact the perceived security of e-commerce. The e-commerce industry in Sri Lanka is expected to see growth and an increased user penetration rate. The findings of this study are anticipated to assist e-commerce business owners and policymakers in addressing critical security issues, namely vulnerabilities in transactional security, low privacy, inadequate system security, and poor e-commerce platform quality. These improvements are expected to build trust and credibility among consumers, maximising e-commerce success.
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Impact of economic growth, energy consumption, and trade openness on carbon emissions: evidence from the top 20 emitting nations
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Methmini, D; Dharmapriya, N; Gunawardena, V; Edirisinghe, S; Jayathilaka, R; Wickramaarachchi, C
he study focuses on the top 20 carbon emission-increasing nations across continents from 2000 to 2021 and the effects of gross domestic product, energy consumption, and trade openness on carbon emissions. The study uses a panel dataset and multiple linear regression analysis to pinpoint the significant factors influencing each nation's carbon emissions. The findings indicate that China, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea in Asia; Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and the Seychelles in Africa; Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Chile, and Panama in America; Albania, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia in Europe; and Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu in Oceania have a highly significant impact on carbon emissions in their respective regions. Energy consumption significantly increases carbon emissions in all countries except Panama and Kazakhstan, where it only significantly impacts GDP-related carbon emissions. These insights lay the groundwork for policymakers to prioritise sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions in their decision-making processes, and establish comprehensive strategies that reconcile ecological concerns with socioeconomic goals by understanding the intricate dynamics between gross domestic product, energy use, trade openness, and carbon emissions.
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Threading the digital needle: the influence of process and technical digitalisation on competitive performance in the apparel supply chain
(Emerald Publishing, 2025) Susitha, E; Jayarathne, P.G.S. A; Herath, R
Purpose – This study aims to examine the role of process and technical digitalisation in enhancing the apparel supply chain’s competitive performance. This study further explores how firm size moderates these relationships, offering operational-level insights into the strategic deployment of digital capabilities. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional quantitative design was adopted, drawing on responses from 239 apparel industry practitioners. This study used structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis to validate the measurement model and test structural relationships, including moderation effects based on organisational size. Findings – Both process and technical digitalisation significantly enhance competitive performance, with technical digitalisation exhibiting a more potent effect. The findings indicate that process digitalisation benefits larger firms, while technical digitalisation influence remains consistent across different firm sizes. According to the findings, a differential effect of digitalisation types depends on the firm’s operational capacity and scale. Research limitations/implications – This study clarifies how digital technologies create value in supply chain performance. Technical digitalisation benefits all firms, but process digitalisation yields greater gains in larger, more resource-rich firms. Originality/value – This study integrates three perspectives to provide a refined lens for understanding the deployment of digital capabilities in supply chains. This study also contributes to the domain by investigating the effects of technical and process digitalisation on competitive performance in the apparel supply chain. The study offers a validated measurement framework and empirical evidence of how digital transformation drivers vary across organisations.
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The digital bridge: how digital transformation mediates the innovative culture-resilience nexus in IT firms
(Emerald Publishing, 2025) Kodithuwakku, T; Samaraweera, I; Mathew, M; Samarakkody, T; Thelijjagoda, S; Gamage, S
Purpose – This study aims to identify the impact of innovative culture on organizational resilience in the Sri Lankan information technology (IT) sector, with a specific focus on the mediation role of digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach – Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from over 274 participants who were managerial or above-level employees in the IT industry via surveys. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships between variables. Findings – The findings of this study revealed that innovative culture has a significant positive impact on the adoption of digital transformation, as the innovative mindset that is ingrained encourages continuous growth, creativity and risk-taking, thereby strengthening digital transformation initiatives. Both innovative culture and digital transformation have a significant positive impact on organizational resilience. Digital transformation significantly mediates the effect of innovative culture on organizational resilience. Practical implications – The findings offer valuable guidance to industry leaders and policymakers for the strategic utilization of technology and the design of appropriate business models. Originality/value – This study emphasizes the importance of developing innovative culture and digital transformation in the IT industry to ensure sustainable business processes.
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Navigating economic crisis: Factors shaping resilience in Sri Lankan construction SME supply chains
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Madhavika, N; Bandara, M; Manchanayake, M; Perera, C; Bandara, W; Jayasinghe, P; Ehalapitiya, S
In today’s construction industry, supply chains are subject to much greater disruption than they were in the past, resulting in a greater need for resilience. However, there is a gap in the literature that examines the resilience of construction small and medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) specifically focusing on developing countries. This article is a step towards identifying the factors influencing the resilience of construction SME supply chains taking the case of Sri Lanka: a developing country which is currently amidst a major economic crisis. This research study adopted a mixed-method approach, employing 08 structured interviews with employees ranging from executive level to top level management of 08 construction SMEs followed by a questionnaire survey considering a sample of 195 construction SMEs also with executive level to top level management of each construction SME. The findings indicated that Collaboration, Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Internal Integration, and Outsourcing have a positive significant impact on the resilience of Sri Lankan construction SMEs’ supply chains during an economic crisis, while ‘collaboration’ and ‘EO’ are the most influential factors respectively. Therefore, construction SMEs must prioritize and enhance collaboration and EO when devising supply chain strategies to strengthen resilience during economic crises. This paper contributes to filling the research gap by investigating factors influencing construction SME supply chains in a developing country during an economic crisis. Moreover, it contributes to the knowledge by being one of the latest empirical studies focusing on the construction SME supply chains in Sri Lanka. The findings provide a valuable reference for both policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the resilience of construction SME supply chains.
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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
Critical risk factors influencing the management of disruptions in construction projects: Insights from recent challenges in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-01) Rajapakshe, W
The construction industry has a significantly contribute to the economy of Sri Lanka. However, in recent years, its overall share of the national output has declined, primarily due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability, and ongoing economic challenges. Many construction firms halted projects and laid off employees, highlighting the critical need for effective risk management during crises to predict and mitigate risks. This study explores emerging risk factors in Sri Lanka's construction sector post-crisis. Using a three-phase linear decision-making model, the research combines a literature review, a survey of 290 construction professionals, and structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify major risk factors across four phases of risk management. Key risks out of 23 include general factors like health and safety issues, material costs, regulations, political interference, corruption, and labor shortages, while phase-specific risks involve delays, budget overruns, payment delays, and cancellations. The study revises the risk registers to improve risk management strategies. While the findings are context-specific to Sri Lanka, they may offer indicative insights for other developing countries facing similar crisis-driven disruptions. The practical implications extend to multinational and local companies, supported by data from 22 countries, offering a comprehensive framework for addressing construction industry challenges in volatile environments. The novelty of this study lies in its use of theoretical triangulation to align Classical Risk Management theory with real-world operational risk factors, revealing critical overlaps, behavioral influences, and contextual gaps in traditional frameworks.
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Decrypting the Digital Vault by Understanding Cryptocurrency Adoption Challenges Among Gen Z: Case of Sri Lanka
(University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication, 2025-01-01) Mallawaarachchi, S; Hemachandra, U; Jayakody, D; Wickramarathne, U; Lokeshwara, A.A; Bandara, G.C
Background: As digital natives, Gen Zs are at the forefront of embracing cryptocurrencies for technological innovation and financial empowerment. This study is part of a larger effort to understand the evolving trends in the world of cryptocurrency, highlighting the need for more research in this area. Objective: This study sought to explore the diverse challenges faced by Gen Zs while adapting to the usage of cryptocurrencies within the Sri Lankan context. Methodology: The researchers conducted this study using an inductive qualitative approach. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 24 participants, employing snowball sampling to recruit participants. The collected data were then analysed using thematic analysis, and the findings were presented in prose form. Results: The results of this study revealed three key themes that significantly impact the usage of cryptocurrency as a digital asset among Gen Zs in Sri Lanka: (i) Trust and security concerns, (ii) Market volatility and investment risks, (iii) Regulatory approach and cryptocurrency transactions. Conclusion: Although cryptocurrency has gained acceptance among Gen Zs, its usage is determined by factors that ensure that users harness its full benefits. Contribution: This study has revealed the diverse challenges that Gen Zs embraced when adopting cryptocurrencies. © 2025, University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication. All rights reserved.
Open Access
Enhancing Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) performance: Analyzing the role of human resource practices in Sri Lanka’s telecommunication industry through Lewin’s change management model
(Public Library of Science, 2025-01-10) Pubodhya S.H.N.; Rajapakshe, W
This study explores the integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Sri Lanka, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) to predict the perceived quality of SRH education among non-state undergraduate students. In many Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, cultural resistance and skepticism often challenge SRH education initiatives. The research is based on a questionnaire survey, examining factors influencing the perceived quality of SRH education, such as cultural norms, embarrassment, attitudes, awareness, and institutional support. In recent years, the Sri Lankan telecom industry has experienced significant expansion and transformation, leading to a notable increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This study investigates the impact of human resource practices on M&A performance, utilizing Lewin’s Change Management Model as a framework. The research is based on a questionnaire survey, examining factors influencing the performance of M&A in Sri Lanka Telecom industry, such as communication (Unfreeze), training (Change), leadership (Refreeze), and performance (M&A outcomes). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that communication significantly influences training (β = 0.800), while training has a strong effect on leadership (β = 1.062), both directly and indirectly via communication (β = 0.850). Additionally, performance is positively impacted by training (β = 0.819) and leadership (β = 0.459), with communication exerting a substantial indirect influence on performance (β = 0.655). These results underscore the necessity for an integrated approach that enhances organizational performance and adaptability in an evolving business landscape. To optimize M&A outcomes, organizations are encouraged to prioritize leadership development, invest in comprehensive training programs, and align communication strategies effectively. This research contributes valuable insights into the management of change within the telecom sector, promoting sustainable growth and success in future M&A endeavours.
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.
Open Access
Does management support drive sustained agile usage? a serial mediation model and cIPMA perspective
(Public Library of Science, 2025-02-05) Wijesinghe, U; Mapitiyage, V; Wickramarathne, C; Wickramage, C; Wisenthige, K; Aluthwala, C
Agile software development is immensely popular in the industry, but most teams struggle to sustain its use. Human factors like management support, agile training, agile mindset, and team resilience are often neglected, hindering long-term success. However, research has not explored their underlying mechanisms in depth. Therefore, this study examines if management support impacts the sustained usage of agile methodologies within software development teams. It subsequently investigates the individual and serial mediating effects of agile training, the agile mindset, and team resilience on this relationship. Additionally, it compares the importance and performance of management support, agile training, the agile mindset, and team resilience in infusing agile practices. Finally, it determines these antecedents’ necessity for the enduring success of agile application. Data collected from 391 agile software development professionals using a structured questionnaire. Partial-least-squares structural equation modelling, importance-performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis were used to investigate relationships. The findings underscore the pivotal role of management support in infusing agile practices. Agile training, mindset, and team resilience emerge as critical mediators, with a strong serial mediation effect. While management support is paramount, its practical implementation falls short within teams. All four antecedents are found to be necessary for optimal agile sustainment. Thus, this study significantly advances theoretical understanding by introducing a serial mediation model that elucidates their mechanisms in impacting agile infusion. It extends prior organisational-level findings to the team-level. The study’s quantitative verification of qualitative findings strengthens their generalisability to a broader spectrum of teams. It pioneers in expounding the constructs’ relative importance, performance and necessity, to offer actionable insights for agile practitioners. Finally, it provides methodological guidance to apply importance performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis in agile software development research. Adult
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Conquerors of poverty – a case study of Colombo slum dwellers
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-02-07) Nanayakkara Wasam Mudage, K; Weerasinghe, N; Madusanka, M; Saliya, C.A; Lokeshwara, A. A; Jayatissa, C. D
Purpose: While extensive research has explored poverty in various dimensions, there remains a notable dearth of studies focusing on success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity. This research seeks to address this gap by investigating the strategies employed by individuals to transcend poverty. Moreover, it evaluates the practicality and effectiveness of existing theories in real-world contexts through careful interpretation. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered from two distinct cases through comprehensive, in-depth interviews. These narratives were subjected to scrutiny employing the Description Analysis Interpretation method. Subsequent interpretation and theoretical exploration were guided by Bourdieu’s class theory. The overarching goal was to shed light on the remarkable journeys of specific slum residents who surpassed the constraints of poverty. This endeavor not only highlighted the practical efficacy of these theories but also underscored their relevance in illuminating real-world scenarios through interpretation. Findings: The findings underscore the capacity of slum dwellers to rise above poverty, thereby emphasizing the practical utility of specific theories aimed at poverty alleviation in elucidating their experiences. Notably, social capital, a cornerstone of Bourdieu’s class theory, emerges as equally pivotal as economic capital in shaping individuals' trajectories. Research limitations/implications: The study’s scope is confined to narratives within the Colombo slums, offering a platform for future researchers to extend their investigations beyond this context. By employing alternative methodologies and exploring diverse geographical regions, scholars can broaden their understanding of poverty alleviation strategies and their applicability across varied socioeconomic landscapes. This calls for wider research for comprehensive exploration and comprehension of poverty dynamics beyond singular locales. Practical implications: The study provides invaluable insights for policymakers, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations, urging them to reconsider and reformulate policies, educational strategies and community development programs tailored to the needs of slum dwellers and their children. These insights offer a pathway toward more effective interventions aimed at fostering sustainable upliftment within these marginalized communities. Originality/value: This research fills a critical gap in poverty literature by exploring success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity, an area often overlooked. It uniquely investigates the strategies these individuals employ to transcend poverty, offering fresh insights into the practical application of poverty alleviation theories. Utilizing Bourdieu’s class theory, the study highlights the importance of both social and economic capital in these success narratives. By focusing on real-life experiences, it underscores the relevance and utility of these theories in real-world contexts, enriching the theoretical discourse and providing valuable perspectives for policymakers and practitioners.Poverty
Open Access
Unveiling the Economic Determinants of Child Labour in Africa: A Comprehensive Study of 37 Countries
(Springer Nature, 2025-02-28) Muthugala, H; Magammana, T; Bandara, A; Perera, A; Jayathilaka, R
This study investigates the impact of unemployment, household income and expenditure, globalisation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) on child labour across 37 African countries from 2010 to 2021, employing panel and multiple linear regression models. The findings reveal diverse impacts: rising unemployment significantly increased child labour in countries like Ethiopia and Niger, while in Cameroon and Kenya, it had a negative effect. Globalisation’s influence varied, strongly reducing child labour in Ghana but exacerbating it in Burundi. Household income and expenditure generally reduced child labour, particularly in Ethiopia and Zambia. The effect of FDI was also mixed, decreasing child labour in Madagascar but increasing it in countries with weaker governance. These insights underscore the necessity for tailored, country-specific policies that consider local economic conditions and governance quality. Future efforts to combat child labour must focus on developing sustainable solutions that address these complex dynamics.
Open Access
Interweaving globalisation and growth: A causal exploration across income levels
(Elsevier, 2025-02-28) Sandanayaka, I; Rathnayake, D; Athalage, D; Wijesuriya, P; Jayathilaka, R
Economic growth is a crucial global macroeconomic goal and globalisation is widely regarded as a key driver of growth in today's interconnected world. However, previous studies have largely examined this relationship in a generalised manner, often without allocating equal focus to the multiple dimensions of globalisation. This study explores the causal relationship between economic growth and globalisation—encompassing its economic, social, and political dimensions—across 97 countries grouped by income level. The analysis spans 51 years (1971–2021) and employed the Panel Granger Causality Test. Unlike most existing studies, which primarily focus on global and country-level trends, the current findings disclose a bidirectional relationship between economic growth and globalisation in both high and low-income groups. The results also reveal a growth driven globalisation in the upper-middle-income group, and a globalisation-driven growth in the lower-middle income group. Accordingly, policy recommendations are formulated in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations and tailored to income specific contexts to assist stakeholders in drafting effective and personalised strategies. These include promoting sustainable production practices and technology transfers in low-income nations, enhancing policies to support international trade in the lower-middle-income group, investing in human capital development in upper-middle-income nations, and encouraging technological advancements in high-income nations. This study contributes to the empirical literature on the globalisation-growth nexus across income classifications, offering intricate and timely insights spanning a fifty-year timeframe.
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Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Impact of Board Gender Diversity on Firm Financial Performance in Sri Lanka
(Wiley, 2025-03-05) Kaluarachchi, S
The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of board gender diversity on the financial performance of firms in SriLanka. While extensive research has been conducted in developed countries, this study addresses the gap in literature by exam-ining how cultural and economic differences influence the relationship between gender diversity and corporate performance.Understanding this relationship in developing countries is crucial for shaping inclusive corporate governance policies and pro-moting sustainable development in diverse economic contexts. This study employs secondary data from the annual reports oflisted companies over the period 2012–2022, using panel regression and multiple linear regression models to explore the rela-tionship between board gender diversity and firm financial performance. The findings reveal that, despite Sri Lanka's corporateboards being predominantly male-dominated, the inclusion of female directors is positively associated with improved financialperformance. This is evident through factors such as the presence of female directors, female chairpersons, board size, CEOduality and firm age. In contrast, independent directors and leverage are found to have a negative impact on performance. Thestudy provides valuable insights for researchers, investors and policymakers, offering a roadmap for enhancing gender diversityin Sri Lanka's corporate governance and promoting sustainable development
Open Access
Restoring life expectancy in low-income countries: the combined impact of COVID-19, health expenditure, GDP, and child mortality
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-03-06) Karunarathne, M.; Buddhika, P; Priyamantha, A; Mayogya, P; Jayathilaka, R; Dayapathirana, N
Background: Life expectancy is a vital indicator of a country’s health and progress. Low-income countries face uncertainty regarding the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by health expenditure levels, concerns over rising child mortality rates, and decreasing per capita income. These factors challenge life expectancy and demand urgent attention. This study aims to identify patterns, challenges, and opportunities to improve life expectancy in these countries through better health policies and resource allocation. Methods: The research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, health expenditure, per capita income, and child mortality rates on life expectancy in low-income countries. By examining 22 years of data from 20 countries, using a comprehensive dataset from the Our World in Data database, this study employs panel regression and time series analysis to explore how these factors influence life expectancy. Results: The findings indicate a significant negative effect of COVID-19 on life expectancy, while health expenditure and per capita income show a positive impact. Conversely, child mortality rates exert a negative effect on life expectancy in low-income countries. Conclusion: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by analysing how COVID-19, health expenditure, per capita income, and child mortality collectively affect life expectancy in low-income countries. The insights gained may inform policymakers and health consultants about the need for targeted interventions, prioritising healthcare investment and child health. By addressing these critical areas, it may be possible to improve life expectancy and overall health outcomes, thus contributing to global health equity. © The Author(s) 2025.