Research Publications

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Embargo
Drivers of Child Labour: Socio-Economic Insights from the 15 Worst-Affected Countries
(Springer Science and Business Media, 2025-12-12) Magammana, T; Perera, A; Bandara, A; Muthugala, H; Jayathilaka, R
Child labour remains a significant global challenge, particularly in low-income countries where socio-economic factors such as health, education, economic wealth, and globalisation play pivotal roles. This study investigates the interplay of these determinants in the 15 worst-affected countries, offering a nuanced understanding of the drivers of child labour. A secondary data analysis was conducted using panel data from 2010 to 2021 for the 15 countries with the highest child labour prevalence. The study employed Polynomial Simple Linear Regression to explore the relationships between child labour and key socio-economic variables: education, health, economic wealth, and globalisation. Descriptive statistics, scatter plots, and thematic maps were utilised to visualise trends and associations. The analysis revealed complex, non-linear relationships between socio-economic variables and child labour. Education and health demonstrated dual impacts, where improvements sometimes paradoxically increased child labour due to economic and cultural factors. Economic wealth reduced child labour in some contexts but exacerbated it in others, driven by unequal wealth distribution. Globalisation similarly showed mixed effects, depending on local regulatory and socio-economic conditions. Addressing child labour requires context-specific interventions. Education and healthcare investments must be paired with policies that tackle structural inequalities and ensure equitable economic wealth. Globalisation’s potential benefits in reducing child labour depend on robust regulatory frameworks and inclusive economic strategies.
Open Access
Breaking the cycle: long-term socio economic determinants of child labour in SAARC countries
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-11-19) Magammana, T; Muthugala, H; Bandara, A; Perera, A; Jayathilaka, R
Background: Child labour remains a critical issue in SAARC countries, driven by various socio-economic factors. While previous studies have explored individual determinants, limited research has been conducted on their collective long-term impact. Understanding how structural and economic conditions shape child labour trends is essential for designing effective policy interventions. Methods: This study engages panel cointegration techniques to examine the long-term relationship between child labour and key socio-economic drivers in SAARC countries. It assesses the impact of education, access to healthcare, economic conditions, labour market dynamics, foreign investment, and urbanisation on the prevalence of child labour. Results: The findings confirm a stable, long-term relationship between child labour and these determinants in each SAARC country. Improvements in education and health significantly reduce child labour. However, economic growth and urbanisation have complex, country-specific effects. Higher unemployment and increased FDI may also influence child labour, emphasising the need for targeted policy responses. Conclusions: The study highlights the significance of ongoing investments in education and healthcare. Labour market reforms are crucial to mitigate the impact of unemployment, while inclusive economic policies ensure that growth benefits vulnerable populations. Targeted strategies for FDI and urbanisation are necessary to prevent unintended consequences on child labour. Combating child labour in SAARC countries requires a multi-sectoral approach. Regional collaboration is crucial for sharing best practices, developing unified strategies, and enhancing cross-border initiatives. Holistic policies integrating education, health, and economic planning are key to reducing child labour.
Embargo
The Social Vision Reflected Through the Poetry of William Blake
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Abeywickrama, D.D.
The poetry of William Blake is an ideal portrayal of social issues which prevailed during the poetic period of romanticism. The poem “London” has been presented in a way to make the readers aware about the concept of commercialization. London, was not a peaceful city anymore. Corruption has gnawed the innocence of people. Thus, it has made them immoral. Furthermore, Blake’s progressive vision of the 20th century concept on gender equality is promoted in ‘The Sick Rose’, which is a symbolical representation of women’s plight in parasitic relationships. The poem, ‘The Sick Rose’ indicates problems which are parallel to those of our current society where, sensual pleasures are given more prominence over spirituality. Simply, reciprocation of love does not exist anymore due to insatiable sensual desires of mankind. In addition, Blake displays his social vision in presenting children as the victimized entity in “Holy Thursday” and “The Chimney Sweeper”. The pain, torture and agony encountered by children who were brought up under institutional care were not publicly displayed. However, all this was suppressed by religion and the religious leaders, which indeed is ironic and repulsive. “The Chimney Sweeper” is a denunciation of the material conditions and the institutions: the established church, mercenary and the uncaring parents who promoted child labour. Blake’s social vision could have been influenced by the French revolution and industrialization which would have brought out quite a few social problems which are valid in the 21st century as well.

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