SLIIT Conference and Symposium Proceedings

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All SLIIT faculties annually conduct international conferences and symposiums. Publications from these events are included in this collection.

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Open Access
A Comparative Study on Narrative Techniques in the Novel Deutschstunde and its 2019 Film Adaptation
(Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Bandara, S.I; Wijewardhana, S; Sandaruwan, L.G.S.U.
The adaptation of literary works into films presents unique challenges and opportunities in translating narrative techniques across media. This study provides a comparative analysis of narrative techniques employed in Siegfried Lenz’s novel Deutschstunde and its 2019 film adaptation directed by Christian Schwochow. It explores the complexities of transforming a thematically dense literary narrative into the visual and auditory medium of film. The primary research problem addressed is the extent to whichnarrative strategies in Lenz’s novel Deutschstunde differ from its 2019 adaptation. The methodology consists of a qualitative comparative approach incorporating close reading of the novel and detailed frmal analysis of the film. Central narrative aspects focused on are focalisation, temporal structure, character representation, and the presentation of symbolic motifs. Results indicate that while the film effectively utilises cinematic techniques to depict the oppressive setting and Siggi Jepsen’s inner turmoil, it alters the pervasive frame narrative and extensive interior monologue utilised in the novel, subtly shifting the portrayal of the protagonist’s inner journey and the engagement of the audience with memory. This comparative analysis elucidates the adaptive processes, the impact of different media on narrative delivery, and the continuing relevance of Deutschstunde to adaptation studies.
Open Access
A Comparative Study on TiO₂/Graphite–PEG and Graphite/Carbon Fibre- Paraffin Shape Stabilized Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage Applications
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Dananjaya, V; Wen,Q; Abeykoon, C
Shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) are promising candidates for latent heat thermal energy storage systems due to their high energy density and ability to prevent leakage during phase transitions. This study presents a comparative analysis of two SSPCM systems: TiO₂/graphite–polyethylene glycol (PEG) and graphite/carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites. Both composites were prepared by vacuum-assisted infiltration of molten PCMs into porous expanded graphite networks, with the addition of functional fillers to enhance structural integrity and thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct microstructural features for each system; TiO₂ nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed within the PEG matrix and anchored onto graphite surfaces, while carbon fibres and graphene nanoplatelets formed a hierarchical interconnected network within the paraffin-based composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that both systems preserved high latent heat storage capacities with slight shifts in phase transition temperatures compared to pure PCMs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal stability of the SSPCMs relative to neat PCMs, with filler composition significantly affecting degradation onset temperatures. In TiO₂/graphite–PEG composites, DSC analysis showed melting temperatures of 61.4-62.7 °C and solidification temperatures of 53.1-54.0 °C, with latent heats of 185-210 J g⁻¹ depending on TiO₂ content. Graphite/carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites exhibited melting temperatures of 54.8-55.6 °C and solidification temperatures of 48.9-49.7 °C, with latent heats of 140-160 J g⁻¹. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed improved degradation onset temperatures: TiO₂/graphite-PEG composites showed higher thermal stability compared to pure PEG, while carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites exhibited enhanced thermal resistance relative to pure paraffin. The TiO₂/graphite-PEG composites exhibited higher latent heat capacities and enhanced thermal resistance, whereas the graphite/carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites provided superior mechanical reinforcement and phase change reliability. These findings offer insight into the design optimization of SSPCMs tailored for specific thermal management applications.
Open Access
A Comprehensive Review of Most Influential Risk Factors for Dementia among Elderly People in Asian Countries
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ranaweera, G; Dasanayake, C; Kanchana, T
Dementia is characterised by a group of symptoms that are typically defined by memory loss, behavioural changes, and the subsequent loss of cognitive and social functioning caused by progressive neurological disorders. It represents one of the greatest global challenges for health and social care in the 21st century. This review aimed to identify the most influential risk factors for dementia among elderly populations in Asian countries.
Open Access
A Cost-Effective Battery Retrofit for Non-Hybrid Grid-Tied PV Systems to Reduce Solar Energy Loss During Grid Outages
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Jayamanne, N
Conventional grid-tied, non-hybrid photovoltaic systems disconnect from the utility grid during outages, resulting in complete solar energy loss despite continued solar generation. This paper proposes a cost-effective retrofit solution that enables energy harvesting and storage during such outages without requiring inverter replacement or voiding manufacturer warranties. The proposed retrofit integrates three blocking diodes, a two-pole DC magnetic contactor, a DC relay, a bidirectional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) DC–DC battery charger, and a microcontroller-based supervisory controller. Under normal grid-connected conditions, the retrofit remains electrically isolated to preserve the inverter’s original operation. During grid outages, available solar energy is redirected to charge a battery through the bidirectional charger. At night, the stored energy is discharged via controlled current injection into one of the inverter’s MPPT inputs through the diode-protected pathway, enabling up to 12 hours of energy utilization depending on local night duration. This approach mitigates solar energy loss during grid failures, eliminates the need for costly hybrid inverter upgrades, and offers a scalable retrofit pathway for residential and small-commercial PV systems.
Open Access
A Data-Driven Approach to Predicting Ischemic Heart Disease Risk in Monaragala: Integrating Lifestyle and Symptom Factors with Machine Learning
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Meddepola, M.A.R.L.; Wickramasinghe, B.M.G.S.T.S.K.
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and presents a critical challenge in underserved rural areas such as Monaragala, Sri Lanka. Traditional IHD prediction methods predominantly depend on clinical diagnostics like ECGs and blood tests, which are often unavailable or inaccessible in such regions. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a machine learning-based prediction model that utilizes only lifestyle and symptom-related data, eliminating the need for invasive clinical procedures. A dataset comprising lifestyle habits (e.g., diet, smoking, alcohol use, exercise) and symptom indicators (e.g., chest pain, fatigue, dizziness) was collected via surveys. Feature selection using Logistic Regression identified the top eight most relevant predictors. Five machine learning algorithms, Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and Random Forest, were trained and evaluated. Among them, the Random Forest model achieved the highest performance with an accuracy of 83.5%, precision of 0.86, recall of 0.78, and F1- score of 0.81, demonstrating strong predictive capability based solely on non-clinical features. In addition, a web-based self-assessment tool was developed to make the model accessible to the public, particularly targeting individuals in rural areas with limited healthcare access. The tool enables users to input basic lifestyle and symptom information and receive a real-time risk assessment. The findings confirm that the model leveraging lifestyle and symptom data can effectively identify individuals at risk of IHD. This approach supports the development of scalable, low-cost, and user-friendly screening tools that can enhance early detection and preventive care, especially in rural and resource-constrained settings.
Open Access
A Machine Learning Approach to Actuarial Life Table Estimation in Lung Cancer Patients
(Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Tharushika, D. D. H.; Napagoda, N. A. D. N.
Cancer-related mortalities worldwide are most caused by lung cancer, and one of the major causes of passing worldwide is still cancer. A dangerous disease is lung cancer, which requires accurate survival modelling to assist in actuarial evaluations, public health planning, and clinical decisions. Life expectancy and mortality risk across age groups are calculated using essential tools such as actuarial life tables, but complex real-world data is frequently struggled with by traditional methods. Actuarial life tables for patients with lung cancer are created using a data set of more than 500,000 patient records with 15 key variables from 2014 to 2024 across European countries, employing Extreme Gradient Boost Accelerated Failure Time (XGBoost AFT) based survival analysis. The main objective is to develop agespecific mortality rates and life expectancy for patients with lung cancer. In contrast to earlier research that was reliant on traditional models, the nonlinear learning capabilities of XGBoost AFT models areutilized in this study to allow for more accurate estimation of mortality trends. A data-driven, machine learning approach to actuarial life table development is contributed by this study, with information about lung cancer survival patterns being provided. The understanding of survival trends, treatment planning, efficient use of healthcare resources, and assessment of the results of initiatives is aided by physicians, researchers, and policymakers. Public health initiatives focused on early identification and prevention are also guided, as well as future healthcare requirements being forecast.
Open Access
A Novel Hypermatrix Product and its Application to Multilinear Mappings
(Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Senevirathne, S. S. M. A. C.; Athapattu, A. M. C. U. M.; Chathuranga, K. M. N. M.
Matrix theory provides a well-established algebraic framework for working with linear maps, in which matrix multiplication replaces the composition of linear transformations. However, there is no canonical multiplication rule for hypermatrices that leads to multilinear maps, partly because multilinear maps are not closed under composition. To address this gap, this research introduces a novel (restricted) hypermatrix multiplication based on the Frobenius inner product. We start byshowing that every multilinear map 𝑓: 𝑉1 × 𝑉2 × … × 𝑉𝑛 → 𝑉0 gives a hypermatrix representation 𝒜 and defining a contraction operation, which computes 𝑓(𝑣1, 𝑣2, … , 𝑣𝑛 ) through Frobenius inner products between 𝒜 and matrices derived from input vectors. This operation allows for the efficient computation of the hypermatrix of an arbitrary multilinear map. This work provides constructive proofs and detailed numerical examples.
Open Access
A Numerical Investigation of the Potential of Dimpled Surface Configurations to Improve Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Performance of Airfoils
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Fernando, N. N; Nissanka, I; Samaraweera, N
This study investigated the potential of dimpled surface configurations to enhance the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of airfoils. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out on a NACA 0012 airfoil featuring surface dimples, under flow conditions relevant to low-speed aerodynamic applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light aircraft, and small-scale wind turbines. The simulations were conducted at a Reynolds number of 700,000 and a Mach number of 0.21, representing typical subsonic operating conditions. Two angle of attack, 5° and 10°, were examined to represent attached flow and near-stall behavior, respectively. Aerodynamic performance was evaluated through lift and drag coefficients, while aeroacoustic characteristics were analyzed using Overall Sound Pressure Level (OASPL) with directivity plots and frequency spectrum analysis based on the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic analogy. Key findings indicate that the dimpled configuration enhances flow behavior by increasing lift and reducing drag at a 10° Angle of Attack (AoA), primarily through delayed separation and modified stall onset characteristics. Aeroacoustic analysis showed a noise reduction of 2–7 dB at various receiver positions at a 10° AoA, with reductions varying by observer angle and frequency, confirming the directional sensitivity of noise emissions. These insights contribute to the understanding of passive flow control mechanisms and their dual impact on aerodynamic performance and noise reduction in airfoil design
Open Access
A Numerical Investigation of Valve Timing and Intake Pressure Effects on Performance and Emissions in a Hydrogen Port Fuel Injection Engine
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Wickramaarachchi, I; Nissanka, I. D; Wijeyakulasuriya, S
Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICEs) offer a viable low-emission alternative for decarbonizing transport, especially where full electrification is not practical. Among fueling strategies, port fuel injection (PFI) is particularly attractive due to its compatibility with existing engine platforms and simplicity compared to direct injection (DI). Performance and emissions in hydrogen PFI engines are strongly influenced by valve timing and intake boosting strategies. This study presents a computational framework to investigate the coupled effects of valve timing and intake pressure on the performance, thermal efficiency, and NOx emissions of a hydrogen PFI engine under fuel-lean conditions (ϕ = 0.59). A modified Sandia optical engine geometry was simulated using CONVERGE CFD v4.1, employing detailed chemistry and adaptive mesh refinement. Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) was employed to generate 373 design cases that span a wide parametric space. Results show that intake boosting significantly improves performance, achieving a 220% increase in indicated power (up to 43.55 kW) and an 11% improvement in thermal efficiency (up to 48.7%) over the baseline configuration. However, these gains are accompanied by elevated NOx emissions, particularly at higher valve overlaps. Conversely, the configuration that achieved the lowest NOx emissions reduced them by 76% compared to the baseline, albeit at the expense of lower power and efficiency. The three configurations representing the most favorable outcomes for power, efficiency, and emissions within the studied parameter space highlight the inherent trade-offs among these objectives. These results provide practical guidance for calibrating hydrogen PFI engines and establish a solid foundation for future studies incorporating formal optimization methods.
Open Access
A Numerical Investigation of Valve Timing and Intake Pressure Effects on Performance and Emissions in a Hydrogen Port Fuel Injection Engine
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Wickramaarachchi, I; Nissanka, I.D; Wijeyakulasuriya, S
Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICEs) offer a viable low-emission alternative for decarbonizing transport, especially where full electrification is not practical. Among fueling strategies, port fuel injection (PFI) is particularly attractive due to its compatibility with existing engine platforms and simplicity compared to direct injection (DI). Performance and emissions in hydrogen PFI engines are strongly influenced by valve timing and intake boosting strategies. This study presents a computational framework to investigate the coupled effects of valve timing and intake pressure on the performance, thermal efficiency, and NOx emissions of a hydrogen PFI engine under fuel-lean conditions (ϕ = 0.59). A modified Sandia optical engine geometry was simulated using CONVERGE CFD v4.1, employing detailed chemistry and adaptive mesh refinement. Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) was employed to generate 373 design cases that span a wide parametric space. Results show that intake boosting significantly improves performance, achieving a 220% increase in indicated power (up to 43.55 kW) and an 11% improvement in thermal efficiency (up to 48.7%) over the baseline configuration. However, these gains are accompanied by elevated NOx emissions, particularly at higher valve overlaps. Conversely, the configuration that achieved the lowest NOx emissions reduced them by 76% compared to the baseline, albeit at the expense of lower power and efficiency. The three configurations representing the most favorable outcomes for power, efficiency, and emissions within the studied parameter space highlight the inherent trade-offs among these objectives. These results provide practical guidance for calibrating hydrogen PFI engines and establish a solid foundation for future studies incorporating formal optimization methods.
Open Access
A Participatory Approach to Developing Adolescent Support Groups Focusing on Social Emotional Wellbeing: Lessons from a Community-Based Intervention Conducted in Gothamipura, Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Jayatilake, P; Gunawardana, R; Goonetilleke, N
Adolescent mental health remains a growing concern in underserved urban communities in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to develop a culturally relevant support group model for adolescents in Gothamipura using a participatory approach. The objectives were to create a replicable context-sensitive intervention, enhancesocial-emotional wellbeing of participating adolescents, and offer a replicable framework for developing community-based psychosocial interventions in similar settings. The methodology involved two phases. The first phase involved focused group discussions and consultations with adolescents to understand social emotional focus areas. The second phase included designing sessions, pilot testing, and multiple feedbackand impact assessment sessions. A total of 26 sessions were conducted over 12 months, leading to the development of a support group model with 12 sessions. The model focused on three core areas: emotional awareness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Session content was refined iteratively basedon facilitator observations and participant feedback. Impact assessments showed improved understanding of emotions, greater awareness of distress tolerance strategies, and increased engagement in interpersonal skills, though comprehension levels varied among participants. The structured yet adaptable framework that emerged to develop the model highlights the importance of grounding psychosocial interventions inthe lived experiences of adolescents and incorporating continuous feedback throughout the development process. While the model showed promise, limitations included the absence of pre-post quantitative evaluation and challenges in sustaining the intervention beyond facilitator-led sessions. This study contributes to existing knowledge by demonstrating how participatory methods can support the design oflocally meaningful psychosocial programs for adolescents in low-resource, and marginalized settings.
Open Access
A Poisson Mixture Model of Claim Counts to Improve Insurance Claim Predictions Using Incomplete Data/ Asymmetric Data: A Case Study with Telematics Insurance
(2025-10-10) Peiris, K. G. H. S.; Sampath, J. K. H.; Premarathna, L. P. N. D
In the evolving landscape of insurance analytics, integrating traditional and telematics data is pivotal for enhancing the accuracy of claim predictions. This study introduces a two-fold approach utilizing a Poisson mixture model to merge these distinct data streams effectively. Initially, we apply the Poisson mixture model to traditional insurance features common to both datasets, employing Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) and Metropolis-Hastings algorithms separately for model fitting. Subsequently,the predicted claim counts derived from the Poisson mixture model are used as an offset to fit a Poisson generalized linear model (GLM) exclusively with telematics-based features. Our focus is on assessing the suitability of HMC and Metropolis-Hastings for addressing data integration challenges within Poisson mixture frameworks. Comparative analysis reveals that while HMC demands more computational time to achieve convergence, it exhibits superior performance in parameter estimation in scenarios with increased model complexity. This study underscores the potential of advanced Monte Carlo methods in refining predictive models by leveraging the synergy between traditional and telematics data sources.
Open Access
A Qualitative Exploration of Pet Ownership and its Perceived Impact on Mental Health and Cultural Perspectives among Young Adults in Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rodrigo, R. J; Goonethilleke, N
Pets have the capacity to offer unconditional love and support through companionship, positively influencing emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. Guided by the Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) framework, this qualitative study explored the views on pet ownership and mental health among young adults in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven pet owners aged 20 to 22. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (1) Psychological impact and emotional support, (2) Responsibility and daily structure, (3) Cultural and societal contexts, and (4) Fostering social connections. The findings highlight the meaningful contributions of pet ownership to reduced stress and anxiety, increased empathy, improved emotional regulation, and a sense of routine and responsibility, with cultural and familial factors shaping experiences. Pets occasionally served as social facilitators. Overall, findings suggest that pet ownership may offer valuable support for young adults’ mental health and wellbeing in the Sri Lankan context.
Open Access
A Right to Explanation for Algorithmic Credit Decisions in the UK
(School of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, 2025-10-10) Lui, A
Algorithmic processing of credit data is widely used in UK banks. ‘Algorithmic processing’ refers to the processing of personal and non-personal data by automated systems. This includes artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as machine learning models. The widely used description: ‘black box’ phenomenon, refers to the challenges of how and why algorithms arrive at a decision, given specific data input. The phrase ‘black box’ is used because such machine learning algorithms are very complex and constantly adapt to new input through ‘deep learning’. ‘Deep learning’ is a sub-set of machine learning. It allows computers to learn and think independently. In ‘deep learning’ technology, the decision-making process is often opaque and difficult to explain in a way that can be easily understood by humans. This inscrutability can lead to distrust in algorithms. The stakes are especially high when such algorithms are applied to decisions on access to finance because some of the most inscrutable machine learning models are used.
Open Access
A Study on the Challenges Faced When Interpreting Expressions Made in Sri Lankan Sign Language into Sinhala
(Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Madushani, B. L
Sign Language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Like other world languages, it has systematic grammatical and morphological structures. It is the primary mode of communication for individuals with hearing impairments. In Sri Lanka, many deaf children born into deaf families, use Sri Lankan Sign Language (SLSL) as their mother tongue. As such, deaf signers use SLSL fluently, embodying its cultural and community-specific nuances. However, it is observed that when translating ideas conveyed through SLSL into Sinhala, numerous challenges arise. Against this background, this study attempts to identify the key linguistic, cultural, and technical obstacles encountered in translating from SLSL into Sinhala and explore strategies for mitigating them. In this context, the data were collected from fifteen professional and community-based sign language interpreters via semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and Google Forms surveys. The findings emphasize the challenges posed by the variations in the signing pace, regionaland abbreviated variants, semantic shifts, form–movement variations, grammatical incompatibility, lack of deaf cultural awareness, detection difficulties, community signing preferences, and unstructured signing. These challenges lead to misinterpretation, loss of meaning, and communicative reakdowns. Recommendations, include standardizing SLSL through a national corpus and lexicon, establishing accredited interpreter training programs, integrating deaf cultural competency modules, promoting public awareness, and leveraging technology such as video annotation tools. Implementing these measures is supposed to facilitate high-quality SLSL to Sinhala interpretation, ultimately empowering deaf individuals and fosteringinclusive communication in Sri Lanka.
Open Access
A sustainable nursing and midwifery partnership research network improving patient care
(School of Nursing, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Phillips, Nikki (Nicole)
The focus of this presentation is Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery sustainable Research Network and its contributions through the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research. The Research Network has pioneered academic-industry partnerships, embedding researchers within major health services in Victoria, Australia.The first health service partnership was established in 1996 with the appointment of a Clinical Chair in Nursing, and the network has since grown to be large, wide reaching and sustainable, resulting in health services that together provide care for over three million Victorians annually. The three key research pillars underpinning the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research are patient safety, patient experience, and health workforce in the context of a variety of healthcare settings. Today, the School has one of the largest nursing and midwifery professoriates in Australia. These include Chairs in Nursing or Chairs in Midwifery, and most recently an Associate Professor in MentalHealth Nursing, all jointly appointed by the University and health services, that leadresearch teams focused on improving patient and maternity outcomes. The teams of researchers in each health service collaborate widely with clinicians and other researchers to generate knowledge, synthesise evidence, and translate evidence into practice. In addition, clinicians are supported to undertake research degrees, further building research capacity and leadership in the health service. Examples of impact of the sustainable network will be showcased.
Embargo
Abandonment of paddy lands and its causal factors in Bentota Pahalagamhaya Agrarian service division, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2022-09-15) Hansika, A.H; Amarasinghe, S.T.C; Sandamali, T.G.I
Paddy is the most significant and highly valued crop in Sri Lanka. Paddy cultivation has been given top priority in the agriculture industry due to its strong links to food security and the socioeconomic development of the rural community. Paddy is the most significant commercial crop in the Galle district of the Low Country Wet Zone (LCWZ). However, the Galle district has a substantial amount of abandoned paddy land due to various circumstances. Abandoned paddy lands have an impact on paddy production, rural livelihood and food security in Sri Lanka. Therefore the objectives are to identify factors affecting paddy land abandonment and farmers' willingness to recultivate abandoned paddy lands in Pahalagamhaya Agrarian service division. One hundred paddy farmers with abandoned paddy lands were selected by purposive sampling while adopting a questionnaire survey method to perform multiple regression analysis and descriptive statistics. Frequent flood conditions, wild animal damage, poor drainage system, salinity and inadequate infrastructure facilities were identified as the factors that affect paddy land abandonment according to the results of multiple regression analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed that 69% of farmers are willing to re-cultivate abandoned paddy lands. The findings will aid the government and other responsible organizations in the effective management and control of the factors that cause paddy land abandonment in Bentota, Pahalagamhaya Agrarian service division. Reducing the number of abandoned paddy lands will help boost the food security in this area.
Embargo
Academic Research and Technology Transfer from University to Industry: Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward for Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Punchihewa, N. S.
Universities are at the frontier of knowledge, research, innovation and cutting-edge technology. Therefore, converting university research outcome into commercial success has attracted significant attention among policymakers in developed and developing nations alike in recent years. As it is evident, universities around the world are currently embracing a paradigm shift in academic research commercialization, in addition to traditional university mission. Based on the ’Triple Helix’ model of innovation, the universities are to create ‘academic entrepreneurship.’ Relying upon the landmark legislation of the US, commonly known as the ‘Bayh-Dole Act’ leading universities in many countries have established their own university technology transfer offices (TTOs). The Sri Lankan university system is no exception to this international development. Given the critical and urgent need, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka has introduced a new legal initiative; namely, the Commission Circular (University Business Linkage) No. 10 of 2016 and guidelines for its implementation. The Circular requires universities to implement an IP Policy at universities, promote the creation of university spin-offs and research cooperation between business and the university, among others. To further this policy objective, all fifteen state universities and a number of non-state sector higher education institutions have established the University Business Linkage (UBL) Cells in compliance with provisions of the said Circular. Therefore, the universities in Sri Lanka have perceived the mandate of teaching, research and creating co-operative extension to provide innovative advantages for the benefit of the society in line with the university mission. In view of the above, this research aims to shed light on and critique the new legal environment created by the UGC Circular for academic research, innovation, protection and commercialization viewed through the lens of a comparative legal research and analysis.
Open Access
Academic Ritualistic Behaviours and Exam Stress: Insights from Generation Z Undergraduates in Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Dissanayake, I. N. D; Abeysinghe, N
This study explores the role of Academic Ritualistic Behaviours (ARB) in managing exam stress among Generation Z university students in Sri Lanka. Exams are often highly stress-inducing events, and this research aims to examine how ritualistic behaviours rooted in personal, cultural, generational, and psychological frameworks help students in managing exam-related stress. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six undergraduates between ages 18 to 26, till data saturation. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, and the analysis gave rise to three themes: (1) Personal and cultural anchors: Rituals rooted in family, tradition, and peer influence; (2) Rituals as emotional needs: Objects, music, and symbolic actions providing comfort and focus; and (3) Technology-infused rituals: Apps, digital platforms, and manifestation practices shaping modern coping. While rituals promoted reassurance and structure, overreliance sometimes heightenedanxiety when disrupted, highlighting the double-edged nature of such practices. The Findings suggest that academic ritualistic behaviours influenced by cultural heritage and digital practices contribute to resilience, focus, and emotional stability during exams, but also reveal potential risks of overreliance. They emphasise the need for educators and researchers to acknowledge both benefits and risk associated with these behaviours when addressing student wellbeing.
Open Access
Accessing Customer Perceptions on Customer Adoption of Digital Banking Platforms; Private and Public Bank Comparison in the Post COVID –19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka
(Emerald Publishing, 2022-12-01) Jayakody, J. A.D.P.M; Perera, K.N.M; Perera, D.S. I; Liyana Arachchige, K.P; Dunuwila, V.R; Lokeshwara, A
Digitalization plays a significant role in every country at present. When referring to the banking field, banks introduce new digitalization features to their banking customers and motivate people to do their transactions on digitalization platforms. In this study as digitalization platforms, researchers consider ATMs, electronic fund transfers, SWIFT transfers, bank credit debit cards, digital bill payments, internet transactions, digital wallets, and E-vouchers. The main objective was to investigate the customer adoption of Digital Banking (DB)platforms during the post-COVID -19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. There were six independent variables short-formed as customer perceptions and dependent variable was customer adoption. This research is based on quantitative data gathered among the Sri Lankan people scattered in rural and urban areas. Researchers collected data by distributing google questionnaires among the people using cluster sampling method. 421 responses were collected. Analysing methods were correlation, regression and researchers used the SPSS tool for the analysis part. After the data analysis, researchers found there is a significant impact on perceived ease of use, accessibility, and digital literacy towards customer adoption and there isn’t a significant impact on perceived usefulness, perceived risk, and perceived trust to words customer adoption. Researchers concluded that the result as there is a higher number of private bank customers who indicated an intention for using digital banking platforms compared to public banking usage in Sri Lanka. This study is more important to the banking field for identifying customers’ DB usage factor identification and increasing their customers' DB usage and banking people could be able to identify the reasons that customers don’t adopt digital banking in their banking activities.