South Asian Journal of Finance

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Analysis of Earnings Management: Using Ownership Structure and Audit Quality Among Banking Industries in Indonesia
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2023) Susbiyani, A.; Fauzan, D. T.; Aspirandi, R. M.
Purpose: This research aims to examine the impact of ownership structure consisting of managerial ownership, institutional ownership and audit quality which is proxied using size of public accountant firms on earnings management using three control variables, namely company size, leverage and market value. Design/Methodology/Approach: The population used in this research is banking companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period. The data used in this research is secondary data and the sampling technique selection used is purposive sampling. There were 35 companies in the sample with a total of 105 data points at the beginning, after the outlier elimination process the final data amounted to 87 data points. The analytical method used to test the hypothesis in this research uses multiple linear regression analysis. Findings: The results of this research show that managerial ownership and audit quality have a significant negative effect on earnings management, while institutional ownership has a significant positive effect on earnings management. Originality: This study uses a sample of banking companies in Indonesia. Control variables were added by researchers when testing the influence of research variables. Agency theory is used to explain the relationship between managerial ownership, institutional ownership and audit quality with earnings management.
Antecedents of Customer Adoption on Digital Banking with Special Reference to Non-Banking Financial Institutes in Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2021) Madusanka, K. A. E.; Kumari, D. A. T.
Purpose: The principal destinations of this examination are to contemplate and recognize the variables affecting the appropriation of digital banking among non-bank clients in Sri Lanka. Design: A survey was carried out by using structured self-administered questionnaire. As the study is mainly focused on exploring the antecedents of adopting to the digital banking of non-banking organizations of the country, the target population were all the customers who are using digital banking services provided by non-banking organizations in the Sri Lankan context. Accordingly, the sample was based on 300 customers of the digital banking services provided by main players of the industry. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical tools and PLS based SEM was adopted to test the hypotheses. Findings: The researcher has identified the factors; perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, customer trust, compatibility and information quality affect customer adoption on digital banking among non-bank clients. Originality: The study attempts to distinguish and examine the most significant and practical predecessors that can impact the advanced financial appropriation of non-monetary establishments considering the client's perspective. The study has chosen the TAM model for examining exact discoveries due to its nearby pertinence to the examination question. In view of the chosen model (TAM), however, numerous studies demonstrate that web ease of use, security, data quality, trust, administration quality, comfort, and protection are the main components in the reception of advanced banking by clients.
Assessing the Applicability of Uncovered Interest Parity in the South Asian Frontier Financial Markets
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2023) De Silva, W. A. M.; Weerasinghe, W. D. J. D.
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to establish whether, the Uncovered Interest Parity (UIP) condition exists in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, categorized as the South Asian frontier financial markets. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research uses the deductive approach. The data was collected from International Monetary Fund Statistics. The data set used consists of monthly data from March 2010 to April 2020. Interest rate differential was employed as the independent variable in this study, with the foreign currency exchange rate differential as the dependent variable. The researcher used the Cointegration model and the Vector Error Correction Model to analyze the data to measure the long-term and short-term impact respectively. Findings: It was found that, interest rate differential had a statistically insignificant negative relationship with the exchange rate differential in all three countries both in the short and long run. The overall test results show that the rejection of UIP hypothesis within the given time frame in South Asian frontier financial markets confirming the previous findings relating to practical situation of UIP condition. Originality: This article reviews the rejection of UIP condition in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, categorized as the South Asian frontier financial markets. In a single paper it provides both short-term and long-term rejection of UIP. The rejection of the UIP condition implies that there is a possibility for an arbitrage opportunity. Future Direction: The future research can assess the applicability of UIP for a larger sample and different data analysis techniques such as Generalized Method of Moment.
Audit Quality and Its Impact on the Earnings Management in the Post-COVID Era: Evidence from Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2024) Jeevakumar, J.; Mudalige, H. M. N. K.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of audit quality on the earnings management and explore the relationship between audit quality and earnings Management, with the main objective of identifying the impact of audit quality on the earnings management in the post-COVID era. The research utilizes a literature review that spans the recent years, focusing on audit quality-related literature and earnings management literature, such as the utilization of discretionary accruals and a modified version of the Healy’s Model. Design/Methodology/Approach: Audit quality is determined by looking at two proxies: the size of the audit firm and independence. The study was conducted using the data collected from 92 non-financial organizations with a financial year ending in March, during the post-COVID research period of 2019/20 to 2021/22. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were among the methods utilized for analysing the acquired data. Findings: Although the results are inconclusive, the study suggests that the level of earnings management in Sri Lanka is not significantly influenced by the quality of audit conducted in the country. Therefore, this study concludes that audit quality has no significant impact on earnings management in the post-COVID era. Originality: This study focuses on the post-COVID years to examine the impact of audit quality on earnings management and the relationship between audit quality and earnings Management, given the limited research conducted in the Sri Lankan context and the inconclusive findings of previous literatures.
Banking Sector Development and Economic Growth in Sri Lanka: An Econometric Analysis
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2022) Wijesinghe, M. D. J. W.; Dulanjani, P.
Purpose: This study aims to explore the role of the banking sector in elevating the economic growth of Sri Lanka by identifying the short-run and long-run relationship between banking sector development and economic growth in Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses annual data for the period 1960 to 2019 from World Bank's Global Financial Development Database and World Development Indicators. Odedokun's model, which assumes the causation between financial development to economic growth, is employed using the bound test within the ARDL framework. Findings: The estimated long-term parameter of the banking industry development indicator was found to be positively affected economic growth by supporting supply-led growth model. The estimations of the Error Correction Model provide a broad picture of the short-term relationship, and the results are highly consistent with the results of the long-term model. Granger Causality test found that the banking sector development granger cause to the GDP indicating a unilateral relationship. Originality: This study differs from the existing studies, which focus on the neoclassical one-sector aggregate production model. Financial development is input along with other real sector variables to identify the short-run and long-run relationship with the help of a newly developed econometric approach.
Banks’ Level Factors Affecting the Effective Implementation of Anti-Money Laundering Practices in Nepalese Banks: An Employee and Customer Perspectives
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2023) Biswakarma, G.; Bhusal, P.
Purpose: Money laundering can affect global macroeconomic projections, currency markets, and financial stability by fueling shadow economies. Thus, the efficiency of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedure must be investigated. Understanding such elements may help prevent money laundering. This necessitates studies to raise awareness and emphasize its importance. This study sought to assess customer understanding and examine the factors that affect the efficient application of AML regulations in Nepalese banks. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study includes responses from 201 bank consumers and 156 bank employees. The study focused on customers' AML awareness and how bank employees implement AML regulations in their respective banks. Findings: According to the study, consumers apprehend money laundering, terrorist financing, and their implications. According to bank employees, customers are unaware of money laundering and its consequences. Banking and financial institutions should prioritize education and awareness to improve the implementation of anti-money laundering regulations. Control over company sophistication, business ethics, customer awareness, and the AML system all have a favorable influence on Nepali banks' AML policies. The analysis reveals that business sophistication control is quite important. Originality: The study focused on consumer and employee AML knowledge, revealing ground-level perspectives. The study found the variables related to the bank's management and compliance department's views on AML policy implementation. This research assists government agencies and policymakers in developing national anti-money laundering measures and aids academics in AML procedure implementation.
Board Characteristics and Intellectual Capital Disclosures: Evidence from Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2021) Chandraratne, K. A. D. P. M.; Pathirawasam, C.; Mohamed, M. S.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, to examine the state of intellectual capital disclosures. Second, to investigate the relationship between board characteristics and intellectual capital disclosures. Design: This study selected thirty non-financial listed companies with the highest market capitalization from the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka. An intellectual capital disclosure index comprising 61 items was developed to understand the level of intellectual capital disclosure in the selected companies. Panel data analysis techniques were applied to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings: Results indicated that role duality and proportion of female directors have a significant and positive impact on intellectual capital disclosures. Firm leverage was found to have a significant and negative effect on intellectual capital disclosures. Insufficient empirical evidence between other corporate board characteristics and intellectual capital disclosure in Sri Lanka may be attributed to a non-mandatory corporate disclosure environment. Originality: This is among the few studies to examine the link between corporate governance and intellectual capital disclosures employing panel data in Sri Lanka. However, a discourse on the role of corporate governance and corporate disclosures is warranted in a small island developing economy with a fragile financial system like Sri Lanka. Future Research Directions – The study calls for more studies to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and intellectual capital disclosures in the case of Sri Lanka by employing data from different industries for longer periods.
Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures: Evidence from the Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2023) Sarmila, K.; Niresh, J. A.
Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nexus between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility disclosure in Sri Lankan listed firms. Design/Methodology/Approach: Corporate governance was evaluated using the following criteria: board size, board independence, role duality, women representation, audit committee size, and ownership concentration. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) methodology was utilized to assess Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD) using content analysis. This study collects balanced panel data from 44 Sri Lankan listed firms over a five-year period, from 2018 to 2022. Because of their highly regulated nature, the banking, finance, insurance, and investment trust industries were omitted from the sample. All of the information was gathered from yearly reports published on the Colombo Stock Exchange's website in Sri Lanka. Findings: Test results suggest that board size, independence, and women representation have no significant relationship with CSRD. Role Duality, Audit Committee Size and Ownership Concentration exhibit a significant association with CSRD. Moreover, the mean value of the CSRD is 44.56 percent for the selected listed companies in Sri Lanka. Originality: This study contributes to determining the extent to which companies have adhered to the GRI as a widely acknowledged disclosure framework. It provides value to the company's management in order for them to make better judgments on whether the firms should involve them in more corporate governance disclosures in order to raise the degree of CSR to enhance transparency and to promote stakeholders' well-being. The outcome also has ramifications for regulatory agencies in developing obligatory reporting requirements for all listed firms to comply with the GRI framework.
Corporate Governance and Stock Liquidity: Evidence from Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2024) Weerasinghe, W. S.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and stock liquidity in listed companies in Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: Corporate governance was evaluated using an index constructed of the board of directors, audit committee, remuneration committee, nomination committee, related party transaction review committee, frequency of meetings, and gender diversity. Stock liquidity was measured using the Amihud illiquidity ratio. A Quantitative research study was performed based on the data collected from 100 Sri Lankan listed companies excluding companies in the Banking, Finance, and Insurance sectors due to its inherent nature of being highly regulated. Findings: It was found that the mean (median) values of corporate governance of Sri Lanka are 0.706 (0.714) and the mean (median) values of stock illiquidity are 0.839 (0.379). The results of the correlation and regression analysis revealed that a weak association between corporate governance and stock liquidity relationship. Therefore, this study concludes that corporate governance has no significant impact on stock liquidity. Nonetheless, this study analyzed a limited sample of 100 companies, focusing primarily on board and its committee-related corporate governance attributes. Originality: This study provided new insights into relationship between corporate governance and stock liquidity which has a practical significance for managers, shareholders, investors, traders, financial analysts, and policy makers in Sri Lanka. It introduces a novel corporate governance index tailored specifically to Sri Lankan companies highlighting its potential improve the stock liquidity at both the company and market levels which will ultimately lead the country towards economic growth.
Determinants of Non-Performing Loans: Evidence from Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2022) Rathnayake, R. M. S. S.; Dissanayake, D. M. R. U.
Purpose: The increasing trend of non-performing loans in Sri Lanka threatens the banking system. This study attempts to identify the determinants of non-performing loans in licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka to fill the void in the finance research arena. Methodology: This study is carried out with a sample of eight licensed commercial banks using macroeconomic factors and bank-specific factors: the real interest rate, annual GDP growth rate, annual inflation rate, exchange rate, unemployment rate, the efficiency of the bank, bank size, lending rate, and ROA. Financial data were analyzed for the period of 2008-2018 using panel data regression analysis. Findings: Results show that GDP growth rate, Exchange rate, Unemployment rate, inflation rate, and bank size have a significant effect on non-performing loans in the Sri Lankan banking industry. However, bank efficiency and return on asset (ROA) do not significantly correlate with NPLs. Among these relationships, only the exchange rate shows a positive relationship with the NPL, whereas all other variables show a negative relationship. Implications: According to the study's findings, it is recommended that Sri Lankan commercial banks have their focal point on credit risk management based on maximizing return on its assets while keeping its non-performing loans within acceptable limits.
Determinants of Stock Price Volatility: A Literature Review
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2022) Hewamana, R.; Siriwardhane, D.; Rathnayake, A.
Purpose: This paper reviews the theoretical background and the empirical results of the stock price volatility determinants under three categories: macroeconomic, company-specific fundamentals, and behavioral factors. Methodology: Previous empirical and theoretical articles on volatility determinants were compared to identify the similarities and differences of the findings. The systematic literature review followed to review the articles published in English between 1930 and 2021. Design: A critical literature review was performed by comparing the findings of previous studies based on the development status of the market. We discuss determinants of stock price volatility. Determinants include behavioral (non-fundamental) factors and macro-economic factors such as GDP, Inflation, Interest Rate, Money Supply, and Exchange Rate. In addition to Earnings and Dividend Payments have been considered under company-specific fundamentals. Findings: It was found that there is no agreement between the studies on the macro-level and micro-level determinants of stock volatility. This empirical inconsistency is substantial in GDP, Inflation, Money Supply, Exchange Rate, Earnings, and Dividend Payments. The interest rate is the only determinant that shows moderate inconclusive empirical results. However, behavioral determinants appear to be significance consistency in determining the stock price volatility. Originality: This article reviews the theoretical and empirical background of stock volatility determinants since there is no single article for reviewing theoretical and empirical results. In a single paper, we provide evidence relating to the impact of macroeconomic, company-specific, and behavioral factors on stock price volatility. Research Directions – Future research is needed to examine the reason for empirical inconsistency in volatility determinants. A systematic literature review is essential.
Do the Consequence of Taxation Impact Household Consumptions in Nigeria? Absolute Outcome from Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2023) Adegbite, T. A.
Purpose: This study investigated taxes’ effect on household consumption expenditure in Nigeria. Taxation was examined through Petroleum Profit Tax, Company income Tax, Value Added Tax, and Customs and excise duties while household consumption expenditure was proxied with the aggregation of households’ expenditure expended on daily needs and procurement of others useful products. Design/Methodology/Approach: The established data are sourced through Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and annual reports of federal Inland Revenue for a period of 31 years, spanning from 1990-2021, in order to examine the effect of taxation on household consumption expenditure in Nigeria. To achieve the motive behind this study, Autoregressive distributed lag Model, unit root test, Cointegration Test, correlation analysis, lag selection test, and regression, as well as normality test and stability test, were also involved as post-analysis confirmatory tests. Findings: It was discovered that Petroleum Profit Tax has significant, strong, and positive influence on household consumption, but Company income Tax, Value Added Tax, and Customs and Excise duties have negative significant influence on household consumption. Conclusively, taxes have a negative effect on household consumption expenditure in Nigeria. Originality: Having critically reviewed the existing studies, it was invariably realized that none of the extant studies examined how taxes influence household consumptions in Nigeria, their studies were confined to taxation effect on economic growth, investment, inflation, and government expenditure. Hence, this study incorporated Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) Model to analyze the effect of taxes on household consumption in Nigeria which made the study unique among the existing studies.
Factors Affecting Non-Performing Loan in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Study
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2021) Keshani, A. L. A. D.; Jayatilake, L. V. K.
Purpose: Comparison of NBFC’s Non-Performing loan Ratio was given a research problem to the researcher to argue that which factors will be affected to the NPL of high risky non-banking financial company of Sri Lanka as the case study. This study examines the factors affecting non-performing loans of ABC Financed Limited. The objectives were to identify the Institutional relating Factors, Customer relating factors and Remedial Mechanisms of Dealing with Non-Performing Loans. Methodology: The scope of the research was limited to ten (10) Employees of ABC Finance Limited and ten (10) Customers of ABC Financed Limited. The study adopted the general qualitative research methodology using Interpretivism paradigm, Case study strategy and Grounded Theory Approach and in-depth interviews were conducted in order to collect data, and all the interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded. Open coding, selective coding and Axial coding were done in order to get the final framework. Findings: The findings revealed, Customer relating factors also reflect in case of nonperforming loans and there are some new factors were also found as Institutional related factors. Some moderate mechanisms also found to implement for all the financial companies and Banks. Originality / Value: The study contributes to expanding existing literature by investigating the issues of value relevance of financial statements within the Sri Lankan context, incorporating both red flags and accrual components.
Financial Literacy and Investment Decisions: Evidence from Pakistan
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2022) Hussain, A.; Kijkasiwat, P.; Ur Rehman, H. K.; Ullah, M. Z.
Purpose: This study investigates the key factors associated with financial literacy and examines the effect of financial literacy on investment decisions in Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: The 504 samples were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. The study adopts both OLS and logistic regression techniques to analyze the data. Findings: The findings show that the significant factors which increase financial literacy are father education, father income and marital status. However, guardian occupation decreases financial literacy level. Additionally, the results show that financial literacy can enhance investment decisions. Originality/Value: This study is important to policymakers who can consider these statistically significant factors in efforts to enhance financial literacy as well as investment decisions in Pakistan.
Impact of Covid-19 on Stock Market Indices: Evidence from Colombo Stock Exchange
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2023) Adikari, A. A. V. S.; Buddhika, H. J. R.
Purpose: The study intends to address the question, “What is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on stock market indices in the Colombo Stock Exchange”. This would support potential and existing investors to understand the behaviour of the stock market during the pandemic to make effective long-term decisions since there are only a few studies currently available in Sri Lankan context. Design/Methodology/Approach: A log-linear multiple regression model was executed whereby the dependent variables, All Share Price Index and S&P SL 20 index, were regressed against independent variables, daily new cases and deaths reported, fiscal and monetary policy measures implemented, and island-wide travel restrictions imposed during the period to analyze the impact of Covid-19 on the financial market over 270 days, from 27th January 2020 to 30th April 2021, covering two waves of the pandemic. Findings: The regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between the stock indices and the number of daily cases and deaths and a negative relationship with the travel restrictions imposed during the period. The policy measures implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka were insignificant in the index movements. Based on the results of this study, a positive impact on the stock indices was discovered during the pandemic; hence investors should refrain from panic withdrawals from the market. Originality: This is among the few studies to analyze the stock market performance during the Covid-19 pandemic adapted to the Sri Lankan context. The variables taken in the study can cover various aspects of the pandemic situation.
Impact of Credit Risks on Profitability of the Systematically Important Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2024) Mithila, G.; Kengatharan, L.
Purpose: This paper focuses on analyzing the impact of credit risks on the profitability of six major licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka which account for around 53% of the market share from 2017 to 2021. Design/Methodology/Approach: Return on Equity (ROE) was considered to measure the profitability while measuring the credit risks and it was carried out through Non-Performing Loan ratio (NPL), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAL), Total Loan to Assets ratio (LTA), and Total Loan to Deposit ratio (LTD). STATA is used to analyze the data. To test the hypothesis, Pooled OLS, random, and fixed effect models are employed, and the most suitable model is picked through the Breusch and Pagan LM test and Hausman tests. Based on the results pooled OLS is selected for the interpretation with an Adjusted R2 of 74%. Findings: The study reveals a significant negative impact of NPL on profitability, suggesting that increased NPL proportions heighten credit risk, potentially leading to losses and reduced profitability. Conversely, the LTD shows a negative relationship, potentially exposing banks to higher default risks despite boosting interest income. However, LTA demonstrates a positive relationship with ROE within a certain limit, suggesting enhanced interest income without significant default risk escalation. CAR, however, does not directly impact profitability, emphasizing its role in ensuring capital adequacy and regulatory compliance. Originality: This study only focuses on the systematically important licensed commercial banks as they represent more than 50% of the market share and have a significant influence on the Sri Lankan economy. Hence, managing their credit risk exposures is significantly important for the country.
Impact of Dividend Announcements on Share Prices: Evidence from Material Sector Companies Listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2024) Suganya, D. F. J.; Vajeetharan, K.
Purpose: Dividend announcements play a significant role in the financial market as it provides important information to investors regarding the financial health and future prospects of a company. The major aim of the study is to investigate the impact of dividend announcement on share prices and the informational content of dividend announcements pertaining to the listed material sector companies in Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: A sample of 21 companies from the material sector was selected for the study. The daily closing stock prices and first and final dividend announcements for the period from 2017 to 2021 were used as the dependent variables and independent variables respectively. The event study method was employed to reach the findings. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that the dividend announcement leads to a positive market reaction and it supports the signaling theory. This study will be particularly useful to prospective investors in making decisions aligned with the dividend announcement pertaining to listed material sector firms in Sri Lanka. Originality: This study intends to examine the market reaction to dividend announcements specifically for material sector firms listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka, while previous studies have explored the signaling theory and market reactions to dividend announcements across all sectors in Sri Lanka. Further, it is unique in that it analyzes data collected during an abnormal situation in the country.
Impact of Financial Inclusiveness on Household Indebtedness: Special Reference to Jaffna and Trincomalee Districts
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2024) Sazna, M. I. F.
Purpose: In recent years, policymakers and researchers have been increasingly interested in understanding household indebtedness. This study used survey data from Trincomalee and Jaffna districts to explore how financial inclusiveness affects household indebtedness. Design/Methodology/Approach: Likewise, this investigation employed data on penetration, barriers, and usage of financial services to construct a comprehensive index, amalgamating scores from each aspect to gauge overall financial inclusion. 200 responses were obtained through convenience from households in Trincomalee and Jaffna districts. Findings: The researcher conducted regression analysis and found a significant positive relationship between financial inclusiveness and the dependency ratio, a negative marginal relationship with debt performance, and no relationship with the consumption yield balance. The study also revealed that financial inclusion significantly impacts household indebtedness and identified three influencing dimensions. Moreover, they observed that financial literacy has dual effects, with financially literate individuals displaying better market behavior, while financially illiterate individuals accumulate more debt due to income shocks. The study aims to fill the literature gap and contribute to understanding the financial landscape of a developing nation like Sri Lanka. Originality: The study, which focuses on the Sri Lankan districts of Trincomalee and Jaffna, offers context-specific insights into the relationship between financial inclusion and family debt in a developing country.
Impact of Financial Leverage on Firm Profitability: Evidence from Non-Financial Firms Listed in Colombo Stock Exchange- Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2021) Ravindran, M.; Kengatharan, L.
Purpose: The aim of this research is to find out the impact of financial leverage on firm profitability of the listed non-financial firms in Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: Total of 290 companies listed on Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is considered as the population and the sampling process excluded Banking, Finance, and Insurance companies as they have identical financial characteristics. The study analyzed 82 non-financial firms listed in CSE from year 2013 to 2017. Debt to equity ratio and liquidity were considered as independent variable. Further, sales growth and firm size were considered as control variables. Return on assets of the firm measures the profitability of the firms and incorporated as dependent variable. The study used panel regression analysis, descriptive tests, and correlation analysis. Findings: Fixed effect model reveals that there is a negative significant impact of financial leverage on return on assets of the non-financial firms listed in CSE. The study elaborates a high influence on return on assets due to the independent variables considered in the study since the R2 value becomes 85.43%. Originality: The review of the literature reveals that there are limited number of studies have been carried out incorporating all the non-financial firms in recent past considering the time period of 2013 - 2017. Therefore, this study would provide more insights including the firms’ performance during these periods. Further, it was identified that there are contradictions in the previous findings. Therefore, the study provides more insights to examine the performance of non-financial firms due to the incorporation of debt capital during the period of 2013 – 2017. Theoretical and Policy implications: M&M 1963, agency cost theories are providing the arguments over the mix of debt-to-equity proportion in the organizational capital structure. This study considers the non-financial firm’s performance according to its capital structure. This can be justified that the operational structure of financial and non-financial firms is significantly different. Therefore, the capital structure incorporation would provide significantly different impacts in between financial and non-financial firms. Therefore, the study adds more value by analyzing only the performance of nonfinancial firms based on its financial leverage. Research limitations/ Future research directions: The study uses only the secondary data and the five-year period from 2013 – 2017. Future studies can be done increasing the sample size and employing different methods such as case studies, that would provide more insights to the findings of this study.
Impact of Financial Literacy Levels among Sri Lankan Investors on Investment Choices
(Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya., 2021) Tennekoon, S. T. M. S.; Liyanage, C.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of financial literacy among Sri Lankan investors and its impact on investment choices. Design/methodology/approach: The population of this study consisted of the individual investors of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, a sample of 352 responses were obtained through a survey which was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaire. The independent variable of the research is financial literacy with the dependent variable being the investment choice. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis. Findings: The results of the study revealed that the majority of investors in Sri Lanka are having low objective and subjective financial literacy. Further, the results revealed that financial literacy has a statistically significant impact on the current and future choice of different investment products as the main source of investment. Originality: Financial literacy level of individual investors was assessed by using the mean value of the financial literacy score, which has not been commonly used in the Sri Lankan context. This study further contributed to the local body of literature by analyzing the investors’ current main and secondary holdings of seven different