Browsing by Author "Perera, C."

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The Contribution of HRMS on Employee Retention in IT Organizations in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, C.
It is expected to examine whether HRMS support to increase the employee retention rate while reducing the employee turnover and the study is associated with set of IT companies in Sri Lanka. Inductive research approach considering its characteristics and features is used in this study. This research tries to finding out the knowledge gaps and tries to understand the contribution of HRMS on employee retention and its impact to organizational performances. However, it is focused on few major IT companies named as Virtusa and John Keells in Sri Lanka. The research will continue as an explanatory and deductive research. Primary data collection method is the method of data collection and survey strategy is followed which is quite match with this particular study. It is decided to follow non probability sampling technique with simple random sampling method. Thirty employees are considered as the sample size and fifteen of each is selected from Virtusa and John Keells Computer Services. A questionnaire is prepared which contains open-ended and close-ended, includes all forms of questions such as rating, ranking, category and etc. However, most of results of this research will be more qualitative since HRMS is more deals with qualitative performances. But through above questions, the answers will convert to quantitative. However, this research will create benefits for IT industry in Sri Lanka and will provides benefits for retaining employees and enhancing organizational performances.
Deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone triple iron chelator combination therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload: a randomised clinical trial
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-10) Premawardhena, A.; Wanasinghe, S.; Perera, C.; Wijethilaka, M.N.; Rajakaruna, R.H.M.G.; Samarasinghe, R.A.N.K.K.; Williams, S.; Mettananda, S.
BACKGROUND Many patients with β-thalassaemia die prematurely due to iron overload. In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the triple combination of deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone on iron chelation in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload.METHODS This open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial was conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia patients with ferritin >3500 ng/mL were randomised 2:1 into intervention (deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone) and control (deferoxamine and deferasirox) arms. Reduction in serum ferritin after six months was the primary outcome measure. Reduction in liver iron content, improvement in cardiac T2∗, and adverse effects were secondary outcome measures.FINDINGS Twenty-three patients (intervention-15, control-8) were recruited. 92% and 62% in the intervention and control arms showed a reduction in ferritin, respectively. The mean reduction of ferritin was significantly higher in intervention (−1094 ± 907 ng/mL) compared to control (+82 ± 1588 ng/mL) arm (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in the liver iron content in two arms. In the intervention arm, 67% improved cardiac T2∗ (mean change +6.72 ± 9.63 ms) compared to 20% in the control arm (mean change −3.00 ± 8.24 ms). Five patients discontinued deferiprone due to arthralgia, which resolved completely after stopping the drug.INTERPRETATION Triple combination therapy with deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone is more efficacious in reducing iron burden measured by serum ferritin and showed a positive trend in reducing myocardial iron content in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload. Deferiprone has the disturbing side effect of reversible but severe arthropathy.
Effectiveness of early stretching exercises for range of motion in the shoulder joint and quality of functional recovery in patients with burns - a randomized control trial
(Tirupati: IJPHY publishers, 2017) Perera, A.D.; Perera, C.; Karunanayake, A.L.
BACKGROUND; This study evaluated the effects of an early stretching exercises programme on the range of motion of the shoulder joint and functional recovery in patients with burns. METHODS; A randomized controlled study was conducted. Patients from 15 to 55 years of age with a total burn injury surface area (TBSA) of 10% to 45% involving the shoulder joint including axilla were eligible. Participants were randomized into two groups&59; intervention and a usual care control group, with 110 patients in each group. A standardized protocol was used in the management of intervention group for 14 days. The control group was subjected to usual protocol currently used. The range of Motion (ROM) was measured, and Functional recovery (FR) was assessed with the Quick DASH questionnaire and the Abduction Ladder. Data were obtained before and after the intervention phase and at 3, 6 and 12 months of post-burn period. RESULTS; The mean (SD) age of intervention group and control group were 29.76 &91;9.81&93; and 30.31 &91;9.45&93; respectively. The mean (SD) TBSA% of intervention group and control group was 26.15&91;9.45&93; and 24.60&91;9.56&93; respectively. There is a significant beneficial difference (p&61;&60;0.0001) in ROM and FR between the intervention group and the control group. CONCLUSION; This study demonstrated that an early sustained stretching exercise regime significantly improved the ROM and functional recovery of the shoulder joint after a severe burn involving the axilla.
Effectiveness of early stretching exercises for range of motion of the shoulder joint, state of axillary scar and quality of recovery in burnt patients admitted to the Burns unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Perera, G.A.D.; Perera, C.; Karunanayake, A.L.
Background: Burn injuries can result in long term impairment, limitation and activity participation restrictions in a patient‘s life. The majority of burns occur in low- and middleincome countries. In axillary or shoulder burns scar contracture is common and leads to loss of shoulder movements and function. Purpose: This study aim was to compare outcomes of an early stretching exercise programme on the range of motion of the shoulder joint, state of axillary scar and quality of recovery for patients with upper limb burn with a control group. This study has not been discussed in the previous literature. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted in National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Patients from 15 to 55 years of age with a total burn surface area (TBSA) of 10% to 45% involving the shoulder joint and axilla were eligible. Participants were randomized into intervention and a usual care (control) groups. There were 110 patihhents in each group. The study protocol lasted 14 days for each participant in the intervention group, whilst the controls had usual care. Range of Motion (ROM) was measured with a Universal Goniometer. Functional recovery (FR) and state of the axillary scar was assessed with the Quick DASH questionnaire and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Data were obtained before and after the intervention phase and at 3, 6 and 12 months of post burn. Results: Age, intervention group mean [SD] 29.76[9.81] vs control group mean [SD] 30.31 [9.45] and TBSA%, intervention group mean [SD] 26.15[9.45] vs control group mean [SD] 24.60[9.56] were not significantly different. There were highly significant differences (p>0.0001) in ROM, FR and the state of the axillary scar in favour of the intervention group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that early stretching exercise regime significantly improved the ROM and functional recovery of the shoulder joint and scar condition of the axilla for adults with burns involving the upper arm.
Efficacy and safety of deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone triple iron chelator combination therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload: a protocol for randomised controlled clinical trial
(BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2024) Premawardhena, A.; Perera, C.; Wijethilaka, M.N.; Wanasinghe, S.K.; Rajakaruna, R.H.M.G.; Samarasinghe, R.A.N.K.K.; Williams, S.; Mettananda, S.
INTRODUCTION: Despite the improvement in medical management, many patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia die prematurely due to transfusion-related iron overload. As per the current guidelines, the optimal chelation of iron cannot be achieved in many patients, even with two iron chelators at their maximum therapeutic doses. Here, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple combination treatment with deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone over dual combination of deferoxamine and deferasirox on iron chelation in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial conducted at the Adult and Adolescent Thalassaemia Centre of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Patients with haematologically and genetically confirmed transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia are enrolled and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention arm will receive a combination of oral deferasirox, oral deferiprone and subcutaneous deferoxamine for 6 months. The control arm will receive the combination of oral deferasirox and subcutaneous deferoxamine for 6 months. Reduction in iron overload, as measured by a reduction in the serum ferritin after completion of the treatment, will be the primary outcome measure. Reduction in liver and cardiac iron content as measured by T2* MRI and the side effect profile of trial medications are the secondary outcome measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval for the study has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (Ref. P/06/02/2023). The trial results will be disseminated in scientific publications in reputed journals.
The Influence Acquired by Simon Nawagattegama from The Locution of Franz Kafka's Short Stories
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, C.
Simon Nawagattegama is viewed as a significant composer of stories who was engaged in experimentation in order to create an alternative narrative for the Sinhala prosaism. It could be precisely determined through investigations that he was influenced by the literary tradition of Franz Kafka. Franz Kafka was a German-language writer of novels and short stories who is widely regarded as one of the major figures of 20th century literature. The objective of this research paper is to analyze the manner in which Simon Nawagattegama was influenced by the established conventional practice in narratives of Franz kafka. In this context, this research is limited to the short story titled 'Metamorphosis' composed by Franz Kafka and the short story composed by Simon Nawagaththegama titled ‘Sagara Jalaya Madhi Henduwa Oba sanda'. At this stage special attention is paid towards language and life’s vision. Accordingly, it could be concluded that Simon Nawagaththegama has not been influenced by the prose style of Franz Kafka.
The Influence of Folk Poems on the Works of Amarasekara and Sekara
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, C.
Gunadasa Amarasekara and Mahagama Sekara were powerful poets during the decades of 1956 and 1960. Both these Sinhala poets have been influenced by various poetic traditions. Among these influences, folk songs hold a very special place in their poetry. “Amalbiso” is a text where Amarasekara was strongly influenced from the tradition of folk songs, while Sekara’s “Sakvalihini” reflects how far the poet was influenced by folk poetry. In this paper, I analyse “Amalbiso” and “Kinduru Kumarige Kathawa,” two poems that deal with the subject matter of a prince’s emotions, and show the impact of folk poetry on the two poets. Both these creations depict various poetic forms, character portrayals, and visions of life. Although both Amarasekara and Sekara were influenced by folk poems, the poetic concepts that they worked out were completely different from those of the folk poems. These poets draw on premodern socio-cultural backgrounds when writing these poems. Therefore, it is important to ascertain how Amarasekara and Sekara were influenced by folk poetry.
Microbiology of hand towels on surgical wards.
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1998) Deen, K.I.; Welgama, V.; Perera, C.
INTRODUCTION : Frequent ablution followed by hand drying is recommended in surgical wards as prophylaxis against cross infection. It is recommended that hands are dried using " clean" towels. Aim : This study was designed to evaluate the microbiological flora of towels routinely used for hand drying in surgical wards at General Hospital Ragama. METHODS : Fifteen towels which were in use from 15 wards visited on a single occasion were sampled using a sterile microbiological swab (one swab per towel). Each towel was sampled on both sides and at 20-24 randomly chosen sites. Four laundered towels were also sampled in a similar manner prior to use in the wards. Specimens were transported in brain heart infusion and plated on culture media within 2 hours. RESULTS : All towels used in the wards compared with none of the laundered towels revealed either mild or moderate growth of micro-organisms, (test of proportions P -0.00025 Organisms isolated number of towels were Acinetobacter species (10 ). Enterococcus species (14), Bacillus species (5) , Klcbsiella species (2), Staphylococcus aureus (2) and Escherichia coli species in one towel. Only one towel appeared clean. Fourteen appeared stained and visibly dirty to the naked eye. All 15 towels were damp. All control towels appeared clean and dry. CONCLUSION : All towels sampled in this study were found to harbour micro-organisms. This may contribute to cross infections on surgical wards. We believe, hand wiping using towels is unsafe-and suitable alternative methods should be sought.
Reducing the public health expenditure through a surgical method that facilitates early mobilization of lower limb burns
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Perera, C.; Hajith, Z.M.; Mahendra, B.A.G.G.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Grafted skin in the conventional way tends to contract towards the midline bridging across the joints. Prolonged immobilization following skin grafting promotes contracture across the joints. In the advanced graft orientation technique (AGOT) devised by the Burns Unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (BU-NHSL), the graft is orientated in a tension free direction. This method does not require prolonged splinting or immobilization. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of graft orientation on early mobilization and prevention of contracture in lower limb (LL) burn patients. METHODS: A total of 61 patients treated with AGOT for LL burns at BU-NHSL (study group-SG) were compared with 21 patients who were primarily treated with conventional skin grafting for LL burns at local hospitals and referred for reconstruction at BU-NHSL (control group-CG). Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and range of motions (ROM) of involved joints were measured one year following the date of burn in the SG. These were measured prior to reconstructive surgery in the CG. Comparison was done using independent t-test. RESULTS: Mean value of VSS in the SG and the CG were 2.8889 (SD+1.65878) and 9.4074 (SD+3.21366) respectively. Spared normal joint ROM was seen in 95.6% of the SG. 100% in the CG had reduced joint ROM. CONCLUSION: AGOT has a lesser possibility of contracture across the grafted joints. Lower VSS value in the SG suggests that the quality of grafted skin is closer to normal skin. This technique is beneficial in low and middle income countries where access to specialized burn rehabilitation and health budget is limited.
Tobacco industry targeting political giants in Sri Lanka: Presidential candidates 2019
(EUEP European Publishing, 2021) Kandeepan, S.; Perera, C.; Wijesuriya, H.; Dias, I.S.; Periyannan, D.; Perera, K.M.N.; Rajasuriya, M.
INTRODUCTION: The presidential election to elect the 7th Executive President of Sri Lanka was held on November 2019. Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), holds the monopoly of manufacturing and selling cigarettes in Sri Lanka, which has a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act. OBJECTIVES: To explore tobacco industry (TI) engagements of the 2019 presidential election candidates. METHODS: Investigative research techniques were used. Key informant interviews, news reports, online content, industry reports and community-level documentary evidence were used. A deductive data analysis approach was used based on the themes ‘type of engagement’, ‘TI investment’ and ‘potential impact’. RESULTS: All three top ranked candidates depicted a positive result. Two had a history of direct engagement with the CTC and the other declared support for beedi industry during the election campaign. The engagements of the candidate who was a former Defence Secretary included accepting sponsorships to construct police stations and Army welfare shops. Police are one of the authorized officers of the NATA Act and Sri Lanka Army distributed tax free cigarettes for its soldiers until recent past. The candidate who was a former Agriculture Minister accepted CTC sponsorships for renovation of water reservoirs. CTC cultivates almost all tobacco they need for manufacturing cigarettes and is accused of exploiting the Sri Lankan farmers during the process. One candidate was the guest of honour of the opening ceremony of a pilgrim’s rest in a Buddhist shrine constructed with CTC sponsorship (around 70% of Sri Lankans are Buddhists). All TI engagements of these leading politicians received positive media coverage. CONCLUSION(S): TI engaging main political figures in Sri Lanka has potential to cause serious policy implications, thus, highlights the need for a national policy for implementation of the FCTC Article 5.3.
Why do some Investors prefer Fundamentally Weak Stocks?
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Weerakoon, Y.K.; Perera, C.
This study investigates ‘why do some investors prefer fundamentally weak stocks? The study about this matter is imperative and exciting because there are plenty of models to justify the investment in fundamentally strong stocks and at the same time those models debar the choice of fundamentally weak stocks. But among the stocks quoted in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) fundamentally weak stocks outperformed the market both in terms of liquidity as well as price boost. In order to discover the reasons, data have been gathered from a sample of active investors representing all categories of investors and analysed those using descriptive statistical tools. The pertinent secondary data compassionate to the hints and trends arising from the primary data gathered from the investors have used concurrently. A sample of stocks representing majority of the sectors in the CSE, whose trading volumes and number of transactions executed are among the highest in the market, were selected to study. The study finds that bulk of the investors consider fundamental variables of Net Asset Value, Price/Earnings Ratio and Dividend Yield. They also muscularly use the pattern of price movement for setting buying strategies. Majority of the investors are keen about their required rate of return, but pays very poor attention for the stock’s beta factor. Factors contain high degree of speculation such as trading on new information, react for improved quarterly results and high dividend expectation elevates the madness of investors to go after stocks. There is a strong correlation between the price of fundamentally weak stocks and number of trades. Investors desire fundamentally weak stocks because they are fundamentally weak. That is, the value of the stock is coming from other factors such as higher number of trades, availability of new information, improved quarterly results, high dividend expectations and the degree of foreign buying. That is why the stock price movement cannot be justified using fundamental approach. Moreover the low level of market values and the abnormal capital gains too responsible for the fondness of these stocks in excess of the fundamentally strong stocks.