Browsing by Author "Bandara, S."

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ABO-blood-group types and protection against severe, Plasmodium falciparum malaria
(Academic Press, 2005) Pathirana, S.L.; Alles, H.K.; Bandara, S.; Phone-Kyaw, M.; Perera, M.K.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Mendis, K.N.; Handunnetti, S.M.
Auditors' response to regulators during COVID-19: disclosures of key audit matters
(Asian Review of Accounting, 2023) Rainsbury, E.; Bandara, S.; Perera, A.
Purpose New Zealand regulatory bodies guided preparers and auditors of financial statements to deal with potential COVID-19 impacts on the financial statements and audit procedures. This study provides evidence of auditors' response to the impact of COVID-19 on the reporting of key audit matters (KAMs) in audit reports of listed companies in New Zealand. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 50 New Zealand listed companies was selected to compare the KAMs in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020 (during COVID-19). The study uses content analysis to evaluate the KAMs’ disclosures and descriptive analysis to examine the differences between 2019 and 2020 in terms of the auditor type, industry sector and accounting standards. Findings Auditors responded positively to the request from regulators to communicate the impacts of COVID-19. The findings show an increase in the amount and length of KAMs in 2020 compared to 2019, with 82% of companies and 61% of KAMs reporting the impact of COVID-19. The real estate and information technology sectors disclosed more on the impact than other sectors. In analysing the KAMs, accounting standards for inventories, property plant and equipment, impairment of assets, investment property, revenue from contracts with customers and leases were highly affected by COVID-19. Practical implications The findings support regulators to evaluate how well auditors communicated matters relating to COVID-19 in the audit report. Also, the findings will help standard setters to identify key accounting standards affected by COVID-19 of KAMs and provide insights to users on how the KAM reporting enhances communicative value during the pandemic. Originality/value The current study captures the impact of COVID-19 on the reporting of KAMs by comparing changes before and during the pandemic.
Comparative Analysis of Albumin Measurement by Bromocresol Green Versus Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
(College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka, 2024) Harshanee, T.; Jayasekara, D.; Fernando, K.; Kulasinghe, M.; Silva, P.; Bandara, S.; Dayanath, B.K.P.T.
INTRODUCTION Quantitative assessment of albumin and globulins in serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) relies on the calculation derived from total protein measurements obtained from the biuret assay. Validation of these results involves comparing sample albumin concentration assessed using the bromocresol green (BCG) method to those obtained from capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). This study aimed to assess the relationship between albumin values derived from SPE and routine spectrophotometric analysis with BCG method, and to establish a cut-off value to identify significant differences between the two values in SPE validation process. METHODS 187 serum samples were subjected to total protein assessment by biuret method, albumin assessment by BCG method, and SPE by CZE method. SPE derived albumin level using total protein values and BCG method indicated albumin values were analyzed by correlation analysis. The standard error for the difference (SEdif) between the two albumin results were calculated, with statistical significance set at p <0.05. Internal and external quality assessments were deemed acceptable for all three analytical procedures. RESULTS Mean albumin levels obtained via BCG and CZE methods were 38.3 mg/dL and 33.2 mg/dL, respectively, indicating a negative bias for the latter method. A strong correlation (r=0.844, p<0.001) was observed between albumin levels measured by BCG and CZE methods, with Bland-Altman analysis revealing an average negative bias of 5 mg/dL. Using SEdif at 95% significance, the maximum acceptable difference between the two albumin values was determined to be -5.4 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS BCG method yielded higher albumin results compared to CZE method. This positive bias could be attributed to potential lack of specificity of BCG assay for albumin. A maximum allowable difference of 5.5 mg/dL between the two methods is suggested. Exceeding this threshold indicates potential issues with either the BCG albumin assay, biuret total protein assay, or SPE assay, necessitating further investigation for assay reliability, particularly in reporting SPE by CZE.
A comparative study of subjective experiences related to driving among outpatient psychotropic users and controls in Ragama, Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2016) Chandradasa, M.; Champika, L.; Amarasuriya, M.; Wijelakshman, P.; Bandara, S.; Ranaweera, T.; Fernando, L.
Aim: To identify and explore the impact of illness and medications on the driving of patients visiting an outpatient clinic. Method: A retrospective-cohort design was used. The data was collected using a semi-structured, intervieweradministered questionnaire among consecutive patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. An age, gender and vehicle matched control group was obtained. Result: A total of 2887 consecutive clinic patients were asked about driving and 57 (1.9%) who had driven a vehicle regularly during the last 12 months were included in the study group. A majority were in the 30-45 year category (47%). All were men and a majority were motor-bike riders (53%). Collision-accidents were experienced by 42% of participants during the last 12 months. Conclusion: The patient group had lower hours of driving per week, less subjectively claimed earning per day and more with at least one collision-accident during the past year compared to the control group.
Cross-sectional study to assess risk factorsfor leishmaniasis in an endemic region in Sri Lanka
(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2013) Ranasinghe, S.; Wickremasinghe, R*.; Munasinghe, A.; Hulangamuwa, S.; Sivanantharajah, S.; Seneviratne, K.; Bandara, S.; Athauda, I.; Navaratne, C.; Silva, O.; Wackwella, H.; Matlashewski, G.; Wickremasinghe, R.
Sri Lanka reports significantly more cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases than visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases, both of which are caused by Leishmania donovani MON-37. A cross-sectional study conducted in an area with a high prevalence of CL prevalent included 954 participants of an estimated population of 61,674 to estimate the number of CL cases, ascertain whether there is a pool of asymptomatic VL cases, and identify risk factors for transmission. A total of 31 cases of CL were identified, of whom 21 were previously diagnosed and 10 were new cases. Using rK39 rapid diagnostic test to detect antibodies against Leishmania spp., we found that only one person was seropositive but did not have clinical symptoms of CL or VL, which indicated low transmission of VL in this area. χ(2) test, independent sample t-test, and multivariate analysis of socio demographic and spatial distribution of environmental risk factors showed that living near paddy fields is associated with increased risk for transmission of CL (P ≤ 0.01).
Dengue vector surveillance in a dengue hot-spot in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 2007) Sumanadasa, S.D.M.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Perera, D.; Bandara, S.; Mansoor, M.A.; Peris, I.; Abeyewickreme, W.
BACKGROUND: In South Asia, dengue has been declared as one of the most, fast-spreading vector-borne diseases. Therefore, mosquito surveillance is important for early detection of outbreaks along with implementation of prompt control activities. OBJECTIVES: To identify entomological risk factors with regard to transmission of dengue in a dengue hot-spot. Seventy five human dwellings in Vehara in the Kurunegala District of the Western Province were selected based on high disease incidence during 2000-2004, high Aedes as well as human population density and increased building activities. Entomological surveillance was done during May-August, 2007. RESULTS: The house Index ranged from 2.67% to 5.33% for Aedes aegypti while it for Aedes albopictus was 1.33% to 6.60%. The container index ranged from 23.67% to 29.33% for Ae. aegypti and from 1.33% to 18% for Ae. aibopictus. Man biting rates of 0.43-5.78 bites/man/hour were estimated for Ae, aegypti, while it ranged between 0.49 and 1.33 for Ae. aibopictus. The most common breeding place for Aedes species was plastic baskets (16%, n=12). DISCUSSIONS: Vector surveillance showed that the predominant vector species present in the study area was Ae. ageypti. Aedes mosquito larval densities and adult biting rates were sufficient to promote outbreaks of dengue in this study area. Community must be educated regarding effective measures to protect them from dengue. Their cooperation should be elicited in the early detection and elimination of vector species by source reduction, environmental management and personal protection measures.
Development of an Autonomous Agricultural Drone and Real - Time Monitoring Interface for Aerial Seeding
(Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Mohamed, M.R.; Priyankara, D.M.T; Kaluwandara, C.N.; Bandara, S.
Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or commonly known as drones, have been considerably growing during the past few decades in various fields such as agriculture, aerial mapping, surveillance, disaster management, and military applications. Drones are used in agriculture to monitor, harvest, and apply pesticides and fertilizers [1]. An autonomous agricultural drone (quadrotor) was developed for aerial seeding and a web interface using IoT technology with a raspberry pi microcontroller. A lowcost and open-source flight controller was used [2]. The real-time unmanned aerial vehicle monitoring system was developed using PHP/MySQL as the backend technologies on the website and Bootstrap, AJAX, JQuery for the frontend and to communicate with the Pixhawk and Raspberry Pi, Python was used. To enhance the continuous flying time with load, proper weight calculations were done before it flies with the load. CAD software was used to design the drone from the top, bottom, right and left views with exact calculations [3]. The design calculations, along with thrust values, also calculated for payload.
Entomological and epidemiological investigations in a newly established focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Wickramasinghe, K.; Wijerathna, T.; Gunathilaka, N.; Perera, A.; Bandara, S.
Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infection transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The published information on the vector distribution, abundance and potential risk factors that are favorable for disease transmission in Kegalle district are not available. Hence, understanding the trends in disease establishment, epidemiological characteristics, and the bioclimatic suitability of the area for disease prediction. The total number of leishmaniasis patients notified in Kegalle district and Sri Lanka from 2016-2020 was obtained from the Epidemiology Unit, Sri Lanka. Rambukkana and Warakapola Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas that have reported the highest numbers of cases from 2016 – 2018 in Kegalle district were selected as the study sites in the current study. Patients were visited and socio-economic, demographic, environmental and awareness-related information was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A randomly selected household with no records of CL in the same locality of the patient household was included as the control group to match the case group at a 1:1 ratio. Entomological surveys were conducted from July 2019- July 2020 using standard entomological techniques. Bioclimatic suitability was evaluated using ecological niche modeling (ENM). A total of 107 patients were reported from Rabukkana and Warakapola MOH areas from 2016-2020. Of them 88 were traced and included in the study. The risk factors were assessed using the chi squared test at 95% confidence intervals. Age was divided into ten-year age groups for analysis. The findings indicate that leishmaniasis in the Kegalle district progressed to the outbreak level within 3 years since the first recorded case in 2016. School students (n=22, 25%, P<0.05) and individuals between 11-20 years of age (n = 33, 37.5%, P<0.05) were identified as the main risk groups. The presence of composting sites (n=65, 73.9%, P<0.05) that provide potential breeding grounds for sand flies, abandoned lands (n=63, 71.6%, P<0.05) which are potential diurnal resting sites of adult sand flies, and suboptimal (dark or normal) lighting conditions (n=87, 98.8%, P<0.05) in the house that may facilitate vector activity were denoted as significant risk factors for leishmaniasis occurrence compared the control group. The level of awareness of the disease was poor in both the test and control groups. Ecological niche modeling revealed that the areas closer to the Kurunegala district, a predominant leishmaniasis endemic district in the intermediate zone, have high bioclimatic suitability for leishmaniasis. The sand flies including, P. argentipes (n=121, 42%) and S. zeylanica (n=164, 56.9%) were present in high densities in this area. Hence, the control efforts focused on raising awareness, while implementing vector control and effective case management, prioritizing the high-risk areas is vital.
Epidemiological patterns and trends of paediatric snakebites in Sri Lanka
(Biomed Central, 2024-12) Dayasiri, K.; Caldera, D.; Suraweera, N.; Thadchanamoorthy, V.; Hettiarachchi , M.; Denipitiya, T.; Bandara, S.
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological patterns of paediatric snake bites in Sri Lanka over a 4-year period (2020-2024).METHODS A multi-centre, retrospective observational study was conducted from June 2020 to June 2024 across nine governmental hospitals in seven provinces of Sri Lanka. Data were collected based on 757 children presenting with snake bites. The snake bites were analysed based on age, gender, and seasonal variations. Data on the type of snake involved, geographic variations and the temporal trends in snake bite occurrences were also analysed.RESULTS The mean age of the 757 children recruited to the study was 10.3 years (SD-5.00, range-0.1-17 years). Males (57.7%) were significantly more affected than females (42.3%) (p < 0.05). Visual identification confirmed the snake species in 58.4% of cases. The hump-nosed viper (16.7%), Russell's viper (14.7%), and common krait (12.9%) were the most common medically important snakes identified in the study. Seasonal peaks in snake bites occurred in May-July and November-December. An increasing trend in snake bite incidence was noted over the first three years, with a slight decline in the final year.CONCLUSION Paediatric snake bites in Sri Lanka show significant age, gender, and seasonal patterns. Targeted public health interventions are needed to mitigate the impact on children.
The epidemiological trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka: A newly established disease focus and assessment of bioclimatic suitability for disease establishment using ecological niche modelling
(Elsevier, 2023) Wijerathna, T.; Wickramasinghe, K.; Gunathilaka, N.; Perera, A.; Bandara, S.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is prevalent in Sri Lanka since 1992. It remains as a health issue with increasing numbers and spreading from endemic to non-endemic areas in the county. Kegalle district is a new disease focus, which notified the first case in 2016. However, there is no documented evidence of the vector distribution, abundance and potential risk factors in this district. Two Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas (Rambukkana and Warakapola) that had reported the highest numbers of cases in the Kagalle district was selected and recorded cases (2016-2020) were obtained. The patients were visited and socio-economic, demographic, environmental and awareness-related information was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Entomological surveys were conducted from July 2019- July 2020 using three standard entomological techniques. Bioclimatic suitability for the disease transmission was evaluated using ecological niche modelling. A total of 107 patients were reported from both MOH areas and 88 were recruited for the study. The study showed that leishmaniasis in the Kegalle district progressed to an outbreak level within 3 years after reporting the first case. School students (n = 22, 25%, P < 0.05) and individuals between 11 and 20 years of age (n = 33, 37.5%, P<0.05) were identified as the main risk groups, while the presence of composting sites (n = 65, 73.9%, P < 0.05), abandoned lands (n = 63, 71.6%, P < 0.05) in the surrounding and suboptimal (dark or normal) lighting conditions (n = 87, 98.8%, P < 0.05) in the house were identified as main risk factors. Areas closer to the adjacent district (Kurunegala), which is a known endemic district for leishmaniasis indicated a high probability (0.3-0.5) for disease transmission. Sergentomyia zeylanica (n = 164, 56.94%), was identified as the predominant sand fly species followed by Phlebotomus argentipes (n = 121, 42.01%), Sergentomyia babu insularis (n = 2, 0.69%) and Sergentomyia punjabensis (n = 1, 0.35%). Phlebotomus argentipes was captured mostly for outdoor resting sites and S. zeylanica was recoded from both indoor and outdoor. The presence of vectors that can transmit leishmaniasis in these areas along with the potential risk factors could increase the transmission risk and disease establishment in new areas that are ecologically favourable for disease transmission. Therefore, vector control entities should undertake immediate measures to stop spreading the disease into new areas.
The Impact of Corporate Governance on Firm Value: Evidence from Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(5th International Conference for Accounting Researchers and Educators (ICARE – 2019), Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Wijesinghe, N.; Bandara, S.; Dassanayake, W.; Undugoda, M.
Good corporate governance is directly linked with the shareholder wealth creation and thereby positively impacting on the overall economic prosperity of entities. However, achieving the ideal outcomes from good corporate governance is vulnerable to a multitude of hindrances originating from the internal and external forces. The purpose of this study is to examine how corporate governance practices impact on the firm value. Data collected through content analysis of annual reports of 27 Sri Lankan manufacturing firms listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2016. The study used descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to analyze data. Findings revealed that the number of board meetings and internal control and risk management system of listed manufacturing companies capable of improving firm value. The study has social and policy impact as it highlights the importance of corporate governance practices in Sri Lankan entities. Focusing on one industry sector is an inherent limitation of the study, and industry sector comparison would be a potential future research area.
The impact of value chain development on customer satisfaction in fast-moving consumer goods industry: Evidence from Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Ruwanpathirana, S. H.; Bandara, S.
The objective of this study is to identify the current situation, relationship, and the impact of value chain development on customer satisfaction in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Some studies have examined the impact of value chain development on various products and production processes, but not specifically on FMCG industry of Sri Lanka and in relation to customer satisfaction. This study attempts to fill the research gap by bringing together four main components of value chain development; channel management, production capacity, competitive pricing, financial benefit which affects customer satisfaction in FMCG products. A deductive research approach is carried out in the study using both primary and secondary data. The primary data has been collected through an online questionnaire which was distributed among 100 FMCG customers in the Colombo district. The data has been statistically analyzed using the SPSS statistical analysis tool to find the reliability, correlation and linear regression as the output. The results of the study show, that there is a significant positive relationship between the value chain and customer satisfaction. Value chain comprises of four sub independent variables such as channel management, production capacity, competitive pricing and financial benefit which have a positive relationship with the customer satisfaction on FMCG products which was derived through the correlation analysis.
Impact of Value Chain Development on Customer Satisfaction in Fast-moving Consumer Goods Industry: Evidence from Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Ruwanpathirana, S. H.; Bandara, S.
The objective of this study is to identify the current situation, relationship, and the impact of value chain development on customer satisfaction in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Some studies have examined the impact of value chain development on various products and production processes, but not specifically on FMCG industry of Sri Lanka and in relation to customer satisfaction. This study attempts to fill the research gap by bringing together four main components of value chain development; channel management, production capacity, competitive pricing, financial benefit which affects customer satisfaction in FMCG products. A deductive research approach is carried out in the study using both primary and secondary data. The primary data has been collected through an online questionnaire which was distributed among 100 FMCG customers in the Colombo district. The data has been statistically analyzed using the SPSS statistical analysis tool to find the reliability, correlation, and linear regression as the output. The results of the study show that there is a significant positive relationship between the value chain and customer satisfaction. Value chain comprises of four sub independent variables such as channel management, production capacity, competitive pricing and financial benefit which have a positive relationship with the customer satisfaction on FMCG products which was derived through the correlation analysis.
Lysinuric protein intolerance presenting as pancytopenia and splenomegaly mimicking acute leukaemia: a case report
(BioMed Central, 2023) Lokuhewage, C.; Pathiraja, H.; Madawala, P.; Bandara, S.; Mettananda, S.
BACKGROUND: Lysinuric protein intolerance is a rare inherited metabolic disease due to autosomal recessive mutations of the SLC7A7 gene. The affected patients commonly present with protein-rich food intolerance, failure to thrive, hepatosplenomegaly, muscle hypotonia and lung involvement due to impaired intestinal absorption and excessive urinary excretion of dibasic amino acids. Presentation with splenomegaly and cytopenia without other features has not been reported. Here we report a Sri Lankan girl with lysinuric protein intolerance presenting with pancytopenia and splenomegaly mimicking acute leukaemia. CASE PRESENTATION: Two years and six months old Sri Lankan girl presented with persistent pancytopenia following a viral illness. She was asymptomatic without vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or irritability. Physical examination revealed pallor and isolated firm splenomegaly of 2 cm. Growth parameters and other system examinations were normal. Full blood count revealed anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. The blood picture showed a mixture of hypochromic microcytic and normochromic normocytic red cells with occasional pencil cells and macrocytes. Bone marrow examination was normal except for occasional megaloblasts; however, serum vitamin B12 and red blood cell folate were normal. The metabolic screen showed a high anion gap compensated metabolic acidosis, high lactate and ketosis. Genetic mutation analysis using whole exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants of the SLC7A7 gene, confirming the diagnosis of lysinuric protein intolerance. CONCLUSION: We report a child with lysinuric protein intolerance presenting with pancytopenia and splenomegaly without other disease features. This case report adds to the heterogenic presentations of lysinuric protein intolerance, which is considered a multifaceted disease.
Neonatal hypothermia and associated factors in a special care baby unit
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Krishnapradeep, S.; Kumarendran, B.; Bandara, S.
INTRODUCTION: Neonatal hypothermia is known to result in many adverse consequences. Aims: To estimate the incidence and associated factors of neonatal hypothermia METHODS: This cohort study followed up 125 neonates consecutively admitted to Special Care Baby Unit of Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya from November 2011 to January 2012. A paediatric registrar interviewed parents using a structured-questionnaire and direct observation using a check list. On admission, axillary body temperature was measured and graded using WHO classification. Results: Of the 125 neonates, 96 were admitted within first day of birth (78.6%) and 72 had low birth weight (57.6%). Neonates were admitted from operation theater (58, 46.4%), postnatal ward (34, 27.2%) and labour room (23, 18.4%). Median temperature on admission was 36.2 °C with 38.4% having moderate hypothermia (n=48), 19.2% cold-stress (n=24) and none with severe hypothermia. Risk of hypothermia was increased by prematurity (OR = 9.9, 95% CI: 4.2 - 23), low birth weight (OR= 6.8, 3.1 -15.1), being delivered by caesa-pean section (OR=4, 1.8 - 9.1), admission from operation theatre or labour room (OR =9.1, 3.9 - 21.4) and cold delivery room ( p < 0.001). Caesarean rate was higher among neonates admitted to PBU than all the children delivered (OR = 3.35, 2.2 - 5.1). Hypothermia increases risk of poor activity (OR =1.8, 1.4 - 2.4), poor feeding (OR= 7.2, 1.5 - 34.9), poor cry (OR = 1.9, 1.5 - 2.4), respiratory distress (OR= 1.5, 1.1 - 2.0) and hypoglycemia (OR = 1.6, 1.2 - 2.0).
Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia in a 2-year-old Sri Lankan girl
(The Sri Lanka Collage of Paediatricians, 2024) Madawala, P.; Lokuhewage, C.; Bandara, S.; Randeny, S.; Mettananda, S.
No abstract available
Surveillance for dengue vector mosquito in Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka
(Elsevier, 2008) Sumanadasa, S.D.M.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Peiris, I.; Perera, D.; Bandara, S.; Mansoor, M.A.C.M.; Abeyewickreme, W.
BACKGROUND: Dengue vector surveillance is an important tool to determine the time and area/s to initiate control action. Our objective was to identify entomological risk factors with regard to transmission of dengue in a dengue hot-spot. METHODS: In the study 75 human dwellings in a dengue hot-spot in the District of Kurunegala was selected based on high disease incidence during 2000—2004, high Aedes as well as human population density and increased building activities. House to house mosquito surveillance was carried out from 08.00 am to 12.00 noon during May—August, 2007. Larvae and adult Aedes mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using normal larval surveillance and human landing diurnal collection techniques respectively. Environmental and sociological data were obtained from households by interviewer administered questionnaires and observations. RESULTS: The house index for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus ranged from 1.33%—6.60% and 2.67%—5.33% respectively. The Breatu index ranged between 23.67%—29.33% for Ae. aegypti and 1.33%—18% for Aedes albopictus. Man biting rates of 0.43—5.78 bites/man/hour were estimated for Ae. aegypti, while it ranged from 0.49—1.33 for Ae. albopictus. The most common breeding place for Aedes species was plastic baskets (16%, n = 12). More than half of the households (61%, n = 45) stored water in large cement tanks for their daily activities. Majority of the group (99%, n = 74) had a basic knowledge on dengue mosquito breeding places (97%, n = 73), their life cycle (95%, n = 71) and mode of transmission (99%, n = 74). Domestic waste of majority of households was carried away daily by the local authorities (n = 69). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a vector control program should be adopted to reduce Aedes population levels below dengue transmission thresholds. Discarded containers of various types were identified as potential mosquitoes breeding habitats. Therefore, community must be educated on effective vector control measures to contain the transmission levels. © 2008 Elsevier Inc.
Usage of Workers’ Remittance by the Households of Origin in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Bandara, S.
Migration is not a new phenomenon and it is the oldest human action against poverty (Galbraith, 1979). Nowadays the most direct impact of migration is remittances. For many rural households in developing economies, remittances are a fundamental element of livelihood strategies (De la Briere, Sadoulet, De Janvry, & Lambert, 2002). Thereby, the role of remittances has been a decisive element in explaining household strategies regarding migration. Most studies on internal and international migration and remittances have concluded that remittances improve consumption rather than investment (Zosa & Orbeta Jr, 2009).The effects of rural-to-urban migration on the development of rural communities (migrant-sending areas) can be examined through the usage of remittances by the households of origin. The present study examines the determinants of the usage of remittances using probit regression. I disaggregated the remittance data according to the purpose of the remittances, such as household daily expenditure, education of household members, spending on farming activities and spending on durables and housing. This paper investigated the process of rural-to-urban migration, remittances and their impact on rural farm communities/sending communities using survey data gathered by the author from January to April 2011 in Gampaha District in Sri Lanka. The probit analysis results reveal that making annual remittances decreases significantly as migrants’ stay in the city becomes longer. At the beginning of the migration process, more remittances will be received and over time, as they shift to other channels of income, the remittances they receive decline. Migrants tend to remit for the purpose of education if there are students in the household of origin. This confirms that rural-to-urban migration and remittances are not only for consumptive purposes but also for investment purposes. None of the migrants remitted monthly for the purpose of buying durables or building houses as this may require large sums of money. However, they do remit for the purposes of buying those things annually when they get bonuses or seettu. Moreover, rural-to-urban migration contributes significantly to asset accumulation in the communities of origin. Twenty-five per cent of the migrants have built new houses in their place of origin.