Research Publications
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Publication Embargo From Learners to Earners: The Role of Education in Shaping Online Freelancers within the Gig Economy(University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication, 2026-01-05) Dasanayaka, L.N; Madanayake, T.B; Jayasekara, K.G; Ileperuma, T.D; Chandrasiri, R; Bandara, GIn developing nations, education systems prioritise employability over broader academic goals, often overlooking the preparation needed for freelance platforms. Yet, the digital economy presents a rapidly expanding avenue for youth employment and economic empowerment. This systemic oversight leaves many undergraduates unprepared to capitalise on the increasing global demand for digital and professional freelance services. Objective: This study aims to identify the attitudes, behaviours, and skills that undergraduates need to succeed in online freelancing, addressing the knowledge gap between the popularity of digital self-employment and the factors driving undergraduate success in this field. Methodology: This study employed an inductive approach, focusing on undergraduate freelancers in Sri Lanka. Snowball sampling was utilised to select 21 participants, and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were subsequently analysed using NVivo thematic analysis, with analysis continuing until saturation was reached. Results: The results of this study revealed six key themes that significantly impact making an online freelance career for undergraduates in Sri Lanka: (I) Growth Mindset, (II) Work-life balance, (III) Flexibility, (IV) Effective Communication, (V) Proactive engagement and (VI) Developing Core Competencies Conclusion: Although the rising popularity of freelancing online among undergraduates is a significant trend, success is primarily attributed to various factors that enable freelancers to reach their full potential. Addressing these factors will be the solution to helping undergraduates navigate the online freelancing field. Unique Contribution: This study makes a significant contribution by empirically identifying and systematically categorising the key competencies required for undergraduate success in transitioning to online freelancing. It provides a novel, evidence-based framework for educators and policymakers seeking to prepare students for sustainable career opportunities and economic empowerment in the digital economy (SDG 8). © 2025, University of Nigeria Department of Mass Communication. All rights reserved.Publication Open Access Perceived Competencies and Performance: A Study on Grade 11 Teachers at Government National Schools in the Welimada Education Zone(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Priyanga, A.M.L.Employee competencies and individual’s competencies represent the capability the individual brings to the job situation. This study is undertaken to understand how competencies of teachers will affect their job performance. It is important to understand the factors that affect teaching performance in order understand how to improve productivity and effectiveness in the teaching process. The study thus focuses on understanding the perception of teachers across different variables related to teacher competencies, performance and factors affecting them. The main objectives are to identify the current level of competencies of teachers, to understand the effect of demographic factors on JP and to understand the relationship between the level of competencies and JP. In order to address the set objectives, the research looks at competencies from the perspective of knowledge, skills and attitudes. JP was gauged through TP and OCB. The study assesses the effect of seven demographic factors and thirty specific competencies related to teaching on job performance. Sample sizes of 135 teachers of Grade 11 were selected from a study population of teachers from National schools in Welimada Education Zone. The perceived competency factors by Malhotra and Das (2009), TP scale by William & Anderson (1991), OCB scale by William & Anderson (1991) and Demographic variables scale by Borman and Motowidlo (1997) were the measures of the study. Findings from the study reveals that three dimensions of the perceived competencies; Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of the teachers are very high and the relationship between perceived competencies and JP are positively correlated, to an increase in the level of perceived competencies adapted by individuals supporting influence performance as a group in organization. The study also reveals that the demographic variables education qualification and job tenure affect job performance, while gender, age and marital status do not affect job performance. Implications from the study for theoretical, managerial decision making and as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.Publication Embargo An Exploratory Analysis of Activities of Grade 11 English Language Textbook(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences,SLIIT, 2021-09-25) Jeganathan, T. B; Palihakkara, H; Manchanayaka, M. A. S. P; Chamalika, H. K. L; Gunaratna, M. D. M. K; Michael, M. A.TThis paper presents the findings of a survey that investigated the students' preference of the themes, lessons, and activities of the grade 11 English language textbook. The objectives of the study were to explore the appropriacy of the units, themes and activities and examine the role of the activities in improving speaking skills. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data in a non-experimental research design. We obtained our sample (n=207) from grade 11 students from 3 schools in the Colombo Division. Data were subjected to several statistical measures. It was reported that 83% of the students preferred the activities, but 17% reported that they disliked the activities in the workbook. 67.1% of the students reported the need for interesting activities. 62.3% of the students reported that they needed to learn English language grammar, while 60% of the students expressed the need for using technology for effective learning. One recommendation is adapting materials and activities to suit the current proficiency levels and preferences of the students. Using additional teacher-made communicative activities and adding supplemental speaking activities to support a balanced skills approach (BSA) are also suggested. A small sample contributed to low statistical power and limited generalizability of the findings. Limitations in statistical analysis and the non-representative sample reduced the generalizability of the results. Future studies involving a representative sample of students and a combination of quantitative and qualitative statistical measures are suggested.