Scopus Index Publications

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This collection consists of all Scopus-indexed publications produced by SLIIT researchers. Scopus is recognized worldwide as a leading and reputable academic indexing database.

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Unveiling the challenges: exploring start-up hurdles faced by small and medium-sized enterprise entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka
    (https://www.nature.com, 2025-03-30) Gankandage, A; Jayathilaka, R
    This study specifically focuses on the factors contributing to start-up failures in the SME sector in Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on the educational, socio-cultural, economic, and psychological variables that affect entrepreneurial outcomes. The primary objective is to identify and analyse the factors contributing to these failures. Data collection involved interviews, telephone surveys, and online questionnaires. Given that the dependent variable categorises outcomes as either success or failure, a Probit regression model, was deemed the most appropriate analytical method. The findings reveal significant impacts of educational and economic factors on start-up failures in the SME sector. Additionally, psychological, and socio-cultural factors were found to influence these failures. Most participants recommended integrating entrepreneurship and skill development topics into the O/Level and A/Level curricula. Based on these insights, this study proposes several policy recommendations. It suggests that policymakers improve the education system to meet the country’s educational needs more effectively. It also recommends that family members, society, and religious leaders receive education pertaining to start-up development. Furthermore, it advises policymakers and financial institutions to align more closely with entrepreneurial needs to prevent business failures. Lastly, the study emphasises the importance of educating entrepreneurs on maintaining a motivated and positive attitude, addressing the fear of loss, and understanding the psychological aspects of business management. Building upon the brief overview in the abstract, the following introduction lays the foundation for our study, elaborating on the economic concepts and contextual background.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    Navigating economic crisis: Factors shaping resilience in Sri Lankan constructionSME supply chains
    (Taylor and Francis, 2024-10-05) Madhavika, N; Bandara, M; Manchanayake, M; Perera, C; Bandara, W; Jayasinghe, P; Ehalapitiya, S
    In today’s construction industry, supply chains are subject to much greater disruption than they were inthe past, resulting in a greater need for resilience. However, there is a gap in the literature that examinesthe resilience of construction small and medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) specifically focusing on develop-ing countries. This article is a step towards identifying the factors influencing the resilience of construc-tion SME supply chains taking the case of Sri Lanka: a developing country which is currently amidst amajor economic crisis. This research study adopted a mixed-method approach, employing 08 structuredinterviews with employees ranging from executive level to top level management of 08 constructionSMEs followed by a questionnaire survey considering a sample of 195 construction SMEs also with execu-tive level to top level management of each construction SME. The findings indicated that Collaboration,Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Internal Integration, and Outsourcing have a positive significant impacton the resilience of Sri Lankan construction SMEs’ supply chains during an economic crisis, while‘collaboration’ and ‘EO’ are the most influential factors respectively. Therefore, construction SMEs mustprioritize and enhance collaboration and EO when devising supply chain strategies to strengthen resili-ence during economic crises. This paper contributes to filling the research gap by investigating factorsinfluencing construction SME supply chains in a developing country during an economic crisis. Moreover,it contributes to the knowledge by being one of the latest empirical studies focusing on the constructionSME supply chains in Sri Lanka. The findings provide a valuable reference for both policymakers and prac-titioners seeking to improve the resilience of construction SME supply chains
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Security matters: Empowering e-commerce in Sri Lanka through customer insights
    (Springer Nature, 2024-12) Jayathilaka, R; Udara, I
    In the fast-paced, post-COVID digital world, e-commerce presents promising prospects for significant advancement. However, customers often feel uncertain due to persistent concerns about the robustness of security measures safeguarding e-commerce platforms. The primary objective of our study was to identify factors affecting the security of e-commerce platforms based on the perceptions of Sri Lankan customers. This research was conducted using data collected from Sri Lankan e-commerce users via both online and offline surveys. An ordered probit regression model was utilised, demonstrating that transaction security, privacy, vendor system security, and platform quality positively impact the perceived security of e-commerce. The e-commerce industry in Sri Lanka is expected to see growth and an increased user penetration rate. The findings of this study are anticipated to assist e-commerce business owners and policymakers in addressing critical security issues, namely vulnerabilities in transactional security, low privacy, inadequate system security, and poor e-commerce platform quality. These improvements are expected to build trust and credibility among consumers, maximising e-commerce success.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Forecasting weekly dengue incidence in Sri Lanka: Modified Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average modeling approach
    (PLoS ONE, 2024-03-08) Karasinghe, N; Peiris, S; Jayathilaka, R; Dharmasena, T
    Dengue poses a significant and multifaceted public health challenge in Sri Lanka, encompassing both preventive and curative aspects. Accurate dengue incidence forecasting is pivotal for effective surveillance and disease control. To address this, we developed an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model tailored for predicting weekly dengue cases in the Colombo district. The modeling process drew on comprehensive weekly dengue fever data from the Weekly Epidemiological Reports (WER), spanning January 2015 to August 2020. Following rigorous model selection, the ARIMA (2,1,0) model, augmented with an autoregressive component (AR) of order 16, emerged as the best-fitted model. It underwent initial calibration and fine-tuning using data from January 2015 to August 2020, and was validated against independent 2000 data. Selection criteria included parameter significance, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Schwarz Bayesian Information Criterion (SBIC). Importantly, the residuals of the ARIMA model conformed to the assumptions of randomness, constant variance, and normality affirming its suitability. The forecasts closely matched observed dengue incidence, offering a valuable tool for public health decision-makers. However, an increased percentage error was noted in late 2020, likely attributed to factors including potential underreporting due to COVID-19-related disruptions amid rising dengue cases. This research contributes to the critical task of managing dengue outbreaks and underscores the dynamic challenges posed by external influences on disease surveillance.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Factors affecting job performance of Sri Lankan IT professionals working from home
    (PLOS ONE, 2023-12-12) Jayanandana, N; Jayathilaka, R
    This study investigated the influence of the physical work environment, work life balance, work flexibility, and effective communication on the job performance of IT professionals in Sri Lanka’s IT industry who work from home (WFH). A standard questionnaire was used to collect data from 293 IT specialists in 50 different IT organizations in Sri Lanka, and a stepwise probit model was employed for data analysis. According to the findings, both the physical work environment and work life balance had a significantly positive effect on job performance. A one-unit increase in the physical work environment and work life balance increased the likelihood of high job performance by 0.21% and 0.19%, respectively. In contrast, work flexibility had a negative effect on job performance, with an increase of one unit resulting in a 0.18% decrease in the likelihood of high job performance. The positive impact of effective communication on job performance was less significant. The study emphasises the significance of providing a conducive work environment and promoting work life balance to enhance the job performance of IT professionals in Sri Lanka’s IT industry who WFH.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Strategic implementation of PPP for small-scale infrastructure in Sri Lanka: a comparative analysis of alternative PPP models
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Guruge, K; Coomasaru, P; Weeraman, C
    This study aims to provide a thorough comparison of Private Finance Initiative (PFI), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), and Joint Venture (JV) models for Small-Scale Infrastructure Development (SSID) in Sri Lanka and devise innovative, tailored recommendations to maximise efficiency, effectiveness, and compatibility. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research systematically examines the key features, benefits, and limitations of PFI, BOT, and JV models in the context of SSID. A compatibility assessment is conducted, focusing on financing approaches, stakeholder engagement, and other critical success factors. The findings reveal that the BOT and JV models are superior to the PFI model due to their balanced stakeholder engagement, risk sharing, and alignment with critical success factors. Based on these insights, the study formulates novel, customised recommendations for optimising the selected model's efficiency, effectiveness, and compatibility with SSID in Sri Lanka, with the aim of informing policy and practice. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for future research exploring alternative financing models and emerging technologies in SSID, opening new avenues for innovative approaches to infrastructure development in Sri Lanka. In conclusion, this comprehensive comparison offers valuable guidance for academics, industry professionals, and policymakers seeking to enhance small-scale infrastructure development in Sri Lanka, emphasising the importance of selecting the most suitable financing model.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION ON CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT MANAGEMENT IN SRI LANKA
    (Construction Contract Management, 2023-07-21) Karunaratne, B.C.T.M.; Abeynayake, D.N.
    The construction contract is the mainstay for the ascendancy of the construction project requiring proper contract management. The Sri Lankan construction industry has many complications associated with contract management. Blockchain, as a decentralised transaction and data management technology, can potentially address the issues related to contract management amidst the impediments to effective implementation. However, blockchain technology adaptation in the Sri Lankan construction industry lacks evidence, even though other sectors, for example, banking and agriculture, are with the initial implementation. Hence, this research aimed to identify the potential impacts of implementing blockchain technology in construction contract management in Sri Lanka. A literature review was conducted to identify the concept of blockchain technology, its applications and its benefits. A qualitative survey strategy was adopted, and data were collected via semi-structured interviews in two phases; Phase I with ICT and finance industry experts and Phase II with construction contract experts. Samples were selected purposively through snowball sampling. The data analysis revealed that the awareness and use of blockchain technology in Sri Lanka are relatively low. However, Sri Lanka has the potential to adopt Blockchain in different fields, depending on their capabilities. Furthermore, the study found associated positive impacts of Blockchain, e.g., avoiding complex procedures, providing transparency, no ambiguities, no human errors and reducing political influence to mitigate contract management issues. Besides, Blockchain may negatively impact due to, e.g., high initial and maintenance costs, lack of knowledge and expertise, unavailability of rules and regulations, and reluctance to change those need mitigations.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    A STUDY ON THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES TO THE NEIGHBOURING RESIDENCES DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Arjuna, M.P.; Edirisinghe, V.; Manoharan, K.; Herath, S.S.
    This study investigates the physical and mental health issues experienced by neighbouring residences as a result of construction projects in Sri Lanka. Specifically, it examines the impact of these projects on respiratory distress, hearing impairments, traffic congestion, lack of landscape, and flooding conditions. Additionally, the study explores the psychological effects on residents and emphasises the importance of health and safety measures in project management. Data collection involved conducting interviews with project managers, site safety officers, and a male nurse from three selected construction sites, followed by a questionnaire survey administered to 30 neighbouring residents. The study provides recommendations to mitigate adverse impacts, raise community awareness, and promote environmentally friendly practices in the construction industry. The findings enhance understanding of the health challenges faced by neighbouring residents and offer insights to policymakers and project managers to improve the well-being of affected communities.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Aggressive strategies of the COVID-19 pandemic on the apparel industry of Sri Lanka using structural equation modeling
    (PLoS ONE, 2023-06-21) Rajapakshe, W; Karunaratna, D. S. M.; Ariyaratne, W. H. G.; Lakshani Madushika, H. A.; Perera, G. S. K.; Shamila, P
    During the COVID-19 crisis, the apparel industry faced many challenges. Aggressive cost-cutting strategies became a top priority, and in turn, these influenced stressors and adversely affected business sustainability. This study examines the impact of aggressive strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic on business sustainability in the apparel industry of Sri Lanka. Further, it investigates whether the relationship between aggressive cost-cutting strategies and business sustainability was mediated by employee stress, considering aggressive cost reduction strategies and workplace environmental changes. This was a cross-sectional study with data collected from 384 employees in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to analyze the direct and indirect effects of aggressive cost reduction strategies and workplace environmental changes on sustainability with mediating effects of stress. Aggressive cost reduction strategies (Beta = 1.317, p = 0.000) and environmental changes (Beta = 0.251, p = 0.000) led to an increase in employee stress but did not affect business sustainability. Thus, employee stress (Beta = -0.028, p = 0.594) was not a mediator in the relationship between aggressive cost-cutting strategies and business sustainability; business sustainability was not a dependent variable. The findings proved that managing workplace stress, particularly improving stressful working environments and aggressive cost reduction strategies, can enhance employee satisfaction. Thus, managing employee stress could be beneficial for policymakers to focus on the area(s) required to retain competent employees. Moreover, aggressive strategies are unsuitable to apply during crisis to enhance business sustainability. The findings provide additional knowledge to the existing literature, enabling employees and employers to predict causes of stress and serve as a significant knowledge base for further studies.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Online Harassment in Sri Lanka: A Thematic Analysis
    (MDPI, 2023-03-15) Harasgama, K.S; Jayamaha, S
    : Online harassment has become a growing menace worldwide for which every nation is trying to find a solution. Existing literature demonstrates that online harassment is widespread in diverse forms and so is its impact on the victims. Despite the lack of any comprehensive studies in this area, there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the prevalence of online harassment in Sri Lanka and the need to find effective solutions to it. In such circumstances, this study aims to understand the nature of online harassment in the Sri Lankan context using qualitative research methodology. To that end, the study uses thematic analysis for analysing the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis was employed for the study as it assists in classifying complex qualitative data into different and simplified themes for better understanding and interpretation of such data. Among other findings, the analysis revealed three global themes, namely the motives of the perpetrators, the impact on victims, and remedies. Under each global theme, the study revealed various organising and basic themes, also indicating that the motives of the perpetrators and the impact on the victims are closely connected. It further reveals that impacts could be extremely serious, ranging from helplessness to suicidal thoughts, humiliation to broken relationships, and even having adverse impacts on the careers of victims. The study also found that the available remedies are not systematic or strong enough to meet the expectations of the victims. Thus, we conclude that the threat from online harassment in Sri Lanka is similar to that in any other country, requiring immediate and well-planned legal and policy responses, as exposed by the key themes identified in the study.