Browsing by Author "Gunarathna, Manjula"

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Attributes and issues of tourism development in Sri Lanka
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Gunarathna, Manjula; Janice, L.H.N.G.A.; Lian Chan, J.K.
The paper presents interesting comparison between attributes and issues of Sri Lankan tourism as a development strategy using quantitative data and empirical evidences. Numerous previous studies have highlighted that Sri Lanka has many attributes and issues related to the tourism industry. At present, tourism industry in Sri Lanka is stimulated as a one of key instrument of economic development. However, there is no adequate linkage between attributes and issues regarding tourism development. This study explores the issue whether tourism development could contribute the economic development in Sri Lanka and how can tourism exploit its attributes against the potential issues. The main postulation of this study is several issues can be solved via tourism development strategies and attributes can be utilized to minimize the issues and develop the economy. The key objective of this study is to identify the main issues and attributes regarding Sri Lankan tourism. The paper reveals that lopsided tourism development has created additional issues on economy. Findings of this study alleged that tourism in Sri Lanka did not entirely exploit its attributes. Conversely, the lack of correlation between attributes and issues has affected towards pattern of income distribution, rural backwardness, seasonal variations, resources utilization, sectoral integration, lopsided development and job security. Therefore we suggest that strategic tourism development plan needs for sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka.
Customer’s Perspectives on Internet Banking based on E-S-Qual Model
(Department of Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2021) Gunarathna, Manjula
In Sri Lanka, the credit growth the banking system improved in 2020 compared to 2019 regardless of the adverse economic effects caused by the ongoing pandemic and nationwide and district-wide lock-down periods. A significant increase was noticed in the usage of internet banking as people were considerably confined to their homes. Consequently, this study focuses on recognizing the view of customers on internet banking based on the E-S-Qual model. This model was established to measure the quality of e-service. Both exploratory and confirmatory factors analyses are classified into three independent factors namely, (i) System availability & fulfilment (ii) Efficiency and (iii) Privacy as common factors of internet banking. Respondents between the ages of 20 to 30 have shown positive perceptions on these three internet banking factors according to the cross-tabulation results. It was also revealed that the female respondents show a higher positive perception (76.9%) in comparison to males (23.1%) on the privacy of internet banking.
Factors Affecting the Tourists’ Arrival at Botanical Gardens in Sri Lanka (Peradeniya and Henarathgoda Botanical Gardens)
(Department of Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Gunarathna, Manjula
Currently, tourism is recognized as an emerging industry worldwide. Due to the wide variety of purposes and preferences that tourists have, the industry has grown exponentially over the years, branching out into different areas among which eco-tourism plays a significant role. In Sri Lanka, the tourism industry plays an undisputable role in the country’s economic growth. However, it can be observed that the contribution of botanical gardens to the development of the Sri Lankan tourism industry has not been acknowledged by the contemporary studies that concern the industry. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prominent factors that influence the change in tourist arrival in both Peradeniya and Henarathgoda botanical gardens. The present study aims to understand the impact of the factors on tourist arrivals to the selected gardens through a sample of 75 local and 25 international tourists, who were selected via an on-site survey. The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed that gender and age group are the most influential variables that showed different agreement levels in the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, whereas age group, gender, and educational level demonstrated different agreement levels in the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden. The research identified five factors that significantly influenced tourist visits in the Peradeniya botanical garden including external facilities, natural environment, garden environment, transportation and communication, and safety. Similarly, in the Henarathgoda botanical garden, four factors were identified as influential: facilities, transportation, security, parking, sanitation, and natural attraction.
Factors Affecting the Tourists’ Arrival at Botanical Gardens in Sri Lanka (Peradeniya and Henarathgoda Botanical Gardens)
(Department of Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Gunarathna, Manjula
Currently, tourism is recognized as an emerging industry worldwide. Due to the wide variety of purposes and preferences that tourists have, the industry has grown exponentially over the years, branching out into different areas among which eco-tourism plays a significant role. In Sri Lanka, the tourism industry plays an undisputable role in the country’s economic growth. However, it can be observed that the contribution of botanical gardens to the development of the Sri Lankan tourism industry has not been acknowledged by the contemporary studies that concern the industry. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prominent factors that influence the change in tourist arrival in both Peradeniya and Henarathgoda botanical gardens. The present study aims to understand the impact of the factors on tourist arrivals to the selected gardens through a sample of 75 local and 25 international tourists, who were selected via an on-site survey. The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed that gender and age group are the most influential variables that showed different agreement levels in the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, whereas age group, gender, and educational level demonstrated different agreement levels in the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden. The research identified five factors that significantly influenced tourist visits in the Peradeniya botanical garden including external facilities, natural environment, garden environment, transportation and communication, and safety. Similarly, in the Henarathgoda botanical garden, four factors were identified as influential: facilities, transportation, security, parking, sanitation, and natural attraction.
Health Information Seeking Behaviour among Teenagers Sri Lanka
(Auricle Global Society of Education and Research, 2023) Gunarathna, Manjula
In the contemporary era characterized by technological advancements, teenagers are displaying a growing inclination towards acquiring access to health-related information, which is crucial for teenagers to make informed decisions on their overall health and well-being. The findings indicate that the Internet is the primary source of health information, followed by kin and acquaintances, mass media, and medical practitioners among teenagers in Sri Lanka. Gender is a significant factor, as males prefer utilizing mass media and the internet, whilst females tend to rely more on medical practitioners, kinship networks, and friends. Education has a significant impact on teenagers’ health information- seeking behaviour; low-education teenagers depend more on kin and acquaintances, while higher-education teenagers are more inclined to utilize the Internet. Moreover, highly physically active teenagers rely on kin and acquaintances, while less active tend to rely on the Internet. The findings of the multinomial regression analysis emphasize that teenagers mostly rely on the Internet and medical experts in Sri Lanka. Education, perceived severity of health conditions, and health efficacy have an impact on these behaviours. This study adds to the body of knowledge regarding the information-seeking behaviours of teenagers, offering significant insights that can inform the progress of customized health promotion strategies and culturally appropriate digital health communication.
Online Freelancing Intention among Female Graduates
(Auricle Global Society of Education and Research, 2023) Gunarathna, Manjula
Gender-based unemployment disparities persist in Sri Lanka, even though women possess high levels of education. This study examines the intentions of female university graduates to engage in online freelancing, which provides flexible work opportunities and could potentially address this issue. The study presents a research methodology that is built upon the Technology Acceptance methodology. It examines characteristics such as perceived use, ease of use, perceived security, internet literacy, and degree type in relation to the intention to engage in online freelancing. Findings reveal that perceived usefulness, ease of use, perceived security, internet literacy, and the type of degree significantly influence the intention to engage in online freelancing. The direct influence of perceived usefulness and ease of use on intention shows the need of addressing the benefits and user-friendliness of online freelancing platforms. Perceived security plays a crucial role in building trust, particularly in transactions and data sharing. Respondents with moderate internet literacy and business-oriented degrees show higher positive intentions. The study concludes by providing recommendations for online freelancing platforms to enhance perceived usefulness, user-friendliness, and security and to cater to a diverse audience, including those with varying internet literacy and educational backgrounds. Collaboration with educational institutions is suggested to bridge the gap between education and online freelancing readiness. Regular assessment of user perceptions and continuous improvement are advised to adapt to evolving user needs and preferences. This research contributes to the understanding of the factors influencing the intention of female graduates to participate in the online freelancing market in Sri Lanka.
Student Satisfaction with Physical and Digital Library Facilities in Higher Education Institutes
(National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, 2024) Gunarathna, Manjula
The landscape of higher education is undergoing continuous transformation, with library facilities playing a pivotal role in shaping student experiences and academic success. This study explores student satisfaction with both physical and digital library facilities within diverse higher education institutions, employing the Information Systems Success Model as a theoretical framework. While physical libraries offer curated collections and personalized services, digital libraries provide unparalleled convenience and accessibility. However, the satisfaction derived from each format differs, with physical libraries emphasizing service quality and collection relevance, and digital libraries prioritizing information quality aligned with the curriculum. Notably, the size of digital collections doesn't guarantee higher satisfaction, highlighting the importance of relevance. Perceived usefulness significantly influences satisfaction with digital libraries. To enhance user satisfaction, libraries should invest in user-friendly services, continuously curate collections, prioritize digital information quality, adapt to trends, and actively use feedback for improvement. This study underscores the imperative for libraries to evolve in tandem with changing student needs and preferences to optimize their role in supporting academic endeavours.
Unemployment and Vocational Training (A study of the Sri Lankan Experience)
(Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium 2005-Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2005) Gunarathna, Manjula
As a result of globalization, today the world is changing rapidly. This is not limited to any particular country. Therefore, Sri Lanka also has to adapt to the changes in the global environment. In this case vocational training plays a vital role in connection with employment. Although, in Sri Lanka there were a lot of unemployed after independence, it gradually decreased in the last few decades. Traditional educational system has been a major reason for unemployment as well as youth unrest in the country as we have seen in 1971 and 1987 – 1989. There is a clear contrast between the educational system and employment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Gradually employment opportunities in the governmental sector decreased. Therefore, there was a tendency of seeking jobs in private sector even though there is a great competition to obtain jobs in the private sector. To get through this competition vocational training is a very important qualification. Therefore a lot of unemployed tended to follow vocational training courses. E ventually the u nemployed who followed vocational training increased. The number of unemployed with vocational training has become a major problem in Sri Lanka. In this background, a study of unemployment and the impact of vocational training on unemployment in Sri Lanka addressed a major problem. Analysis of the Sri Lankan experience will help to formulate a comprehensive employment policy based on meaningful vocational training programmes. In the analysis of that issue time series data and cross sectional data were used in this research. Secondary data were gathered by reports, electronic and written media. Through data analysis, it was discovered that there exists a wide gap between the vocational training programmes offered by the different agencies and vocational training required by the private sector companies. That is because; the vocational training is not matched with the demand of jobs. The above mentioned facts show that the unemployment related to vocational training in Sri Lanka has been a major problem. It is necessary to pay attention to the nature of this problem and find a solution for it, based on the Sri Lankan experience.