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    PublicationOpen Access
    Sustainability indicators in a globalised poultry sector: production, consumption, trade openness, and GDP across 126 countries
    (Elsevier B.V., 2026-02-12) Silva, Y; Perera, N; Mendis, K; Susan, H; Jayathilaka, R
    The sustainability of the meat industry relies on consistent demand and the desire for meat. In recent years, chicken was produced around 104.2 million metric tons and expected to increase by 2% in the upcoming years with a record of 109.6 million tons worldwide. Also, global chicken meat export will increase by 3% with a record of around 14.7 million tons. Therefore, this research focuses on investigating the causal relationships that have a significant impact on chicken production, considering independent variables as chicken consumption, trade openness, and GDP. This study is conducted across several income groups, encompassing 126 countries, for a 30-year period from 1993 to 2022. To strengthen the study, the demand theory and international trade theory were utilised. This study employs multiple methodologies, including panel Granger analysis, cross-country Granger causality analysis to identify the direction of causality, and thereafter the Wavelet coherence analysis to determine the time variance and the nature of the coherence between the variables. According to the study, the results have revealed unidirectional relationships between production and trade openness, chicken meat consumption, and GDP. Accordingly, policy suggestions are provided for farmers, policymakers, relevant organisations, and legislators to make an impact on the chicken meat industry by enhancing production, optimising operations, and maintaining high quality to improve nutritional value. All the implementation suggestions are given to support the Sustainable Development Goals, established by the United Nations.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    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.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    The impact of video game addiction on aggressive behaviour among tertiary students in Sri Lanka
    (Discover, 2026-01-30) Fonseka, W.Y.S; Hathurusinghe, B.M; Weerarathna, R.S; Rathnayake, R.M.N.M; Samindika, H.R.T; Ramasingha, L.T.D; Jayasuriya, N.U; Kumarapperuma, C; Dayapathirana, N
    This research examines the impact of video game addiction on aggressive behaviour of tertiary students in Sri Lanka. Video game addiction, with its potential adverse impacts has raised concerns among the public, especially regarding its link to aggressive behaviour. Data was gathered from a sample of 382 undergraduates of local non-state universities selected employing cluster sampling technique to examine the correlation between video game addiction and aggression. The survey was conducted to collect data on video game addiction and aggression. Research findings reveal how gaming addiction leads to aggressive behaviour in addicted gamers indicating a strong positive relationship between video game addiction and aggressive behaviour. Therefore, researchers recommend balanced time management practices between game usage and other daily essential activities and promoting awareness about negative behavioural implication of game addiction. It is expected that this study provides insights to stakeholders including teachers, parents, and administrators to better understand the effects of video game addiction, and mitigation strategies to minimise the negative impact on students’ behaviour.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    From Tourism Growth to Sustainable Development: A Causality Analysis of Tourism, Exchange Rates, and Economic Growth in Asia
    (John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026-02-04) Wickramaarachchi, C; Jayathilaka, R
    Tourism is widely recognised as a catalyst for sustainable development, particularly in regions where it supports employment, foreign exchange earnings and local entrepreneurship. However, the extent to which tourism contributes to sustainable development depends on macroeconomic stability and policy environments that enable long-term investment rather than short-term revenue maximisation. This study examines the causal relationships between tourism receipts, per capita GDP (PGDP), and exchange rates across 46 Asian countries from 2000 to 2020, while controlling for trade openness to account for broader external sector exposure. Employing a panel data framework that accounts for cross-sectional dependence, heterogeneity, and mixed integration properties, the analysis combines second-generation unit root and cointegration tests with country-specific Granger causality techniques. The findings reveal substantial heterogeneity in causal dynamics across countries. In some economies, tourism-led growth emerges, where expanding tourism receipts stimulate economic growth. In others, economy-driven tourism dominates, indicating that rising income levels facilitate tourism development through improved infrastructure and destination competitiveness. Exchange rate stability plays an important conditioning role, shaping the extent to which tourism revenues translate into sustained development gains. Countries characterised by stable exchange rate environments are better positioned to channel tourism income toward long-term, sustainability-oriented investments. The study offers actionable policy insights by demonstrating that macroeconomic stability is a prerequisite for sustainable tourism development. Strengthening exchange rate governance, promoting eco-friendly tourism investment, and enhancing regional cooperation can support a transition from growth-oriented tourism strategies toward sustainable development pathways.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Impact of climate change on agricultural production efficiency in leading agriculture-producing economies: A DEA Malmquist Productivity Index
    (Elsevier B.V., 2026-03-01) Ahmad, J; Wang, Y; Zhang, L; Shah, W.U S; Yasmeen, R; Pathiranage, H.S.K
    Climate change significantly impacts global agricultural productivity, making it essential to examine its precise influence on production efficiency. This study evaluates the impact of climate change on agricultural production efficiency among the global leading agriculture-producing economies from 1990 to 2021. Using a DEA–Malmquist Productivity Index, the study estimates total factor productivity change (TFPC) and decomposes it into efficiency change (EC) and technological change (TC), both without and with explicit climate variables (temperature, precipitation). Average TFPC without climate factors is 1.0428, indicating 4.28 % productivity growth over the period, primarily driven by technological change. When climate variables are incorporated, the average TFPC is 1.0409; the mean difference of −0.0019 (≈ −0.18 %) shows a small but non-negligible climate impact on productivity growth. Regional variations are heterogeneous: South America and Africa exhibit diverse climate impacts, while Oceania shows the least climate effect. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests confirm significant differences in TFPC (and components) between climate and non-climate specifications and across regions. The findings underscore technology's key role in sustaining productivity under climate stress and highlight the need for region-specific adaptation policies to complement technological diffusion.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Beyond compensation: effect of employee benefits on job motivation, performance, and turnover intention
    (Cogent OA, 2026) Peemanee, J; Weerarathna, R; Issarapaibool, A; Boonlua, S; Rathnayake, N
    This study investigates the influence of employee benefits on motivation, performance, and turnover intention within contemporary workplaces that increasingly emphasize employee well-being. Addressing a key gap in the literature, it employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and analyzes data from 387 Generation Y and Generation Z employees in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. The analysis examines how diverse benefit types influence employees’ motivation, performance, and decisions to remain with their organizations. The findings reveal a direct and positive link between employee benefits, enhanced motivation, and improved performance, which together significantly reduce turnover intention. Specifically, attraction and retention strategies, organizational support mechanisms, and a growth-oriented, well-being-focused environment emerged as critical factors in motivating employees and elevating their performance. Overall, the study demonstrates that strategically designed employee benefit packages—aligned with employee needs and workplace realities—foster engagement, productivity, and loyalty. This study contributes valuable insights for organizational leaders seeking to refine benefit systems and extends the academic understanding of the strategic importance of non-monetary benefits in promoting employee satisfaction and retention.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    Bridging tradition and innovation: exploring vegetable harvest loss reduction strategies in Sri Lanka
    (Emerald Publishing, 2026-01-15) Jayasuriya, N; Yapa, C.G; Rathnayake, T.A; Dilhara, A; Rathnayake, I.D; Mathangadeera, R
    Purpose – This study aims to address a significant gap in the literature regarding vegetable harvest loss reduction methods, exploring both traditional and modern perspectives in Sri Lanka, which is largely driven by an agricultural economy. This study explores the diverse strategies employed and how they are going to be integrated by Sri Lankan vegetable farmers, highlighting both traditional and modern pre- and post-harvest practices aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and resilience in agricultural systems. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted across key agricultural districts in Sri Lanka, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with vegetable farmers using the snowball sampling method. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes in the data. Findings – The findings emphasize the importance of traditional methods, including cultural practices such as cultivating at auspicious times, established pest control and irrigation techniques. These are complemented by advanced agricultural innovations, modern harvest protection methods and improved packing and transportation techniques. This integrated approach showcases farmers' adaptability in reducing vegetable losses despite the challenges they face. Originality/value – Post- and pre-harvest loss reduction in Asian countries can be considered an understudied area. Furthermore, the focus on traditional methods is rare in the field. Therefore, this study provides a clear understanding of traditional and modern methods that are suitable for farmers in developing countries
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Life Expectancy: A Global Perspective Across Income Levels
    (John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026-01-12) Kaluarachchi, S; Jayathilaka, R
    Socioeconomic factors influencing life expectancy are still underexplored across different income groups in global research. This study investigates the socioeconomic determinants of longevity across global income levels, drawing on World Bank data to analyze how various economic and social factors influence lifespan worldwide. A stepwise panel data regression analysis was conducted to examine the determinants. The findings indicate that increase per capita gross domestic product and health expenditure substantially enhance lifespan, whereas increase population size, death rate, and infant mortality rate adversely impact life expectancy globally. In low-income countries, increase per capita gross domestic product, population size, and death rate significantly shorten life expectancy. In lower-middle-income countries, growing population size and death rate progressively lower life expectancy. In upper-middle-income countries, higher per capita gross domestic product significantly boosts longevity, while increase carbon dioxide emissions, population size, death rate, and infant mortality rate substantially reduce life expectancy. In high-income countries, increase male education significantly raises lifespan, while increase population size and death rate reduce life expectancy. These findings can help policymakers, governments, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, and the World Bank address key issues affecting life expectancy, promoting global health and sustainable economic growth.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    Review of Existing Literature on the Impact of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Organisational Performance
    (University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication, 2026-01) de Zoysa, A.T; Ranathunga Arachchi, D.T; Gunasekara, D.C; Bandara, H.N; Refaie, C.S.R.B; Lokeshwara, A.A
    Background: Green supply chain management (GSCM) has gained prominence as more organisations seek to strike a balance between the objectives of sustainable operations and financial performance. The importance of understanding the implications of GSCM practices for organisational outcomes is increasing, given mounting environmental pressures and the need to compete globally. Objective: This research assesses the impact of GSCM practices on the organisation's economic, environmental, social, and operational performance, and identifies key themes, theoretical considerations, and gaps in the literature. Methodology: The systematic literature review method was employed. Overall, 60 peer-reviewed articles published in the last 12 years (2013-2025) were retrieved from major academic databases, including Emerald Insight, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and Wiley. Strict cleaning and screening were based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The thematic synthesis was used as one of the data analysis techniques, with the emphasis on sampling characteristics and conceptual frameworks, methodological designs and reported outcomes. Consistency of the reviewed research, as well as the validity and reliability of the studies, were taken into consideration to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. Results: As indicated in the review, GSCM practices are effective in enhancing operational efficiency, environmental performance, social responsibility, and economic performance. Firm size, organisational capabilities, institutional pressures, and supply chain integration are among the factors that moderate the effectiveness of GSCM practices. Conclusion: GSCM has continued to be a strategic force towards sustainable and organisational performance. Results attest to their important role in improving financial performance and environmental regulation. Unique Contribution: The research integrates emerging knowledge to provide a universal model of the complex nature of GSCM effects. It offers theoretical clarity, reveals emerging themes and creates gaps that will be filled by future research. Key Recommendation: Future research should involve cross-industry comparative experiences, sophisticated modelling, and an examination of the impact of digital technologies on the efficacy of GSCM.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    How social media impact social entrepreneurial intentions: the serial mediation roles of risk propensity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy
    (Cogent OA, 2025-08-20) Gomes, C; Wisenthige, K
    As societies around the globe experience various social problems with a rising population and an ever-changing political and economic landscape, scholars have been paying much attention to social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship possesses the ability to address many social problems, especially in developing nations such as Sri Lanka. In this light, this study was carried out to find the impact that social media has on social entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate students in Sri Lanka, while exploring the mediation effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and risk propensity. A sample of 252 students was taken from a Sri Lankan university, and a telephone-based survey was used to collect data. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyze data, using the SmartPLS4 software. The results from the analysis showed that social media significantly impacts social entrepreneurial intention, while entrepreneurial self-efficacy and risk propensity had a serial mediation effect on the impact. This study makes many novel contributions to social entrepreneurial intention research, as it explores how social media impacts social entrepreneurial intentions and the serial mediation effect of risk propensity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a single theoretical model. Policymakers and educational institutions are heavily encouraged to use social media platforms to diffuse social entrepreneurial concepts among undergraduate students. Finally, the study offers limitations and directions for future research.