University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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GOOD GOVERNANCE, PANDEMIC AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES: A DYNAMIC PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Get PDFThe study focuses on FDI inflows to South Asian countries between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods and the relationship between FDI inflows and good governance in South Asian countries over the period of 1990 to 2021. T test, panel co-integration test and dynamic panel data analysis are employed to accomplish the objectives of the study. The impact of COVID-19 on South Asia’s FDI inflows is found to be significant and particularly inflow of FDIs has experienced a significant drop in all other South Asian countries, except India during the pandemic period. Additionally, the study confirms a positive relationship between good governance and inflow of FDIs in South Asian countries. Hence, the present study strongly recommends improving infrastructure facilities while ensuring a higher level of good governance to attract more FDI to the countries in South Asian region
Design and Development of a PC Application to Address the Challenges Faced by Sri Lankan Academics in Typing North Indian Classical Music Notations
Get PDFThe objectives of this study were to identify the challenges encountered by Sri Lankan academics in typing North Indian music notations and introduce a Portable Computer (PC) application as a solution for the identified challenges. So far, there has been no adequate study of the problems encountered by the Sri Lankan academic community in typing north Indian music notations. Accordingly, the absence of a systematic as well as a more effective computerized method for transcription of north Indian music notations is the research problem for this study. The mixed method was used to carry out the research work. As revealed by this research, it can be identified that Sri Lankan academics face various challenges while typing north Indian classical music notations. Difficulty in creating notations in a short time, lack of a unique method to typing notations, inability to obtain a high-quality output, and lack of a software application designed for only this purpose can be identified as those challenges. Accordingly, a software that can reduce all challenges, and can type north Indian music notations in both Sinhala and English languages was created by the researchers. Therefore, academics can type north Indian music notations without any errors and with a good finish, and thus it can be concluded that the challenges faced by the scholars in typing north Indian music notations can be overcome.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i01.0
Spatial Distribution and Behavioural Causes with Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases in Urban Populations: A Case Study of Salamulla, Kolonnawa, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Get PDFAt present, non-communicable diseases record an extreme prevalence around the world, and Salamulla Grama Niladhari Division is no exception. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the spatial distribution of non-communicable diseases in Salamulla, effect of the behaviour and lifestyle of urban population on the occurrence of NCDs, most common non-communicable diseases, and the prevention measures taken by the community and the government. The mix-method approach was employed, collecting primary data through questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. Analysis was performed by displaying GPS locations, creating kernel density maps through ArcGIS Pro 3.2, performing descriptive statistics with histogram through IBM SPSS 21 and MS Excel 2016, and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the distribution of NCDs in Salmulla spans the South-eastern, Western, Central, North-western, and Northern regions. South-eastern, North-western regions and central area, which were urbanised during a 10-year period, are the highest kernel density areas recorded from the majority of NCDs. Gastritis is the most abundant non-communicable disease. Further, internal factors like bad habits, attitudes, age, posture, occupation, daily activities, socio-economic status, parenthood, and external factors like religious ideologies, food patterns, and physical activities were identified. It indicates that the behaviour and lifestyle of respondents play a significant role in the prevalence of NCDs. The community takes preventative interventions like controlling sugar and/or salt intake, and meditation. Government contributes by distributing pots for cultivation and implementing awareness programmes to address the issue.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i01.0
Business as Usual: A Comparative Rights-based Study for Quality Employment of Migrant Workers and Domestic Workers
Get PDFLabour law reforms are very much at the legislative discourse of the present Sri Lankan context. This paper examines two sectors, namely, migrant workers; the prominent source of foreign remittance and domestic workers; a sector of informal economy which remains unnoticed. Despite being crucial players of Sri Lankan economy, they have been subjected to partial neglection. This study incorporated the Black Letter Methodology and finds that these employees have been systematically discriminated, even in some instances against their own colleagues due to the factor of ‘gender’. It is revealed that the Government has failed to provide workable solutions up to date. The author produces amendments and new laws which are justified by analyzing the existing statutory provisions, decided cases, international standards and further supported by selected foreign jurisdictions. The purpose of the research is to suggest practical legal solutions and in addition to highlight the fact that lack of necessary amendments amounts to fundamental rights violations and infringement of human rights. Although the existing knowledge contains several views of the above employment sectors, as per the knowledge of the author they refrain from analyzing the issues incorporating the fundamental rights, human rights and international standards altogether. Thus, the article emphasizes the crucial element of State obligation under international standard
Web-Based Visual Acuity Testing under Low-Resource Settings
Get PDFConventional eye examination tests are available to diagnose visual acuity; however, most of those cannot be performed in low-resource settings and require more money and technical resources. In this study, a novel web solution was developed to replace the traditional Snellen chart method for visual acuity. Numerous technologies pertinent to optimization under low-resource settings were thoroughly examined and integrated throughout the development process, encompassing web frameworks, database management systems, voice recording algorithms, and user interface design. CodeIgniter was used as the framework of this developed system. After conducting tests with real users and obtaining results, a statistical analysis based on the test results was performed. Thirty-four volunteers participated in detecting a logMAR difference of 0.1 between the manual Snellen chart testing and web-based application, assuming a paired t-test, a standard deviation of 0.2 (estimated from previous studies), 2-sided alpha (α) of 0.05, and 80% power. The observations were independent, and the variables were normally distributed. Confidence interval limits were reported for 95%, with the standard deviation ± 1.96 from the mean, ± 0.2 logMAR. A vital feature of the system is its capability to perform a 10-ft and 20-ft eye test based on distance. The application scales the Snellen characters according to the test distance without affecting accuracy. Other unique features include automatic voice recording, automatic Snellen level change and character scaling, storing previous readings for future evaluations, and comparing them with current readings. The accuracy of the eyes, as well as their errors, are displayed to users according to international standards. Our web application produced results almost identical to those of the manual Snellen procedure, even under low resource settings, when compared to the manual Snellen procedur
Potential of Implementing Community Based Agro Tourism in the Minneriya Tank Area of Sri Lanka
Get PDFCommunity-based agro-tourism offers a transformative impact on rural areas. This study focused on identifyingthe potential of implementing community-based agro-tourism in the Minneriya Tank area in Polonnaruwadistrict of Sri Lanka. Primary data was collected through a survey using a pre-tested structured questionnaire conducted in the Rotawewa village in Minneriya Tank area. The target respondents included local residents in the Minneriya Tank area (n=30) and tourists (n=50) who made visits to this area during the data collection period. Tourists and local residents were selected through non-probability purposive sampling and random sampling methods, respectively. Tools relating to descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. The study revealed positive perceptions of community-based agro-tourism, in terms of knowledge (p=0.806), attitude (p=0.72), and awareness (p=0.53) and it highlights opportunities and challenges to implement community-based agro-tourism. In conclusion, study highlights a strong interest in implementing communitybased agro-tourism in the Minneriya Tank are
Investigating Multi-Stakeholder Conflicts and Challenges in Rekawa of Sri Lanka: Implications for CoManagement
Get PDFCoastal resources are used by multi-stakeholders with different interests. This leads to the emergence of diverse conflicts among them challenging the coastal zone management efforts. This paper aims at proposing a mechanism to address multi-stakeholder issues, to ensure sustainable resource management and improved wellbeing of people Towards meeting this objective a study was carried out in Rekawa, of Southern Sri Lanka, using Key Informant Discussions, Focus Group Discussions and field visits to obtain primary information. Results reveal that a number of stakeholders; fishers, farmers, tourism etc. have different interests in coastal resource use, which generate negative externalities on the others, leading to conflicts. It shows that there are positive links between stakeholders and the most important institutions supporting them. This is quite conducive for the establishing a co-management mechanism to address multi-stakeholder conflicts, by integrating different sectors which is one of the requisites for an effective co-management. Yet, an effective co-management mechanism needs to meet other requirements, such as, inclusiveness, active participation of all and holistic approach to management
Investor Perceptions of Macroeconomic Factors When Making Real Estate Investment Decisions in Colombo Municipal Council Area, Sri Lanka
Get PDFThis research examines the investor perceptions of macroeconomic factors when making real estate investment decisions in the Colombo Municipal Council Area, Sri Lanka. Using stratified sampling and quantitative analysis, the study found that the Gross Domestic Production growth rate and exchange rate positively influence investor perceptions, with 40% and 73% of investors considering these factors, respectively. Despite high inflation, 80% of investors consider real estate as a hedge against inflation. In contrast, Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate and Average Weighted Fixed Deposit Rate negatively affect investment demand, and it considered by 79% and 66% of investors, respectively. The Inflation Rate, Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate, and the Exchange Rate are the primary factors considered by the Real Estate Investors when making investment decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis impacted over 76.5% of investors significantly. Notably, 52% of investors expressed discomfort in investing in real estate under the current economic conditions
Entrepreneurial Strategies of Quantity Surveyors in Mitigating the Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka's Construction Industr
Get PDFThis study investigates the entrepreneurial strategies of Quantity Surveyors (QSs) in mitigating the economic crisis in Sri Lanka's construction industry, focusing on the specific challenges they encounter. A mixed-method approach was used, involving a questionnaire survey of 46 QS professionals (simple random sampling) and semistructured interviews with nine experts (purposive sampling), providing a comprehensive understanding of how QSs' entrepreneurial activities influence the crisis. The results indicate that factors such as motivation, demographic aspects, perceived features, and innovativeness significantly impact QSs' entrepreneurial engagement. The research identifies key challenges, including material shortages, regulatory barriers, and financial constraints, and proposes strategies to overcome them. The findings suggest that QSs’ entrepreneurial efforts, through the adoption of innovative practices and leveraging new opportunities, play a crucial role in alleviating the economic crisis within Sri Lanka's construction sector
How Does Immersion Affect the Travel Intention of Gen Z Tourists? The Mediating Role of Happiness
Get PDFPurpose: Gen Z emerges as a dominant consumer group with unique travel preferences and therefore, understanding their behavior is crucial for developing targeted marketing strategies and enhancing tourism experiences. Yet, there is a significant research gap in the Sri Lankan context, particularly concerning the travel behavior of Gen Z tourists. Hence, this study examined the travel behavior of Gen Z tourists focusing on Immersion, Happiness, and Behavioral Intention in wildlife tourism. It also aimed to investigate the mediating effect of happiness between immersion and behavioral intention of wildlife tourists.
Design/methodology/approach: The study undertook a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. Self-administrated questionnaires (online) were distributed employing purposive sampling technique to domestic Gen Z tourists who had travel experiences in Wildlife National Parks in Sri Lanka. A total of 282 responses were analyzed by PLS-SEM approach using SmartPLS 4.0 software.
Findings: The findings revealed that immersion and happiness significantly affected the behavioral intention of Gen Z tourists whereas immersion significantly affected happiness. Additionally, this study proved that happiness partially mediated the relationship between immersion and behavioral intention of Gen Z tourists.
Originality: This research contributes to extending knowledge of tourism consumer behavior of Gen Zers in the context of wildlife tourism. Moreover, this study examined how a Gen Z tourist is immersed towards wildlife tourism consumption and their behavioral intention for such consumptions. Thus, it empirically contributes to broadening the understanding of comprehensive consumer behavior of Gen Zers that has been paid little attention in the national and global contexts.
Implications: These insights provide a deeper understanding of Gen Z tourists' travel behavior. The findings offer important practical implications for policymakers, and other decision-makers for planning and diversifying tourism offerings and capturing new and emerging market opportunities through value-added experiences