Research Publications Authored by SLIIT Staff

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This collection includes all SLIIT staff publications presented at external conferences and published in external journals. The materials are organized by faculty to facilitate easy retrieval.

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2018 - 201912020 - 20211

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Author: search.filters.author.Vyas, DSubject: search.filters.subject.ICTD

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    Exploring Entrepreneurial Activities in Marginalized Widows: A Case from Rural Sri Lanka
    (Association for Computing Machinery, 2021-04-22) Rathnayake, U. A; Halloluwa, T; Bandara, p; Narasinghe, M; Vyas, D
    In some developing countries, widows are looked down upon and are often considered inauspicious especially in rural regions. Some societies even consider them and their issues invisible. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study focused on understanding how technology could facilitate entrepreneurial and DIY activities of widows from rural Sri Lanka. We conducted semi-structured interviews and field observations with thirteen widows from low socio-economic backgrounds, who were involved in various small-scale entrepreneurial activities. Our findings showed three central aspects associated with their entrepreneurial activities which can be supported through technology: initial stages of entrepreneurship, balancing work with life, and dealing with exploitations. This paper explores how gender inequality in a social context affects marginalized women in rural Sri Lanka in conducting their entrepreneurial efforts. In particular, we highlight resilient practices that the participants apply to support their entrepreneurial activities. With an "assets-based approach" we conclude by providing implications for policymakers, media, and HCI practitioners to support this inbuilt resilience by leveraging their current assets.
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    Value for money: co-designing with underbanked women from rural Sri Lanka
    (Association for Computing Machinery, 2018-12-04) Halloluwa, T; Bandara, P; Usoof, H; Vyas, D
    This paper presents findings from a set of co-design workshops aimed at identifying the core values of underbanked women from rural Sri Lanka, associated with their everyday financial practices and experiences. We sought to gain in-depth insights into the aspirations, rationales, and concerns of this demography, where traditionally household finances are handled by men. In collaboration with a Microfinance Institute (MFI), we carried out two co-design workshops involving 17 participants. We used group discussions and various design activities such as persona creation to enable participants to share their experiences related to household finances. From our findings, three central values associated with household finances came out strongly: Supporting Family, Independence, and Spiritual Beliefs. We conclude by reflecting on the values identified while providing suggestions to support those through technology