Journal articles on the topic 'Information services Sri Lanka'
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Gunawardana, Kennedy D. "Hedonic and Utilitarian Propositions of Mobile Data Services in Sri Lanka." International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development 12, no. 4 (October 2020): 55–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijskd.2020100104.
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This research article investigates the adoption of mobile data services with utilitarian and hedonic value propositions in Sri Lanka. This study attempts to develop a conceptually model and related hypotheses and its behavior within the Sri Lankan user context. The findings related to the perceived usefulness has reported that a strong relationship between the attitudes and adoption intension even in the context of products with predominantly hedonic values propositions. Further, it was noted that the utilitarian motives of usefulness, ease of use, and comparative advantage were more strongly present than hedonic motives even in mobile ringtone users. The utilitarian motives had strong correlations with the attitude towards attitudes and adoption intension.
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KORALE, S. R. "The health system and medical information services in Sri Lanka." Health Libraries Review 6, no. 3 (September 1989): 129–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2532.1989.630129.x.
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Rajapaksha, Tharindu Ishanka, and Lalitha S. Fernando. "An analysis of the standards of the government websites of Sri Lanka." Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy 10, no. 1 (March 21, 2016): 47–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/tg-09-2013-0036.
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Purpose This paper aims to identify the reasons for the lower ranking of the Online Service Index of Sri Lanka under the United Nations E-Government Readiness Index. The study is conducted as a comparative study on selected Asian countries and suggests remedial measures for the improvement of the status of e-government of Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach In this regard, as the sample of websites ranked according to the Online Service Index of the United Nations, five government websites of Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Singapore were selected. They are the national portal and the websites of the five Ministries: The Ministry of Education, Finance, Health, Labor and of Social Services. Asian countries selected are India, Bangladesh and Singapore including Sri Lanka. Observation method was the mainly used method for data collection. The websites were evaluated in contrast with the help of the “Main features reviewed by the United Nations E-government Survey” as the checklist. Substantial description and scoring methods were used for the analysis of the data and the presentation of the findings of the study. Findings Thus, several weaknesses of the online services of the government websites of Sri Lanka were identified. Among them, the major reasons identified for the lower rank of the Sri Lankan Online Service Index were, for example, the inability to identify the exact website of national portal, the lack of accessibility or usability features, the weaknesses in the active maintenance of the “Contact us” feature, service-delivery capability features, citizen participation and also interconnectedness features. The above weaknesses have been the key/root causes for the decline of the rank of the Online Service Index of Sri Lanka. Research limitations/implications From five government websites, selected three foreign Asian countries were in focus because of practical limitations. Another difficulty faced in the analysis and comparison of the websites was that the information with regard to the United Nations evaluation methodology/criteria has not been adequately provided. Practical implications The findings of this study provide information for the policy makers, web standards, evaluation criteria developers and almost all the government organizations to address key issues related to this field for the maximization of citizen participation, the enhancement of the service-delivery capabilities and accessibility features of websites to improve the online services of the government. This study unfolded several areas for the future researchers. Those researches can also be conducted based on sub indexes of the United Nations E-Government Readiness Index. The same method could be used to examine Human Capital Index, Telecommunication and Infrastructure Index and Citizen Participation Index. This research could also be expanded through observations of foreign countries. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of the quality of government websites of Sri Lanka compared to the selected Asian countries. Through the utilization of this scoring method, four major weaknesses that contribute to the lower ranking of the online service of Sri Lanka were identified with suggestions indented for the improvement of the government websites.
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Sewwandi, H. K. I., and S. A. D. H. N. Suraweera. "Information products and information services marketing in university libraries in Sri Lanka." Library Progress (International) 42, no. 1 (2022): 193–205. http://dx.doi.org/10.5958/2320-317x.2022.00024.1.
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Metwalli, Ali, and Jim P. DeMello. "Mergers and Acquisitions in the Indian Sub-Continent: 2010-2019." LAHORE JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS 26, no. 2 (December 15, 2021): 33–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.35536/lje.2021.v26.i2.a3.
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With rising growth rates and per capita income levels on the Indian subcontinent, foreign direct investment in the region, especially through mergers and acquisitions, has increased over the past decade. Using transaction data regarding the industry affiliation of the target and acquiring firms, deal size, deal structure, and deal completion rates from a worldwide M&A database compiled by Thomson Reuters’ Financial Services, this paper aims to provide contemporary and comparative information on merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka over the last decade, 2010-2019. The findings have shown that the M&A transaction value and the number of deals in these four South Asian countries increased over this period. Similarities and differences among the four countries are discussed and compared. There was significant growth in the number of deals completed as well as the transaction value of mergers and acquisition activity in India, followed by Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Surprisingly, Sri Lanka had the second largest number of M&A deals, followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh. The findings show that Pakistan accounted for the second highest transaction value, followed by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is interesting to note that the Sri Lankan M&A market had a high ratio (60 percent) of Sri Lankan firms acquiring other Sri Lankan firms, while in Bangladesh, non-Bangladeshi companies accounted for ninety-three percent of the value of all large M&A deals. Our future expectation for M&A opportunities in these four countries of the Indian subcontinent is that they will continue to expand. Future trends, important caveats, policy issues, and implications for managers planning M&A deals in the region are presented.
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Corea, Ishvari. "Feeding hungry minds: grassroots library services in Sri Lanka." Information Development 7, no. 4 (October 1991): 220–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/026666699100700408.
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Karunasena, Kanishka, and Hepu Deng. "A Citizen-Oriented Approach for Evaluating the Performance of e-Government in Sri Lanka." International Journal of Electronic Government Research 8, no. 1 (January 2012): 43–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/jegr.2012010103.
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This paper presents an empirical study of the performance of e-government in Sri Lanka from the perspective of citizens within a public value based conceptual framework. The delivery of quality public services, the effectiveness of public organizations, and the achievement of socially desirable outcomes through e-government are considered using the data from several national surveys. The study reveals that e-government in Sri Lanka has not been able to create satisfactory levels of public value due to the weaknesses in both the supply and demand sides of e-government including poor web presence of government, lack of e-services, poor information infrastructure, low information technology readiness of citizens, and low up-take of e-government initiatives. It suggests that the government can improve the public value of e-government by accelerating the development of e-services projects, developing the information and communication technology infrastructure, and taking necessary steps to enhance citizens’ information technology readiness.
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Alahakoon, Mudalige Uthpala Indeelinie, and Shahzadah Nayyar Jehan. "Efficiency of Public Service Delivery—A Post-ICT Deployment Analysis." Economies 8, no. 4 (November 10, 2020): 97. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/economies8040097.
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Since 2000, Sri Lanka has embarked upon a path towards digitalization of most of the government functions and the process of public service delivery in the country. The process started with several disjointed initiatives culminating by 2010 into a full-scale program funded by many international donors around the world. Digital promotion agencies such as the Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) and infrastructure development entities such as the Lanka Government Network (LGN) were established, and the process significantly picked up pace in various government agencies and departments. This process, sometimes called e-governance, was set into motion to improve the efficiency of the government operations and public service delivery at all governmental levels. A decade has passed since many primary public services underwent a digital transformation. In this paper, we analyze the digital governance process and assess the efficiency status of public services in the country. We conducted an output-oriented, nonparametric analysis of the performance data by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA). The data were collected through a questionnaire-based field survey. Our findings suggest that most public services have not achieved optimal efficiency levels, and there is still plenty to be achieved by performance enhancement measures that have been adopted by the various agencies of the Sri Lankan government.
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Nilaweera, Irosha, Heather Rowe, Hau Nguyen, Joanna Burns, Frances Doran, and Jane Fisher. "Sri Lankan-born women who have given birth in Victoria: a survey of their primary postpartum health-care needs." Australian Journal of Primary Health 22, no. 2 (2016): 133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py14067.
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Women who migrate are vulnerable after giving birth. Normal postpartum adaptive challenges are heightened by separation from family and lack of familiarity with local services. The aim was to investigate primary care needs among Sri Lankan-born women with at least one Victorian-born child aged under 2 years. Health care, information and support needs and unmet needs were assessed in a structured Sinhala or English survey offered in print, online or by telephone. Fifty women provided data. Most (80%) had at least one relative from Sri Lanka to stay for postpartum support. Despite this, many had difficulties settling (62%), feeding (58%) and soothing (42%) their babies. They used significantly fewer health services on average (2.3) than mothers in the general community (2.8) (P < 0.004). Only 32% of primiparous women attended at least one First-Time Parents’ group session. Of women experiencing infant care difficulties, only two-thirds accessed care from a Maternal and Child Health Nurse and only one-third from a General Practitioner. Sri Lankan-born mothers have significant unmet needs for primary care, which are not reduced by informal support. A two-pronged approach is indicated in which women are informed about primary care availability, and the cultural competence and client friendliness of services is strengthened.
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Jehan, Shahzadah Nayyar, and Mudalige Uthpala Indeelinie Alahakoon. "Digitalization of Public Services—An Input Output Logit Analysis." Applied System Innovation 3, no. 4 (December 3, 2020): 56. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/asi3040056.
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In 2000, Sri Lanka designed an ambitious plan for the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in most government functions and in the public service delivery (PSD) system in the country. This process started in the early 2000s and gained momentum with several local and internationally funded initiatives. A systematic innovation concept was incorporated within the ICT regime, which ensured bottom-up learning for a smooth transformation from paper to digitized PSD systems. Towards this end, the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and Lanka Government Network (LGN) were established. ICT incorporation covered the operations of most government agencies and departments to improve governance and PSD. We analyzed the efficiency of the ICT regime to understand its impact on public service employee output as well as on services to the public. We collected service delivery data from both the employees and their clients using a Likert-scale questionnaire. The questionnaire enquired about the utility of the ICT regime introduced in various departments and ministries (DMs) of the Sri Lankan government. This paper analyzes the overall and relative effectiveness of the ICT regime in terms of the inputs incurred and the outcomes realized. First, we calculated the Cronbach’s alpha to test the robustness of the data. Second, we applied ordinal logistics analysis to understand the interrelations among various measures (inputs) and their impacts (outcomes). Finally, we conducted specificity, sensitivity, and predictive value analysis to assess the accuracy of the investigative model. Our findings suggest a positive correlation between the inputs and the outcomes of the ICT regime introduced to digitalize PSD. Our results further indicate that although the inputs and the outcomes are positively corelated, this correlation is not sufficiently strong, and the ICT implementation measures need further emphasis to demonstrate any significant impact on user confidence in this regime.
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Zimmerman, John R., Kecia M. Bertermann, Paul J. Bollinger, and Donnie R. Woodyard. "Prehospital System Development in Jaffna, Sri Lanka." Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 28, no. 5 (July 10, 2013): 509–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x13008625.
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AbstractIntroductionThe building of prehospital emergency medical care systems in developing and lower middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) is a critical step in those countries’ efforts to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality. This case report presents the development of a prehospital care system in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka and provides the results of the system's first year of operations, the likely reasons for the results, and the prospects for sustained operations of the system. The goal of this report is to add to the literature surrounding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in developing countries by providing insight into the implementation of a prehospital emergency care system in developing and lower middle-income settings.MethodsThe level of utilization and the financial performance of the system during its first year of operation were analyzed using data from the Jaffna Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) Call Center database and information from the implementing organization, Medical Teams International.ResultsThe system responded to >2000 emergency calls in its first 11 months of operation. The most utilized ambulance of the system experienced only a US $13.50 loss during the first 12 months of operation. Factors such as up-front support, a systematic approach, and appropriateness contributed to the successful implementation of the Jaffna prehospital EMS system.ConclusionThe implementation of a prehospital EMS system and its functioning were successful in terms of utility and, in many regards, financial stability. The system's success in development may serve as a potential model for implementing prehospital emergency medical care in other developing and lower middle-income country settings, keeping in mind factors outside of the system that were integral to its developmental success.ZimmermanJR, BertermannKM, BollingerPJ, WoodyardDR. Prehospital system development in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(5):1-8.
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Narangoda, Kanchana Sajeeva, Estie Kruger, and Marc Tennant. "Investigating Perceptions of Patients on Healthcare Pricing Within The Private Healthcare Sector In Sri Lanka." Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management 16, no. 3 (September 29, 2021): 235–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.24083/apjhm.v16i3.631.
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Demand for private sector healthcare services in Sri Lanka is on the rise. This is very evident from the increase in the number of registered private healthcare institutions from 1990 to 2017. [1,2] With the increasing utilization of private sector healthcare services, various qualitative factors, and service-related issues associated with the healthcare delivery system have become common debates. A major concern, patients have expressed, is about the fees charged by doctors and hospitals. Principle aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of patients on healthcare pricing within the private healthcare sector in Sri Lanka. The target population of the study was defined as Sri Lankans who have been inpatients in private hospitals within the past year. The focus districts were Colombo, Kandy, and Galle. These 3 districts represented nearly 60% of the total private sector bed capacity. From each district, three main private hospitals were selected. Over 700 patients were invited to participate, 246 surveys were completed, and 215 were retained as 31 had excessive missing and/or unclear data. In all 3 districts the majority of patients were either dissatisfied with or remained neutral (69%) on the hospital fees,(66%) on doctor’s fees,(74%) on the overall price they ended up paying,(76%) on whether they think the healthcare services they received are value for money. This study did not investigate the reasons or the factors that may affect the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of patients towards the fees they paid Multiple factors can affect patient’s perception on the fees they paid. With negative perception on the above it can be concluded that there is sufficient evidence to challenge private sector healthcare satisfaction level vs price/fees equilibrium in Sri Lanka.
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Dawson, Angela J., Kumuda Wijewardena, and Ellie Black. "Health and education provider collaboration to deliver adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Sri Lanka." South East Asia Journal of Public Health 3, no. 1 (January 18, 2014): 42–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17710.
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The complex nature of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) determinants demands a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach. Collaborative approaches are central to the delivery of quality health care and services but the focus is often health sector specific. Few research studies have explored the views and experiences of health workers and teachers and examined how ASRH services and information are provided by professionals across the education and health sector. Sri Lanka has made considerable progress towards addressing the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), however, there are still gaps reflected in adolescent health, social indicators, and the delivery of services. Enhancing the collective efforts of teachers and health professionals may help to improve the quality and use of services and ASRH knowledge. This study aimed to identify the experiences, needs, knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary healthcare and education professionals and the strategies that best support them to deliver sexual and reproductive health information, education, counseling and clinical services to Sri Lankan adolescents. Qualitative and survey data were gathered from 65 nurses, midwives, public health inspectors, medical officers, teachers, counselors and principals in the district of Kalutara. Knowledge, attitudes and service gaps were identified in relation to contraception and policy guiding practice. Participants highlighted concerns with confidence, roles and training that were said to affect student access to appropriate health services. ASRH Collaborative practices were noted across the sectors and strategies suggested for improvement. Findings suggest that inter-professional educa-tion and training may provide opportunities to enhance collaboration supported and guided by appropriate policy, supervision and job descriptions (i.e. roles and responsibilities). South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 42-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17710
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Priyashantha, A. K. H., and T. Taufikurahman. "Mangroves of Sri Lanka: Distribution, status and conservation requirements." Tropical Plant Research 7, no. 3 (December 31, 2020): 654–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.22271/tpr.2020.v7.i3.083.
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Mangroves are a diverse group of highly salt-tolerant woody plants, which grow in the inter-tidal zones in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Despite its unique services to the people, coastal and marine systems, mangroves have become one of the most rapidly disappearing ecosystems in the world. This paper reviews the available information on distribution, current status and challenges of mangroves in Sri Lanka. Today, around 160 km2 of mangrove vegetation is available in Sri Lanka and distributed mainly in Jaffna, Batticaloa, Kalpitiya, Rekawa and Trincomalee and is composed of 21 species of true mangroves and 24 species of mangrove associates. Mangroves in the island have been adversely affected due to the numerous anthropogenic activities, including land reclamation, tourism, coastal aquaculture and agriculture and other industrial activities etc. Proper conservations of mangroves are urgently required to the island to avoid further decline of mangrove ecosystem. It is imperative to evaluate policies, legal instruments and development strategies to effectively protect this valuable ecosystem.
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Thenuwara, Nethmini VJ, Christopher M. Reid, Pushpa Fonseka, Baki Billah, Champika Wickramasinghe, and Andre MN Renzaho. "Diabetes Health Services in Sri Lanka: Development of a Quality Index." Global Journal of Health Science 11, no. 4 (March 12, 2019): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v11n4p41.
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BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue in Sri Lanka and across the globe. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) need long term comprehensive care. Quality of care for DM varies in different settings. Service quality assessment leads to identifying service areas that may benefit from appropriate intervention in order to achieve better health outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the quality of services provided for patients with DM attending medical and diabetic clinics in state hospitals of Sri Lanka.
METHODS: A ‘Care for DM Quality of services’ (CD QS) instrument comprised of 8 subscales: routine services, glycaemic control, Blood Pressure and lipid control, weight control, annual screening, patient empowerment, recording of information and functional aspects was developed and validated. Trained research assistants collected data from 100 volunteer patients attending four diabetic clinics two each at secondary and tertiary level hospitals. Construct validity was established by multi-trait scaling analysis and known group comparisons. Internal consistency was assessed by item-total correlations and Cronbach’s alpha. Cut off levels to classify the hospital clinic as ‘good’, ‘moderate’ or ‘poor’ performance were determined by the average score in each subscale being above mean + SD (good), between mean + SD (moderate), and below the mean –SD (poor) respectively.
RESULTS: Multi-trait scaling analysis of items showed highest correlation with its own subscale compared to the other subscales. Significantly higher mean scores (p<0.05) for all the subscales were observed in tertiary level clinics compared to the secondary level. Internal consistency of ‘CD QS’ was good with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.9. Intra Class Correlation Coefficients were over 0.9 for all subscales with confidence intervals ranging from 0.8 to 2.9 suggestive of good inter-rater reliability.
CONCLUSIONS: ‘CD QS’ is a valid and reliable tool to assess both functional and technical quality of follow up care provided for patients with DM. This facilitates regular quality assessment of DM care thus identifying the gaps and improving the service quality. Further implementation and testing for clinical usefulness and acceptability will determine the tools application in the healthcare setting.
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Hewagamage, Champa, and K. Priyantha Hewagamage. "A Framework for Enhancing ICT Competency of Universities in Sri Lanka." International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) 10, no. 5 (November 13, 2015): 45. http://dx.doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v10i5.4802.
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In the current information society, the need for securing human resources acquired with ICT competency is becoming a significant factor. Information Communication Technology (ICT) competency describes more than awareness or driving license level of using computing facilities and networking services to carry out different tasks. Undergraduates of a university will become knowledge workers in the society and they should acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes using the modern ICT technology to carry out their job tasks effectively. This paper presents the current status of ICT Competency in Sri Lankan Universities with respect to both the knowledge and skill requirements of knowledge workers in the job market. However, there are several obstacles are affecting this development and the paper discuss the qualitative assessment of these obstacles in detail. In this study, we propose a new framework for enhancing the ICT Competency among a large number of undergraduates in the University system. This framework consists of two main components namely Infrastructure Development and Virtual Learning Environment. In the component, Infrastructure Development new facilities are provided such as computers, networks and Internet facilities, human resource management and other support services in order to solve the problems identified. Under the Virtual Learning Environment, we propose three levels for undergraduates to address the curriculums of ICT competency. The first two levels are declared with respect to the common ICT Competency Certification and level 3 is declared considering special requirements of curriculum or subject streams.
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Withanage, U. P. A., Lasith Gunawardene, and Dileepa M. Endagamage. "Why the Utilization of E-Government Services is Poor? – A study with the Citizens in Colombo Municipal Council Area in Sri Lanka." Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities 2, no. 4 (June 18, 2022): 7–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.2.4.35.
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One of the most important elements of an e-Government system is the interaction between users and e-Government systems, specifically the adoption and utilization by those users, who are the main target of such systems. However, even after taken numerous efforts to develop an e-service system in Sri Lanka, its utilization and adoption are still at a very poor level. It indicates as the rate of online submission of applications is 1.16% and for license/ permits it is 0.18%. Thus, this research aims to investigate, analyze and understand the key factors that influence users’ adoption and utilization of two e-Government services: e-Vehicle revenue license and e-Police clearance certificate in Sri Lanka with a holistic approach. The conceptual framework was developed by studying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Web Trust models and theories related to technology acceptance and usage, in conjunction with a review of e-Government adoption and utilization literature. The study population was the Colombo Municipal Council area with 561,314 individuals. A random sample of 203 chief occupants was selected and the response rate was 96.5%. Respondents’ demographic details, educational qualifications, internet experience, e-Government usage and as well as preferences when obtaining e-Government services were included. The results showed significant (5% level) moderate positive relationships among utilization and “usefulness”, “ease of use”, “trust in the internet” and “trust in the Government”. Moreover, “usefulness” (β=0.445) and “trust of the government” (β=0.379) were found to be the significant (5% level) influential factors in adoption and utilization with model adequacy at 36.5%. Similar to the literature, the findings ensure that when the usefulness and the trust are at a higher level, the adoption and utilization also be at a higher level. The- challenges for citizen-centered e-Government applications were identified as a lack of users’ trust in the internet service providers, level of security standards, quality of e-Government systems, reluctance to share, exchange, and store their personal information specially the financial information in the online platform. However, the positive factor is the citizens perceive and experience e-Government systems as simple to use and useful. Further, they intend to accept and use it. Based on the interviews held with the uses, implementing simple and useful e-services and e-transactions, enhancing the reliability of the services, improving the accessibility options of the implemented e-services and e-transactions, and increasing the awareness of implemented e-services and their benefits were highlighted as their suggestions to develop the existing e-Government systems and services in Sri Lanka. The most important fact emphasized here is the implementation of a one-stop e-Government portal for all the services. Actions taken to enhance the digital literacy of the citizens from their school level will be benefited to successful adoption and utilization of e-services in Sri Lanka.
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Wijegunasekara, JLHR, and KDP Wijesinghe. "Health Sector Interventions to address Gender Based Violence: in Sri Lanka." Journal of Medical Research 6, no. 5 (October 28, 2020): 246–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.31254/jmr.2020.6515.
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Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a common form of violence globally and includes physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence. GBV has serious consequences for women’s health and well-being and takes a high national cost for the treatment and rehabilitation. Prevalence of GBV is usually underestimated. GBV is addressed globally using good practices in justice, health, education and multi- sector. Health sector is in a valuable position to support survivors and change social attitudes. Interventions taken in the health sector should be targeted at all three levels; primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention. There are different models used in health care settings in different countries. “Mithuru Piyasa (in Sinhalese) / Natpu Nilayam (in Tamil)” which is staffed with a medical officer and a nursing officer was introduced in Sri Lanka as a “One Stop Crisis Centre/One Stop Service Centre” for survivors within the health institutions. Its main functions are screening, medical care, befriending services, risk assessment and safety planning, referral to legal, social, counseling and rehabilitation services, advocacy and community mobilization. Services are provided adhering to its guiding principles of safety, confidentiality, respect, non - discrimination, responsibility, competence and compassion. Documentation, Information management, progress review and evaluation are carried out for the sustainability of the service. Still this opportunity is not fully utilized. Service provision is not uniform in quality, coverage, equity, efficiency and effectiveness. Administrators are expected to develop their interest and pay their attention with priority, in supporting the functioning of these centres established under outpatient department by proper operation, expanding country wide and marketing.
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H.M.P.P.S. Herath and D.M. Endagamage. "How the Supply Chain Management Practices influence on Operational Performance? A Case of Manufacturing Firms in Sri Lanka." Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities 2, no. 5 (September 1, 2022): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.2.5.1.
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Most organisations in different sectors are implementing Supply Chain Management Practices (SCMPs) to create faster, more effective, and cost-beneficial relationships between business partners, to increase their Operational Performances. Even though the firms use SCMPs, their knowledge regarding the effectiveness of these practices is questionable. The aim of this study was to identify the most influential SCMPs on the Operational Performances of the Sri Lankan manufacturing industry. As to the literature and due to the high level of applicability in the manufacturing sector, five factors; Supply Relationship Management, Customer Relationship Management, Information Sharing, Logistics, and Outsourcing of Services were selected to conceptualize the current study. The Operational Performance of a Manufacturing organization has defined as the performance related to the quality, cost, delivery, and flexibility to change the volume. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire based survey which is quantitative in nature and primarily concerned with the testing of hypotheses. A set of 37 close-ended questions used to collect data from 200 randomly selected organizations. However, due to the difficulties faced in the pandemic environment, the success rate was 58.5%. Results of the Correlation Analysis confirmed the relationships hypothesized according to the theoretical behaviour with positive relationships significant at a 1% level. The strongest relationship shows between Logistics and Operational Performances (0.832). Regression Analysis showed significant impacts of Supplier Relationship Management (β=0.276) and Logistics (β=0.261) on the Operational Performance. Customer Relationship Management, Information Sharing, and outsourcing were not showed a significant impact on the Operational Performance at the 5% level. The adequacy of the fitted model is 67% and the RMSE is 0.236. The residual analysis also ensured the accuracy of the model with normally distributed residuals, free of Multi-collinearity, and having homoscedasticity which emphasises the constant variance of the residuals. The findings emphasise that if the SCMPs is running at a righteous level, an organization can keep their Operational Performances at a higher level. However, only the Supplier Relationship and Logistic activities are the factors significantly influencing the Operational Performances of the Manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka. Similar to the facts highlighted in the literature, the responses of the current study also showed a poor level of handling and utilizing customer feedback for the development of Sri Lankan organizations. Information sharing also showed a poor focus on integrating and enhancing the IT systems. The uncontrollable circumstances due to outsourcing the services lead to a poor level of operational performance at the finale. This research contributes to the existing Supply Chain Management literature by providing empirical evidence from the Sri Lankan manufacturing industry.
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Wattage, Premachandra, and Hasintha Olugala. "Economic Valuation on Conservation of Rainforest in Eastern Sinharaja, Sri Lanka." Asian Review of Civil Engineering 11, no. 1 (June 15, 2022): 34–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.51983/tarce-2022.11.1.3342.
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The value for goods and services is noticeable as the price is paid for those goods and services, but in environmental goods and services the real price or value is misrepresent in ordinary markets. Especially the forest benefits or non-market values are not normally exchange in markets and generally ignored in decision making. Benefits obtained from environmental elements cannot be estimated and it causes for the continuous damages which can be reason for long term worldwide effects. Therefore such values and damages need to be justified at least by ensuring that they can be identified and conserved for future generations. But conserving forest features, improving or managing is costly. Eastern Sinharaja – Sri Lanka is a world heritage rainforest which represented with valuable resources for all living beings. However, the resources in Eastern Sinharaja is under continuous degradation and requires conservation measures. The research problem focuses on what is the economic value on conservation of Eastern Sinharaja rainforest environment. This research is attempt to estimate the total value of conservation of Eastern Sinharaja rainforest environment using Contingent Valuation method (CVM). The information was gathered from a questionnaire survey under random sampling method using 234 of sample size. The results has discovered, respectively socio economic variables, general environmental attitudes and willingness to pay sections designed have identified as key sections which derived the main features which are affecting to the economic value of the conservation of the rainforest environment. Gender, employment, voter, income are socio economic features which affect to the economic value. In general environment attitudes for willingness to pay (WTP) and the respondents attitudes are positive when consider about the significance values of the features for Mean WTP of Rs. 257.30 from a household. This study indicated that despite Sri Lanka is a developing country, people are willing to contribute for conservation of the resource. Those derived values may significantly contribute in conservation of rainforest environment and deliver materials to design applicable policies for future rainforest environment management.
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J.L.H.R, Wijegunasakara. "Non Communicable Disease Programme of Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A Technical Report." International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Invention 7, no. 12 (December 19, 2020): 5169–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/ijmsci/v7i12.07.
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Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) are the dominant chronic health problem in Sri Lanka. NCDs are basically classified into 2 types; acute NCD & chronic NCD. Policies, Strategies, Activities and monitoring and evaluation plans are in place in the National NCD programme.
The objective of this case study is to study the Non Communicable Disease Programme of the division of Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) – Colombo. Key informant’s interviews, review of secondary literature and observation in district review meetings were used to collect information.
It was found that RDHS division - Colombo is responsible for both preventive and curative heath care for a population of 2.2 Million through 56 health care institutions. With regard to NCDs; injury surveillance, advocacy, capacity building, development of information, education & communication material, social media strategies and regular reviews are in good progress while gaps were seen in pre admission care, coverage of service, utilization pattern, treatment of NCDs, health promotion, inter sectorial corporation and information management system.
Nominal group technique was used for prioritization. The issue of “NCD curative care provision is not optimum” was selected as the highest priority problem. Fish born diagram was developed to find root causes. The arm of “Physician factors” was selected to give recommendations and action plan was prepared accordingly.
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Wijesiri, Dr H. G. T. I. D., and Dr U. S. Usgodaarachchi. "The Challenges to Data Quality, at the Patient-Provider Interface of the School Dental Service, in the Western Province of Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Study." SAR Journal of Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine 3, no. 1 (February 28, 2022): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.36346/sarjdosm.2022.v03i01.001.
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School Dental Service is the main oral health programme established to provide curative and preventive oral health care to children of ages 3 to 13 years in Sri Lanka. The information generated through the management information system is hence imperative to describe the oral health status of the children, resource allocation and for rational decision, making at all levels of the school dental service. The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges to quality of data generated at the patient-provider interface of the management information system of the School Dental Service in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. A qualitative exploratory study with School Dental Therapists was conducted, in the form of in-depth interviews. Twelve out of 101 school dental therapists were purposively selected and semi structured interviews were conducted in the last quarter of 2019, until the data saturation was achieved. A thematic analysis was performed to achieve the results. According to the results, the challenges to the quality of data generated at the patent provider interface of school dental service could be explained under three thematic areas. The issues related to reporting system and records, the working environment and the personal perceptions on data collection were the emerged areas of constrains to the data quality in the school dental service in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The quality of data in the Management Information System of School dental Service could be further enhanced by addressing the issues identified under the key thematic areas at the patient provider interface.
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Wijegunasekara, Himali. "Critique on the Private Health Sector Regulatory Framework in Sri Lanka." Journal of Medical Research 6, no. 6 (December 30, 2020): 278–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.31254/jmr.2020.6604.
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Introduction: Many governments have permitted private providers to invest in health care, as a cost sharing effort. However, it is essential to assure the reliability, quality and safety of their service provision. Therefore, Regulations have been set out and supervised by regulatory bodies to improve quality, safety and effectiveness of care. In this regard, Sri Lanka has enforced the “Private Medical Institutions (Regulation) Act- No 21 of 2006” which is the foundation for the private health sector regulatory framework. Description: Private Health Services Regulatory Council was formulated for the regulation, registration, monitoring and inspection of private medical institutions and facilitate their development. Many functions are in operation to accomplish its objectives. Feeling: I feel contented about the well formulated and enacted regulatory framework; and rapid expansion of private health sector in infrastructure and in high technology; however, I feel unhappy about not having a proper mechanism for performance evaluation and disciplinary actions for any malpractices; and about weaknesses in coverage of registration. Evaluation: Presence of a Private Medical Institutions (Regulation) Act, regulatory framework and a Regulatory Council; clear objectives, multidisciplinary stakeholders; involvement of the Provincial Director and Regional Directors, formulating guidelines, Quality Assurance programs, and Health Information Management System were identified as good. Monitoring for registration of GP centres; dealing with malpractices; attending public complaints; performance evaluations; fulltime medical staff and Health Information System seemed to be not satisfactory. Analysis: Some factors such as legislative power; participatory decision making; improved accountability and responsibility; availability of network of field officers; and aiming at a standardized system have positively impacted on the performance of private sector. At the same time, inadequate fulltime medical personal, resistance of labor unions; taxation issues; inadequacy of resources and coordination have negatively impacted. Conclusions: Private health sector regulatory framework has shown both strengths and weaknesses in implementation. Recommendations: Recommendations were suggested to strengthen development of permanent medical staff, monitoring over registration and operations, performance displaying, implementation of penalties for malpractices, maintenance of Health Information System, and price stability.
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Et. al., Samsudeen Thowfeek Ahamed,. "Online Consumer Purchase Intention for Digital Newspapers in Sri Lanka." INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN INDUSTRY 9, no. 2 (March 30, 2021): 647–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.17762/itii.v9i2.396.
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Unparalleled development in information communication technology (ICT) has led people to live in the virtual world. Smartphone has made peoples’ life more comfortable as they do purchase goods and services while they are on the move. People likely to buy the products online from candy to newspaper. Purchasing newspaper online is currently in a blunder stage, however, steady growth has been reported in the recent past on the purchase of e-newspaper around the world. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the purchase intention of consumers towards digital/e-newspaper in Sri Lanka. Data were collected for this purpose via a structural questionnaire from those who involve online purchasing either in their home or office in Ampara districts of Sri Lanka. 305 sample response were collected and analysed further with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS. The results revealed that Website Quality (WEBQUAL) and Online Customer Reviews (OCR) post a significant positive influence on the Online Consumer Purchase Intention (OCPI) of the digital newspaper. Meanwhile, Paid Content (PC) was negatively associated with the purchase intention of the digital newspaper which indicates that consumer was not ready to pay the content if it is charged. On the other hand, Trust was not a significant factor as long as e-newspaper purchase is concerned which is a noteworthy finding of this study unlike in the other context such as B2B market or B2C market. The findings of this provide some useful contribution to the literature of consumer behaviour and practitioners like newspaper companies to make a strategic decision on the future business model for digital/e-newspaper in Sri Lanka.
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Galappaththi, Himan. "Sri Lanka: report on its children’s environmental health." Reviews on Environmental Health 35, no. 1 (March 26, 2020): 65–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2019-0091.
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AbstractSri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, characterized by tropical weather, with an estimated population of 21.4 million in 2017, one third of them being children. Advancing and rapidly changing technology, novel industries, consumer goods and equipment have introduced new health hazards of a chemical, biological and physical nature to future generations. The infant mortality rate has declined to around 8–9 per 100,000 since 2015. Congenital malformations were the most significant cause of neonatal death. Thus, there might be unproven environmental factors which affect infant mortality rates despite robust field and hospital services. Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard to children, largely due to hazardous industries, vehicular emissions and traditional cooking stoves. The health of children living in urban households and attending schools in cities is adversely affected by air pollution. Usage of polythene and plastic for toys, utensils, bags, lunch sheets and other daily essentials leads to overusage and improper waste management and open burning. This emits dioxins, which are carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and which can be transferred to the fetus via the placenta. In rural areas, the burning of agricultural waste and certain agro-forestry activities have also led to air pollution. Indoor air pollution (IAP) remains a large threat as 66% of the population use biomass for cooking. Use of inefficient stoves and biomass, poor ventilation and absence of chimneys, contribute to IAP. Other indoor air pollutants such as tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds, asbestos, pesticides, kerosene, mercury, mosquito coils and biological pollutants also prevail. Biological pollutants, such as dust mites, droppings and urine from pets, insects and rodents, pollen from indoor plants and outdoor air, and fungi, including moulds in poorly maintained buildings, can trigger asthma or cause allergic reactions and infections among children inhabiting these environments. In rural areas, chemicals were accountable for 30.2% of acute poisonings, with kerosene oil being the most common cause, followed by paracetamol. More than 80% of agricultural workers in the country work in the informal sector with limited personal protective equipment use, while pesticide usage is increasing. Children who engage in agriculture-related work and hazardous industries are at risk of developing health consequences at early stages. Dengue remains a major environmental health problem as the reduction of mosquito breeding sites has been a challenging task for many years. It is essential to gain more evidence of existing environmental risk factors and their associations with the health of children. Information dissemination among local and international experts on Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) issues needs to be enhanced and properly established. Training programs should be conducted for healthcare workers to update their knowledge. Pediatricians are needed for remote hospitals and primary healthcare centers. Environmental parameters and biological parameters are not routinely monitored in most of the hazardous environments.
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Wickramasinghe, Vathsala. "Effects of human resource development practices on service quality of services offshore outsourcing firms." International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 32, no. 7 (August 3, 2015): 703–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-03-2013-0047.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of human resource development (HRD) practices on the quality of service of services offshore outsourcing firms in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach – Survey methodology was used and 402 respondents who fulfilled the selection criteria set for the study responded. To examine the hypothesised relationships structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation was performed using AMOS 16. Findings – The analysis yielded two component factor structure for HRD practices, which were termed as talent engagement and job-related training. It was found that both talent engagement and job-related training significantly positively predict the quality of service. The study provided empirical data to support the contention that organisations should develop and engage capabilities of employees to enhance the quality of service. Originality/value – Characteristics of service business demand the effective use of human resource. Therefore, it is expected that the findings of this study will provide useful information for academics and practitioners to make informed decisions on the influence of HRD practices on the quality of service.
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Vithana, P. V. S. C., C. J. Jayasundara, A. N. J. Barnasuriya, H. M. I. Handagiripathira, B. M. N. D. Batugedara, and A. Basnayaka. "Adolescents' Perspective on Need of E-Health and M-Health Interventions for Establishing Healthy Lifestyles in Sri Lanka." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 16s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.41400.
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Background: Adolescents accounts for 16% of Sri Lankan population of 20.4 million. Unhealthy lifestyles such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco consumption, alcohol and other substance use are known risk factors for cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. Aim: Study assessed adolescents’ perception of the need, acceptability and suggestions on establishing healthy lifestyles among adolescents through e health and m health interventions using web-based platforms in Sri Lanka. Methods: Qualitative assessment using four focus group discussions (FGDs) among youth trainees of 15-19 years in Western Province of Sri Lanka in 2015. FGD guide was developed. Two facilitators conducted the discussions. Each focus group consisted of 9-10 trainees. Informed verbal-consent was obtained prior to the discussions. Privacy and confidentiality were ensured. Meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed by identifying themes and categories using constant comparison. Results: All the trainees had a firm realization on the need of e health interventions including m health and Web-based platforms on adolescent health. FGDs revealed inadequacy skills and motivation on having healthy lifestyles among adolescents, lack of e sources with accurate information on healthy lifestyle and disease prevention in local languages and lack of awareness and motivation on available options for health promotion among adolescents. Suggested interventions were having adolescent health Website for promotion of healthy lifestyles in local languages, having interactive component incorporated into it, having computer games enabling healthy lifestyles, toll free hot lines and tele-medicine, raising awareness through social media and introduction of mobile apps on physical activity, healthy dietary habits and how to say no for tobacco, alcohol and other substances. They further highlighted to need of having mobile apps and Web based interventions for supporting cessations of tobacco, alcohol and other substances. They wanted to have free SMS and MMS services reminding them on healthy lifestyles, risk of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles and available services and facilities for having healthy lifestyles. Need of advertising about all available services for adolescents including e and m health interventions through targeting adolescents and youth in social media was pointed out. Need of adolescents participation in the whole process was highlighted. Conclusion: All the trainees perceived the need of having m health and e health interventions for establishing healthy lifestyles. Suggested interventions were: m health and e health interventions in adolescent friendly manner in all three languages, raising awareness on m and e health interventions, advertising on service availability, having hotlines and mobile apps and improving the quality of available services.
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Kaur, Sandeep, Sangeeta Khorana, and Manpreet Kaur. "Is There Any Potential in Service Trade of South Asia?" Foreign Trade Review 55, no. 3 (May 17, 2020): 402–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0015732520920469.
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Like many developing economies, services have emerged as crucial economic activities in South Asia; yet, this cannot increase the rapid growth in the intra-trade in the region. To find out the service trade potential in the region, this article uses revealed comparative advantage indices to assess the comparative advantage and the indicative trade potential of different South Asian countries in various services sub-sectors. The study reveals that there stands complementarities in the trade of services as Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a competitive advantage in Transport Services, while India has a competitive advantage in Computer and Information Services and Other Business Services. In travel services, Maldives and Nepal possess competitiveness, while Bangladesh in Government Services. The study reveals that competitive services have not explored the potential yet. India being the most robust economy of the region must provide a pivotal role in making negotiations and commitments under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS), particularly in competitive services. JEL: F1, G2, F5
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Sewwandhi, H. K. I., and S. A. D. H. N. Suraweera. "Identification of Barriers Associated with Information Products and Information Service Marketing in University Libraries in Sri Lanka." Sri Lanka Library Review 35, no. 2 (August 23, 2021): 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sllr.v35i2.44.
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Wickramasinghe, Vathsala, and Nuwan Wickramanayake. "Expectations and experience." Information Technology & People 26, no. 1 (March 15, 2013): 50–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09593841311307132.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate job expectations, experience, and met expectations of IT professionals in offshore software development and commercial banks in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachFor the study, quantitative research methodology was used and data were collected from 342 and 208 IT professionals engaged full‐time in offshore software development and commercial banks, respectively, in Sri Lanka. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, paired sample t‐test, independent sample t‐test, and binary logistic regression were used appropriately for data analysis.FindingsThe findings of the study led to identify job expectations, experience, and met expectations of IT professionals that discriminate between offshore software development and commercial banks.Originality/valueThe literature provides evidence that job expectations of IT professionals in offshore software development are different from their counterparts in other comparable occupations. Therefore, the paper argues that sectoral differences in job expectations, experience, and met expectations of IT professionals are worthy of empirical investigation. Although the growth of the services sector has resulted in extensive employment opportunities for IT professionals in South Asia, the details on their job expectations and whether their expectations vary by the business sector remain obscure.
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Korale, S. R. "Library Services for Distance Education: the Sri Lankan experience and vision." Information Development 12, no. 2 (June 1996): 113–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/026666699601200212.
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Thekkur, Pruthu, Manoj Fernando, Divya Nair, Ajay M. V. Kumar, Srinath Satyanarayana, Nadeeka Chandraratne, Amila Chandrasiri, et al. "Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka: Status and Challenges with Human Resources, Information Systems, Drugs and Laboratory Services." Healthcare 10, no. 11 (November 10, 2022): 2251. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10112251.
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A Primary Healthcare-System-Strengthening Project (PSSP) is implemented by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, with funding support from the World Bank for providing quality care through primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We used an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess progress and challenges in human resources, drug availability, laboratory services and the health management information system (HMIS) at PMCIs. We conducted a checklist-based assessment followed by in-depth interviews of healthcare workers in one PMCI each in all nine provinces. All PMCIs had medical/nursing officers, but data entry operators (44%) and laboratory technicians (33%) were mostly not available. Existing staff were assigned additional responsibilities in PSSP, decreasing their motivation and efficiency. While 11/18 (61%) essential drugs were available in all PMCIs, buffer stocks were not maintained in >50% due to poor supply chain management and storage infrastructure. Only 6/14 (43%) essential laboratory investigations were available in >50% of PMCIs, non-availability was due to shortages of reagents/consumables and lack of sample collection–transportation system. The HMIS was installed in PMCIs but its usage was sub-optimal due to perceived lack of utility, few trained operators and poor internet connectivity. The PSSP needs to address these bottlenecks as a priority to ensure sustainability and successful scale-up.
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Perera, U. T. G., Chandula De Zoysa, A. A. S. E. Abeysinghe, Richard Haigh, Dilanthi Amaratunga, and Ranjith Dissanayake. "A Study of Urban Planning in Tsunami-Prone Areas of Sri Lanka." Architecture 2, no. 3 (August 23, 2022): 562–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/architecture2030031.
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Tsunamis pose significant challenges for disaster reduction efforts due to the multi-hazard, cascading nature of these events, including a range of different potential triggering and consequential hazards. Although infrequent, they have the potential to cause devastating human and economic losses. Effective urban planning has been recognised as an important strategy for reducing disaster risk in cities. However, there have been limited studies on urban planning for tsunami-prone areas, and there have been wide ranging strategies adopted globally. This is an international study aimed at exploring the status of urban planning in tsunami areas and better understanding potential urban planning strategies to reduce disaster risk in coastal regions. Drawing upon the work of an international collaborative research team, in this article, we present the findings of a systematic review of the urban planning literature. Using the PRISMA guidelines, 56 papers were selected, and three guiding questions informed the review. Further empirical investigations were carried out in Sri Lanka by a local research team, including twelve semi-structured interviews with representatives from agencies in urban planning, construction, and disaster management, and a focus group representing town and country planning, architecture, structural engineering, disaster management, landscape and geospatial planning, building services, green buildings and infrastructure and environmental management fields. The combined analysis reveals insights into the characteristics of the literature, as well as the nature of existing strategies for urban planning in tsunami-prone areas, grouped into six broad themes: community participation, spatial planning, soft and hard engineering;,evacuation planning, and resilience thinking. The findings also reveal limitations in existing strategies, including their failure to address multi-hazard threats and systemic risk, as well as inadequate community participation, and limited access to timely disaster risk information. The findings are used to inform an initial model of urban planning strategies in tsunami-prone areas that can be used before a hazard event occurs, during and in the immediate response to a hazard event, and during recovery and reconstruction following a disaster.
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Weerasinghe, R. P. N. P., and Y. G. Sandanayake. "Collaborative facilities management model: Sri Lankan perspective." Built Environment Project and Asset Management 7, no. 3 (July 13, 2017): 284–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/bepam-02-2016-0004.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a collaborative facilities management (CFM) model incorporating facilities management (FM) functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by two or more organisations to enhance the performance of FM functions of collaborating organisations. Design/methodology/approach A critical literature review followed by a preliminary investigation was used to identify main categories of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and dimensions that affect FM collaboration. Subsequently, a detailed list of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively under eight different contexts based on three dimensions identified through observations, document reviews and in-depth interviews with experts who have experience in each context. Findings The paper introduces a novel concept of CFM to share utility/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information by two or more organisations to maintain, improve, adapt and ensure functionality of the built environments of the collaborating organisations. The study identified core business, geographical location and ownership as the key dimensions that affect CFM concept. The outcome of the study, which is CFM model, proposes FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and benefits of collaborating utilities/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information under the aforementioned key dimensions to create a win-win situation for the organisations. Practical implications The paper highlights the FM functions that can be performed collaboratively in order to provide favourable solutions for operational issues faced by facilities managers, while optimising the FM performance of the organisations. Originality/value The CFM model offers original insights to the FM functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by organisations under different contexts to optimise the FM performance.
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Mendis, S., Igbal Al Bashir, Lanka Dissanayake, Cherian Varghese, Ibtihal Fadhil, Esha Marhe, Boureima Sambo, et al. "Gaps in Capacity in Primary Care in Low-Resource Settings for Implementation of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions." International Journal of Hypertension 2012 (2012): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/584041.
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Objective.The objective was to evaluate the capacity of primary care (PC) facilities to implement basic interventions for prevention and management of major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.Methods.A cross-sectional survey was done in eight low- and middle-income countries (Benin, Bhutan, Eritrea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, and Vietnam) in 90 PC facilities randomly selected. The survey included questions on the availability of human resources, equipment, infrastructure, medicines, utilization of services, financing, medical information, and referral systems.Results and Conclusions.Major deficits were identified in health financing, access to basic technologies and medicines, medical information systems, and the health workforce. The study has provided the foundation for strengthening PC to address noncommunicable diseases. There are important implications of the findings of this study for all low- and middle-income countries as capacity of PC is fundamental for equitable prevention and control of NCDs.
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Wickrematilake, M. S. K., S. M. Arnold, P. Karthikeyan, and A. D. N. Jayathilake. "Improving knowledge of street food vendors through an educational intervention in Kandy district, Sri Lanka." International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 10, no. 2 (January 29, 2022): 331. http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20220276.
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Background: Street food sector plays an important role in urban areas of many developing countries in catering to the needs of the urban population. Contamination of ready to eat food and beverages sold by street food vendors rendering them unacceptable for human consumption has become a global problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of providing a health educational programme in improving knowledge related to food safety on street food vendors.Methods: Study used a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design. Evaluation instruments consisted of a questionnaire and a checklist. A total number of 427 street food vendors were included. A visual educational intervention was developed to provide training to all vendors in the intervention area. The study areas covered were method of food contamination, personal hygiene, safe food handling of potentially hazardous street vended food and time temperature control.Results: The results of the pre intervention survey showed that the baseline knowledge was poor. Vendors had unfavorable views particularly towards available facilities and support services. It was revealed that over 50% of the study population had received information on safe food handling though public health inspectors. Post intervention showed knowledge had improved significantly in the intervention group in all subject areas, when compared to control group (p<0.001).Conclusions: Health education intervention was effective in improving knowledge of the street food vendors in safe food handling practices and food borne disease prevention.
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Chamila Kalubowila, Kasunee, D. L. Wanigarathne, P. A. D. D. S. Ponweera, G. K. P. Darshana, and S. S. A. B. M. S. K. Attanayake. "SARS-COV-2 AND TUBERCULOSIS CO-INFECTION: AUDIT ON PATIENT EXPERIENCE ON TREATMENT SERVICES AT THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR RESPIRATORY DISEASES-WELISARA, SRI LANKA." International Journal of Advanced Research 10, no. 03 (March 31, 2022): 805–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/ijar01/14452.
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Background:Patients who are well informed and motivated are more likely to utilize health services, thus, it improves adherence to medication. Hence, this audit aimed to improve the patient experience on treatment services at the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases (NHRD), Welisara, Sri Lanka. Methods:Patients admitted from 15th August 2021 to 25th February 2022 to the NHRD and diagnosed with COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection were included. Twnety-two (22) process indicators were used and data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire.Sixty-percent of thepatients had a good experience for each service received was the standard. Data were presented as frequency distributions and mean with their standard deviation (SD). Informed written consent was obtained prior to the data collection. Results: Out of 60 patients who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 and TB co-infection, 59 were responded (response rate was 98.3%). A majority were males (n=47, 79.7%) and belonged to 41 to 60 age category (n=29, 49.2%). Ten indicators did not meet the standard. The highest experience was shown in perceived waiting time (mean 86.8, SD ± 8.8) and the lowest experience was shown in perceived time spent with the health care provider (mean 57.9, SD ± 11.8). More than half (n=31, 52.5%) of the patients reported overall good experiences on treatment services. However, age and gender did not show any significant relationship with the good experience of treatment services received (p>0.05). Conclusion: This audit shows the marginally good experience of treatment services received, but highlight areas such as time to discuss with the doctor, instructions on treatment given by the doctor and information given on available services on continuation of TB treatment are needed much improvement even in the pandemic situation.
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Rajapaksha, Leelananda, DMC Champathi Gunathilake, SM Pathirana, and TN Fernando. "Reducing post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables for ensuring food security – Case of Sri Lanka." MOJ Food Processing & Technology 9, no. 1 (February 2, 2021): 7–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.15406/mojfpt.2021.09.00255.
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In Sri Lanka, 70% of 21 million population live in non-urban areas, and agriculture provides livelihood for approximately 40% of them. The agricultural marketing process in the country is a complex operation due to services and functions involved in moving a crop product from where it was produced to where it would finally be consumed. Further, with a wide range of agricultural crops being produced, post-harvest handling process create different degrees of quantitative and qualitative losses in a complex market chain, which are estimated at 20% to 40% for vegetables and 30% - 40% for fruits. Improper and non-scientific post-harvest practices and handling, gaps in integration of cold chain practices & elements with post-harvest process, and lack of knowledge & awareness on many related aspects at grass root farmer level etc. appear to contribute to losses that finally prevent due economic benefits reaching the small-scale producer. In order to increase the effectiveness of post-harvest process handling of fruit and vegetables, appropriate corrective measures targeting small scale producers as well as commercial scale producers need to be popularized and practiced. At small scale producer level, promotion of appropriate low-cost post-harvest practices and procedures, facilitating low-cost cold chain elements and user-friendly information flow mechanism on market situation would certainly help avoid some of the steps that lead to losses. Monitoring system of commercial post-harvest handling process that ensure scientific bulk handling, storage and transportation of fruit and vegetables, properly designed economic centers with well regulated environmentcontrolled storages etc. would greatly reduce loses in bulk handling, ensuring better food security in the island.
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Chandrasekar, Kalpana, and Nadarajah Sivathaasan. "Children’s section of the Jaffna Public Library: user satisfaction survey." Library Review 65, no. 1/2 (February 1, 2016): 108–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lr-05-2015-0050.
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Purpose – This survey research aims to investigate the level of satisfaction among children (up to 14 years) with regard to facilities and services available at the children’s section of the Jaffna Public Library (JPL, Sri Lanka). Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was distributed among randomly selected members of the children’s section, JPL. Data collected via the structured questionnaire were analysed using SPSS 22.0. In addition to the descriptive analysis, independent samples t-test and f-test were conducted to observe the influence of personal variables on different facets of user satisfaction. Findings – The response rate was 67 per cent. Descriptive analysis showed that the prime purpose of visiting the children’s section (JPL) is reading books and other materials. With regard to frequency of visit, 86 per cent of the respondents visit the library three to four times in a week or at least once a week. Results of the f-test indicated that there is no significant difference among different age groups for overall satisfaction of children’s section facilities and services. Results of the t-test revealed that female children are more satisfied with the library environment compared to males. Further, the level of satisfaction with shelf arrangement, library environment and children’s programmes differed significantly between children studying in the bilingual and the Tamil mediums. Originality/value – This study reports the empirical findings of the user survey carried out at the children’s section of the JPL.
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Duerst, Donna J. "Service Learning Through Disaster Relief." Journal of Youth Development 5, no. 2 (June 1, 2010): 54–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2010.220.
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The Rock County 4-H Disaster Relief Committee raised $1,550 to aid tsunami victims in Sri Lanka and then turned its attention to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Thirty-one 4-H youth participated in a service learning trip to the South with the objectives of helping hurricane victims, learning about new cultures and achieving personal growth during three days of service projects in Louisiana and Mississippi. Their written reflections and other evaluative measures revealed they learned about southern culture, gained a greater appreciation for their lives, gained self confidence and developed a desire to help others more often. The trip was a valuable developmental experience for the youth, and information from the trip could be utilized to create similar experiences based on service learning. This article provides an overview of the trip and describes the evaluation methods used to measure learning and assess personal growth.
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Nair, Divya, Pruthu Thekkur, Manoj Fernando, Ajay M. V. Kumar, Srinath Satyanarayana, Nadeeka Chandraratne, Amila Chandrasiri, et al. "Outcomes and Challenges in Noncommunicable Disease Care Provision in Health Facilities Supported by Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka: A Mixed-Methods Study." Healthcare 11, no. 2 (January 9, 2023): 202. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11020202.
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The Primary Healthcare System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka focuses on improving noncommunicable disease (NCD) care provision at primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess completeness of screening for NCD risk, linkage to care, and outcomes of diabetes/hypertension care at nine selected PMCIs, as well as to understand reasons for gaps. Against a screening coverage target of 50% among individuals aged ≥ 35 years, PMCIs achieved 23.3% (95% CI: 23.0–23.6%) because of a lack of perceived need for screening among the public and COVID-19-related service disruptions. Results of investigations and details of further referral were not documented in almost half of those screened. Post screening, 45% of those eligible for follow-up NCD care were registered at medical clinics. Lack of robust recording/tracking mechanisms and preference for private providers contributed to post-screening attrition. Follow-up biochemical investigations for monitoring complications were not conducted in more than 50% of diabetes/hypertension patients due to nonprescription of investigations by healthcare providers and poor uptake among patients because of nonavailability of investigations at PMCI, requiring them to avail services from the private sector, incurring out-of-pocket expenditure. Primary care strengthening needs to address these challenges to ensure successful integration of NCD care within PMCIs.
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Gunasekera, Damayanthi, and Manaori Samarakoon. "The Reflective Practice for Sustainable Future." International Journal of Librarianship 5, no. 2 (December 16, 2020): 45–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2020.vol5.2.171.
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This paper reviews the initiatives taken by the library of Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka (BPUSL) to achieve the SDGs to create sustainable environment in the library as well as in the university. It also discusses various steps taken by the university as well as the other units connecting it to information as a strategic resource and attempts an articulation of the concept of sustainable information and quality education, building on sustainable future at the university under the theme of “sustainable university”. The article discusses further recent initiatives taken to upgrade the quality of the library services, automation project to automate the whole library collection, scanning important rare and old books to create digital archive, preparing attractive library building by planting flowers and facilitating natural resources for reading areas addressing the goals on quality and equitable education, gender equity, literacy skills, health, and the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, justice and strong institutions. The main objective of the article is to share reflective practices among LIS professionals in the field. Action research method was applied to write this article as it describes the reflective practices which promote sustainable future in the university and future endeavors as well. The paper concludes with suggestions on integrating concepts of sustainable information into higher education and role of information professionals towards the achievement of sustainable goals.
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Abeysekera, Ruwan. "Co-production in BDS: The evidence from the Sri Lankan Microfinance Sector." Financial Markets, Institutions and Risks 4, no. 3 (2020): 63–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.21272/fmir.4(3).63-71.2020.
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Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), in addition to the provision of microcredit, also provide business development services (BDS) to owner managers in order to develop micro enterprises. BDS are non-financial services such as business training and access to information that help owner managers of microenterprises to develop businesses. In this respect, counsellors and trainers in MFIs co-produce BDS with owner managers. Co-production is the joint efforts of two parties, who together determine the output of their collaboration. The objective of this study therefore is to examine how co-production works in a BDS setting. A multiple case study method was used to carry out the study. Six MFIs were selected as cases and in-depth interviews were held with counsellors, trainers and managers to collect the data. The findings reveal that the expertise of counsellors, trainers and owner managers are the inputs for co-production. The outputs of co-production are twofold: MFI specific outputs and owner manager specific outputs. While MFI specific outputs are identified in better loan repayments rates, enhanced client satisfaction, and increased client retention, the owner manager specific outputs are denoted by better business knowledge, better sales, and profits. MFIs use counselling and training as modalities to co-produce BDS. There are a number of factors that affect the variability in coproduction including the readiness of counsellors and trainers, with a number of BDS provided under each modality. Therein, the findings of this study are beneficial to microfinance practitioners and policy makers. Furthermore, the findings also contribute to the knowledge domain of microfinance. Keywords: business development services (BDS), co-production, microfinance, case study method.
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Nyoupane, Bhabana, and Lila Nyaichyai. "Comparing ICT components in MLISc. curriculum of TU with SAARC Universities." Access: An International Journal of Nepal Library Association 1, no. 1 (July 11, 2022): 83–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/access.v1i1.46617.
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The study, entitled "Comparing ICT components in MLISc. curriculum of TU with SAARC Universities," has an objective to identify the differences and similarities of MLISc., TU courses in entailing ICT contents. To obtain this objective, this study compares the ICT content of the MLISc. curriculum of TU with five universities from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, one from each country. Those universities were selected with reference to the higher rank recommended by website Unirank 2021. The sources of data were interpreted categorically based on syllabus content. As the result, the comparison clarified that the MLISc. curriculum of TU has incorporated similar standards of those selected universities, where fundamentals of ICT, data communication and networking, programming language, library management software, web designing, multimedia, and information retrieval courses are incorporated. In MLISc., TU courses, the content related to library management software are relatively less. However, to address the gap, Central Department of Library and Information Science, (CDLIS) TU has included a practical class on Koha, LIS from 2019. More up-to-date, comprehensive package of library automation and digitization services, from operations to system design, is the most demanding from LIS graduates, practical-based courses incorporated into LIS education would be preferable for increasing the effectiveness of ICT in LIS management.
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Wijenayake, Shanika, and H. M. R. P. Herath. "Critical Success Factors of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems Implementation in Sri Lankan Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry." Asia Proceedings of Social Sciences 2, no. 1 (December 2, 2018): 69–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.31580/apss.v2i1.365.
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Enterprise Resources Planning Systems (ERP) are implemented in organizations to optimize the supply chain to improve the overall performance. Yet, it is observed that many organizations have not achieved the desired level of performance through this strategic move. Literature suggest that the implementation barriers can be a main reason for this. Hence the problem centered in this study is to identify the success factors and challenges of ERP systems implementation in the FMCG industry in Sri Lanka. This study uses the case study approach for four companies in the FMCG industry. Focus group interviews were used to gather data and the participants of the focus group interviews were key users who had an important role during the implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by an experienced interviewer using an interview guide with semi-structured questions. Success factors included the technological know-how, high management commitment, lesser government regulations, and experience of the process re-engineering. Challenges included investment in resources, information management, changing the organization culture to the best practices of the system, lack of the user training and limitation of the proper consultancy services. Findings of the study can be used as a framework to understand the ERP implementation success factors and the potential challenges faced by organizations in the FMCG industry.
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Godage, Ruvani Subhathma Wickramarathna, Bandara Gajanayake, and Udith K. Jayasinghe-Mudalige. "Coconut Growers Knowledge, Perception and Adoption on Impacts of Climate Change in Gampaha and Puttalam Districts in Sri Lanka: An Index-Based Approach." Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 8, no. 2 (September 21, 2021): 97–109. http://dx.doi.org/10.18488/journal.68.2021.82.97.109.
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Climate change and food security are critical topics in sustainable agricultural development. Climate change is expected to have serious environmental, economic and social impacts on Sri Lanka. Coconut growers’ knowledge, perception level and adoption for climate change adaptation measures have influenced productivity of the coconut cultivation. The study investigated the coconut growers’ knowledge gap, knowledge and perception levels regarding impacts of climate change in Gampaha and Puttalam districts. Further, this study investigated their adoption of different adaptation measures. A stratified random sampling technique was applied for selecting 240 respondents from two different districts. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents and data was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Adoption rate of the climate change adaptation measures is significantly influenced by coconut growers’ knowledge and perception level at varying degrees. The study revealed that most of the growers in two study areas have better knowledge (> 70%) and perceptions (>60%) regarding the gradual changes in the climate and its impact on their coconut cultivation. However, their adaptation behavior is fairly poor (< 50%) in both districts. Hence government policies should more focused on to coconut growers to have access to affordable credit to increase their ability and flexibility to change adaptation strategies in response to the changing climatic conditions. Increasing growers’ access to agricultural extension services and access to information on weather forecasting are very important. In addition, government should improve and promote off-farm income-earning opportunities during dry seasons.
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Abeysinghe, Dilrukshi. "Ethical Concerns or Medical Dominance? Ethical Responsibility Conflicts Between Mental Health Authorities and Social Researchers." European Scientific Journal, ESJ 13, no. 10 (April 30, 2017): 226. http://dx.doi.org/10.19044/esj.2017.v13n10p226.
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The objective of this paper is to examine the ethical responsibility conflicts between mental health authorities and social researchers. This issue is examined with reference to the social research protocols imposed by the authorities of mental health institutions based on ethical grounds. It also explores how such ethical conflicts affect social research, which provides convincing evidence for the enhancement of mental health services. This paper analyzes ethical reasoning conflicts between social researchers and mental health authorities in terms of the psychiatric and social approaches to mental health and distress. The study is based on eight research projects to be conducted at mental health institutions in Sri Lanka during the period 2014–2016 that were designed by two academic staff members, two postgraduates, and four undergraduates in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colombo. Data was collected from the eight researchers who designed the research projects and from four administrative officers, one officer from each of the concerned institutions where the projects were to be conducted. A structured interview method was used to collect the data. According to the findings, the protocols recommended by mental health authorities based on ethical grounds divest social researchers of their ethical responsibility to conduct research that could advance mental health services and assist mental health service users. The study reveals that such protocols deprive mental health service users of their right and autonomy to make decisions about divulging information, expressing views, and accessing meaningful social relationships and activities.
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Thusithakumari, W. M. "The trend on usage of ICT based modern library and information service facilities: a case study at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka." Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka 20, no. 1 (January 27, 2017): 73. http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v20i1.7897.
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Wijerathna, Ranhotige Madhavi Sandhyalekha, Uvasara Dissanayake, Sapna Navaratne, and Darshana Gunawardena. "Evaluation of a Mobile SMS based Twitter Information Service for Rural communities: A Case study of Ipologama Vidatha Resource Center, Sri Lanka." Journal of The Community Development in Asia 3, no. 3 (September 21, 2020): 19–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.32535/jcda.v3i3.733.
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Panakkeel, Maneesh, and Aicha El Alaoui. "Manifestation of Atithi Devo Bhavah maxim on Sri Lankan Tamil refugees treatment in India." Simulacra 3, no. 2 (November 2, 2020): 197–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.21107/sml.v3i2.8402.
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This study discusses the reflection of Indian’s Athithi Devo Bhava policy towards Sri Lankan Tamil refugees during the hostility staged in the island since 1983. The enduring Indian practices of tolerance and goodwill resulted in following a benevolent policy towards all those who sought asylum. In ancient India, there were four cultural maxims: (1) Matru Devo Bhava, your mother is like God; (2) Pitru Devo Bhava, your father is like God; (3) Acharya Devo Bhava, your teacher is like God, and (4) Athithi Devo Bhava, your guest is like God. The refugee has considered as an Athithi (guest) to the country and treated them as God. India has accorded asylum to more than 25 million people in spite of the absence of strong refugee laws, but the treatment has been given on an ad hoc basis. The study is descriptive in nature. The information was collected from secondary sources. It underlines that the Indian government has been providing accommodation, food, and security to refugees. Subsequently, the services enjoyed by the Indian citizens are extended to refugees. There is a harmony between Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils in language and culture. Tamils in India and the Indian government has treated the refugee as a guest.