University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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The Application of Curtain Creeper (Vernonia elaeagnifolia) as an Eco-Friendly Green Facade Plant for Colombo, Sri Lanka
No full textThe integration of green facades into urban design has become a critical strategy to combat urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and enhance the aesthetic value of built environments. While exotic species are frequently employed in vertical greening systems, the use of environmentally friendly plants remains underutilized in Sri Lanka. This study investigates the application of the Curtain Creeper (Vernonia elaeagnifolia), a climbing species, as an ecologically sustainable alternative for green facades in Colombo. Through field experiments, growth performance analysis, and biodiversity impact assessments, this research highlights the potential of Vernonia elaeagnifolia to deliver significant environmental benefits without the invasive risks commonly associated with exotic species. The findings support the prioritization of environmentally friendly species in green building strategies to promote urban biodiversity resilience in Colombo.
 
Service-Learning, Spiritual Orientation, and Social Entrepreneurship: A exploration of the Vikings Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
No full textThe primary goal of this research is to explore the impact of a student's service-learning experience gained through working on social entrepreneurship projects and participating in corporate social responsibility activities (CSR) on a student's change in their spiritual orientation as a change in attitude towards social and community development. This exploratory study analyzed 20 transformational stories from Viking Club students at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) using snowballing to select the suitable respondents. The Viking Club is a student-led club at the USJ that promotes social entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka along with the active engagement in CSR activities. In-depth questionnaire was based on the author's personal experiences, autoethnography as the instrument to comprehend and capture the participants' real experiences of transformative change using a qualitative research approach. According to the findings, active participation in the Viking Club's social entrepreneurship and CSR activities boosted empathetic behavior and developed a more empathic attitude that was socially responsible, happy, as well as sustainable. The students appeared to be more inspired to work collaboratively and to put forth more effort in sharing love with others, which represents the evolution of spiritual orientation and how it has combined with social entrepreneurship to achieve the club's ultimate vision of “Solving social problems in Sri Lanka through Entrepreneurship”.The paper thereby gives theoretical and practical implications
From Possibility to Realization: The Central Role of Human Resources in Making Things Happen
Get PDFHuman resources are a unique resource, a capital, and a strategic driver. Among all organizational resources, human resources occupy a unique and irreplaceable position. While financial, technological, informational, and material resources make the achievement of organizational goals possible, it is human resources that convert these possibilities into realization. This paper introduces and elaborates a critical conceptual distinction: possibility versus happening. Drawing from theories such as Resource-Based View, Human Capital Theory, System Theory, and Agency Theory, philosophical reasoning, and illustrative analogies, this article establishes the superior role of human resources in transforming possibility into happening. The argument reinforces the strategic importance of Human Resource Management as the primary enabler of organizational success.
Key Words: Human Resources, Human Resource Management, Personnel, Possibility, Realizatio
Development of a Guideline to Assess Industrial Boiler Fuels for Sustainable Boiler Operations
Get PDFIndustrial boilers play a significant role as a primary source of energy utilization in the industrial environment. In line with Sri Lanka's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce carbon emissions, significant actions include converting boiler energy sources to biomass and implementing guidelines to support the transition of industries into sustainable eco-industrial parks. Therefore, as energy sources, the selection of boiler fuel is significant to industries that consider sustainability and NDC actions. In the present study, sets of criteria were identified, and a guideline was formulated to assess industrial boiler fuels before starting the boiler operations for sustainable boiler practices in the Sri Lankan context associated with Seethawaka Export Processing Zone (SEPZ) using primary and secondary data sources. The resulting guideline consists of major boiler fuels, including biomass, coal, oil (diesel, heavy furnace oil and kerosene), processed waste (fabric) and electricity as an energy source. The guideline covers criteria related to fuel quality, maintenance practices, environmental regulations, issues related to fuels, fuel handling requirements, and environmental protection practices for each fuel relating to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The guideline's practical application was evaluated through a survey of industries at SEPZ. The survey results indicate that SEPZ industries meet the requirements of prepared guidelines by adhering to safety practices, holding necessary permits, and complying with environmental regulations, thus contributing to social sustainability. The SEPZ industries have achieved environmental sustainability by utilizing biomass as boiler fuel (49%), ensuring proper fuel storage, safe ash disposal, and dust arresting systems while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Additionally, economic sustainability has been attained through effective boiler maintenance, safety practices, and the widespread use of biomass. Also, awareness related to proper biomass is lower among industries. Thus, the guideline will lead to an increase in the awareness of boiler fuel usage in the industrial environment management sector
The Influence of AI-Driven Marketing Analytics on Strategic Decision-Making in Private Educational Institutes in Sri Lanka: Moderator Role of Organisational Culture
Get PDFPurpose: This study explores the influence of AI-driven marketing analytics on strategic decision-making processes in Sri Lankan private universities. AI-driven analytics enable private education institutions to offer insights for targeted student recruitment campaigns and optimized resource allocation.
Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative methodology was adopted, employing a deductive approach to test hypotheses related to AI adoption and its impact on strategic decision-making. The study focused on 225 managers, decision-makers, and administrative staff involved in marketing and decision-making processes within private universities. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey, analyzed using SPSS v26, and validated through reliability, regression, and moderator analyses.
Findings: There is a positive and statistically significant impact of AI-driven marketing analytics on strategic decision-making effectiveness. Organizational culture emerged as a critical moderator, influencing how AI tools are utilized. Institutions with innovation-oriented cultures were found to adopt AI technologies more effectively, promoting adaptability, experimentation, and collaboration.
Originality: This study uniquely integrates organizational culture as a moderating factor, providing new insights into how innovation-oriented cultures enhance AI adoption and utilization. By addressing gaps in existing research on AI applications in educational marketing, this study offers a novel framework for leveraging AI tools to optimize decision-making in higher education institutions.
Implications: The study highlights the importance of fostering data-driven and innovation-focused cultures within universities to maximize AI adoption. Recommendations include investing in AI tools, staff training programs, and ethical data governance frameworks. Additionally, collaborative decision-making models integrating AI insights with human expertise are suggested to optimize strategic outcomes
A study of the influence of gender on children's socialization
No full textGender roles have been a significant societal issue in Sri Lanka since ancient times. This study examines gender-based divisions within society, which create distinct roles and responsibilities for men and women. Women are often given lower social value, while men are accorded higher status. Socialization begins within the family and extends to interactions within the broader community, shaping individuals' behaviors based on their experiences. The main research question of this study is how gender roles influence children's socialization processes. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing primary, secondary, and tertiary sources from library research. Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping future behavioral patterns, and this study investigates how gender roles impact this process. Findings reveal that children raised in a society with established gender roles are significantly influenced by them. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity of fostering a rational, unbiased perspective in children to reduce social inequalities. The research concludes that societal disparities directly affect socialization, influencing how children integrate into society
Feminization of Poverty; A Conceptual Analysis
Get PDFThis paper explores an integrated sociological review of the concept of the feminization of poverty that refers to the growing poverty rate among women in a broader context of structural inequalities and an argument about hegemonic societal norms that devaluate economic contributions made by women. The analysis builds on a systematized literature review from 1978 to 2023 by synthesizing key findings, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks related to the feminization of poverty. Important causes identified here are gendered labour markets, unfavorable and unequal working circumstances with low wages and lack of benefits and privileges, unpaid domestic work and caring, limited access to resources, including land and credit for women, etc. These key factors show a considerable gap between women and men, and it is exacerbated in countries with developing economies, where poverty has been intertwined with inequality. It is reflected clearly in gender, migration, and social policy within the articulations arising from globalization and changing labor markets and how women are predisposed to economic vulnerabilities. Therefore, in this study, the emphasis is placed on the necessity of a comprehensive strategy related not only to economic inequality but also to the social norms that result in the marginalization of women. The research explored the basic features of the feminization of poverty through a thorough investigation of scholarly work and found out how the factors related to feminized poverty exist in different social contexts and their impact on women worldwide. Based on the findings, this study recommends that the feminization of poverty needs to be effectively addressed to achieve broader economic equity and social justice through vigorous efforts aimed at transforming the institutional practices and societal norms underpinning gender inequalities
Gender-Based Differences in Learning Aspirations
No full textEducation serves as a fundamental tool in human resource development, with gender equality in educational participation playing a crucial role in fostering societal progress. This study examines gender-based variations in students' learning aspirations, subject selection, career expectations, and the factors influencing these aspirations. Employing a detailed research approach, a sample survey was conducted among students in government schools within the Sri Jayawardenapura Education Zone, Colombo District. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis, and findings were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study reveals that female students exhibit higher academic aspirations than their male counterparts, particularly in examinations and higher education pursuits. However, girls demonstrate a lower tendency to select subjects such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Design and Mechanical Technology. Career aspirations also differ by gender, with boys favoring industrial-sector professions while girls aspire to white-collar occupations. These preferences are shaped by early psychological and sociological influences, with boys prioritizing economic factors and girls emphasizing social considerations. Notably, boys display short-term career expectations and a tendency to seek rapid success, often disregarding education, whereas girls view education as a pathway to social mobility. Findings further highlight structural and societal factors contributing to boys’ lower academic aspirations, including the feminization of schools, the limited presence of male teachers, and the lack of visible male role models in education. Additionally, family background and societal perceptions of education significantly influence students' aspirations. This study underscores the need for policy interventions aimed at addressing gender disparities in education and promoting balanced career aspirations among students
The ESL Teaching Strategies in Sri Lankan Schools are More Female-Friendly
Get PDFEnglish as a Second Language (ESL) education plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka's national curriculum, aiming to enhance language proficiency among students. However, the effectiveness of ESL teaching strategies in addressing the diverse needs of both male and female learners has become a subject of growing concern. Through the position paper, the gender dynamics of English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching in Sri Lankan schools are thoroughly explored, leading to the main argument that the current methods create a more female-friendly learning environment. Furthermore, the dominance of female teachers in this main field accompanied by more female friendly classroom management strategies leads to mostly highlight the learning preferences of female students. Conversely, male students tend to disengage as a consequence of lack of hands-on, practical and competitive learning opportunities, as well as the absence of male role models in ESL classrooms in Sri Lanka. The authoritative female dominance in ESL field further alienates male students which lowers academic motivation and performance
Do Human Activities Affect the Chemical Composition of Soil Layers in Gem Mines of Rathnapura, Sri Lanka?
No full textSri Lanka has undergone diverse geomorphic processes since the Pre-Cambrian era, resulting in the transformation of igneous and sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks and minerals. Over this long geological history, sedimentation played a key role in the formation of gem-bearing soil layers. Rivers and streams, acting as natural transport agents, carried weathered debris across long distances, depositing gem minerals in deep basins and floodplains. Gem mining in Rathnapura, Sri Lanka, is simultaneously a cultural tradition, an economic livelihood and a form of human-environment interaction. While geomorphological and climatic processes largely determine the stratigraphy and chemistry of gem-bearing soils, anthropogenic activities such as excavation, sediment washing and backfilling are often assumed to have chemical impacts. This paper investigates whether human activities measurably affect the chemical composition of soil layers in gem mines of Rathnapura, situating the question within an anthropological framework. Particle size analysis showed a consistent decrease with depth, while chemical tests revealed variations in K₂O, MgO, and Fe₂O₃ levels across layers, with limited differences in P₂O₅ and CaO. These findings indicate that geomorphological and climatic factors remain primary determinants of soil stratigraphy. Results reveal that mining visibly alters stratigraphy but does not significantly affect soil chemistry. The stability of chemical composition is maintained by hydrological and topographical factors, particularly frequent flooding in the lower floodplain during the Southwest monsoon. From an anthropological perspective, these findings suggest that gem-bearing soils should be understood as socio-natural formations in which cultural practices leave stratigraphic rather than chemical imprints