Research Publications

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This main community comprises five sub-communities, each representing the academic contribution made by SLIIT-affiliated personnel.

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Open Access
Trade Liberalisation and Poverty in South Asia
(Taylor & Francis Books, 2011) JAYATHILAKA, R; DE MEL, D
The relationship between trade and poverty has long been debated in academic and policy circles. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to this debate through an in-depth study of the experience of Sri Lanka, the first country in South Asia to break away from the protectionist past by embarking on a decisive process of economic opening in 1977. During the first decade after independence in 1948, Sri Lanka continued with a liberal trade regime, until growing balance of payments problems induced a policy shift towards protectionist import substitution policies from the early 1960s. By the mid-1970s the Sri Lankan economy had become one of the most inwardoriented and regulated outside the group of centrally planned economies. In 1977, Sri Lanka responded to the dismal economic outcome of the closedeconomy era by embarking on an extensive economic liberalisation process, becoming the first country in the South Asian region to do so. Despite major macroeconomic problems and political turmoil, market-oriented reforms have been sustained over the ensuing years. Sri Lanka is now classified as one of the few developing countries outside East Asia that have achieved a clear policy shift from the entrenched import-substitution era. This policy transition has brought about notable structural changes in the economy (Athukorala and Rajapatirana 2000; World Bank 2005b; Kelegama 2006). However, the impact of liberalisation reforms on the incidence of poverty and poverty reduction has not yet been systematically studied. Therefore, the main objective of this chapter is to systematically examine the link between trade liberalisation and poverty reduction through employment channels. The chapter is arranged as follows: Section 2 provides an overview of trade policy shifts and the role of trade in the economy. Section 3 surveys the incidence and patterns of poverty. Section 4 examines key channels through which trade policy impacts on poverty. Section 5 examines some cross-cutting issues. Section 6 reports the results of an econometric analysis undertaken to examine the determinant of poverty at the household level with emphasis on the impact of trade policy. The chapter ends with a summary of key findings and policy inferences.
Open Access
Identification of the Poor in Sri Lanka: Development of Composite Indicator and Regional Poverty Lines
(researchgate.net, 2006-03) Siddhisena, p; Jayathilaka, R
The identification of the poor and the definition of poverty is rather complex since poverty dimensions are multifaceted. Poverty is not just an inadequacy of income to meet basic needs or the inability to spend. It is largely associated with numerous demographic, socio-economic, cultural, environmental, health and psychological factors. The aim of this study is therefore to compute a composite indicator of multidimensional poverty and regional poverty lines to identify the severity of poverty and regional disparities of poverty. The study was based on the two data sets and the main objectives of the study are: Identification of the poor by using a broader definition of poverty; Measurement of regional differences on poverty using the poverty indices and constructed poverty lines; and Development of a Composite Indicator of Multidimensional Poverty to identify poverty by severity and also to examine regional disparities of poverty.
Open Access
Effect of packaging material on the storability of Chillie (Capsicum annum L.) seed in Sri Lanka
(Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya: Peradeniya, 1994) Silva, S. G. R; Peiris, C. N
Extracted chillie seed from ripe, desiccated dry pods of cultivar MI 2 of known germination (81.0%), was dried to 9.7%, 5.9% moisture contents, and packed in three different packaging materials: aluminium foil, 500 gauge polythene and woven polypropylene sacks. The seeds were stored at ambient conditions in Pelwehera (30°C, 80% RH), Rahangala (23°C, 79% RH) and in a cold room (20°C 65% RH) in Gannoruwa. Seed germination, field emergence, and seed moisture content of the stored seed were tested at the inception and at 3 month intervals during the 12 month study period. Chillie seed with a low initial moisture content (5.9%) maintained germinability better than seeds with a high moisture content (9.7%) in all locations. Triple laminated aluminium foil was a better packaging material. Polysack packaging displayed free moisture movement from the early stages of the study, in all the locations. Polythene (500 gauge) was better than polysack and similar to aluminum foil when storing low moisture (5.9%) chillie seed for 12 months, at all the locations except in Pelwehera. A cold room condition was the best to store chillie seed without losing its viability below 75% for a period of one year. It could be recommended that these dried, extracted chillie seed from ripe dry pods of cultivar MI 2 packed in aluminium foil or in polythene (500 gauge) be stored in a cold room (20PC, 65% RH) for a long term (12 months).
Embargo
Developing online tutors and mentors in Sri Lanka through a community building model: Predictors of satisfaction
(IEEE, 2012-12-12) Gunawardena, C. N; Jayatilleke, B. G; Fernando, S; Kulasekere, E. C; Lamontagne, M. D; Ekanayake, M. B; Thaiyamuthu, T
This paper discusses the results of a tutor mentor development program that utilized a community building model to train online tutors and mentors in higher education institutions and professional organizations in Sri Lanka. Based on WisCom; an instructional design model for developing online wisdom communities, this tutor mentor development program which utilized a blended format of face-to-face and online activities in MOODLE, attempted to build a learning community between trainees, both academics and professionals who represented diverse disciplines and organizations. A regression model examined predictors of learner satisfaction, using four independent variables: Community Building, Interaction, Course Design, and Learner Support. Interaction emerged as a strong predictor of Learner Satisfaction explaining 50.2% of the variance in Learner Satisfaction. This finding shows the importance of designing interactive learning activities to support learning online, and contradicts the general belief that Sri Lankan participants would be less likely to interact online because they come from a traditional education system that encourages passivity and reception of ideas from a more learned teacher. Qualitative analysis showed evidence of several types of learning online as a result of collaborative group interaction, as well as issues that contributed to non-participation. Factors that motivated participants to stay engaged in learning could be classified into three categories: (1) general enjoyment, interest and motivation; (2) collaborative learning and community building; and (3) knowledge building. These results suggest that the online learning design based on WisCom led to learner satisfaction and supported interaction and collaborative learning in the Sri Lankan socio-cultural context.
Open Access
Factors affecting successful implementation of lean manufacturing tools and techniques in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(SSRN, 2011-04-27) Silva, N; Perera, H. S. C; Samarasinghe, D
Lean Manufacturing is a business strategy which was originated and developed in Toyota Motor Company, Japan. It is useful in identifying waste associated with processes. As a result companies can improve their productivity and quality and can achieve a competitive advantage over others. Lean Manufacturing was originated in automotive industry and then later on spread to many other industries in both developed and developing countries. In implementing this concept Toyota has introduced and developed many tools and techniques which can be used effectively. In Sri Lanka, apparel sector is the leader in implementing Lean Manufacturing. However a little research work is carried out in regarding its suitability. Therefore in order to fill this empirical gap, this research is an attempt to identify factors such as suitable methods of implementation, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits of implementing Lean Manufacturing concepts in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka. The study first undertook literature review in the field of Lean Manufacturing. Then it developed broader research questions and administered them to fifteen apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka using personal interviews and observations methods. The sample firms were selected judgmentally. In analyzing the data descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques were used. The result of the study revealed factors such as implementation strategies, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits have influenced the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing in mass production apparel industry. Since Lean is new to most of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, the full benefit is not yet achieved. But current situation suggests that the industry can go forward with Lean.
Embargo
Viability of lean manufacturing tools and techniques in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(Trans Tech Publications Ltd, 2012) Silva, S. K. P. N; Samarasinghe, G. D; Perera, H. S. C
Lean Manufacturing can be considered as a business strategy which was originated and developed in Japan. It tries to identify waste and eliminate it. Thus it leads to improvement in productivity and quality and companies can achieve a competitive advantage over others. Sri Lankan industries, especially apparel sector have attempted to implement this, but a little research work is carried out in regarding its suitability. This research is an attempt to identify a suitable Lean model for the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. As the initial stage of this study, a literature review is carried out to study about the Lean Manufacturing. It starts by looking at how Lean Manufacturing first began. Then it seeks to identify the core principles, tools and techniques and how those tools and techniques are currently being used worldwide. After studying the global scenario the next step is to look at the Sri Lankan context using real world data. This was undertaken by means of structured surveys, observations, and on site interviews. Also the study will reveal period of Lean implementation, suitable implementation methods, order of implementation, tools which are avoided, sustainability of different tools, challenges faced, ways of overcoming challenges and benefits achieved after applying Lean Manufacturing concepts in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka. The findings state Lean Manufacturing can be applied to mass production apparel industries and has created a positive mindset on employees. As implementation of Lean concepts is still in developmental stage, the full benefit is not yet achieved. But current situation suggests that the industry can go forward with Lean and capitalize on its full potential. In this research the authors have proposed a model which can be used to implement Lean in a systematic manner and each manufacturer must develop their own Lean system through training, experiments, employee empowerment, right leadership and kaizen mindset. Originality of the research— The research builds up a Lean Model which is not yet developed for the apparel sector in Sri Lanka. It can be further modified to suit the global apparel industry and other industries as well.
Embargo
SMEs in developed and developing countries treading similar paths towards eTransformation
(IEEE, 2010-07-26) Kapurubandara, M; Hol, A; Ginige, A
The global economy has become increasingly reliant on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) toolsand systems to process and exchange information. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are yet to reap these benefits as obtaining such opportunities rests on their ability to integrate ICT into business tasks and processes. They need to transform their companies by implementing appropriate ICT in order to compete within a busy digital economy. The aim of this study was to see how SMEs from developed and developing countries follow their eTransformation journey and also to identify the differences and similarities businesses encounter in that process. Our research confirms that the eTransformation takes place as an incremental process for both groups and that the eTransformation pattern is similar in both worlds. However, we notice that in Australia, a developed country, SMEs are more aware of eTransformation and are demanded by customers and digital economy to change, where as in Sri Lanka eTransformation is still in its early stages of development.
Embargo
E-Commerce Adoption and Appropriation by SMEs in Sri Lanka
(IGI Global, 2009) Kapurubandara, M; Lawson, R
Acceptance of the Internet has paved the way towards the development of virtual communities that keep increasing in the current information society making it imperative for business, especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which form the backbone of any economy, to keep abreast with e-commerce and remain competitive. To stimulate and facilitate SME participation in business activities through the Internet, it is necessary, therefore, to provide clear guidance and direction with suitable models and frameworks specifically tailored for the purpose. This chapter highlights an attempt to develop a suitable framework for the e-transformation of SMEs in Sri Lanka. In the belief that new models and frameworks can help SMEs to equip themselves to better understand their current stage and identify the main barriers at each stage of the adoption process, this attempt starts with an initial exploratory study of 17 SMEs, followed by a regional survey involving 625 SMEs from various industry sectors, along with interviews with the SME intermediary organizations. The proposed model facilitates establishing the current stage of an SME with regard ICT and e-commerce sophistication using five stage variables. It also assists to determine current position with regard to barriers towards the adoption of e-commerce and helps determine the support necessary to overcome such identified barriers. The research detailed in this chapter establishes that barriers show variance when SMEs proceed to more advanced stages in the adoption process. Likewise, the necessary support required indicates a similar trend. Going further, the chapter proposes a model for adoption of e-commerce for SMEs in Sri Lanka and identifies the essential need for support while acknowledging available support. Finally, it proposes an initial framework to e-transform SMEs in developing countries
Open Access
Passive techniques for residential buildings in low altitudes of Sri Lanka
(Institution of engineers: Colombo, 1999) Jayasinghe, M.T.R; Attalage, R. A
The role of passive techniques, which utilises a certain number of passive elements to maintain the thermal comfort within the built environments of residential buildings at low atlitudes of Sri Lanka, has been highlighted. The possibility of defining a unique neutral temperature of 26°C for low altitutes of Sri Lanka has been utilised in a rational way in presenting simplified set of rules of thumb, that can be used by the designers at early stages. The effects of orientation, shading devices, window sizes, roofing materials, insulation, colour of the exterior and interior walls, use of courtyards to maximise natural ventilation, and arrangement of roof to minimise structural cooling are shown with suitable examples.
Embargo
Analysis of household cooking energy demand and its environmental impact in Sri Lanka
(Pergamon, 2002-11-01) Attalage, R. A; Wijayatunga, Priyantha DC
This paper presents the results and analysis of a study conducted with the objective of investigating the cooking energy requirements in the Sri Lanka domestic sector and the environmental emissions associated with it. The study was conducted out through a sample and showed that the main household energy supply sources were biomass, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity and kerosene with electricity being used largely for water boiling in all subsectors. It was observed that the urban sector cooking is largely dominated by LPG (95% of urban households) while the rural sector cooking is confined mainly to biomass (95% of rural households). The suburban sector consists of a mixture of all the sources (LPG-70% and biomass-85% of suburban households). Similarly, LPG dominates in electrified households (76.4% of electrified households), while biomass dominates in all non-electrified households. It was found in the analysis that the highest level of gaseous emissions due to cooking activity occurs in the rural areas, mainly due to the relatively large use of biomass, while the lowest level of emissions is recorded in a typical suburban household. Also, the analysis shows that fuel switching in domestic cooking activities from biomass to LPG and kerosene can be used as a measure to reduce emissions due to higher stove efficiencies and lower emission factors associated with these fuels. Substitution of 50% of biomass usage by kerosene in the rural households will result in 39–50% reduction in emissions within the rural sector. Further, substitution of 50% of biomass usage in urban and suburban sectors by LPG results in 4–49% reduction in emissions within these sectors.

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