Research Publications
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Publication Open Access Factors influencing migration intention of undergraduates in Sri Lanka: ‘About more than employment(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-01-26) Marawila, R; Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Guruge, R; Wehella, B; Udugahapattuwa, T; Weligodapola, MThe objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing Sri Lankan undergraduates' intention to migrate. Persistent economic, social, and political challenges have driven many youngsters and professionals to leave their Country of Origin (COO). The economic collapse triggered by COVID-19 further intensified this trend, leading to a sharp increase in outward migration. Recently, a growing number of Sri Lankan undergraduates and skilled professionals have expressed a strong desire to relocate abroad, often immediately after completing secondary education. For this study, a sample of 385 undergraduates from state and non-state universities across Sri Lanka was analysed. Given the national concerns of brain drain and shortages of trained and skilled workers, the study specifically focused on understanding undergraduates' aspirations to migrate. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to identify and test the variables influencing migration intentions within the Sri Lankan context. The findings provide a holistic picture of the drivers of undergraduate migration. These carry important implications not only for students but also for policymakers and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), by informing policies and strategies that could encourage young people to realise their potential within Sri Lanka rather than abroad.Publication Open Access Institutional Best Practices Amidst and Beyond the COVID-19: The Case of Higher Educational Institutes in Sri Lanka(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-24) Rathnayake, N; Weerasinghe, A; Weerasinghe, N; Kumarasinghe, JCOVID-19 is a blessing for the higher education industry in developing nations since it has accelerated the digitization of higher education. Education is essential to transforming people into human capital. The COVID-19 restrictions on physically entering educational institutions gave boost to the biggest educational disaster in the world. The objective of this study is to investigate the best practices employed by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Sri Lanka to enhance university academic role both amid and beyond the pandemic. The technique of nonprobability purposive sampling was employed, and the results were then analyzed thematically. Best practices in academic research and knowledge dissemination fields, and teaching have been recognized by the study from the viewpoint of the HEIs. Beyond the pandemic, virtual laboratories, concurrent delivery, and hybrid deliveries are still in use, while academic research and knowledge dissemination are being digitalized and exposed to a global audience. The shift from traditional classrooms to the distance learning environment in developing nations has accelerated the process of meeting the sustainable development objective of high-quality education by 2030. As a result, policymakers in these nations can emphasize digitally enabling the higher education sector.Publication Open Access How Do Different Types of University Academics Perceive Work from Home Amidst COVID-19 and Beyond?(MDPI, 2022-04-19) Rathnayake, N; Kumarasinghe, P. JThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a massive and unintentional shift to work from home (WFH) or working remotely, as well as broad adoption of web-based platforms. The goal of this research is to uncover the attitudes to WFH among different types of academics in the Sri Lankan higher education sector. An online questionnaire survey was conducted amidst a severe COVID19 wave during June–September 2021, and 337 valid responses were received. The questionnaire contained 49 questions under four sections excluding demographic questions. The gathered data were analysed using multiple regression models. Results of the study ascertained a significant (p < 0.01) positive attitude among academics towards online teaching (academic orientation), other than academics who from disciplines with more practical components, and there was a significant (p < 0.01) positive attitude among academics to conducting research (research orientation) while WFH. Further, the findings indicate a significant (p < 0.01) negative attitude to WFH when disseminating knowledge and engaging in community services with various stakeholders. When considering the criticality of demographics variables in the new normal, a hybrid working model can be introduced by reaping the benefits of WFH based on different types of academic orientations and their favourability towards the WFH model, rather than reverting to a full physical academic working environment. As a developing country, Sri Lanka can formulate policies on effective hybrid working models for academics to realise the potential from the lessons learned. This experience will enable the country to accomplish or move towards accomplishing the fourth goal of SDGs, quality education by 2030.Publication Open Access How Do Different Types of University Academics Perceive Work from Home Amidst COVID-19 and Beyond?(MDPI, 2022-04-19) Rathnayake, N; Kumarasinghe, P; Kumara, A. SThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a massive and unintentional shift to work from home (WFH) or working remotely, as well as broad adoption of web-based platforms. The goal of this research is to uncover the attitudes to WFH among different types of academics in the Sri Lankan higher education sector. An online questionnaire survey was conducted amidst a severe COVID-19 wave during June–September 2021, and 337 valid responses were received. The questionnaire contained 49 questions under four sections excluding demographic questions. The gathered data were analysed using multiple regression models. Results of the study ascertained a significant (p < 0.01) positive attitude among academics towards online teaching (academic orientation), other than academics who from disciplines with more practical components, and there was a significant (p < 0.01) positive attitude among academics to conducting research (research orientation) while WFH. Further, the findings indicate a significant (p < 0.01) negative attitude to WFH when disseminating knowledge and engaging in community services with various stakeholders. When considering the criticality of demographics variables in the new normal, a hybrid working model can be introduced by reaping the benefits of WFH based on different types of academic orientations and their favourability towards the WFH model, rather than reverting to a full physical academic working environment. As a developing country, Sri Lanka can formulate policies on effective hybrid working models for academics to realise the potential from the lessons learned. This experience will enable the country to accomplish or move towards accomplishing the fourth goal of SDGs, quality education by 2030.