Business School Q1

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Accessibility and usability of virtual learning platforms: Lived experiences of visually impaired undergraduates in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-03-12) Rajapakshe, W; Wickramaarachchi, C; Alwis, M.K. S.S; Amarasinghe, A.A. M.L; Jayasekara, P.N; Jayasekara, P.T
This study explores the accessibility and usability of virtual learning platforms of visually impaired undergraduate students in Sri Lanka, focusing on their lived experiences, use of assistive technologies, and institutional support mechanisms. As online learning becomes increasingly prevalent, accessibility and inclusive challenges persist, particularly in developing countries with limited infrastructure and institutional support. Despite the availability of assistive technologies, visually impaired learners frequently encounter barriers, including poorly designed platforms, limited usability of screen readers, and inadequate institutional guidance. Addressing a critical research gap, this study investigates how visually impaired undergraduates experience and navigates virtual learning environments to identify accessibility barriers, enabling practices, and context-specific strategies for inclusive digital learning. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen visually impaired university students across Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis revealed five core themes: barriers and challenges to effective virtual learning, preferred virtual platforms, accessibility features and tools, facilitators of learning success, and strategies to optimise the learning environment. These findings illuminate how systemic inequalities, infrastructural limitations, and institutional neglect collectively constrain the digital learning experience for visually impaired students, while also highlighting enabling practices that foster access and inclusion. The study's originality lies in foregrounding student-led insights in a developing country context and integrating practical, context-specific recommendations for platform developers, educators, and policymakers. By centering the voices of visually impaired learners, this research contributes unique and actionable knowledge to the field of inclusive digital education.
Open Access
Achieving zero hunger: A global policy lens on food security drivers and income group disparities
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-01-19) Pulle, N; Sampath, P; Perera, S; Wijayaweera, D; Jayathilaka, R
Many countries struggle to meet their daily dietary requirements despite numerous attempts to address the existing demand. Consequently, this study collectively analyses the impact of urbanisation, renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions, population growth, gross domestic product per capita and agricultural land on food production relying on Sen’s Entitlement Theory, thus providing insights to resolve the long-standing issue of food insecurity, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The study utilises a stepwise panel ordered Probit model on 146 countries, for the years 1993 to 2023. It further categorises the food production index into three categories of food security as; low, moderate and high, thereby enabling discussion of the likelihood of a country falling into one of the aforementioned food security categories over the years. Urbanisation, agricultural land, and the dummy variables introduced to represent the income groups have been identified to have a significant and favourable relationship with the food production index. In contrast, the greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy variables have a significantly inverse impact on the food production index. This makes a unique contribution to the existing body of literature, especially by comparing odds over the years, across different food secure categories, countries, and their specific income levels. This study enables policymakers to gain a comprehensive historical perspective on each case. This study further promotes the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting areas where these goals have been negatively impacted. Additionally, the study discusses optimised investment allocations, agricultural research and development, agricultural technology, climate resilient farming, and sustainable urbanisation planning as solutions for extreme cases
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Addressing Child Labour in SAARC: The Synergy of Education, Health and Economic Growth Towards SDGs
(John Wiley and Sons, 2025-11-09) Muthugala, H; Magammana, T; Perera, A; Bandara, A; Jayathilaka, R
Child labour remains a critical socio-economic challenge in the SAARC region, closely linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study investigates the determinants of child labour by examining the roles of education, health and economic growth using a robust methodological framework. The analysis captures the non-linear country-specific relationships between these variables and child labour, employing advanced methodological approaches, including multiple polynomials, stepwise and simple polynomial regression. The findings reveal a complex interplay of factors, with each variable showing positive and negative effects on child labour in country-specific contexts. Improved access to education generally reduces child labour, but disparities in quality and affordability can have the opposite effect. Health improvements significantly lower child labour rates, yet unequal healthcare access perpetuates exploitation among vulnerable groups. Economic growth shows dual effects: it promotes adult employment and alleviates poverty, yet unregulated expansion in specific sectors can heighten the demand for child labour. This study makes a novel contribution by integrating socio-economic determinants with child labour within a regional framework, providing actionable insights while aligning with SDGs 3, 4, 8 and 8.7. Key policy recommendations include fostering regional collaboration, ensuring access to free education, enacting and enforcing new laws, improving healthcare infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. These measures align with global SDG commitments but aim to secure a brighter future for the region's children by achieving these goals by 2030.
Open Access
AI-Driven Adaptive Security for Sensor Networks: Next-Generation Firewalls for Attack Detection
(John Wiley and Sons, 2025-07-25) Meegammana, N.W; Fernando, H
Sensor networks are increasingly critical in modern smart environments; however, their limited computational resources expose them to sophisticated cyber threats. Traditional static firewalls and computationally intensive deep learning models are impractical for securing such networks. This study proposes an adaptive next-generation firewall (NGFW) that dynamically switches between shallow and deep AI models based on real-time network load and resource availability. Four neural network models were trained using 20 and 40-feature subsets of the UNSW-NB15 dataset. Two runtime strategies (i) on-demand model loading and (ii) preloaded model switching were developed and evaluated through simulation under real-time conditions. Experimental results indicate that the preloaded approach achieves up to 96% accuracy, 98% precision, and 4-ms inference latency, with a memory footprint of 19 MB, outperforming static AI firewalls in both efficiency and scalability. The proposed NGFW framework offers a resilient and scalable solution for real-time attack detection in resource-constrained environments without requiring frequent model retraining. Future enhancements include hybrid shallow–deep model architectures, continuous federated learning for decentralized adaptability, and the integration of explainable AI to enhance transparency and trustworthiness in edge security deployments.
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Air pollution, socioeconomic development, and ischaemic heart disease mortality in Asia
(Springer Science and Business Media, 2026-07) Cooray, D; Jayathilaka, R
Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) remains one of the leading causes of global mortality. Recent evidence indicates a persistent upward trend in IHD mortality in Asia, despite declines in many other regions. Increasing exposure to ambient air pollution, together with socioeconomic and behavioural transitions, suggests that environmental and social determinants may play an important role in shaping regional cardiovascular outcomes. This study investigates the combined influence of air pollution, socioeconomic development, behavioural factors, and pathological conditions on IHD mortality across 31 Asian countries from 2000 to 2021. Panel regression techniques were employed to capture temporal dynamics and cross-country heterogeneity. These were complemented by country-specific linear regressions to identify differential national-level effects. The analysis focuses on ambient particulate matter (PM2.5), alcohol consumption, anaemia prevalence, and the Human Development Index (HDI). The results show that a one-litre increase in per-capita alcohol consumption is associated with approximately eight additional IHD deaths per 100,000 population. Higher anaemia prevalence also significantly increases mortality risk. In addition, a 1% increase in PM2.5 exposure associated with approximately 0.4 additional IHD deaths per 100,000 population, highlighting the cardiovascular burden of poor air quality. In contrast, higher levels of socioeconomic development, reflected by improvements in HDI, are associated with a substantial reduction in IHD mortality. These findings highlight the need for integrated policy responses that combine air quality regulation with health, nutrition, and socioeconomic development strategies. Strengthening air pollution control, together with broader socioeconomic interventions, is essential for reducing the growing cardiovascular burden in Asia.
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Alcohol Consumption and Stroke Mortality: Global Patterns, Risks and Public Health Implications
(Springer, 2025-05-07) Kolonne, T; Mudalige, K; Dissanayaka, G; Rathnayake, K; Jayathilaka, R; Rajamanthri, L; Wickramaarachchi, C
Globally, stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability, while alcohol consumption continues to vary widely across regions, prompting concern over its health impacts. This study examines the association between different alcoholic beverages and stroke mortality, using secondary data from 1990 to 2020. Alcohol consumption and stroke death rates across 189 countries were categorized into five levels, from very high to very low, and averaged over two periods (1990–1999 and 2011–2020). Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was applied to assess relationships among four categorical variables. The findings indicate a significant association between very high alcohol consumption and increased stroke mortality, with eight countries showing elevated death rates. Conversely, moderate beer consumption was linked to reduced stroke mortality, suggesting nuanced effects based on beverage type and quantity. These insights offer a foundation for targeted public health policies and emphasize the need for further investigation into the mechanisms driving alcohol-related stroke risks.
Open Access
Assessing the influence of diverse skills on employability outcomes for IT undergraduates
(Public Library of Science, 2026-04-10) Senadheera, D; Wisenthige, K
Rapid technological advancements have reshaped the global job market, emphasizing the importance of specialized competencies such as user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, alongside technical and interpersonal skills.. This study examines how UI/UX skills (UIUX), soft skills (SS), and technical skills (TS) influence the employability (EP) of IT undergraduates in Sri Lanka, addressing a notable gap in existing literature that often examines these competencies in isolation and predominantly within Western contexts. The current study offers a detailed examination of employability determinants in Sri Lanka’s IT sector by incorporating gender as a moderating factor and investigating the mediating roles of self-efficacy (SE) and proficiency levels (LP). The collection of data involved 345 IT undergraduates participating in structured surveys, which were subsequently analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that gender significantly affects the relationship between soft skills and technical skills with employability, underscoring differences in the assessment of these competencies among different genders. Moreover, the degree of proficiency influences the connection between technical skills and employability, yet it does not play a significant mediating role in the relationship between soft skills and UI/UX employability. Self-efficacy has proven to be a significant mediator across various skill categories UI/UX, soft, and technical highlighting its essential function in converting competencies into career success. This work seeks to add to existing knowledge by tackling the main significant gap of examining the combined effect of UI/UX, soft, and technical skills on employability. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of employability by presenting an integrated model that elucidates the complex interactions among skills, mediators, and gender within the Sri Lankan IT sector. The results provide actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, advocating for curriculum alignment with industry needs and the promotion of self-efficacy through mentorship and experiential learning.
Open Access
Brain drain or economic gain? Untangling the global migration-growth puzzle through causality and time-frequency lenses
(Elsevier, 2025-07-22) Dissanayake, P.; Chloe, L; Azmi, Y; Landersz, S; Jayathilaka, R
This study investigates the complex causal relationships between net migration and economic growth at the global, income group, and country levels, framing these dynamics within the evolving landscape of global economic integration and disparities, thereby addressing the enduring “brain drain or economic gain” debate. The analysis is conducted employing the latest available panel data from 1990 to 2023 for 154 countries. Additionally, several advance analytical techniques including Juodis, Karavias and Sarafidis non-causality test and Wavelet Transform Coherence is utilised to investigate relationships across multiple scales and time frequencies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior research has examined these dynamics using these methods. Additionally, a novel visualisation technique called Lucius Jesper Chloe heatmap, was utilised to depict the Granger causalities. The findings confirm a relationship between migration and economic growth on a global scale. Further analysis reveals bidirectional and unidirectional relationships within income groups and countries. Finally, implications are made for policymakers to develop economic policies that leverage the economic potential of migration and vice versa.
Open Access
Breaking the cycle: long-term socio economic determinants of child labour in SAARC countries
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-11-19) Magammana, T; Muthugala, H; Bandara, A; Perera, A; Jayathilaka, R
Background: Child labour remains a critical issue in SAARC countries, driven by various socio-economic factors. While previous studies have explored individual determinants, limited research has been conducted on their collective long-term impact. Understanding how structural and economic conditions shape child labour trends is essential for designing effective policy interventions. Methods: This study engages panel cointegration techniques to examine the long-term relationship between child labour and key socio-economic drivers in SAARC countries. It assesses the impact of education, access to healthcare, economic conditions, labour market dynamics, foreign investment, and urbanisation on the prevalence of child labour. Results: The findings confirm a stable, long-term relationship between child labour and these determinants in each SAARC country. Improvements in education and health significantly reduce child labour. However, economic growth and urbanisation have complex, country-specific effects. Higher unemployment and increased FDI may also influence child labour, emphasising the need for targeted policy responses. Conclusions: The study highlights the significance of ongoing investments in education and healthcare. Labour market reforms are crucial to mitigate the impact of unemployment, while inclusive economic policies ensure that growth benefits vulnerable populations. Targeted strategies for FDI and urbanisation are necessary to prevent unintended consequences on child labour. Combating child labour in SAARC countries requires a multi-sectoral approach. Regional collaboration is crucial for sharing best practices, developing unified strategies, and enhancing cross-border initiatives. Holistic policies integrating education, health, and economic planning are key to reducing child labour.
Embargo
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
Bridging the chatbot connection: the role of AI-driven chatbot affordances in e-commerce purchase intentions
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-10-05) Yatawara, K.M.B; Sampath, T; Kalupahana, P.L; Rathnayake, S.O; Jayasuriya, N; Rathnayake, N
Purpose – This paper explores how AI-driven chatbots, using social support and affordance theories, influence consumer behavior and purchase intentions (PIs) in e-commerce, addressing challenges like limited understanding and security concerns. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study was conducted to collect data from 385 customers who had interacted with AI-driven chatbots on e-commerce platforms. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure the relevance of the respondents. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed using SmartPLS 4 to test the hypothesized relationships and analyze the data. Findings – The results show a small direct effect of chatbot affordances on PI, with stronger indirect effects via customer satisfaction (CS) and trust. Notably, trust does not directly influence PI, suggesting a reliance on word-of-mouth. Customer engagement (CE) plays a minor mediating role, highlighting the importance of emotional and experiential factors. Originality/value – This pioneering study within the Sri Lankan context addresses the underexplored area of AI-driven chatbots and their influence on PI. Additionally, the study provides nuanced insights into the mediating mechanisms of CS, trust and engagement in the relationship between chatbot affordances and PI.
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Building tomorrow’s sustainable tourism today: analyzing tourists’ perceptions through online reviews
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-08-12) Jagoda, J; Jayasuriya, N; Dayapathirana, N
urpose Sustainable tourism enhances environmental sustainability, cultural integrity and community well-being, fostering accountable travel experiences. The narrow profit margins in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector necessitate strategies that meet tourists' needs amid market volatility. This research investigates key challenges and solution approaches for sustainable tourism to help Sri Lanka position its tourism industry as a global leader. Design/methodology/approach The research extracted data by reviewing Sri Lankan tourist destinations posted on leading travel websites. An analysis of the quantitative content involved binary coding, optimal scaling and path analysis, using a sample of 384 participants. Findings The research uncovered six main factors, including government responsibilities, social enhancement, destination management, environmental preservation, cultural preservation and service quality. The six key recommendations for improving beach tourism include reasonable pricing, adequate law enforcement, pollution control and measures for protecting tourist attractions, animals and cultural heritage. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to content analysis of online tourist reviews and may not capture the perspectives of all stakeholders, suggesting the need for future multi-source qualitative research. Practical implications The findings provide actionable insights for tourism authorities and service providers to improve destination management, pricing transparency and service quality, thereby aligning with sustainable tourism goals. Social implications The study emphasizes the importance of inclusive tourism strategies that protect cultural heritage and promote community participation. Originality/value The research has established a quantitative method for studying sustainable tourism perspectives among tourists. This study will guide public sector and industrial organizations in their resource management decisions.
Open Access
Carbon emissions across income groups: exploring the role of trade, energy use, and economic growth
(Springer Nature, 2025-07-10) Dharmapriya, N; Gunawardena, V; Methmini, D; Jayathilaka, R; Rathnayake, N
This study investigates the interplay of trade openness, energy consumption, and gross domestic product (GDP) on carbon emissions across different income groups, analysing data from 163 countries from 2000 to 2019. Using panel regression and multiple linear regression techniques, the findings highlight energy consumption as the principal driver of carbon emissions across all income categories, underscoring its central role in environmental sustainability challenges. High-income countries, despite technological advancements, continue to exhibit substantial emissions due to their reliance on fossil fuels. In contrast low-income nations face difficulties in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, often lacking the resources to adopt cleaner energy alternatives. The study emphasises the urgent need for income-specific strategies to reduce carbon emissions, advocating for the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and tailored policy interventions. These insights align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting the integration of economic development with environmental stewardship. By addressing disparities across income levels, this research offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to support equitable and sustainable practices globally.
Open Access
Carbon emissions and global R&D patterns: a wavelet coherence perspective
(Springer, 2025-03-23) Senevirathna, D; Gunawardana, H; Ranthilake, T; Caldera, Y; Jayathilaka, R; Rathnayake, N; Peter, S
This study examines the causality between Research and Development (R&D) and Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at the global level, utilising data gathered from 2000 to 2020 across various countries categorised as developed, developing, economies in transition, and least-developed. The data collected for the study are analysed using the Wavelet coherence methodology. The findings reveal both bidirectional and unidirectional causality between the variables, which have evolved over time. Globally, a bidirectional relationship is present in the short-term, no causality in the medium-term and unidirectional causality in the long-term. Developed countries exhibit a two-way causality in the short-term, while no causality exists in the medium-term and long-term. Developing countries show a bidirectional relationship across all time frequencies. In economies in transition, a bidirectional relationship appears towards the end of the period over the short, medium, and long-term. The least developed countries show no causality in the short and long-term, but a one-way causality in the medium-term. Governments and the policymakers can implement environmental policies to mitigate carbon emissions through R&D. The findings suggest targeted and strategic strategies to enhance the impact of R&D on emissions reduction. Policymakers can use this analysis to prioritize funding for clean energy innovations, establish incentives for low-tech technologies, and promote international cooperation in green technology research. Additionally, focusing on these carbon mechanisms and aligning R&D efforts to support development goals can increase the effectiveness of climate policies, ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
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
Comparative Determinants of Global Competitiveness: Governance, Social Progress, and Economic Trade-Offs
(Wiley, 2025-03-31) Kalansuriya, N; Jayathilaka, R
This study analyses the determinants of global competitiveness in 2018 and 2023, focusing on governance, social progress, economic dynamics, sustainability, and human development. Using an Ordered Probit Regression model, countries are classified into low, middle, and high competitiveness tiers, enabling a structured assessment of how these factors influence rankings over time. The results indicate that reducing corruption and improving social progress are key to enhancing competitiveness across all tiers, as governance quality and human capital investment significantly impact economic advancement. Environmental performance and trade openness present trade-offs: while they support long-term growth, they impose short-term costs, particularly in highly competitive economies. Human development emerges as a consistent driver of upward mobility, emphasising the importance of sustained investment in education and healthcare. This study contributes uniquely by providing a two-year comparative analysis and employing an Ordered Probit Model to assess competitiveness, offering deeper insights into how countries transition between tiers. The findings highlight the need for tailored policy approaches: low-tier nations should prioritise institutional reforms, middle-tier economies should focus on innovation-driven growth, and advanced economies must balance environmental policies with economic sustainability. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers navigating global economic transitions.
Embargo
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
Crises, chaos and contemplations: the impact of economic downturn on academic performance: a study of undergraduate students in private universities in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025-04-02) Thennakoon, S. H; Wijesinghe, K.S; Weerarathna, R. S; Shamila, P; Wickramasinghe, Y
The impact of the economic downturn on academic performance is a matter of significant concern for the Sri Lankan undergraduates. This study examined the impact of the current economic recession on the academic achievements of undergraduate students enrolled in private universities in the Colombo district. A sample of 380 undergraduate students was selected from a population of around 40,000 using cluster sampling, and data were collected via online questionnaires. The study employed a quantitative research approach, with multiple linear regression analysis conducted using SPSS. Independent variables of this study are the economic status of students’ families, ability to fulfil academic needs, students’ expectations, and mental health, while academic performance is the dependent variable. The research findings highlight how mental health and the ability to fulfil academic needs make a considerable impact on academic performance. Therefore, expanding future studies is highly recommended to investigate the comprehensive picture of the impact on undergraduate students in Sri Lanka.
Embargo
Crisis and credit: tackling corporate NPLs in Sri Lanka
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-09-09) Weerasekara, K.C; Saliya, C.A; Lakmal, K.T.P; Medagedara, R.M
Purpose Explores strategies that private licensed commercial banks formulate to manage Non-performing Loans (NPLs) for struggling corporate borrowers under challenging economic conditions in Sri Lanka. This study critically evaluates traditional NPL management approaches and their obstacles, suggesting a unique framework to manage NPLs. Design/methodology/approach Study sampled five severely affected private licensed commercial banks listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Data is collected through semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Thematic Analysis and Grounded Theory techniques. The 20-in-depth interviews with bank professionals in corporate credit management form a theory. Findings Final theory emphasizes successful NPL resolving strategy entails the adaptive implementation of a systematic approach underpinned by strategic vigilance of banks, ensuring resilience and responsiveness to dynamic financial landscapes. Originality/value Study presents a unique holistic modern approach to managing NPLs challenging traditional reliance on the 5Cs framework. Study lightens paradoxes exist in literature with viable approaches in managing NPLs. The methodology and unique qualitative data analysis approach broadly theorized and descriptively provide a significant guide to what any strategy commercial banks implement in resolving NPLs for corporate borrowers under a challenging economy should look like.
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.