Sri Lankan Perspective Research Articles

Menstrual wastes: a Sri Lankan perspective on quantities, characteristics, and issues.

The importance of good menstruation hygiene management (MHM) practices has gained considerable attention in Sri Lanka, but least attention is given to menstrual wastes regarding the types, quantities, characteristics, disposal practices, and potential environmental impacts due to haphazard disposal. An understanding of the types, quantities, and characteristics of menstrual wastes is crucial to formulate and implement safer collection and environmentally acceptable disposal strategies. Therefore, this paper provides a preliminary viewpoint regarding menstrual wastes generated in Sri Lanka with an overview on source separation (SS), disposal methods, and the legal requirements regarding disposal. Commercially available single-use sanitary pads (100% in Colombo capital city; 17-91% in other regions) and reusable cotton cloths (3-83% in other regions, except in Colombo-0%) are the widely used menstrual hygiene products (MHPs). SS is very low, and overall disposal practices are environmentally unfriendly (e.g., 8-84% flushing into toilets). Pad quantities generated from one menstruator/month are 288.4g (259.6g plastic), 360.5g (324.5g plastic), and 432.6g (389.3g plastic) (from a 5mL blood-soaked 5g pad); 436.8g (393.1g plastic), 546g (491.4g plastic), and 655.2g (589.7g plastic) (from a 10mL blood-soaked 5g pad); and 568.4g (511.6g plastic), 710.5g (639.5g plastic), and 852.6g (767.3g plastic) (from a 5mL blood-soaked 15g pad), and cloths/menstruator/month are 199.4g, 249.2g, and 299g (from a 5g material) at changing frequencies of 4, 5, and 6 times/day, respectively. Nevertheless, cloth waste quantities that get disposed for any given year are substantially less (due to reuse) compared with sanitary pad wastes. Soiled MHPs are not categorized as infectious wastes or household hazardous wastes in Sri Lanka. Legislative changes with planning of proper SS, collection, and disposal and the use of cotton cloths and/or other environmentally friendly MHPs are suggested.

Combating The Financing of Terrorism and The Financial Action Task Force Recommendations (FATF): A Sri Lankan Perspective

This study focuses on the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on countering the financing of terrorism from Sri Lanka’s perspective, and further on the opportunities for enhancement of Sri Lanka’s international relations. The research objectives were formulated to identify the nature of awareness of Anti- Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime, and associated risks that arise as a consequence of ineffective implementation, to examine the weaknesses in the implementation process and the benefits of effective implementation of recommendations. The total study population consists of 500 employees of different institutions. A Google questionnaire was used for data collection. Accordingly, 198 participants responded and all of them were considered as the study sample by using a convenience sampling technique. The study found that Sri Lanka still must make significant progress toward meeting the technical/effectiveness aspects of recommendations. Further, it was revealed that the status of awareness of AML/CFT matters is at an average level, and issues associated with investigations and prosecutions have been identified as the fundamental weakness in the system. Poor international relations have been identified as the main consequence of ineffective implementation. Moreover, the study identifies that effective implementation of recommendations increases international acceptance, and encourages foreign direct investments in Sri Lanka. The study recommends, Sri Lanka, as a country with painful experiences of terrorism, needs to work with a proper action plan followed by high-level political commitment in effectively implementing the FATF recommendations on countering the financing of terrorism as an embedded practice.

Why Do They Torture? A Sri Lankan Perspective

Why Do They Torture? A Sri Lankan Perspective

Enhancing public participation in environmental decision-making through environmental education: A Sri Lankan Perspective

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize the interdependence between development and the environment. Therefore, environmental education (EE), which changes people's behavior toward the environment, is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental education (EE) aims to improve people's knowledge and comprehension of the environment through a thorough learning process. It focuses on expanding knowledge and strengthening one's capacity to understand and address environmental issues. Environmental Education aims to develop a populace that is dedicated to working both independently and jointly to address current issues and prevent the emergence of future ones. The primary objective of this study is to enhance public participation in environmental decision-making through giving environmental Education. This study is based on an Online questionnaire which is distributed among 90 people in Sri Lanka. The sample is selected using a convenient sampling method and data is analyzed using SPSS software. The study identifies that environmental education is classified into 3 subsections formal education, informal education, and experiential learning. All these categories have statistically significant strong positive correlations with intention to public participation. Sri Lanka can enhance its environmental education efforts by developing national standards for climate change education, training of teachers, strengthening community-based programs, planning to strengthen community-based diversity, and mass communication, use of digital channels and social media to expand the reach and impact of educational programs. This will promote sustainable practices and better-informed decision-making, strengthening the nation's environmental sustainability and resilience. The future of Sri Lanka's environment rests on the joint efforts of its citizens, and effective environmental education can significantly increase public involvement.

Parental expectations and perceptions of augmentative and alternative communication: A Sri Lankan perspective.

Everybody has a right to communicate in any way they can, which includes augmentative and alternative communication. The uptake of augmentative and alternative communication in everyday life may be influenced by awareness, perceptions and acceptance of augmentative and alternative communication by caregivers, family members and the wider society. This study aimed to uncover what parents thought about augmentative and alternative communication in a Global South context. Eleven mothers and five fathers (16 participants) of children with complex communication needs were included. Data were collected using an interview guide from a focus-group discussion and semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using Framework Analysis and from a gender and critical disability theory viewpoint. The key theme found was fear of augmentative and alternative communication stopping the child from learning to speak. The parents wondered if siblings might also use the alternative communication method and stop talking. They worried whether the communication device will negatively highlight their child in society. As parents' views on augmentative and alternative communication influence whether they use it with their child, informing and preparing parents before introducing augmentative and alternative communication to a child and on-going parent training should be considered.

The establishment of urology as a specialty: Historical context and the Sri Lankan perspective: Celebrating the legacy of Sri Lanka's urological pioneer

The establishment of urology as a specialty: Historical context and the Sri Lankan perspective: Celebrating the legacy of Sri Lanka's urological pioneer

Unlocking the Interplay among Financial Capability, Risk-taking Ability and Financial Well-being: Insights from Women in Sri Lanka

Aims: The present empirical study sought to investigate the interconnections among financial capability, risk-taking ability, and financial well-being for women from a Sri Lankan perspective. Methodology: the study follows a quantitative deductive methodology. The study sample includes working women who belong to the formal sector in Sri Lanka and the respondents were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were gathered from 198 participants through an online survey utilizing Google Forms. The study employed descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and PROCESS Macro regression models to test the hypotheses. Results and Conclusion: The study found significant relationships between women's financial capability, risk-taking ability, and financial well-being. Furthermore, it was also established that risk-taking ability partially mediates the relationship between financial capability and financial well-being. Practical Implications: The findings of a study highlight that, by fostering a balance between financial capability and responsible risk-taking, practitioners can better equip individuals to make informed financial decisions which in turn improves the long-term financial well-being of employed women. Originality: This is one of the first studies in financial well-being literature, that investigates the mediating role of risk-taking ability on the financial well-being of women in the context of Sri Lanka where a majority of the studies focus on the respondents in general while ignoring the risk component.

Mellowing down the rigour of the concept of ‘trans‐border reputation’ to accommodate bona fide domestic use: The Indian and Sri Lankan perspectives

AbstractIn this era of global trade and digital communication, where geographical borders between states have become virtually redundant, the ‘aura’ of well‐known trademarks easily transgresses national borders. As an upshot of this, the reputation and goodwill attached to well‐known trademarks have become less and less commensurate with the territorial boundaries of individual states. This raises the question of whether strict adherence to the bedrock principle of ‘territoriality’ is both apt and justifiable in the backdrop of modern commerce—not only from a trademark holder's perspective but also from a consumer‐centric viewpoint. Although the judicially crafted concept of ‘trans‐border reputation’ is often hailed as a promising solution to this problem; sometimes it postulates a too‐liberal approach to protecting the interests of the foreign trademark owners. Most significantly, the concern has been raised that the application of an unbridled doctrine of ‘trans‐border reputation’ may unduly thwart the interests of local entrepreneurs. Thus, the argument that the ‘priority of innocent use’ by a local trader should not be superseded by the trans‐border reputation of a foreign well‐known trademark cannot be easily ignored. This paper aims to critically evaluate the application of the trans‐border reputation concept within the Indian and Sri Lankan legal landscapes, discussing in detail the implications of the landmark cases determined by the Indian and Sri Lankan judiciaries. Most importantly, it seeks to introduce a mechanism for minimizing prejudice to the bona fide domestic users of marks, by employing ‘bad faith’ as a balancing tool.

Impact of Abusive Supervision on Affective Commitment with the Moderating Role of Self-Control Capacity of Non-Managerial Employees in Apparel Industry: A Sri Lankan Perspective

The study examines the influence of abusive supervision on affective commitment among non-managerial employees in the Sri Lankan apparel industry, focusing on the potential moderating role of self-control capacity. Data was gathered from 257 randomly selected non-managerial employees from three knitted export organizations in Sri Lanka using self-administered questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23. The results indicate a significant negative impact of abusive supervision on affective commitment, consistent with previous research findings. However, the study found that the moderating effect of self-control capacity was not statistically significant. This suggests that even though non-managerial employees may possess a moderate level of self-control capacity, it may not be adequate to mitigate the impact of abusive supervision on affective commitment. These findings highlight the critical necessity for organizations within the Sri Lankan apparel industry to address abusive supervision behaviours and to implement strategies aimed at enhancing employee retention in organizations.

Crisis leadership towards entrepreneurial success: a Sri Lankan perspective

Modern business environments are characterized by regular crises, and much attention is paid to understanding why certain individuals and businesses endure while others do not. It has been the entrepreneurial ability to see a crisis as an opportunity that has led to many successful business stories emerging from adversity, such as the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Much of the discussion on the subject centres on the abilities and some essential attributes found in leaders and entrepreneurs. Their ability to face such problems is explored in the context of two cases reported in Sri Lanka. The value of crisis leadership and its function in developing entrepreneurship in challenging situations like the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed in this essay. To expand on this point, the authors use the case of Sri Lanka, which not only faced the pandemic but also an economic crisis and political upheaval during the same period.

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Students’ Academic Performance: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Role of Gender in the Sri Lankan Context.

Purpose: The extant literature, though contradictory, suggests that emotional intelligence may positively influence academic performance. In addition, self-efficacy, alongside gender, are underexplored as a mediator and moderator, respectively, specifically from the Sri Lankan perspective. Hence, this paper attempts to bridge this lacuna in the Sri Lankan context. Design/methodology/approach: The study suggests a quantitative methodology grounded in Mayer and Salovey’s emotional intelligence theory. Data is to be gathered based on a structured questionnaire using the convenience sampling technique. The unit of analysis is individual students. Theoretical implications: Whilst this paper attempts to expand Mayer and Salovey’s emotional intelligence theory, integrating self-efficacy as a mediating variable and gender as a moderating variable, highlight a nuanced understanding of the psychological and social dynamics influencing academic performance. Practical implications: The paper outlines the potential benefits for both academic and business communities and for policymakers in the realm of higher education and presents an integrated framework offering a profound understanding on emotional and cognitive dimensions. Originality/Value: This research explores a distinct gap by examining emotional intelligence within Sri Lanka’s educational system, using self-efficacy and gender as predictive variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges Faced by Arts Graduates in the Current Job Market: A Sri Lankan Perspective

Unemployment is a major issue for arts graduates in various countries, including Sri Lanka. In 2023, the Labor Force Survey reported an overall unemployment rate of 4.7%, with over 50,000 unemployed graduates, mostly from Arts and social sciences backgrounds in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the Sri Lankan government should develop appropriate policies to reduce unemployment. Consequently, research is needed to identify the factors and challenges faced by arts graduates in unemployment for policymakers. Numerous studies worldwide have explored the factors and challenges of unemployment among this group. The main objective of this study is to identify the challenges faced by arts graduates in the current Job market in Sri Lanka and to identify the causes of unemployment and propose recommendations to them. Quantitative research method was used to achieve the objectives of the study, the primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 120 Arts undergraduates from the South Eastern, Eastern, Peradeniya, and Jaffna Universities. Simultaneously, secondary data were gathered from books, research articles, University Grant Commission report, National Audit Office report, Sri Lanka Labor Force Survey report, and websites. The collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The study found that major challenges for Arts graduates include abundant job opportunities in the private sector. However, issues such as the necessary knowledge and skills often lead to prolonged unemployment. Many Arts graduates anticipate government jobs due to the perceived job security and pension benefits in the public sector. Simultaneously, Arts stream graduates who have completed professional courses and internship training are more likely to secure their first jobs immediately after graduation compared to those who haven't undergone such training. Nevertheless, a significant challenge is the limited employment opportunities for Arts graduates, both in the private and public sectors. The study indicates the necessity for substantial structural reforms on both the supply and demand sides to enhance the employability and employment rates of graduates. The government must take a leading role in these reforms to generate more job opportunities for arts graduates, while higher education institutes should initiate significant changes in study programs to cultivate intellectually rich and highly skilled graduates in arts and social sciences.

Barriers to Managing Childhood Obesity in the General Practice Amidst of the Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Sri Lankan Perspective

Childhood obesity is on the rise, mostly in the low-income regions in South Asia including Sri Lanka. Simultaneously, undernutrition also continues to be an ongoing public health issue. The coexistence of childhood obesity with undernutrition has resulted in a double burden of malnutrition in these countries. Management of obesity in a community already affected by undernutrition is a challenging situation. At present, management of childhood obesity occurs as a hospital-based lifestyle modification intervention which cannot address all tiers in the community alike. Although national level multifaceted strategies are in place, implementation is limited due to financial constraints. In this context, the general practitioners can be considered as an important group of medical professionals who can reach families in the community. In many households in Sri Lanka, an overweight child is considered as normal and well-nourished in comparison to an underweight child. Unhealthy eating habits and force feeding have become norms in the society. Changing mindsets of people need significant time and commitment. General practitioners, in the community would be able to achieve this target through effective communication based on a nutrition sensitive approach. While uplifting the infrastructure facilities, steps have to be taken to update the knowledge and communication skills of the general practitioners on managing childhood obesity in a community affected with double burden of malnutrition. The well-equipped GP is an asset to modify the attitudes and thinking patterns of parents with regard to child nutritional problems. Childhood obesity is on the rise, mostly in the low-income regions in South Asia including Sri Lanka. Simultaneously, undernutrition also continues to be an ongoing public health issue. The coexistence of childhood obesity with undernutrition has resulted in a double burden of malnutrition in these countries. Management of obesity in a community already affected by undernutrition is a challenging situation. At present, management of childhood obesity occurs as a hospital-based lifestyle modification intervention which cannot address all tiers in the community alike. Although national level multifaceted strategies are in place, implementation is limited due to financial constraints. In this context, the general practitioners can be considered as an important group of medical professionals who can reach families in the community. In many households in Sri Lanka, an overweight child is considered as normal and well-nourished in comparison to an underweight child. Unhealthy eating habits and force feeding have become norms in the society. Changing mindsets of people need significant time and commitment. General practitioners, in the community would be able to achieve this target through effective communication based on a nutrition sensitive approach. While uplifting the infrastructure facilities, steps have to be taken to update the knowledge and communication skills of the general practitioners on managing childhood obesity in a community affected with double burden of malnutrition. The well-equipped GP is an asset to modify the attitudes and thinking patterns of parents with regard to child nutritional problems.

COVID-19 induced Supply Chain Disruptions and Economic Vulnerability of Vegetable and Fruit Farmers: A Sri Lankan Perspective

COVID-19 induced Supply Chain Disruptions and Economic Vulnerability of Vegetable and Fruit Farmers: A Sri Lankan Perspective

Exploring Lifestyle Patterns for Consumption Behavior of Sri Lankan Households

The purpose of the study is to assess qualitatively household income levels and their relationship with lifestyle patterns from a Sri Lankan perspective. This descriptive study intends to explore household consumption patterns and their significant relationship with social, economic, and environmental concerns. For data gathering, online questionnaires were simultaneously distributed among different household segments in Sri Lanka to determine Sri Lankan household consumption patterns and perceptions. The sample of the study consisted of 136 families belonging to middle-class and high-middle-class entities that were taken into the study to assess contingency among total household income level and head of household age, contingency between family income, and the preferred location to buy food Items, the households’ major shift from their ordinary expenditure pattern when there is a change in major economic factors, and the households’ major shift from their ordinary expenditure pattern when there is an environmental change in the economy. The findings show that age could not be the reason for getting a high or low salary, and other factors like demographics and education can be counted as this reason. The findings further illustrate that different income levels wish to select different locations to purchase food items. Furthermore, different outcomes in the general environment; inflation and COVID-19, made householders alter their expenditure patterns significantly. Every household is ready to give up traveling for leisure during pandemics and inflation. However, the findings explored that only a few were ready to give up education and investment plans.

Trials, tribulations and the emergence of total thyroidectomy - A Sri Lankan perspective

Abstract
 The technique of thyroidectomy has emerged during the last 100 years, from a turbulent past’, due to the outstanding contributions made by many including the “Magnificent Seven” of thyroid surgery. The dissection of the gland, preservation Parathyroid function and protecting the Nerves are dealt with meticulously.
 Total thyroidectomy is associated with complications of bleeding, permanent injury to Nerves and permanent hypoparathyroidism. Many centres have reported incidence of complications around 1-3%. This is the bench mark for surgeons world over. 
 Voice change is a major concern after thyroidectomy. A study has shown that RLN recovery much faster than the recovery of the EBSLN. The recovery will take up to 3 months in most patients.
 Assessment of the surgical practices related to thyroid disease in Sri Lanka has shown that the practices have changed over the last decade. More total thyroidectomies are undertaken. Younger surgeons are undertaking more total thyroidectomies.
 The quoted incidence of Incidental carcinoma is around 10-20% in the literature. In two studies done in the unit, an incidence between 8.8% and 11.38% was seen. This factor must be considered in surgical decision making for benign disease. 
 Most common cause of recurrences is the enlargement of embryological remnants of the thyroid and a modern thyroid surgeon must excise the embryological remnants meticulously. 
 Surgery for recurrent goitre is a difficult task. Data confirms that Lateral approach to the thyroid makes the task much easier. This must be considered a bench for Sri Lanka.
 Cosmetic issues and cost must also be considered in thyroidectomy. Data confirms that Mini incision open thyroidectomy is a safe cost effective alternative to endoscopic thyroidectomy The obituary of open total thyroidectomy shall not be written for a long time.

Crisis leadership towards entrepreneurial success: a Sri Lankan perspective

Modern business environments are characterized by regular crises, and much attention is paid to understanding why certain individuals and businesses endure while others do not. It has been the entrepreneurial ability to see a crisis as an opportunity that has led to many successful business stories emerging from adversity, such as the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Much of the discussion on the subject centres on the abilities and some essential attributes found in leaders and entrepreneurs. Their ability to face such problems is explored in the context of two cases reported in Sri Lanka. The essay's primary goal is to shed light on entrepreneurs' mindsets and how such leaders can contribute their experiences and other skill sets such as creative thinking and innovative problem-solving skills, to starting a new business. The essay concludes by attempting to provide some guidance on the widely contested question of whether entrepreneurs are born or produced in the context of a crisis.

Review on the Application of Organic Fibers as Substitutes for Asbestos in Thin Fiber Cement Sheets from a Sri Lankan Perspective

In the past, asbestos siding, roofing, and ceiling sheets became more popular than conventional materials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and low cost. However, it was later identified that most types of asbestos are carcinogenic and are responsible for major lethal diseases. In terms of developing a substitute for asbestos, different alternative organic fibers have been investigated as sustainable solutions. Therefore, this article reviewed the usability of organic fibers from wood, banana, bamboo, and coconut coir, which are locally available and abundant in the region, as a substitute for asbestos in the fiber cement industry in Sri Lanka. The quantitative physicomechanical properties of organic fiber and fiber cement composites were evaluated, and the effect of treatment methods on durability was discussed. The previous literature revealed that organic fiber cement thin sheets have comparable mechanical properties in comparison to composites reinforced with asbestos. Furthermore, this study found that these organic-fiber-based composites are energy-efficient and have improved fire resistance. However, the long-term performance is questionable. Hence, further studies on fiber treatment methods and composite durability are needed. Additionally, a comprehensive cost analysis of organic fiber cement composite is recommended to introduce organic fibers into commercial products.

A systematic evaluation on the competencies of construction supervisors in productivity and performance improvement practices – Sri Lankan perspective

PurposeA rise in productivity is associated with higher profits, competitiveness and the sustainability of an industry and a nation. Recent studies highlight inadequate labour supervision and training facilities as the main causes of productivity-related challenges among construction enterprises. This study aims to evaluate the construction supervisors' capabilities in applying the required elements of work practices for enhancing the performance and productivity of construction operations using a case study.Design/methodology/approachA new construction supervisory training programme was developed through comprehensive sequential processes, and 64 construction supervisors underwent training . Marking guides with different levels of descriptions/standards were developed through consultations with experts and literature reviews, and the supervisors' capabilities were assessed under 64 competency elements of 12 competency units.FindingsThe findings show a clear cross-section of all the required competencies of construction supervisors with various levels of standards/descriptions, leading to a new generalised guideline that helps to comprehend what degrees of skills can be taken into account in supervision attributes. Statistical tests and expert reviews were used to ensure the generalisability of the research applications and the reliability of the results.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the study findings being limited to the Sri Lankan construction industry, its applicability could create considerable impacts on the current/future practices of the construction sector in developing countries as well as other developing industries.Practical implicationsThe study adds new characteristics and values to construction supervision practices that can be remarkable in encouraging construction supervision to drive the sustainability of construction practices. The study findings are significant in decision-making/planning procedures related to technical comprehension, industry training, scientific documentation, adherence to workforce employment constraints and job outputs. This paper describes the further extensive implications and future scopes of the study elaborately.Originality/valueThis study addresses the knowledge gap in the industry related to the development of protocols and application methodologies necessary to track their performance. The study opens a new window that inflows knowledge attributes to the industry sector along with the necessary comparison of the relevant competency elements to predict/comprehend what levels of capabilities can be theoretically considered and practically applied in supervision characteristics.

The Indo-China Balance of Power in South Asian Region: A Sri Lankan Perspective

China and India are two states with which Sri Lanka has maintained close relations in the past. These two states have given a lot of support to Sri Lanka in many crisis situations that Sri Lanka has faced in international politics. China is one of the main countries that have helped Sri Lanka from the past until recently. Also, in view of the severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka after Covid-19, India has also given special support to Sri Lanka. Thus, it can be stated that China and India are keen to provide support to Sri Lanka in a very competitive manner. As a result of all these factors, India and China, the two most powerful nations in Asia, are in a furious power struggle over Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. That is, the South Asian region is facing a problem of balance of power. The primary goal of this research is to examine Sri Lanka's role in the rivalry in South Asia between China and India. The research objective is ‘what policy Sri Lanka should adhere to when managing its relations with India and China?’. This study's methodology, which is qualitative in nature, depends only on secondary data to gather information. Content analysis was used for data analysis. According to this study, for Sri Lanka, India and China are equally important and China has provided a lot of assistance to Sri Lanka financially. However, in view of the current economic crisis Sri Lanka is facing, China's response to Sri Lanka has become sluggish. Nevertheless, Indian engagement has recently become increasingly crucial for Sri Lanka due to the terrible economic crisis the country is experiencing in the wake of Covid-19. Sri Lanka should, however, maintain a neutral stance in its interactions with the two adversarial nations, India and China.