Matara District Research Articles

Screening of Serum Cholesterol Level Amongst Sri Lankan Women in Relation to Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Thigh Ratio (WTR): A Cross-Sectional Study

Anthropometric measurements give a general reflection of any changes in lipid concentration in the human body. A disturbed lipid profile can be associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum total cholesterol level and different anthropometric parameters related to obesity in a female population of two administrative areas in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Boral and Hiththatiya-Meda areas of Matara district, Sri Lanka. The systematic random sampling method was followed to select 314 females aged 18-60 years. Serum total cholesterol concentration was measured on a venous blood sample by Konelab 20XT biochemistry analyser with a commercially available reagent kit. Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Thigh Ratio (WTR) parameters were calculated for each individual. Pearson correlation test, chi-squared test and t-test were done to analyse data using SPSS, 16 (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol concentration is positively associated with abdominal obesity while showing a statistically significant positive correlation with BMI, WC, WHR, WTR and WHtR (r=0.217, r=0.590, r=0.315, r=0.347 and r=0.574 respectively; P≤0.05). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in the population was 8.6%. These results indicate that all main anthropometric parameters of this study are positively associated with serum total cholesterol levels and an increment of these risk markers can lead to an increase in risk of developing metabolic diseases associated with abdominal obesity among women.

First Record of Creobroter apicalis Saussure, 1869 (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka: Unveiling a New Geographic Record of Flower Mantis

In Sri Lanka, the genus Creobroter has received inadequate attention, resulting in a scarcity of information with only C. pictipennis being recorded. We report the presence of Creobroter apicalis in Sri Lanka for the first time, extending its geographic distribution to Matara District, Southern Sri Lanka. Species identification was made with an examination of adult male and female specimens for morphological characters through detailed examination and reference to available literature and keys. Identification was confirmed with molecular analysis and comparison with other sequenced Creobroter spp.

Biodegradability index (BDI) as an indicator for effluents quality measurement; a case study based on different industry sectors in Matara District, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT This study addresses the crucial need for appropriate indicators to characterize aquatic pollution, given the challenges posed by unrestricted effluent discharge globally. Focusing on wastewater from hotel and tourism industries and vehicle service stations in Matara District, Sri Lanka, we explored the relationship between biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) through the biodegradability index (BDI). Monthly water samples were collected from January 2019 to December 2022, analyzed using standard methods, and statistically evaluated. Results revealed a significant spatial variation in BDI among industry sites, with a modest temporal change. The BOD:COD ratio exhibited a slight increasing trend over time, suggesting factors beyond temporal influence. BDI correlated significantly with temperature, alkalinity, and total suspended solids (TSS), emphasizing its potential as an indicator. The study underscores the importance of complementing the BOD:COD ratio with other indicators for a comprehensive assessment of industrial effluent quality. This research contributes valuable insights into understanding wastewater characteristics, facilitating informed pollution reduction and control strategies in aquatic systems.

Diversity of Odonata in Kirala Kele Sanctuary, Matara District, Sri Lanka

Kirala Kele sanctuary is a wetland ecosystem that is one of the most valuable conservation areas in the Matara. Odonates represent an important role as an indicator species of wetlands and therefore, a study was conducted to explore and investigate the diversity of Odonata species that inhabit Kirala Kele and identify its use as an indicator of environmental management in the area. The study was conducted in selected four different transects (200 m each) which focused on the micro- habitats, and anthropogenic activities. Individuals belonging to different species of dragonflies and damselflies were counted by visual observations and photographs were taken to identify using standard guidebooks. Data collection was carried out from April 2022 to September 2022 once a month from 8.00 am to 10.00 am and 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The results showed that there were 27 species of Odonata from 3 different families. Pied Parasol (Neurothemis tullia tullia) and Variegated Flutterer (Rhyothemis variegata variegate) are identified as the most abundant species in the study area. One species namely, Sri Lanka Orange-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion rubriceps ceylonicum) has been recorded as endemic. Species diversity measured within study sites using Shannon wiener index (H‘) and Simpson index (D) indicated that transect A (marshland) H‘-2.08, D-0.82, transect B (paddy fields) H‘-2.08, D-0.82, transect C (canal and cultivation area) H‘-1.25, D-0.48 and transect D (open water and marshland) H‘-1.65, D-0.69, respectively. Based on the study, the overall Shannon wiener index in the study area was 1.95 while Simpson Index (D) was 0.75, which concludes the sanctuary has a considerable diversity of Odonata. The number of dragonfly species and abundance is remarkably higher in transects along the canal, in presence of emergent aquatic reeds and surrounded by paddy fields. Along the transects which are mostly affected by anthropogenic activities such as vegetation clearing and pollution or less anthropogenic activities, but low water levels had a small diversity. The results reveal that the diversity of species depends on several factors like the presence or absence of aquatic habitats, level of human disturbances, presence of emergent aquatic reeds, and degree of pollution. Thus, understanding the diversity and distribution of Odonata in the sanctuary can provide important insight into effective ways to manage the environment, which is often overlooked in biodiversity conservation strategies.
 Keywords: Conservation, Diversity, Kirala Kele, Odonata

Temporal Variation of Water Quality in Nilwala River, Southern Province, Sri Lanka

This study intended to investigate the temporal variation of water quality of the Nilwala river in the Matara district and to determine how the changes in rainfall affect to river water quality. Water samples were collected monthly from March 2019 to October 2019 (considering the second Inter monsoon season and first inter-monsoon season) at eight locations along the main river. Water quality parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, nitrate and phosphate were analyzed using APHA 23rd edition of standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. Experimental results were statistically analyzed by Two-way ANOVA using Minitab 17. The pH, EC, temperature, alkalinity and nitrate concentration showed statistically significant differences among the months (p<0.001) and those showed statistically significant differences with monthly rainfall (p< 0.001). There is a statistically significant relationship between rainfall and month (p<0.001). There is a statistically significant relationship between rainfall and sampling location (p<0.001). The highest rainfall was recorded from august to November (2nd inter-monsoon season) and secondly from March to May (1st inter-monsoon season) was recorded. Conductivity, pH and temperature were decreased from March to June. This may due to 1st inter monsoon rainfall. Conductivity was increased during august-november. Flooding can increase conductivity when it washes salts and minerals from the soil into the water. Nitrate concentration in the majority of the locations was increased during march-may. Total alkalinity, pH and nitrate were increased from august to November. The temperature of river water at all locations decreased from august- November. In conclusion, the pH, EC, temperature, alkalinity and nitrate concentration showed statistically significant differences among each month. It may due to variation of rainfall. Upper part of Nilwala River had a higher rainfall than lower basin.
 Keywords: Conductivity, Nilwala River, pH, temporal variation, Water quality

Exploring Tourist Flow Patterns through Geotagged Social Media Data: A Case Study from Sri Lanka

Tourism studies often rely on conventional methods such as interviews and site-specific surveys to collect data on tourist behaviour, mobility patterns, and preferences. However, these methods can be expensive, time-consuming, and limited in scope. Additionally, accurately tracing tourist travel paths can be challenging due to recall bias. Recently, user generated content on social media platforms have emerged as an alternative data source in tourism studies. In this study, we used geotagged posts on Flickr to understand the dominant paths taken by inbound tourists in Sri Lanka. The methodology consisted of three steps. First, geotagged photographs were collected from the Flickr API spanning a ten-year period, from 2012 to 2022. These photographs included metadata such as user ID, the timestamp of photo capture, and geo coordinates indicating where the photo was taken. Second, a density-based clustering algorithm was utilized to identify tourist hotspots. Finally, the Markov Chain model was employed to calculate transition probabilities among different attractions, revealing dominant travel routes within the country. Study’s findings indicate that Cultural heritage attractions were the most popular, comprising 55% of all attractions identified by the algorithm, and are particularly popular in districts such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Kandy, and Galle. Nature-based attractions, constituting 37% of the total, were mainly located in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts, as well as Yala National Park in Hambantota District. For coastal tourism, Galle and Matara Districts were the top preferences. The analysis confirms dominant travel patterns between North Central, Central, and Southwest coast regions. Notably, Galle, Kandy, Matale, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo attract tourists from a more diverse array of regions compared to other districts in the country, showcasing their significance as tourist hubs. The study findings highlight opportunities in Jaffna for cultural-heritage tourism, the Eastern coast for coastal tourism, and the central highlands for tea tourism. It also emphasizes the need to develop the less-visited natural sites to ease pressure on popular National Parks. This research's significance lies in its contribution to informed decision-making and the sustainable management of tourist destinations. By understanding tourist mobility patterns and identifying popular attractions through social media data, policymakers can effectively manipulate visitor flows and mitigate excessive tourist pressure, while preserving the authenticity and allure of these destinations.
 
 Keywords: Sustainable tourism, Geotagged photographs, Social media, Tourist mobility, Flickr

Anxiety, Depression, and Associated Factors Among the Field Midwives During COVID-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka-A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Field midwives (FMs) in Sri Lanka, who care for women and children, were challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. During COVID-19, the majority of research found that healthcare professionals experienced anxiety and depression. This study examined anxiety, depression, and related factors among FMs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used with 145 FMs from randomly selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the Matara district. The data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire containing the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 tools. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression examined and presented the data. Among the participants, 54.5%, 31.0%, 8.3, and 6.2% experienced minimal, mild, moderate, and severe anxiety. Whereas 46.2%, 32.4%, 17.2%, 1.4%, and 2.8% of the participants had no or minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression. Being in a family of COVID-19-infected family members, relatives, or friends (OR = 0.33, p = 0.018) and being in a nuclear family (OR = 0.47, p = 0.033) were found to be risk factors against depression while having a history of chronic diseases (OR = 5.87, p = 0.002) and having a sufficient amount of personal protective equipment (OR = 2.52, p = 0.041) were found to be protective. Similarly, having a history of chronic diseases (OR = 4.89, p = 0.002) was found to be protective against anxiety. The majority of FMs had minimal anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will be valuable in formulating policies to support the psychological health of FMs in Sri Lanka.

A Risk Analysis of Landslides on the Morawaka “Kanda” Area in the Matara District of Sri Lanka

The Morawaka Kanda area has become heavily impacted by the landslides in the recent years resulting in socio-economic and environmental damages. This area which consists of steep slopes, soft soil layers with feldspar, poor drainage, constructions, deforestation, settlements and gardens may be at high potential risk for landslides. Therefore, in this study, special attention has been drawn to examine the risks of landslides on the Morawaka “Kanda” area in the Matara district. The research framework of this study was planned based on field surveys for the data collection of landslide risks using a data collection sheet and questionnaire. Satellite data taken by survey department was used for the risk area mapping using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). According to the analysis of causative factors, high risky land area is about 18 km2 and it is 24% of the area. The land extent of moderate and low risk is nearly 64% of the total area in this study area. The moderate landslide risk areas covered 24.14km2 land. It is about 31%. 25km2 is about low risk. 45% is low and no risk. Still there is a risk for future landslides in the unstable slope on the right bank of the Morawaka Kanda landslide path in 2017. 55% of the families live in the high risk area and only 20% of the families are in the moderate risk while 25% of the families have low or no risk. 50% of the high risk families are in Morawaka Kanda and Yati Horagala. The identification of landslide prone areas play an important role in avoiding or minimizing hazards and the identification of potential landslide risk areas is very important to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Investigation of factors affecting the rapid detection of agarwood formation in <em>Aquilaria crassna</em> by near-infrared spectroscopy

Agarwood is a highly valued fragrant resin produced inside a few tree species belonging to the family Thymalaeaceae as a self-defense response to plant stress. The amount of resin developed inside the tree cannot be estimated by outside inspection. Consequently, harvesting trees before they reach their potential yield is a severe drawback to the Agarwood industry. Therefore, developing effective techniques for detecting Agarwood resin status inside the tree species has become a critically important task for the agarwood industry to increase productivity. The present study evaluates the factors affecting Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) models when predicting agarwood formation inside A. crassna trunks using NIR spectroscopy. The research used 110 wood specimens obtained from well-grown Agarwood trees in a commercial plantation in Nawimana GS Division, Matara District, Sri Lanka. NIR meter FQA-NIR Gun (588-1100nm) with a custom-made probe was used to acquire NIR reflectance spectra without outside light interference. SIMCA models were built to identify the agar resin-developed wood log areas from the normal wood areas in the tree trunk. SIMCA prediction models were built to investigate three influencing factors, namely present or absent outside tree bark, surface roughness and wood thickness agarwood prediction. Better prediction results were obtained from the bark-removed samples (at the accuracy rates of 97%) to the bark present (85%), smooth wood surfaces (98%) to the rough surface (90%) and 2mm thickness (98%) to the other thickness. The most effective wavelength for the separation of Agarwood present and absent samples was located at 978 nm of NIR. The study has demonstrated the potential possibility of using NIR spectroscopy to identify the agarwood formation in A. crassna in non-destructive and rapid mode.

The Impact of Brand Positioning and Brand Knowledge on Impulsive Purchasing Intention with Mediating Role of Green Brand Attitude: Special Reference to Green Branded Products in Sri Lanka

The market for green products in Sri Lanka is small but rising. However, many green product producers adhere to the ideas of their Sustainable Living Plan (SLP) in order to manufacture green products that reduce emissions and stabilize natural ecosystems. Therefore, in order to provide their products a competitive edge in the eyes of consumers, green producers use green brand positioning tactics. The study's primary objective was to determine how brand positioning techniques and brand knowledge about green products influence the brand attitude and impulsive purchasing intention of consumers. This research study deployed a quantitative method of conducting interviews by developing a structured questionnaire. Multistage convenience sampling technique was deployed due to unavailability of an official data source on green product consumers. Moreover, data were collected from the green market places in Colombo, Kandy and Matara districts where the green products are available especially in supermarkets (Keells, Cargills) and green shops (Good Market). Accordingly, 300 responses were analyzed using SPSS software. Multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis and Hayes process Macro method were used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed that green brand positioning, brand knowledge, and brand attitude have a favourable influence on consumers' impulsive inclinations to buy green products. The findings also suggest that having a proper understanding of green brands will influence consumer sentiments towards green brands. The study states that green product marketers might further enhance green brand positioning by emphasizing the importance of a green product attribute to draw in large numbers of customers and to persuade them to make impulsive green purchases.

Two new species of Costellariidae (Gastropoda) from Sri Lanka

Vexillum mirissaensis n. sp. and Thala salisburyi n. sp. are described from Mirissa, Matara district, southern Sri Lanka. A checklist of the Costellariidae found in the same locality is also provided.

Barriers to optimize the upstream of the tea smallholding supply chain in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth-largest tea producer and prime orthodox variety supplier. In Sri Lanka, tea export earnings peaked in 2014 at USD 1.56 billion, and the industry managed to record USD 1.3 billion in 2021, regardless of the increased cost of production and lower yields. The majority (75%) of total tea production is supplied by tea smallholders whose land extent is less than ten acres [1]. Tea is grown in 14 districts, and smallholder farmers play a significant role in Rathnapura, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Kalutara, and Kegalle districts. Smallholder farmers cultivate 61% of the total tea-grown land, which amounts to 200,000 hectares. According to the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority (TSHDA), approximately 75% of smallholder land plots are less than one acre, demonstrating the notable contribution of micro-level farming to the industry

Temporal variation in flower visiting insects of <em>Calotropis gigantea</em> in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka

Calotropis gigantea (Giant milkweed) is a medicinal plant native to a few Asian countries including Sri Lanka. However, the plant is considered invasive in countries such as Australia, the USA and Brazil. It produces flowers throughout the year leading to massive fruit production, and pollination may directly influence the reproductive output of the plant. Knowledge of the insect flower visitors of C. gigantea is essential to cultivate them for experimental purposes, to conserve them in their native range, or to eradicate them in their introduced range. Though the plant is commonly distributed in Sri Lanka, information on its flower visitors is rare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the flower-visiting insects of C. gigantea and their temporal abundance. Monthly field visits were made to eleven sites in Southern Province from August 2015 to August 2016. During sampling, flower visitor species, their abundance, and the number of Calotropis fruits in the selected plants were recorded. Danaus chrysippus, Xylocopa caerulea, Xylocopa fenestrate and Apis cerana were identified as flower visitors of C. gigantea. The most common was Xylocopa spp. and it was recorded in all sites, and during all studied months while Danaus chrysippus was uncommon. The abundance of Xylocopa spp. had a positive correlation with the abundance of C. gigantea fruits (r = 0.094, p<0.001) suggesting its likely role in the pollination of the latter. Monthly rainfall had a strong correlation (r = 0.806, p = 0.002) with the flower-visiting insect abundance of C. gigantea in the Matara district. Mean flower-visitor abundance was comparatively high in sites having the least anthropological impact.

A GROWING THREAT TO TIDAL FORESTS: INCURSION OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS BY INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES <i>ACACIA AURICULIFORMIS </i>A. CUNN. EX BENTH. (FABACEAE)

Mangrove forests are reported to be invaded by invasive alien species (IAS). This study was therefore aimed at studying the level of distribution of the IAS, Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth. in mangrove ecosystems in the southern coast of Sri Lanka and assessing the risk to periphery of mangrove forest by considering the Rekawa mangrove forest as a model site. Growth performances of two mangrove species; Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina in the presence of Acacia plants were also tested under three different competition levels; low, moderate and high. According to the results, infestation of Acacia plants was significant in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, particularly in Matara and Hambantota districts (p<0.05). Species diversity determined as the Simpson diversity index was high (0.77) in the periphery of the Rekawa mangrove forest. Four true mangroves and two associates co-occurring with A. auriculiformis in the periphery could be observed during the field validation experiment. The highest seedling (15.4±2.2 m) and sapling (11.2±2.8 m) densities were reported for A. auriculiformis plants. Dominance, calculated as the importance value index of different species in the mangrove periphery varied from 18.0-120.6 and the latter highest was recorded for Acacia which has the highest relative density (42.1%) and the relative dominance (52.5%). The total leaf area of the Rhizophora plants grown in the high-competition level was significantly lower than that of the control plants while the dry weights at three different competition levels; were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control. This could be due to the higher root biomass allocation. In Avicennia plants, cumulative shoot height, total leaf area and dry weight of the plants grown at the high-competition level were significantly lower than that of the control plants (p<0.05). A. auriculiformis plants grown with these true mangrove species better performed and did not show any significant deviation from the respective control plants. The level of survival of Acacia was significantly reduced at 25 psu (p<0.05). Early intervention and serious scrutiny are much needed to reverse the possible impacts of IAS on mangrove forests and the need for forest conservation is emphasized.

Paddy Yield Estimation Models Using Satellite Data: A Case Study in Kamburupitiya DS Division

In Sri Lanka, the crop cutting survey method is used to estimate the average paddy yield during the harvesting period, and it has failed to forecast the yield prior to harvesting. This method is time-consuming, expensive and make various errors. The yield prediction is worth to estimate yield before harvesting thousand tonnes of paddy. Satellite Remote Sensing is used to forecast crop yield using images during vegetative growth. The research was conducted in Kamburupitiya Divisional Secretariat (DS) division, Matara District, Sri Lanka, during <em>Yala </em>and <em>Maha </em>paddy growing seasons. Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS images with 30 m resolution were utilized to develop the paddy yield models using paddy yield records during 2016 to 2020. The simple linear regression models were developed using recorded average paddy yield data of the Kamburupitiya DS division and the average values of respective vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI); Green Vegetation Index (GVI); Difference Vegetation Index (DVI); Infrared Percentage Vegetation Index (IPVI) and Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI) and reflectance values of three spectral bands (Green (G), Red (R) and near-infrared (NIR)). The validation process was carried out using Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) as the statistical indicator between modeled and predicted yield. When considering coefficient of determination (R₂) value, MAPE percentage, Durbin Watson statistics values, and Pearson correlation values, the yield model based on the GVI for <em>Maha</em> season and NDVI based model for <em>Yala </em>season are selected as the best models for paddy yield prediction using Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS imagery. The models will allow authorities to make effective decisions in paddy supply management.

Application of the Health Belief Model to understand behaviour related to preventing COVID-19 among adults in the Weligama MOH area, Matara district, Sri Lanka

Objective: The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has led the world’s public health systems to face a lot of challenges. One of the main effective ways to control the spread of this disease is to break the chain of infection by adhering to preventive practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the preventive health behaviour related to COVID-19 among adults using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Weligama Medical Officer of Health area in the Matara district, Sri Lanka. A cluster sampling method was used to select 160 adults aged above 18 years. A Grama Niladari Division was considered as a cluster and a household was randomly selected from each cluster. Data on demographic characteristics, health beliefs and preventive behaviour related to COVID-19 were obtained through an interviewer administered questionnaire. Minimum and maximum of the total score in the HBM was 20 and 100 and on the preventive behaviour scale it was 38 and 190. Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationship between subscales in the HBM and preventive behaviour. Results: The mean age of the participants was 44.5 SD=19.72 and 56.9% (n=91) were females. Mean values for the total score of the HBM and preventive behaviour were 70.62 (SD=10.21) and 140.33 (SD=20.55) respectively. The results showed a positive and moderate relationship between the preventive behaviour and each construct of the HBM (perceived susceptibility r=0.41, p &lt; 0.001; perceived severity r=0.48, P &lt;0.001; perceived benefits r= 0.22, p 0.005; perceived barrier r= 0.23, p 0.004; self-efficacy r=0.24, p 0.003; cues to action r=0.31, p &lt;0.001). Conclusion - Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity showed moderate level of strength of relationship with the preventive behaviour, while all other constructs in the HBM showed very weak relationships. This emphasises that people will adopt preventive behaviour when they feel that they are at risk (perceived susceptibility) and when they consider that the disease has serious consequences to their health (perceived severity).

Medicinal Aromatic Plant Cultivation for the Bioeconomy: Eliciting Willingness from Rural Communities

The COVID-19 pandemic created numerous issues, particularly in Southeast Asia, and the recovery needs strong actions with new economic paths. The Sri Lankan government is also trying to help those who have lost their sources of income. Involving with the trade of medical and aromatic plants (MAPs) bearing unique medical properties will be important in that aspect. Extracted and isolated some secondary metabolites from plants developed life-saving medicine, flavonoids, repellents, cosmetics, and scents with enormous economic potential. India, China, and other Asian countries dominate the global MAP trade. However, Sri Lanka is yet to enter the global MAP market by utilising its abundant plant life. Determining rural communities’ willingness to participate in such programmes is crucial. The same authors identified 127 lesser-known potential MAPs as insect repellents by interviewing traditional ayurveda practitioners and subject experts. The current study investigated the willingness of the rural sector in six districts in Sri Lanka (Matara, Rathnapura, Kurunegala, Badulla, Hambanthota, and Batticaloa) using a structured questionnaire survey for 480 households. Cinnamomum verum, Citrus aurantifolia, C. sinensis, C. reticulata, Aegle marmelos, and Ocimum tenuiflorum Sub-type Rama were the most abundant top five plant species. The questionnaire also sought information on respondents' demographics, the availability of agronomic plants, MAPs, in their homegardens and their willingness to cultivate and supply medicinal plants. Binomial logistic regression was used to determine the effects of the respondent’s district, gender, age, education, total family revenue, availability of agronomic crops, land space available for the cultivation of MAPs, number of non-income-generating family members, members contribute to agriculture, external employees recruited as labourers. Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated that the model reasonably fits with the data (p=0.77). In this case, district (p&lt;0.05) and gender (p&lt;0.05) were statistically significant while the other variables were not. Compared to Badulla District, the odds of willingness to grow and supply MAPs are approximately five times greater in Batticaloa District, four times greater in Hambantota, Kurunegala, and Matara districts and three times greater in Rathnapura District. Subsequently, the odds of the willingness of males to grow and supply MAPs was greater than females. Finally, it can be concluded that encouraging MAPs cultivation in rural areas will benefit post-pandemic populations while facilitating global trade, which is expected to reach USD 5 trillion by 2050.&#x0D; Keywords: Medicinal aromatic plants, Bioeconomy, Post-pandemic economic future, Rural economy, Indigenous knowledge

Influencing Factors of Employee Engagement on Financial Wellbeing: Special Reference to Bank of Ceylon, Matara District, Sri Lanka

This study "Influencing Factors of Employee Engagement on Financial Wellbeing: Special Reference to Bank of Ceylon, Matara District, Sri Lanka" mainly address the impact of employee engagement on financial wellbeing based on the banking industry in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s banking industry plays a crucial role towards the entire economy as it is contributing to about 60% of GDP and among the employed population 40% belongs to this particular industry. Hence, researcher prioritizes to determine the relationship of employee engagement and financial wellbeing and the relationship between influencing factors of employee engagement and financial wellbeing of Bank of Ceylon Matara District. One of the Sri Lankan governments owned systematically important bank was selected through purposive sampling. Structured questionnaire is the primary data collection method and questionnaire was distributed through 350 banking employees who work for Bank of Ceylon in Matara district as respondents. Statistical software naming SPSS used to analyze the data. In the case of data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis has used as the data analysis techniques to measure variables in different perspectives. Organizational support, Job stress, Information technology in the organization, Family and social support, Individual issues and organizational society are occupied to measure the employee engagement. When summarizing Regression analysis' results, Organizational Society and Job Stress have a positive significant impact on Financial Wellbeing and Individual Issues has negative significant impact on Financial Wellbeing. On the other hand, Organizational Support, Family Support, and ICT have no significant impact on Financial Wellbeing of workers who are working for BOC in Matara district.

Analysis of the paddy cultivation pattern in Galle and Matara districts in the Southern province of Sri Lanka

The Journal of Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences is published by the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences, Hambantota, Sri Lanka. It provides an academic pathway for professionals and researchers to contribute ground-breaking work in the field of agricultural technology and rural sciences including crop science, animal science, soil science, agricultural biology, food science and technology, postharvest technology, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics and extension.

Scientific Basis of Agroforestry Homegardens in Matara District, Sri Lanka: Present Status and Improvement Needs

High diversity of species in agroforestry homegardens play main agro-ecological roles in complex and sustainable land use systems. Efforts are being made in valuing and protecting the age-old practices of agroforestry on scientific basis in homegardens. This study attempted to analyse the scientific basis of households’ practices and to develop strategies for the promotion of sustainable agroforestry homegardens in Matara district of Sri Lanka. Selected households were interviewed measuring their concern using 5-point Likert scale, and analysed the qualitative data using non-parametric statistics. The study revealed that scientific basis of household practices in agroforestry homegardens are moderate in selection of appropriate trees and plants, and management of trees and plant health care. Households pay little concern on scientific basis in planning and site placement, land preparation and establishment of trees/crops, and implementing proper cultural practices. There is no significant correlation between scientific basis of practices in agroforestry in relation with size of homegardens, educational level of households, and across the category of their occupations. Resources to use scientific knowledge in practice, and opportunity to improve scientific skills have moderate correlation significantly while availability of scientific information and access to scientific knowledge have significant but low correlation as applying knowledge on scientific basis. The interest to acquire scientific knowledge, and sufficient time to improve scientific knowledge, and other reasons have no significant correlation with scientific basis of household practices. Carefully planned interventions including policy adjustments and effective extension programs for learning and experimenting together with supportive programs would enhance scientific basis of household practices for agroforestry in homegardens.