University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Driving Forces for Building Trust among Citizens on e-Government Websites: User Perceptions in the Galle District, Sri Lanka
No full textIn the field of e-government, trust is a critical factor in successful online service delivery. It is evident that the transparency is not clearly apparent through some of the government websites of Sri Lanka. The main objectives of this study are to identify the driving forces that are required to build government website-oriented citizen trust and to provide suggestions for policymakers to ameliorate government website-oriented citizen trust. This research is conducted based on quantitative research methods involving deductive approach with hypothesis testing and confirmatory factor analysis. The findings reveal key obstacles such as usability limitations, accessibility barriers, and disparities in user trust and suggests practical improvements, including refining interface design, strengthening cybersecurity protocols, and introducing personalized digital services to enhance user experience. Additionally, integrating AI-driven support tools, expanding digital literacy initiatives, and optimizing multi-channel service delivery are recommended to improve accessibility and foster public confidence. The results of the study can be valuable for policymakers in efficiently executing approaches to enhance citizen confidence in e-government for addressing potential risks and susceptibilities related to the usage of e-government websites.
Keywords: e-Government Website Quality, Government Website-oriented Citizen Trust, Hedonic Motivation, Usability Performance, Website Security 
Parents' Perspectives on Lifestyle Changes among Video Game-Addicted Teenagers Attending the Child Psychiatric Clinic at Colombo South Teaching Hospital
No full textIntroduction: Video game addiction among teenagers has become an increasing global concern, with significant potential impacts on various aspects of their lives. This study describes the perspectives of parents whose teenagers are undergoing treatment for video game addiction at the Child Psychiatric Clinic of Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH). The objective of this study wasto explore parental viewpoints on the lifestyle changes experienced by teenagers affected by video game addiction at the Child Psychiatric Clinic of CSTH. Methods: Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with parents to gain a deeper understanding of the observed lifestyle changes of children aged 13 to 19 years who registered in the clinic with a confirmed diagnosis of video game addiction. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of CSTH. Braun and Clarke's six-phase reflexive thematic analysis framework was employed to identify recurring themes related to physical, psychological, and interpersonal relationship changes. Results: The findings highlighted several key issues associated with video game addiction, including altered dietary patterns, avoidance of studies and physical activities, social isolation, weakened interpersonal relationships, disrupted sleep patterns, impaired physical development, and significant mental health challenges. Conclusion: Parents’ insights revealed wide-ranging effects of video game addiction on teenagers, spanning physical health, psychological well-being, and social interactions. These findings highlight the complex nature of the issue and emphasize the urgent need for holistic interventions to support affected youth and promote healthier living habits.Keywords: Video game addiction, Parents' perspectives, lifestyle change
Robot Lometh: Exploring the Influence of Attentional Cueing Behaviors of a Product Promoting Social Robot on Attention Shift of a Passing by Human
No full textApplications of social robots appear to be growing in many industries worldwide. Researchers in the field of human- robot interaction (HRI) explore how to implement a robot in a socially accepted manner and explore methods of building a successful social robot that can accomplish its expected behaviors. There will be more social robots forhuman representations in the future. Hence, interacting with a social robot should feel natural and humanized more than ever. The main challenging task of a product-promoting social robot is to make humans aware of the robot in the field and notify humans passing by of the robot’s presence. This study attempts to identify the effect of different attentional cueing behaviors that robots can perform in capturing the attention of passing by humans to make the human aware of the robot and make the human interact with it using the anthropomorphic social robot “Lometh”. Researchers of this study used three categories of attentional cueing behaviors and their combinations to analyze the influence of cueing behaviors in a supermarket environment where the robot performs the role of a product promoter. Studies are carried out to capture human attention by a robot when a human engages in some activity. At the same time, humans are immobile, but the influences of attention cueing behaviors of a robot towards passing by humans are yet to be explored. In this study, pre-defined robot behavioral combinations were experimented with, and the successful interaction initiations were recorded to analyze the influence of each attentional cueing combination. The outcome of this study recommends that behavioral combinations shift human attention and include verbal cues that highly motivate the human attention shift. The findings will contribute to configuring the procedures for the attentional goals of social robots to achieve their communication goals
Spatially-Aware Conversational AI for Real Estate: Enhancing Query Understanding Using Location-Aware Language Models
No full textThis paper introduces a spatially-aware conversational AI system designed for real estate platforms, which uniquely combines natural language processing (NLP), geospatial intelligence, and user behavior to improve query understanding and property relevance. Traditional chatbots often struggle to interpret vague or spatially contained queries such as “apartments near Nugegoda under 40 million,” leading to mediocre user experiences. Our solution addresses this limitation by integrating fine-tuned locationaware large language models (LLMs) with IP-derived geolocation, GIS proximity data, and contextual query interpretation. The system uses both structured and unstructured user inputs to clarify preferences, infer missing details, and deliver contextually filtered property results. It also supports live dialogue for clarifications, enhancing interactivity and accuracy. We detail the architecture, training process, and spatial NLP techniques used to ground language understanding in real-world locations. Internal evaluations on a Sri Lankan property dataset show marked improvements in intent classification, queryresolution accuracy, and user satisfaction. The findings demonstrate that embedding spatial reasoning within AI chat systems can significantly elevate real estate platform usability, opening new possibilities for localized and intelligent property discovery
 
Exploring accessibility of university buildings for the mobility impaired: A case study of a university in Sri Lanka
No full textUniversities have to offer equal opportunity to all students. It is axiomatic that, although disabled students are present in the university environments, they are under represented. However, it is questionable whether the existing institutional facilities in Sri Lankan universities are effective in meeting the needs of disabled students. This study aims to examine the legal framework of disability rights in Sri Lanka, with a focus on physical accessibility at a particular university in Sri Lanka and to elucidate to what extent that university upholds internationally and domestically accepted principles and laws. It analyses national and international laws that affect the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in university education. It also explores the challenges and opportunities faced by the chosen university in implementing inclusive education practices and providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The content analysis of this article is drawn from the literature survey and observations done at the selected university. The findings lend insights into gaps and inconsistеnciеs bеtwееn thе lеgal framework and the actual practice of disability rights in Sri Lanka especially in the selected university. Additionally, the selected university has derelict its duty in promoting disability inclusion, potentially leading to fundamental rights litigation. The findings are essential for the university to enhance the lives of disabled students. Thе articlе concludеs with somе rеcommеndations to improvе thе lеgal framework and disability rights in universities in Sri Lanka to incrеasе equal access to university еducation for students with disabilitiеs. This study urges further research by all universities in Sri Lanka to promptly audit/examine their situation and ensure equal treatment for disabled students
Empowering Sri Lankan Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating the Post-COVID Landscape
No full textThis research examines the challenges encountered by female business owners in post- COVID era Sri Lanka. The pandemic dramatically exacerbated the gender-based issues encountered by female business owners all around the world. The situation in Sri Lanka with its growing entrepreneurial landscape adds the complications to those challenges. The study included 25 members via zoom and in person and also interviews were recorded. Data analyzed using NVivo program. Results revealed a profusion of barriers, which included limited digital proficiency, the disruption of supply chains, and gender prejudice. Adaptability, resilience, and innovative approaches have been fundamental for post-pandemic times. Still, difficulties remain, such as the lack of empowerment and support from external forces. The research suggests specialized interventions, the upgrade of digital literacy, gender-considerate fiscal measures, and mentorship programs as solutions. The conclusions drawn from this research can be beneficial for elevating the level of policy and practice, all the while creating a sustaining environment for female business owners during Sri Lanka's recovery attempts
Impact of Individual Factors on Business Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Construction Industry in the Western Province, Sri Lanka
No full textEntrepreneurship is seen as a crucial factor of the development of any economy because it contributes to the generating of revenue both locally and globally, facilitating economic and social progress. It focuses on not just the generation of income, but also the improvement of people's living standards and the acceleration of production, among other things. Scholars have identified women entrepreneurship as one of the most vital variables in a country's economic progress. Sri Lankan women have most newly begun to participate actively in the commercial sector. This study makes an effort to investigate the impact of individual factors on business performance of women entrepreneurs in the construction industry in Sri Lanka and six hypotheses were developed along with six main research objectives. The population includes all the women entrepreneurs in the construction industry who have established their businesses in the Western Province. The sample of 113 women entrepreneurs was selected with random sampling method. Multiple linear regression analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to examine the hypotheses. Based on the tested hypotheses, individual factors which are motivation and goals, social learning, network affiliation, human capital and environmental influences positively impact on business performance of women entrepreneurs in construction industry in the Western Province, Sri Lanka. The study's findings will be useful in implementing practical ramifications in the construction industry, particularly for women entrepreneurs, by enabling women to participate in more entrepreneurial endeavors while effectively conquering their obstacles. With this understanding, Sri Lanka is forging a novel route to a novel period of growth by promoting women entrepreneurship
Influencing Factors on Student’s Willingness to Embrace Cloud Computing: An Empirical Study in Sri Lanka
Full text linkCloud computing is an important factor in the realm of information technology; however, its adoption by individual users and students remains insufficient. This paper examines the elements that affect students’ intention to use cloud services, addressing a gap in the literature that predominantly focuses on business customers. A structured questionnaire was given to 347 respondents in order to test a model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Descriptive analysis, principal component analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to infer the results. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and attitudes toward cloud computing all exert a direct influence on students' intention to utilize cloud computing. It was found that behavioral intention was indirectly influenced by perceived ease of use, perceived transferability of computer skills, and trust in cloud computing providers. Additionally, perceived risk was directly affected by concerns related to vendor lock-in and security. Attitudes toward cloud computing were directly shaped by perceived usefulness, which, in turn, was indirectly influenced by ease of use, transferability of computer skills, and trust in providers. Furthermore, the results suggest that perceived usefulness acted as a fully mediating variable, whereas attitudes toward cloud computing served as only a partial mediator. As policy implications, the paper suggests that academic policies should enhance students' intention to adopt cloud services by emphasizing the practical benefits of cloud computing, enhancing user-friendliness, promoting digital literacy, ensuring data security and transparency, and fostering positive attitudes toward cloud technologies.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i01.0
Enhancing Curriculum Development through Needs Analysis: A Case Study of a Second-Year University English Language Teaching Programme in Sri Lanka
Full text linkThis research investigates the significance of needs analysis in curriculum development, focusing on a second-year university academic program where English is taught as a second language. The research explores the learner and societal aspects involved in needs analysis. This study aims to establish a foundation for curriculum planning by identifying learner needs and interests and to suggest suitable evaluation methods and learning materials. The teaching context is the Department of English Language Teaching at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in a state university, Sri Lanka. The curriculum includes the course content designed for second year undergraduates who follow their major degree program in Sinhala medium. Most of the students are of elementary and intermediate proficiency levels, with very few using English as their first language. The research utilizes Brown's Needs Analysis Approach, including Present Situation Analysis, Target Situation Analysis, Learning Needs Analysis, and Task Analysis. The data collection tools include questionnaires administered online, assessing sixty voluntary participants among students, exploring language skills, proficiency levels, learning styles, challenges, and expectations. The study also considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online teaching and learning. The findings reveal the need for curriculum development, highlighting the necessity of differentiated instruction, real-world language skills, learner-centered teaching methods, and modern assessment strategies. The paper concludes with recommendations to improve the curriculum based on the identified needs and preferences of the learners.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i02.1
The Role of the Belt and Road Initiative in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Sri Lanka
Full text linkThe Belt and Road Initiative is a global strategy announced by Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2013 with potential to promote the sustainable goals presented through the agenda for 2030 by the United Nations in 2016. Most significantly, Sri Lanka was among the other 21 countries which embraced the implementation of belt and road initiative, and as of today, links between belt and road initiative and sustainable development goals have become an ongoing discourse in the international system. In the Sri Lankan context, numerous projects have been launched under the belt and road initiative and consequently, some contradictory ideologies related to this backdrop have appeared in the Sri Lankan scholarly context. This paper aims to examine the impact of the belt and road Initiative on the sustainable development goals in Sri Lanka. The study employs both primary and secondary data collection methods, including observations and case studies for qualitative analysis. Primary data was gathered through direct observations, while secondary data was sourced from books, journals, and online articles. Key findings indicate a positive linkage between the belt and road initiative of China and sustainable development goals in Sri Lanka referring to economic, social and environmental sustainability. Moreover, multifaceted impact of belt and road initiative towards the sustainable development goals were identified significantly under the social, economic and environmental dynamics using the sustainable development theory. While the belt and road initiative has positively influenced the sustainable development goals in Sri Lanka to some extent, there remains a need for better project management policies to ensure sustainable development outcomes.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i02.1