Theses
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Postgraduate students are required to submit a thesis as part of fulfilling the requirements of their respective postgraduate degree programmes. This community features merit-based graduate theses submitted by SLIIT postgraduate students. Abstracts are available for public viewing, while the full texts can be accessed on-site within the library.
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Publication Embargo An Analysis and Early Warning of Toxic Gas Outbursts in Small-Scale Gem Mining: Model Evaluation and GIS-Based Risk Mapping in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2025-12) Wanasundara,W M U SArtisanal and small-scale gem mining in Sri Lanka, particularly within the Pelmadulla region, is highly susceptible to toxic gas accumulation due to inadequate ventilation and the absence of systematic early-warning mechanisms. This research aimed to develop a predictive–GIS integrated framework for the detection and spatial mapping of toxic gas hazards in small-scale mining environments. Utilizing globally available gas sensor datasets (UCI, IEEE, Mendeley) and localized geological and spatial data, multiple predictive algorithms—Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, LSTM, GRU, TCN, and IBWO-TCN—were trained and evaluated using precision, recall, F1-score, AUROC, and lead-time metrics. The Random Forest model exhibited the highest predictive performance (F1 = 0.93, AUROC = 0.97) and was subsequently integrated with GIS-based hazard mapping for the Pelmadulla study area. The spatial analysis indicated that approximately one-third of mining sites fall within high or very high-risk zones. The findings highlight the potential of integrating predictive analytics and geospatial modeling to establish a low-cost, data-driven early-warning system, thereby enhancing occupational safety and supporting sustainable mining practices in Sri Lanka.Publication Open Access The Impact Of School-Level ICT Education On The National Digitization Effort In Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2025-12) Alex, H.V.I.SThe significant demand for digitally qualified workforces in Sri Lanka under the digitization programme, has placed considerable pressure on the supply chain, where School ICT education systems is the primary supplier. This study was to evaluate the national policy and the educational outcomes. The main objective of this research was to measure the gap between the demand and supply of digitally qualified work forces, and to develop and implement an ideal information system to assist in finding a solution to this complex issue. That is CoreAlign-Nexus. A mixed methods approach and analysis of the primary survey data collected from 101 students and 15 teachers was used to analyze the results of the study. The result revealed that 48% of students lacked access to computers which is an essential requirement to follow the practical aspects of their instruction. This revealed inequality in education, which is a failure. The analysis found that confidence acted as the determining factor for an individual to enter the job market; however, the education system was unsuccessful in supplying qualified individuals. Based upon different international policies, this AI artifact proved to be reliable and dynamic. The evaluations by a panel of seven experts concluded the following: that the artifact’s ability to diagnose the problems presented were very accurate (M = 4.86 / 5.00); but its ability to present solutions were considered to be unrealistic and impractical (M = 3.43 / 5.00). Based on the findings of this study, a “human-in-the-loop” model is recommended as the primary contribution of this research.Publication Embargo Enhancing the value proposition of priority Banking in SriLanaka(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2025-10) NAWARATHNE,I.K.S.S.Priority banking has become a vital strategic focus for banks and financial institutions aiming to retain and grow affluent, high-net-worth client segments. In Sri Lanka, despite significant investments in branded premium offerings, evidence suggests that the actual value perceived by customers often falls short of expectations. Past studies highlight key issues, including a lack of personalization, insufficient digital integration, reactive relationship management, and limited lifestyle benefits. Customer feedback reinforces this gap, with many clients perceiving “priority” services as symbolic rather than substantive. This research investigates how Sri Lankan banks can enhance the value proposition of their priority banking services by aligning more closely with evolving elite customer expectations. Using a mixed-method approach, the study integrates surveys and interviews with relationship managers and priority clients in certain states and private banks in Sri Lanka, supported by secondary data from reports and academic studies. Findings reveal that while customers value exclusivity and trust, true loyalty is undermined by generic service delivery and limited proactive engagement. To address these gaps, this study proposes the P.E.A.K. Model, a strategic framework emphasizing Personalization (tailored financial and lifestyle solutions), Experience Integration (seamless digital- physical journeys), Anticipation (proactive, predictive engagement), and Knowledge Empowerment (financial literacy and advisory tools). The model underscores the importance of leveraging AI- driven personalization, omnichannel CRM, and well-trained relationship managers to create a more differentiated and meaningful client experience.Publication Open Access Challenges and Opportunities in Mobile Banking Adoption among Young Adults in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2025-09) Liyanage S LThis study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with mobile banking adoption among young adults in Sri Lanka. Mobile banking currently provides accessibility, convenience and financial inclusion, yet its adoption remains inconsistent due to issues such as security concerns, lack of trust, digital literacy gaps and infrastructure limitations. While mobile banking provides numerous benefits, such as 24/7 access to financial services, reduced dependency on physical bank branches and increased financial inclusion, significant barriers still need to be addressed. The purpose of this research is to identify barriers, examine user perceptions and propose strategies that can enhance adoption. A structured questionnaire will be administered among young adults in different geographic settings (urban, suburban, rural). To guarantee a thorough understanding, both mobile banking users and non-users will be included. Data collected will be analyzed to highlight trends in adoption, perceptions of security and the role of financial literacy. It is anticipated that the results would help banks, policymakers and tech companies create mobile banking systems in Sri Lanka that are safer, easier to use, and more inclusive. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging opportunities, the research aims to foster a more inclusive and technology-driven financial ecosystem that aligns with global banking trends.Publication Open Access Assessing the Viability of a Vendor-Driven Framework for Food Waste Management in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2025-11) Thivithma, A.VFood waste is a pressing global and local issue, with substantial economic, environmental, and social costs. In Sri Lanka, more than 42% of food waste in urban areas originates from restaurants, markets, and slaughterhouses, while expired supermarket products contribute further to the problem. These losses translate not only into financial burdens but also reputational risks for businesses. Globally, the cost of food waste is estimated at USD 1 trillion annually; a reduction of even 25% could feed 870 million people. Against this backdrop, innovative solutions such as digital platforms have gained prominence. Inspired by the internationally successful "Too Good To Go" app, this study explores the feasibility of introducing a vendor-focused digital solution for food waste reduction in Sri Lanka. Using a sample of 220 food vendors (restaurants, hotels, bakeries, supermarkets, and grocery shops), the study investigates vendor perspectives across critical independent variables: economic incentives, technological accessibility, trust and food safety, public image, government support, customer demand, logistics, religious and dietary preferences, and transaction methods. A conceptual framework with six dependent dimensions—Vendor Adoption, Quick Match, Vendor Profitability, Waste Saved, Fair Access, and Stay Strong, was developed. Findings reveal strong vendor interest, with economic incentives, public image, logistics, and government support emerging as dominant drivers of adoption. Context-specific factors such as tri-lingual support, religious labeling, and COD payment options were identified as essential for inclusivity. The study proposes a vendor-driven framework tailored to Sri Lanka, aligning with national waste policies and the Clean Sri Lanka Initiative. This thesis contributes to both theory and practice by providing a structured, evidence-based model for digital food waste management in developing contexts.Publication Open Access Development of a Non-Invasive Algorithm for Anemia Detection in Women in Sri Lanka(SLIIT, 2024-12) Senanayake, W.I.UAnemia continues to be a considerable health issue for women in Sri Lanka, impacting physical and cognitive growth, general health, and economic efficiency. Diagnostic methods, like blood tests, are invasive, time-consuming, and could be out of reach for populations with limited resources. A non-invasive algorithm is created to detect anemia in Sri Lankan women in this thesis. The algorithm utilizes readily available clinical and demographic information to decrease reliance on conventional blood tests. According to that ―Development of a Non-Invasive Algorithm for Anemia Detection in Women in Sri Lanka‖ entitled as the research title of this thesis. The research involves data collection from women across varied demographics and regions, combined with vital health parameters and physical indicators relevant to anemia detection. Advanced machine learning models are trained on this data to identify patterns associated with anemia, offering accurate predictions without the need for invasive procedures. A core aim of the study is to enhance early detection, enabling timely intervention and reducing the overall prevalence of anemia among women. The high sensitivity rate of the algorithm allows for effective anemia detection with minimal input data, according to key findings. Furthermore, its non-invasive characteristics make it appropriate for application in rural regions where healthcare resources are scarce. The system successfully provides a non-invasive, accurate, and accessible method for anemia detection, using fingertip imaging and machine learning to predict anemia in real-time. With a compact device integrated into a web app, users can monitor their health easily, while healthcare providers can remotely access patient data for timely interventions. The system’s cost-effectiveness and ease of use make it particularly valuable for resource-limited settings, offering a scalable solution for anemia management and broader public health impact.Publication Open Access Usability Evaluation of Digital Banking Services in Sri Lanka(SLIIT, 2024-12) DARSHIKA, D.H.K.In Sri Lanka, digital banking services are becoming more and more common, providing consumers with accessibility and convenience for a range of financial operations. However, these services' usability is crucial to their success because a bad user experience can cause irritation and abandonment. A thorough usability assessment of well-known digital banking platforms in Sri Lanka is part of the research. The results of this research will offer significant perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the current digital banking services in Sri Lanka, identifying opportunities for enhancement to improve user satisfaction and experience. Banks may better serve their customers' requirements and expectations by addressing usability issues, which will ultimately lead to a larger acceptance and utilization of digital banking services throughout the country.Publication Open Access Impact Of Hybrid Work Arrangements On Employee Motivation Within The Accounting BPM Sector In Sri Lanka(SLIIT, 2024-12) Bulathsinghala, B RThis study examines the impact of recent policy changes that require employees in the Accounting Business Process Management (BPM) sector in Sri Lanka to return to working exclusively from the office. These changes have sparked resistance among employees, who indicate that their motivation is influenced by factors beyond monetary compensation and who express a strong preference for hybrid work arrangements. Given the growing resistance to traditional work models, this topic is increasingly relevant as companies strive to retain talent and foster a motivated workforce. The study employs a mixedmethods approach, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, analyzing employee perceptions and motivations through the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation driven by autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Findings reveal that the mandated return to in-office work has led to decreased intrinsic motivation among employees, highlighting the significance of flexible work arrangements in satisfying their psychological needs. The research underscores the necessity for organizations to consider employee preferences and invest in supportive policies that promote well-being and job satisfaction. By providing actionable insights, this study seeks to guide BPM employers in creating a motivating work environment that acknowledges the importance of hybrid arrangements. Ultimately, fostering a culture of flexibility and support is essential for enhancing intrinsic motivation, overall employee satisfaction, and retention in the evolving work environment. Keywords: Employee Motivation, Intrinsic Motivation, Hybrid Work Arrangements, Accounting BPM Sector, Self-Determination TheoryPublication Open Access Proposing an Information Security Framework for Small Scale BPO Sector which Provides Call Center Solution for Telecommunication Sector in Sri Lanka(SLIIT, 2024-12) Kalubowilage, C JThis study proposes an information security framework tailored for small-scale Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Sri Lanka, focusing on those offering call center solutions to the telecommunication sector. The research addresses the critical need for data protection due to the sensitive nature of client information and the increasing risks of cyber threats. A qualitative approach, incorporating literature reviews, case studies, and expert consultations, was adopted to identify existing challenges, including resource constraints, compliance issues, and insider threats. The proposed framework integrates elements from ISO 27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Frameworks, emphasizing data classification, access control, employee training, and incident response. Evaluation of the framework demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing data security, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience for the BPO sector.Publication Open Access Climate Policy Assessment for Climate Change Mitigation and Carbon Neutrality: A Case Study of Sri Lanka(Department of Mechanical Engineering Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-12) Fernando, G.LClimate change is one of the most significant challenges faced by mankind in the 21st century. Human activities, particularly in the energy supply and demand sectors, primarily cause an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Paris Agreement's climate goal aims to limit global warming to a level well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a specific target of limiting temperature rises to 1.5°C by the end of this century. Therefore, there has been an emphasis on achieving large-scale reductions in GHG emissions from the energy sector. After the initial stocktake in 2023, it is apparent that global emission pathways are not meeting the expected progress toward the Paris Agreement targets. Swift actions are necessary to readjust these pathways. Consequently, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in developing economies will be pivotal in reaching the desired global temperature targets. This study examines the case of Sri Lanka, a developing economy with low carbon intensity, to explore the role of similar economies in acachievingthe Paris targets Sri Lnaka has has a population of 22 million and a GDP of 84.5 billion USD in 2021. The predicted economic growth in the future could result in a rapid increase in energy demand in the country. This could result in an increase in fossil fuel use and subsequent carbon emissions. Sri Lanka has pledged to mitigate 14.5% of the GHG emissions conditionally and unconditionally by 2030 compared to its 2021 levels through its Nationally Determined Contributions. However, it aspires to achieve ambitious targets like carbon neutrality by 2050. Moreover, it also tries to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity generation from 45% in 2021 to 70% in 2030. However, it needs a pragmatic plan to facilitate a smooth transition towards reducing these emissions. A systematic analysis of different policy options and scenarios is required to determine a suitable policy for reducing GHG emissions. In doing so, Energy-EconomicEnvironmental models can provide the basis for such analysis. The development v of such models for Sri Lanka and the carrying out of scientific studies are still at an early stage. This thesis covers the analysis of different scenarios for climate change mitigation using an energy-economic-environmental model in the case of a developing economy with low carbon intensity. The scientific questions to be answered in this study are: 1) How is the energy environmental system of an developing economy modeled considering both energy consumption and supply sectors? 2) What is the impact of carbon taxes on reducing carbon emissions? 3) How could energy, economic, and environmental models be used to analyse climate futures? 4) What scenarios will lead the country to carbon neutrality? 5) How do efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, cleaner fuels, nuclear energy, carbon capture and storage technologies, and green hydrogen for power generation reduce emissions? 6) What are the marginal abetment costs of CO2 reduction for proposed emission mitigation actions? 7) What impacts do low-carbon scenarios have on energy security? 8) What are the other co-benefits of CO2 mitigation? The first objective of this study is to develop a bottom-up type of energy system model for a developing economy with low energy intensity. Sri Lanka has chosen as a case study, considering the economic and demographic factors to assess energy use and its environmental implications during a given period. This model comprehensively assessed the integrated reference energy system, encompassing energy supply and demand sectors during a planning horizon. It used a recursive dynamic cost optimization approach, minimizing the energy system's total cost each year during the planning period from 2015 to 2050. The AIM/Enduse model, a part of the Asia Pacific Integrated Modeling family, was used to develop an energy system model for the Sri Lankan energy sector. It considered a Business-As-Usual scenario (BAU) and other scenarios for achieving large-scale reductions in CO2 emissions. The BAU scenario assumes existing economic, demographic, and social trends throughout the modeling period. It assumes the continuity of current policy measures across all five energy sectors throughout the modeling period. According to the model results, the total vi primary energy supply in the BAU scenario is expected to increase almost threefold, from 11 Mtoe in 2015 to 34 Mtoe in 2050. The CO2 emissions associated with energy use will increase from 19 Mt in 2025 to 66 Mt in 2015 at an average annual growth rate of 7%. The increase in CO2 emissions is attributed to the use of fossil fuels, as their share is expected to increase from 53% in 2015 to 66% in 2050. The results indicate that if there is no policy intervention, the share of fossil fuels will continue to increase, resulting in a significant increase in CO2 emissions. The second objective of this study is to examine the impact of carbon taxes on achieving large-scale emissions reductions in the energy sector. It employed five carbon tax trajectories proposed by the MESSAGE-GLOBIOM Integrated Assessment Consortium to achieve five levels for the global mean temperature. These targets will be achieved by imposing five different carbon tax trajectories ranging between 2.3 US$/tCO2 and 436 US$/tCO2 in 2050. The reference scenario for Sri Lanka was assumed to be in the middle of the road pathway defined in the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. According to the model results, CO2 emissions at these carbon tax levels could be reduced by 25% to 60% by 2050. It also has other benefits, such as reduced primary energy supply and final energy consumption by 2050. Nevertheless, the research findings imply that aggressive carbon mitigation measures and taxes are required to achieve significant emission reductions in developing economiew. One of the main objectives of this study was to develop scenarios for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It defined four countermeasures: namely, plausible, ambitious, challenging, and stringent scenarios involving the level of intervention on the energy demand and supply sides. These scenarios considered different technology options and policy measures, such as the diffusion of efficient technologies, the availability of renewable energy sources, the use of cleaner fuels, nuclear energy, carbon capture and storage technologies, and green hydrogen for power generation. The results of this study revealed that a stringent scenario that includes aggressive policy measures in both the energy supply and vii demand sectors, use of renewable energy for power generation, diffusion of efficient end-use devices, fuel switching, increasing the share of electric cars, and public transport achieves a near carbon-neutral scenario at a carbon tax trajectory of 32 US$/tCO2 in 2020 and 562 US$/tCO2 in 2050. The net energy import dependency will decrease to 13% in 2050 compared to the BAU scenario (65%) under the near carbon neutral scenario, which is a positive outcome from the energy security perspective. The fourth objective of the study was the development of future emission pathways and the estimation of energy and environmental implications for different emission pathways using the model. The fifth IPCC assessment report analysed the energy system and related emissions under five shared socioeconomic pathways representing possible climate futures. These pathways include SSP1: Sustainability Pathway, SSP2: Middle of the Road Pathway, SSP3: Regional Rivalry Pathway, SSP4: Inequality Pathway, and SSP5: Fossil-fueled Development Pathway. The findings of this study reveal that the SSP5, which reflects rapid economic growth, higher utilisation, inefficient and traditional enduse technologies, firm reliance on abundant fossil fuel resources, and a lower level of awareness of sustainability and the environment in the future, will provide the highest primary energy supply of 44.6 Mtoe in 2050. The lowest primary energy is recorded under the SSP4, and it was 26.5Mtoe in 2050. The CO2 emissions in 2050 were highest under SSP5 with 107Mt and lowest under SSP1 with 24Mt in 2050. Out of all scenarios, SSP5 had the highest energy intensity with 6MJ/US$ and a carbon intensity of 0.25kg/ US$ in 2050. The SSP1, which characterized a sustainable pathway, resulted in a primary energy consumption of 27Mtoe and 17Mt CO2 emissions in 2050. It developed different climate futures that could provide valuable insights into how energy and emissions change. The final objective of this study is to analyse the co-benefits of carbon reduction and to estimate the marginal abatement cost of CO2 reduction. This study examined the co-benefits of reducing CO2 emissions under these emission viii reduction targets. The co-benefits analysed include a reduction in primary energy supply, net energy import dependency, energy security, and the level of local air pollutants (NOx and SO2). Six different indices collectively define the country's energy security, including the diversity of primary energy demand, non-carbon fuel share, renewable fuel share, oil share, primary energy intensity, and carbon intensity. Mitigating 90% of CO2 emissions compared to BAU will result in 21% of net energy import dependency. It also provided a 1.8 Shannon index for the diversity of primary energy demand, indicating a higher diversity of energy types. Meeting this reduction target would result in carbon intensity levels of 0.01kg/US$ and energy intensity levels of 2.4MJ/US$ in 2050, representing approximately a 90% and 80% reduction, respectively, compared to 2015 levels. This study also analysed the economic costs of reducing CO2 emissions and developed sector-level marginal abatement cost curves. These play a critical role in deciding policy options for reducing CO2 emissions. Five countermeasure scenarios, with CO2 emission reduction targets between 10% and 90%, were used to develop marginal abatement cost curves. According to sectorial marginal abetment cost curves, the most economical CO2 emission mitigation option would be introducing efficient and hybrid road vehicles, using efficient residential technologies such as refrigerators and air conditioners, and biomass for residential cooking. The highest mitigation potential will be possible by introducing electric buses for public transport and large-scale wind and solar energy generation. The study's findings indicate that aggressive policies introducing clean energy and efficient technologies are required to reduce large-scale CO2 emissions. Renewables (solar and wind) and nuclear energy for power generation will significantly reduce emissions. Considering the limitations in land availability, biomass is expected to play a limited role. In addition, it would require efficient end-use devices, switching to alternative fuels such as liquified LNG, using electric cars, and expanding public transport. Nevertheless, it would bring additional advantages such as improved energy security, reduced energy imports, and ix reductions in the levels of local air pollutants. Reducing emissions will require a marginal abatement of carbon for Sri Lanka, which will vary from 197USD/tCO2 to reduce 10% to 1792USD/tCO2 to reduce 90% by 2050. The results indicate that the marginal abatement cost for CO2 reduction is higher than the global average for developing conomies