University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Critical Factors Influencing the Reliability of Mortgage Valuations: A Qualitative Review of Literature
Get PDFThis study was done to pinpoint the critical factors that impact on the reliability of the mortgage valuation in the real estate sector, an area that has seen dearth of comprehensive analysis. The examination was done by searching for peer-reviewed articles published in index journals between 2010 - 2024. The study found four factors such as data, experience of the valuer, client influence and valuation standards. As a contribution to the field, it is recommended that authorities consider enhancing improved data management strategies, providing augmented professional training for the valuers, introducing better client management strategies, and timely upgrading valuation guidelines and standards to maintain and enhance the reliability of the mortgage valuation
Sri Lanka’s Transition to a Digital Nomad Hotspot: A Netnographic Analysis
Get PDFDigital Nomads, a growing global community of professionals who leverage technology to work remotely while maintaining a location-independent, travel-centric lifestyle, boost local economies, and promote cultural exchange while diversifying income sources for host countries in the global economy. This study explores Sri Lanka's potential as a hotspot for digital nomads through a netnographic approach, analyzing secondary data from blogs and community-driven resources to gauge the attractors that draw digital nomads to the country. The findings show that Sri Lanka offers cultural richness, affordability, and scenic landscapes, but faces challenges like unreliable internet, limited coworking spaces, and bureaucratic visa processes. The study concludes that improving digital and physical infrastructure and administrative procedures could make Sri Lanka a more competitive destination for digital nomad
Examining the Role of CSR and Technological Readiness in the Intelligent Transformation of SMEs in Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this research is to find out the impact of external and internal factors on the intelligent technology readiness of SMEs and the moderation effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the relationship between external and internal factors and intelligent technology readiness.
Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from owners of the SMEs. A convenient sampling technique was applied to select the respondents. A Total of 143 valid responses from SMEs in various industries participated in this survey. Data were analyzed by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Structure Equation Modeling (SEM).
Findings: The findings revealed that internal and external factors significantly influence the intelligent technology readiness of SMEs. Furthermore, corporate social responsibility (CSR)negatively moderates the relationship between external factors and the intelligent technology readiness of SMEs. However, CSR does not moderate the relationship between internal factors and the intelligent technology readiness of SMEs.
Originality: This study addresses a critical research gap by empirically testing Wang et al.’s (2022) conceptual model within the context of the SME sector, specifically in a post-conflict, resource-constrained region such as Northern Sri Lanka. This paper confirms that external factors should be considered highly for technology readiness and internal factors should be handled to incorporate intelligent technology transformation. However, corporate social responsibility is not taken high consideration by the SME sector.
Implications: The study implies that SME owners understand the intelligent technology need and implement internal changes in management practice, upskill employees, and utilize external opportunities to sustain in a competitive and tech-driven market. The intelligent technology application is vital for the economic growth of the region
Political Literacy of Undergraduates with Special Reference to Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at University of Ruhuna
Get PDFPolitical literacy is a significant factor that guides citizens to correctly use the power of the vote. The literature has emphasised the drawbacks of liberal democracy due to the inactive citizens who only participate during elections and lack knowledge of political phenomena or attitudes, affecting the decision-making process. Identifying the factors affecting the political literacy of undergraduates at five levels: political expertise, knowledge, awareness, interest, and participation, was the core objective of the study. The sub-objective was to identify the difference among the levels of each factor. The sample was 299 undergraduates in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, selected using a simple random sampling method. The primary data was analysed using descriptive and inferential analytical tools. The study used Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis to identify interdependent variables varying with five aspects of political literacy utilising Wilk’s Lambda and Hotelling’s Trace test statistics. Academic year, frequency of political discussions in the family, colleagues’ interest in politics, participation of societies and social works in the university, medium of studying, and nature of the living area were recognised as the significant factors that affect political literacy. The study revealed significant differences in five aspects of political literacy across various levels of the variables considered. Hence, there is variation in the political literacy of the undergraduates according to social factors. Considering the social factors, relevant authorities should implement a proper mechanism to enhance political literacy among the young generation
Characterization of Corypha umbraculifera Petiole Fiber for Polymer Composite Reinforcement
No full textNatural fiber composites are a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic options. The study aimsto investigate the potential of Corypha umbraculifera fibers as an unorthodox reinforcing filler for biodegradable polymer matrices. Chemical, thermal, density, mechanical, crystallographic, and morphological characterizations of the Corypha umbraculifera fibers were determined. The cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and moisture contents of the fibers were obtained as 66.37, 20.51, 6.25 and 9.80%, respectively. The peak at 3331 cm⁻¹ in the FTIR spectrum indicate the presence prominent O–H stretching vibrations of the cellulose. The crystallinity index and the crystallite size of the fibers were obtained as 43.60% and 3.89 nm, respectively. The fiber has 178.02 ± 28.60 tensile strength, 39.14 ± 5.97 Young’s modulus, and 2.73±0.37% maximum breaking elongation. Microfibril angle was obtained as 18.32 ± 1.28°, influencing fiber axial strength. Degradation temperature of the fibers was determined as 323.3℃, suggesting suitability for high-temperature applications. Porous fiber morphology leads to a density value of around 0.52 g/cm3 indicating suitability for applications requiring lightweight composites. The green composite prepared by incorporating this Corypha umbraculifera fiber into poly lactic acid polymer matrix displayed a significant 17.5% increase for tensile strength at 5wt% fiber loading whereas 68.28% increase was observed for flexural strength at 2.5wt% fiber loading indicating the viability of synthesizing biodegradable composites with enhanced mechanical properties. Upon thorough examination of the characteristics in this study, it was established that fibers extracted from Corypha umbraculifera offer a promising and environmentally friendly choice as a reinforcement material for polymer- based composites.Keywords: Corypha umbraculifera, Fiber, Cellulose, Palm, Poly Lactic Aci
Formulation and nutritional evaluation of whole wheat-based composite flour for functional food development: A Compatibility- Based Approach
No full textThe transition of traditional food patterns has led to an escalation of non-communicable diseases which has become a burden across the globe. Hence, healthier dietary alternatives are necessary for the rectification of the nutritional status of the people. This study intends to develop a nutritionally superior whole grain cereal-based composite flour supplemented with sustainable plant sources. Whole wheat flour, rice flour, finger millet flour, cowpea flour, black cumin seed powder and Sesbania grandiflora leaves powder were blended according to the Taguchi L8 orthogonal array. The best formula was initially selected through sensory evaluation, and further optimisation was conducted according to the trial and error approach to achieve a standard formula with improved organoleptic properties. Sensory data were analyzed using non-parametric tests, specifically the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, to compare sensory characteristics at a 95% confidence level. The composite with whole wheat flour, rice flour, finger millet flour, cowpea flour, black cumin seed powder and Sesbania grandiflora leaves powder at 50:38:5:5:0.75:0.25 ratio was selected as the highest organoleptically accepted formula. Nutritional profile of the standard formula was evaluated using standard AOAC methods. Proximate compositions represented as moisture (8.96 ± 0.11%), carbohydrate (75.17 ± 0.17 %), ash (1.24 ± 0.02 %), protein (11.16 ± 0.01 %), total fat (2.47 ± 0.13%), free fat (1.45 ± 0.07%), and fibre (1.00 ± 0.00%). The formulated composite flour can be introduced as an appropriate dietary intervention in terms of nutritional and organoleptic properties.Keywords: Composite Flour, Non-communicable diseases, Whole wheat flour, Supplementation, Sustainabl
PROMOTING UNDERUTILIZED INDIGENOUS FRUIT MARKET IN SRI LANKA AS A NEW AGRIBUSINESS VENTURE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textUnderutilized crops remain unknown to the people and possess many nutritional, medicinal and botanical values. They contain both macro and micro nutrients, minerals, fiber and water and most of the underutilized crops are grown in local and wild areas. Therefore, these crops can be used to reduce hidden hunger among local communities and popularizing the growing and selling of underutilized fruit and vegetable varieties among Sri Lankan farmers will be a good solution in order to enhance the farm income. Therefore, this systematic literature review aimed to analyze the importance, potentials and limitations of promoting underutilized fruit and vegetable market in Sri Lanka as a new agribusiness venture. A systematic literature review is essential to promote Sri Lanka’s underutilized fruit and vegetable market with the intention of offering a comprehensive, evidence based foundation. It helps identify market gaps, consumer trends, value addition opportunities and policy barriers. About twenty three articles published in the Web of Science database were selected for study using the PRISMA method. Many of the researchers found that there are lots of advantages of popularizing and growing underutilized fruits and vegetables among the consumers such as poverty alleviation, solution for hidden hunger, as a source of micro/ macro nutrients and a source of additional farm income. Though, there are some limitations for promoting the underutilized fruit crops, some of them revealed that there are some potentials to promote the underutilized crops. Furthermore, there were value addition and demand for underutilized crops among reviewed research articles.
Key words: Underutilized crops, Agribusiness venture, PRISMA, Market, Promotio
ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF COMMISSION-BASED INCENTIVES ON LOTTERY AGENT MOTIVATION IN GALLE DISTRICT SRI LANKA
No full textIn an era marked by escalating living standards, the allure of lottery as an alternative revenue stream has surged globally, exemplified by Sri Lanka's long-standing lottery systems. However, the ethical dimensions of lottery sales practices remain critically under-explored. This study delves into the ethical implications of predatory sales tactics, misinformation, neglect of customer needs, and the erosion of trust on lottery agent motivation within the Galle District, Sri Lanka. Employing a positivism philosophical standpoint along with deductive approach and has applied, mono-quantitative choice to surveyed 135 agents, utilizing simple random sampling and statistical analysis conducted, including Spearman correlation, and Chi-square tests. Our findings reveal a significant positive relationship between unethical sales behaviors and agent motivation. Despite the potential for short-term gains, these practices jeopardize long-term trust and customer loyalty. This research bridges a critical gap by highlighting the necessity for ethical sales practices in the lottery sector, a domain often overlooked. We advocate enhanced ethical training, transparent communication, and incentive restructuring to foster sustainable sales practices. By integrating Self-Determination Theory principles, organizations can cultivate an environment that prioritizes agent well-being and customer trust. This study underscores the importance of ethical integrity in lottery sales, offering actionable insights for regulatory bodies and lottery boards to safeguard both agents and consumers. Ultimately, this research contributes to a more responsible and sustainable lottery sales ecosystem in Sri Lanka and beyond, emphasizing that ethical conduct is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for long-term success.
Keywords: Ethical Implications, Commission-Based Incentives, Lottery Agents, Motivation, Sales Practice
A Study of the Policies Adopted by Past Rulers for the Protection of Environmental Resources during the Anuradhapura Period
No full textThis research was conducted to study the policies adopted by past rulers for the protection of environmental resources, specifically during the Anuradhapura Kingdom period. It was guided by research questions focused on the impact of political strategies adopted by these rulers on the proper management and sustainable use of environmental resources for the benefit of the people. The primary objective of this research was to identify the state policies implemented by ancient rulers for the management of environmental resources. The secondary objectives were to establish the socio-economic value of these resources and to identify the legal methods used by the rulers to protect them. Qualitative research was used in this study. An examination of literary and epigraphic sources reveals that, by this period, state policy regarding the protection and management of environmental resources had become highly developed. The prosperity and progress of ancient Sri Lanka, which had an agricultural economy, depended on the wise management of its natural and water resources, particularly in land use. Therefore, it can be concluded that the planned and sustainable use of environmental resources, such as flora and fauna, water resources, and soil, contributed to a beneficial social environment and significantly impacted state development.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i02.0
The Impact of Corruption on Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria: A Review of Some Critical Issues
No full textThe rate of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation in Nigeria has reached an alarming level. While both natural and human factors contribute to this decline, corruption, encompassing theft, bribery, procurement fraud, nepotism, abuse of power, extortion, political patronage, and widespread impunity have significantly worsened the crisis. This study examines the link between corruption and biodiversity conservation using a structured conceptual framework and secondary data from international organizations, national agencies, academic institutions, peer-reviewed journals, books, legal reports, and governance and biodiversity databases. Through content and descriptive analysis, it explores how corruption intensifies biodiversity loss. Key findings indicate weak enforcement of environmental laws, a dysfunctional justice system, poor rule of law, institutional inefficiencies, negative attitudes among enforcement officials, and public disregard for regulations. These issues have led to overexploitation of resources, habitat destruction, deforestation, wildlife poaching, and air and water pollution. The broader consequences include severe biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, rising unemployment, increased poverty, widening income inequality, and higher crime rates. Addressing this crisis demands comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s governance, legal, and institutional systems, along with strict compliance with national and international biodiversity conventions. It also requires eliminating favouritism, discretionary practices, and arbitrary exemptions in natural resource licensing. Empowering local communities, strengthening community-based enforcement, integrating indigenous knowledge, and adopting digital tools for biodiversity monitoring are essential steps toward sustainable conservation.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Compliance, Corruption, Law Enforcement, Nigeri