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    PublicationOpen Access
    Explainable AI for public health surveillance: investigating the persistent crisis of intentional injury mortality (suicide and homicide) in the Americas
    (Nature Research, 2026-05-24) Kularathne, S; Rathnayake, N; Jayathilaka, R; Nakaoka, I; Hoshino, Y
    Intentional injury mortality (IIM), comprising homicide and suicide, remains a critical public health crisis in the Americas, which not only has the highest regional homicide rates globally but is also the only region where suicide rates continue to rise. This study employs explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to examine the structural and temporal drivers of IIM across 25 countries, based on data from the previous two decades. Two complementary models were developed: a snapshot model based on contemporaneous socioeconomic indicators and a persistence-aware model incorporating lagged effects of predictors. Analyses were conducted across both income-level categories and geographic sub-regions to uncover context-specific patterns. While both models performed at acceptable levels in distinguishing immediate and enduring effects, persistence-aware models consistently outperformed snapshot models, thereby reframing IIM as a temporally sustained phenomenon. Feature importance, interpreted through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), highlighted the varying impacts of unemployment, inflation, corruption, and economic growth across income tiers and sub-regions. The results demonstrate that a combination of short-term shocks and the long-standing effects of governance and social factors drives IIM in the Americas. These findings underscore the need for dual-horizon policy approaches that address both immediate crises and structural root causes.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Monetary incentives and green employee behaviour in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry
    (Springer Nature, 2026-12) Dilmi, K. A; Sannasgala, S; Weerarathna, R; Rathnayake, N; Pitipanaarachchi, S.M.; Rajapakse, V; Dushmanthi,N; Peemanee, J
    One of significant contributors to the economy of the Sri Lankan economy is the hotel industry which however has its share of environmental challenges such as high consumption of energy, wastage and emission of greenhouse gases. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this paper aims explores the impact of Monetary Incentives and Green Employee Behaviour as one of the means of promoting green behavior among employees. Adopting a quantitative research design, data was collected through the use of standardized questionnaire, which was applied on 383 Colombo hotel employees. The research attests that monetary incentives positively impact on both in-role and extra-role green behavior and confirms that monetary incentives trigger environmentally friendly work behaviour. The paper reveals the need to develop incentive systems based on the specific socio-cultural and economic realities in Sri Lanka. It also indicates in the study that monetary rewards should be implemented as part of the comprehensive Green Human Resource Management mechanism in motivating long term environmentally sound behavior. The study has implications to hotel policy and managers in that effective monetary incentive schemes can have a role to play in the sustainability of tourism and the environment in Sri Lanka. Future researchers are advised to explore the role of non-financial rewards and assess the long-term sustainability of monetary incentive programmes in fostering green behaviour.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Beyond compensation: effect of employee benefits on job motivation, performance, and turnover intention
    (Cogent OA, 2026) Peemanee, J; Weerarathna, R; Issarapaibool, A; Boonlua, S; Rathnayake, N
    This study investigates the influence of employee benefits on motivation, performance, and turnover intention within contemporary workplaces that increasingly emphasize employee well-being. Addressing a key gap in the literature, it employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and analyzes data from 387 Generation Y and Generation Z employees in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. The analysis examines how diverse benefit types influence employees’ motivation, performance, and decisions to remain with their organizations. The findings reveal a direct and positive link between employee benefits, enhanced motivation, and improved performance, which together significantly reduce turnover intention. Specifically, attraction and retention strategies, organizational support mechanisms, and a growth-oriented, well-being-focused environment emerged as critical factors in motivating employees and elevating their performance. Overall, the study demonstrates that strategically designed employee benefit packages—aligned with employee needs and workplace realities—foster engagement, productivity, and loyalty. This study contributes valuable insights for organizational leaders seeking to refine benefit systems and extends the academic understanding of the strategic importance of non-monetary benefits in promoting employee satisfaction and retention.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Bridging the chatbot connection: the role of AI-driven chatbot affordances in e-commerce purchase intentions
    (Emerald Publishing, 2025-10-05) Yatawara, K.M.B; Sampath, T; Kalupahana, P.L; Rathnayake, S.O; Jayasuriya, N; Rathnayake, N
    Purpose – This paper explores how AI-driven chatbots, using social support and affordance theories, influence consumer behavior and purchase intentions (PIs) in e-commerce, addressing challenges like limited understanding and security concerns. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study was conducted to collect data from 385 customers who had interacted with AI-driven chatbots on e-commerce platforms. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure the relevance of the respondents. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed using SmartPLS 4 to test the hypothesized relationships and analyze the data. Findings – The results show a small direct effect of chatbot affordances on PI, with stronger indirect effects via customer satisfaction (CS) and trust. Notably, trust does not directly influence PI, suggesting a reliance on word-of-mouth. Customer engagement (CE) plays a minor mediating role, highlighting the importance of emotional and experiential factors. Originality/value – This pioneering study within the Sri Lankan context addresses the underexplored area of AI-driven chatbots and their influence on PI. Additionally, the study provides nuanced insights into the mediating mechanisms of CS, trust and engagement in the relationship between chatbot affordances and PI.
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    PublicationOpen 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, M
    The 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.