Research Publications
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Publication Open Access Win Win Approach to Subcontracting in Building Construction: Sri Lankan Perspective(Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2025-12-19) Pasqual, I. R; Ekanayake, LSubcontracting has long been studied due to subcontractors’ critical role in construction. However, significant issues persist, especially in developing countries like Sri Lanka, impacting project performance. These issues between main contractors and subcontractors stem from a lack of mitigation methods incorporating relationship management into traditional practices. Furthermore, most prior mitigation strategies are not favorable to both parties. This research aims to develop a “win–win” approach to subcontracting, focusing on relationship and performance management, specifically applicable to building construction. A mixed-method research approach was employed, involving literature review, questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that effectively managing critical factors that influence both subcontracting relationships and subcontractor performance can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. The study identified critical factors affecting the subcontracting relationship as mutual trust, good communication, and a clear understanding of the work scope by the subcontractor, while for subcontractor performance, the critical factors include time and cost management capabilities of the subcontractor, the availability of finance and working capital for both parties, and issues such as material price increase and inflation rate when subcontractors supply materials. The findings emphasize that prioritizing mutual satisfaction throughout the subcontracting process is essential for implementation. Recommendations provided in this study aim to improve these critical factors, offering practical solutions to enhance project efficiency and individual performance. This research provides valuable insights for developing organizational policies or industry guidelines, particularly for the unique challenges being faced in developing countries.Publication Open Access IMPACT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS ON EMPLOYEES OF CONTRACTORS’ ORGANISATIONS IN THE SRI LANKAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) De Silva, S.S.; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Kalugala, CThe construction industry contributes more than 6% of the GDP of the Sri Lankan economy, employing workers at different levels of the value chain. The economic crisis in the country from 2019-2022 has had a significant impact on contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, resulting in job losses, pay cuts, and reduced working hours. Hence this study aims to investigate the impact of the economic crisis on the employees of contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, the most affected level of employees, and propose strategies to minimise the impact on the most affected level of employees. This study has been done using the mixed-method approach. Thirty-three (33) employees participated in a questionnaire survey and seven (7) managerial-level professionals were interviewed who are currently engaged in construction projects. This study has explored the levels of employees including technical, supervisory, and similar levels, professional level, administration, and managerial level. Further, this study provides the strategies adopted by the employees and the contractors to overcome the impact of the crisis, including measures to enhance productivity, cost reduction strategies, and access to financial support. The findings of the study will provide insights into the impact of the economic crisis on the construction industry in Sri Lanka and inform policy recommendations to support affected workers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry in a resilient wayPublication Embargo Protection Status of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Agricultural Sector of Sri Lanka Compared to Other Developing Countries : Special Emphasis on India and Vietnam(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2022-09-15) Wijesuriya, U.KAs a country of agricultural origin in the developing world, Sri Lanka has not adequately focused on the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) to gain substantial economic returns. Presently, “Ceylon Tea” and “Ceylon Cinnamon” are protected under the Sri Lankan GI regime. India and Vietnam, although in the developing world, have gained considerable success in GI protection and therefore many lessons can be learned from them. The doctrinal and comparative research methodologies were adopted in this study using primary and secondary sources, to compare the GI systems with India and Vietnam. Recently, Sri Lanka has introduced a registration procedure under the sui generis system by an amendment to the Intellectual property (IP) Act. Yet, the efficiency can only be seen in the future, as this mechanism was only enforced from the 16th of March 2022. The same registration procedure is followed by India for a considerable period, and they have been successful in achieving agricultural development through proper enforcement. As per the Vietnamese system, it is necessary to increase the level of awareness in promoting GIs by training national experts, funding technical assistance and providing funds for implementation. They highlight adequate government interventions are necessary for the protection mechanism to be effective which Sri Lanka should look into in greater detail. The main reasons for the slow progress in obtaining protection for potential products are inadequate Government interventions and the recently introduced registration system being too new to assess the progress, as it takes time for the results to be seen.Publication Open Access Household travel survey method for vehicle kilometers travel estimations: A case study in a developing country.(2021-05-01) Gunathilaka, S; Amarasingha, N; Dissanayake, S; Lakmali, MVehicle Kilometers Travelled (VKT) represents number of kilometers travelled by vehicles during a specific period of time in a specific area of concern. Transportation planners, policy makers, urban planners, and estimators of vehicle emission, energy consumption and fuelprice encourage the calculation of VKT for various analytical purposes. However, in most of the developing countries VKT is not estimated due to data challenges. This study aimed at proposing a household travel survey method for estimating VKT in developing countries where timely VKT data are not available. Also, estimating Personal Kilometers Travelled (PKT) seems important in developing countries, since the majority is using public and non-motorized transport modes rather than personal vehicles in those countries. This proposed method allows to collect data that are needed for estimating both VKT and PKT together with socio demographic information. A case study was conducted in three different regions; Northern, Eastern and Southern areas of Sri Lanka, which is a developing country. Questions were asked regarding to trips in a typical week, trips in holidays, special seasons or vacations, number of passengers travelled, travel modes and, socio demography of the respondent. Pilot surveys were conducted prior to the actual surveys to verify the efficiency of developed questionnaire. Samples were taken satisfying all the selected socio demographic categories within the community. Collected data through surveys were aggregated to annual level and, weighted using relevant census and population data. Weighted VKT and PKT estimates were obtained under each selected socio demographic category. Also, VKT estimates were statistically compared for studying the travel behavior of people across different regions. ANOVA and Post Hoc tests were employed for statistical comparisons. These findings can efficiently be used for transport planning, policy making activities, emission calculations, energy consumption estimations etc. by transport and environmental agencies of the country. The case study revealed the experience of utilizing the household travel survey method in Sri Lanka, making it possible to be replicated in other developing countries as well.Publication Embargo Knowledge management framework for achieving quality of healthcare in the developing countries(IEEE, 2013-01-20) Amararachchi, J. L; Perera, H. S. C; Pulasinghe, KA severe dearth of medical experts in health institutions in the rural and remote areas in developing countries has directly affected the quality of healthcare. This problem can be alleviated by providing facilities to access up to date medical Information and knowledge for doctors who are stationed in these areas to update their knowledge. Since Knowledge Management System (KMS) consists of most related Information and knowledge, medical KMSs could be utilized to enhance the quality of clinical activities. This study was aimed to identify the factors that affect the knowledge management initiatives. Findings of the research have shown that there is a strong association between accessing and using Information/ knowledge in clinical activities and the quality of healthcare. Moreover, attitudes of Medical Practitioners (MP), Infrastructure facilities, patient Information systems, patient treatment, staff benefits etc., have contribute positively towards the success of knowledge management in Health organizations. The research has used the case study methodology for accomplishing the research objectives. Remote and rural areas in Sri Lanka have considered for the case study which is one of the developing countries in the Asian region.Publication Embargo SMEs in developed and developing countries treading similar paths towards eTransformation(IEEE, 2010-07-26) Kapurubandara, M; Hol, A; Ginige, AThe 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.