University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Will Ecotourists Pay Premium Prices? An Explanatory Study on Motivations, Ecotourism Intention and Willingness to Pay Premium for Ecotourism
Get PDFPurpose: Recent literature emphasizes that there is an ambiguity on ecotourism consumption as actual environmentally friendly behaviors deviate from the intentions. Further, it is identified that ecotourism offerings are higher in price and discourage consumption. Hence, this study examined ecotourism consumer behaviors focusing on motivation, ecotourism intention, and willingness to pay premium for ecotourism. It also aims to investigate the mediating effect of ecotourism intention between motivations and willingness to pay premium.
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 young domestic travelers who had purchased green travel products in the last six months in Sri Lanka. A total of 212 responses were analyzed by PLS-SEM approach using SmartPLS 4.0 software.
Findings: The findings revealed that intrinsic motivation significantly influenced the willingness to pay premium whereas the impact of extrinsic motivation on willingness to pay premium was insignificant. Additionally, this study proved that ecotourism intention partially mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivation and willingness to pay premium while ecotourism intention fully mediated the relationship between extrinsic motivation and willingness to pay premium.
Originality: This research contributes to extending knowledge of tourism consumer behaviour in the context of ecotourism. Moreover, this study examined how an individual is motivated towards ecotourism consumption and their willingness to pay premium for such consumptions. Thus, the present study integrates the actual behavior, willingness to pay premium to further explain the self-determination theory. Thus, it empirically contributes to broadening the understanding of comprehensive ecotourism consumer behaviour that has been paid little attention.
Implications: The findings offer important practical implications for ecotourism providers, marketers, policymakers, and other decision-makers for planning and developing ecotourism offerings, effective marketing and promotion to encourage and ensure sustainable tourism consumption.
Keywords: Ecotourism, Ecotourism Intention, Extrinsic Motivation, Intrinsic Motivation, Willingness to Pay Premiu
Does current pre-experience matter? A study of customer perceived characteristics and MarTech usage behavior of mobile banking application users in Sri Lanka
Get PDFPurpose: The integration of Marketing Technology (MarTech) in Mobile Banking (MB) apps gains recognition in marketing automation, previous research lacks a comprehensive framework for understanding customer behavior. This study addresses this gap by proposing a new model within Financial Technology (FinTech), incorporating customer characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach: The Integrated MarTech Usage Behavior Model (IMTUBM) triangulates three theories to explore the MarTech landscape in a longitudinal survey of 400 MB app users in Sri Lanka, utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Smart-PLS software.
Findings: The resultant Integrated MB App Usage Behavior Model (IMBUBM) provides a foundational understanding of customer characteristics in the MarTech domain. Notably, this study conceptualizes awareness, elucidating that experiential aspects are shaped by both previous and pre-experience.
Originality: This study introduces the concept of current pre-experience as a moderator in the MarTech landscape within FinTech, arguing for its deeper exploration compared to previous experience.
Implications: These findings not only suggest avenues for future research in MarTech but also provide managerial insights, encouraging refinement of strategies based on heightened customer awareness. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of current pre-experience in bridging the gap between customer intention and behavior in MarTech usage.
Keywords: Awareness, Customer characteristics, FinTech organization, MarTech domain, MB app, Pre-experience, Sri Lank
Linkage between Crude Oil, Gold, INR-USD Reference Rate and Sensex amidst Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cointegration and Causality Analysis
Get PDFThe primary purpose of this paper is to analyse the shortrun and long-run association between crude oil prices, gold prices, USD-INR reference rate, and stock market index across the COVID-19 pandemic. We have employed Johansen's cointegration test to measure the long-run association among the variables. To measure the short-run association of variables, we employed vector autoregression, and then, to find the direction of causality, we used the Granger causality test. The cointegration test results show that variables are not cointegrated in the precrisis as well as during the crisis period; hence, there is no long-run association among the variables. The VAR results show that gold price was influenced by the stock market index in the pre-crisis era; however, during the crisis, no association was observed. Similar results can also be found in crude oil, USD-INR reference rate, gold price, and stock market. The results also show that the relationships among the variables are dynamic and ever-changing in the preCOVID and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Historic Total Fertility Rates of Sri Lanka (1960 – 2021) and Future Trends
Get PDFFertility is one of the key components that determine the population change in Sri Lanka. Total Fertility Rates (TFR) are the average number of children a woman would have by the end of her childbearing years (15-49) if she bore children at the current age-specific fertility rates. The average has been declining over the past decade in Sri Lanka. It is essential to understand the trends and patterns of TFR in that aspect to enhance the quality of predetermined long-term economic, health and educational plans as well the policy implements in the country. The main objective of the study is to identify the trends and patterns of historic Total Fertility Rates of Sri Lanka (1960 – 2021) and future trends. The study carries out based on the secondary data on TFR extracted from World Bank data (1960-2021). Initially, the univariate time series analysis was utilized to identify the pattern of TFR using the R Statistical software. This study revealed that there is a decreasing future trend in TFR using ARIMA (1, 2, 1) model which was fitted as the best model to forecast the future behavior TFR. The fitted model was. The forecasted TFR values for the period from 2022 to 2026 were 1.9577, 1.9372, 1.9167, 1.8963 and 1.8758 respectively. It is suggested to have a comparative study on fertility trends and patterns with consideration of socioeconomic and cultural factors in Sri Lanka since TFR varies due to socioeconomic and cultural diversity
Generate Comic Strips Using AI
Get PDFThe art of storytelling through comic strips has long been a favorite, grabbing the interest of readers of all ages and developing into a variety of genres today, from superhero comics to political comics. Comic strip readers are more literate, empathic, and open to social issues, according to studies. Comics have the power to change the way we see the world. This research paper presents a system (ComicGenie) for automatically creating comic strips for Batman based on user-entered text descriptions. The proposed system consists of distinct components such as character detection, environment detection, text bubble generation, and voiceover over the scenario, each specializing in different aspects of comic strip creation. SVM and fastText technologies in NLP were utilized for text classification when developing models. Overall, this research contributes to the field of comic strip creation, offering a comprehensive web application. The ComicGenie holds significant potential to revolutionize the comic industry and inspire new avenues for computer-generated storytelling
Fabrication and characterization of mycelium-based composites from Lentinus squarrosulus and Pleurotus ostreatus with improved physico-mechanical properties for versatile applications
Get PDFThis study explores the potential of fungal mycelium-based plate-like composites as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives for synthetic materials. Locally available lignocellulosic waste and fungi isolated locally were used to fabricate mycelium composites. The medium primarily consists of Albizia sawdust and the fungi Lentinus squarrosulus and Pleurotus ostreatus were used. All the composites identified here were subjected to analyses based on scanning electron microscopy, moisture content, dry density, water absorption, flammability, thermal stability, and compression strength following ASTM and ISO standards. The mycelium plates produced with L. squarrosulus mycelium (ASL) exhibited lower dry density and less water absorption. The ASL mycelium plates exhibited a soft and foamy appearance, whereas the P. ostreatus material (ASP) appeared dense mycelium growth only in the top and bottom parts of the plate. The UL-94 rating demonstrated that both samples exhibited superior flame retardancy properties (rated as V1) compared to commercially used expanded polystyrene (EPS). These variations were due to the difference between mycelium density. Therefore, these new bio-composites have the potential to replace conventional packaging or interior construction materials
Nerambum: A Virtual Exhibition Platform
Get PDFIn the wake of the global pandemic, industries worldwide faced a disruptive challenge, particularly those thriving on physical exhibitions essential for expanding market share, unveiling new products, and forging valuable connections. The health crisis and consequent strict guidelines rendered traditional exhibitions untenable, causing a catastrophic loss of audience and opportunities for businesses. This unprecedented situation accelerated the adoption of virtual alternatives, but existing platforms failed to capture the essence and dynamism of live, in-person interactions, leading to a palpable gap in user experience. "Nerambum" emerges as a transformative solution in this landscape, offering a sophisticated online exhibition platform that recreates the authentic feel of physical events. It seamlessly integrates a 3D environment for attendees with a multifunctional web application, supporting various user roles including admin, exhibition owners, stall owners, and general participants. Beyond its immersive virtual space, "Nerambum" stands out with its comprehensive service management—from secure authentication, customizable avatars, and stalls to real-time video streaming and a practical payment gateway mimicking physical ticket purchases. The platform not only adapts to the current necessity for remote interaction but also anticipates the enduring relevance of virtual engagements in the exhibition industry's future
Estimation of Above-Ground Biomass using Vegetation Indices in a Selected Mangrove Vegetation in Thambalagam Bay, Trincomalee
Get PDFMangroves are extremely productive ecosystems along the coast that help to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Understanding the carbon storage capacity is critical for assessing these ecosystems' resilience and vulnerability to climate change. The aim of this study is to estimate carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption by mangroves and to find the equation to derive AGB using the best vegetation index for mangrove forest in the selected site of Thambalagam Bay using GIS and remote sensing techniques. The purposive sampling method was used to select a site from the mangrove forest around Thambalagam Bay in Trincomalee District. A field survey was carried out in the selected and the site was divided into five strata based on the species’ dominance and named according to the dominant species. The five stratas are Avicenia marina, Rhizophora, Multispecies, Luminetzera racemose, Avicenia officinalis. The fishnet tool divided each stratum into plots (10m×10m). Twenty sampling plots were taken based on Simple random sampling. AGB was calculated using allometric equations of each mangrove species in each plot. Finally, the total AGB of each stratum was calculated as (ton/ha). The above-ground carbon stock and CO2 absorption for each stratum were calculated as (ton/ha) using empirical equations;(AGC = AGB × 0.47), (Total CO2 absorbed = AGC (ton/ha) × 44/12). Vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI, GNDVI, RVI) maps of the selected site for the year 2022 were prepared using ArcMap 10.8. Polynomial regression analysis between vegetation indices and AGB was carried out to find the best vegetation index to predict AGB using Minitab 17 statistical software. The best vegetation index was selected based on the high R2 value. Results of the polynomial regression analysis show NDVI had a strong correlation ( = 7232 − 20420 + 144822; r2=92.10%) with above-ground biomass (AGB) in the Thambalagamam Bay mangrove forest. Increasing order of total absorbed CO2 relevant to stratum are Luminetzera racemose (186.195 ton/ha), Multi species (439.858 ton/ha), Rhizopora mucronate (453.825 ton/ha), Avicena officinalis(675.937 ton/ha), Avicena marina (2635.572 ton/ha). In total, 4391.387 ton/ha of CO2 was absorbed by the selected site of the mangrove forest around Thambalagam bay. The study highlights the importance of efforts to preserve the long-term survival of mangrove ecosystems in the face of global climate change.
Keywords: Mangrove, Above-ground biomass (AGB), Above-ground carbon stock (AGC), CO2 absorption, Climate change
 
Analyzing Practices of People on Drought Adaptation Strategies in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka
Get PDFDrought is one of the severe natural hazards described as a period of below-average precipitation in a certain area, leading to long-term water shortages. This is a problem exacerbated by climate change, which leads to harm to agricultural subsistence and the livelihood of the people. As this disaster is a major issue in the 21st century it poses large-scale issues for humans from every perspective. In the Sri Lankan context, this situation has increased in the present period especially in the dry zone in a high manner. With this sort of background, this study was done to analyze the practices of people on drought adaptation strategies in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. This study was carried out in a literature survey based on previously published articles, journals, proceedings and other publications to find out the most common drought impact in the dry zone of Sri Lanka and the practices of people on drought adaptation strategies in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. According to the literature survey, in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the most common impacts of the drought were recognized in three sections Environmental impacts, Economic impacts and Social impacts. The most common Environmental impacts were recognized as an increase in average temperature, dry flora, a decline in surface water and groundwater and less soil fertility. Less-income families are one of the most common economic impacts of drought followed by fewer savings and economic benefits. The most common social impacts can be seen as, conflicts related to water, changes in lifestyle, and less food security. Farmers are using different adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of drought over 1000 years as the Dry zone in Sri Lanka is a water deficiency area and paddy cultivation could be highly vulnerable to climate change. The most used drought adaptation strategies by people are harvest storage, paddy cultivation, bethma practising, paddy monoculture, agro well usage and preserving food and seeds. Referring to the perception people of drought adaptation strategies in the dry zone of Sri Lanka 57% of people have started to use the Chena cultivation method instead of the paddy cultivation method for the sake of the uncertainty and understanding the shortage of rainfall in the area especially in Yala season compared to Maha Season. Most people have reduced their dependence on rice as the growth of the paddy is affected by the drought. Farmers have started growing less susceptible crops to the drought as they are aware of the less cultivation due to the drought and have started installing various types of rainwater harvesting in each house. At present people in the dry zone prefers to use less water consumption agriculture, alternative crops and cropping of drought-resistant varieties.
Keywords: Drought, Practices, Strategies, Impacts, Dry zone 
Distributional Ecology of Filmy Ferns and Grammitid Ferns of Sri Lanka: The Most Sensitive Ferns Species for Changing Climate
Get PDFThe filmy ferns (family Hymenophyllaceae) and grammitid ferns (family Polypodiaceae) are generally considered the most sensitive ferns to changing climate. The family Hymenophyllaceae is characterized by its translucent fronds with mostly one or a few cell thicknesses. The grammitid ferns were earlier treated as a separate family, the Grmmitidaceae, and with the recent molecular work, they were nested within the family Polypodiaceae. Both families are mostly epiphytic or rupestral, but very rarely present in terrestrial habitats. Sri Lanka harbours 20 species of filmy ferns, including one endemic, and 22 species of grammitid ferns with eight endemics. Most species are confined to humid and shady environments in the rainforest ecosystems of Sri Lanka. Though both families are rich in information on their phylogeny, details are not available on their distributional ecology, conservation biology, population dynamics, environmental services, and reproductive biology on both regional and global scales. This study aimed to understand their distributional ecology in Sri Lanka by analyzing past records over the last one and a half centuries. The handbook to the Flora of Ceylon (Volume 15A and 15B) was used as a base document and collector‘s information, date of collection, locality of each specimen, and deposited herbaria were studied referring to 752 specimens deposited at 22 worldwide herbaria. The distribution maps were prepared using QGIS software. The results revealed that except for Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, all other specimens have been collected from the intermediate and wet zones of Sri Lanka. According to distribution maps, these species have been recorded from 13 administrative districts, with the highest number of species recorded in Nuwara-Eliya (59.5%), Kandy (59.5%), and Rathnapura (50%) districts. The central province can be considered the most sensitive area for filmy ferns and grammitid ferns. Crepidomanes kurzii and Prosaptia ceylanica show restricted distribution patterns and are confined to two single known localities in Kandy and Matara districts, respectively. Furthermore, P. ceylanica is only known for its type locality in the Matara district. Abrodictyum obscurum is the only terrestrial species in both families and it is mostly confined to streamside banks of lowland rainforests. Out of the 42 species studied in both families, 9 and 2 species are treated as critically endangered and possibly extinct species, respectively. The study emphasizes that an island-wide survey is urgently needed to further validate the outcome of the present study. It also provides useful information for setting future conservation and management guidelines for this unique group of plants.
Keywords: Distributional ecology, Mapping, Pteridophytes, Filmy ferns, Grammitid ferns