Browsing by Author "Weligamage, S.S."

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Achieving Sustainable Development Goals by Implementing the Blue-Green Economic Provisions: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities of Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Fazha, A.F.F.; Weligamage, S.S.
Introduction: The present study explores the potential of incorporating blue-green economic measures to drive sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The objectives encompass a comprehensive examination of policy and regulatory obstacles, economic challenges, and the exploration of potential pathways for both biodiversity preservation and economic expansion. Methodology: The materials and techniques used in this study are critical to comprehending the research procedure. A qualitative study based on secondary data was carried out, which included a thorough assessment of literature, policy papers, and reports on sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The research framework directed the collection and organization of pertinent data. This method allowed for a thorough analysis of the problems and possibilities related to blue-green economic arrangements. The study's qualitative orientation allowed for a detailed investigation, guaranteeing an extensive understanding of the complex interaction of economic, environmental, and social issues in the Sri Lankan setting. Findings: The findings indicate the presence of notable challenges in the form of current policies and economic limitations. However, they also shed light on encouraging opportunities to improve biodiversity and promote economic variety. This study undertakes a critical analysis of the obtained results, drawing comparisons to established knowledge in the field and addressing methodological critiques. Conclusion: The study's conclusions encompass a range of inferred principles, exceptions, theoretical and practical implications, as well as recommendations for future endeavours. The research presented in a comprehensive and structured manner contributes to the discourse on sustainable development in Sri Lanka. It highlights the potential efficacy of blue-green economic provisions in achieving broader developmental goals.
Attitudes towards Credit Card Usage of Banking Sector Employees in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Jayasena, R.A.H.P.U.; Weligamage, S.S.
Purpose: There are number of empirical researchers in other countries regarding credit card usage, but in Sri Lankan context there are not much empirical researcher regarding the credit card usage. Among them there is lack of sufficient empirical evidence regarding to credit card usage of banking sector employees in Sri Lanka. The main aim of this study is to identify the attitudes towards credit card usage of banking sector employees in Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: To identify their attitudes, 300 questionnaires were distributed and only 270 were responses. The sample is collected based on convenient sampling method. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, customer knowledge and social influence are the independent variables and credit card usage is the dependent variable. Through the use of the SPSS software’s (23.0 version) correlation test and regression analysis, four hypotheses were examined. Findings: Findings revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between perceived ease of use, customer knowledge, social influence and credit card usage, as well as it is found in between perceived usefulness and credit card usage is not having a significant positive relationship. Originality: Identifying and understanding these customers’ attitudes towards credit card usage will be useful to the banks/ credit card issuers, government and future researchers as well.
Continuous Assessment Group (CAG) formation behaviors: a comparative study between behavioral and information technology group projects of second year undergraduates
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Weligamage, S.S.; Thilakarathna, C.R.
Determinants of Academic Performance of Accounting Undergraduates
(University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, 2007) Ranjani, R.P.C.; Karuanarathne, W.V.A.D.; Weligamage, S.S.
Determinants of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Disclosure and Effect Of integrated reporting on firm performance. A study on listed companies in Sri Lanka
(Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Harishanth, S.; Weligamage, S.S.
Introduction: Integrated Reporting (IR) is an emerging concept followed by organizations all over the world. The overall objective of the organizations is to know how organization creates value over time. IR indicates the act of quantifying, evolving and being responsible to all stakeholders for the performance of organizations towards their goal of achieving value. The nature of business has drastically changed during the past several years. There is general agreement that the business reporting model needs to go beyond the conventional financial reporting model, which places an emphasis on backward-looking, quantified financial information, in order to satisfy market information needs and provide information necessary for corporate transparency and accountability. Methodology: CSE has 295 companies representing 20 GICS industry groups as of 30th June 2022 (CSE, 2022). However, the study covers only forty (40) listed companies for the period from 2016 to 2021. The relationship and the effect of integrated reporting on firm performance is examined in this study. Findings: The results of the Random effect model regression analysis show that IR has insignificant positive impact on ROA, while Risk, Size and Mtb have insignificant impact on ROA. Further, IR, Risk, Size and Mtb have an insignificant impact on EPS at 5% significance level. Based on the correlation analysis, the results show that only IR has a significant positive relationship with ROA at 5% significance level while rest of the variables have insignificant relationship. Conclusion: The study has an important implication for the management of the companies and other interested parties. Further research can be extended by choosing more time periods of data and choosing other indicators of FP. In this way, IR and its impact on FP have become an important area for research in the recent past and this paper attempts to find out the impact and the relationship between them.
Effect of development finance lending on financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Weligamage, S.S.; Gunawardena, P.A.T.R.
The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between development finance lending on the financial performance of SMEs and determine what components of development finance credit have the most impact on the growth of SMEs. The study was adopted with a target sample of 120 registered SMEs within the ABC Bank PLC, Sri Lanka. Secondary data was collected for the study using internal documents from the SME section in ABC Bank PLC and annual reports. SME financial performance has been considered as the dependent variable, whereas development finance credit amount, development finance loan period, initial credit amount, and collateral requirement have been considered as independent variables. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correction and multiple regression approach. Findings revealed that development finance credit positively influences the financial performance of SMEs through the amount of credit provided, the initial credit amount, the collateral requirement, and the loan period granted by the bank, which affects the financial performance negatively based on the analysis. The study also found that all SMEs borrow credit to increase their financial performance. The study concludes that return improved with each consecutive loan, showing that microfinance facilities enhance the financial performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka with the evidence from ABC Bank PLC. The regression results propose that development finance credit gives more to the financial performance of SMEs and thus higher return.
Effect of Financial Performance on the Stock Prices: Evidence from Selected Listed Finance Companies in Colombo Stock Exchange
(Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2020) Peiris, P.A.S.; Weligamage, S.S.
Introduction- This research study focuses to identify and determine the relationship and effect of financial leverage, profitability, market value and asset efficiency with Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Equity (ROE), Earning Per Share (EPS) and Total Asset Turnover (TATO) as the determiners of the finance companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange during the period 2014-2019 for stock price. Design/Methodology/Approach- Secondary data collection was done based on selected 20 finance companies using Stratified sampling method from 2014-2019. Regression analysis of panel data which comprising T test, F test, Normality test, Multicollinearity test, Heteroskedasticity test and Serial Correlation test were used to analysis the data. All analysis test was run using E-Views 11. Findings- Findings revealed that EPS significantly effects for stock prices and ROE negatively significant to stock prices while DER and TATO have not significantly affected for stock prices. DER, ROE, EPS and TATO jointly influence by 61.27% for the stock prices. According to that while other variables influence by 38.73%. R Square is higher than 50% which Conclusion– The results conclude that the research accomplishes to explain relationship for stock prices and financial performance.
Evaluation of group lecturing method and individual lecturing method: undergraduates’ perspective
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Ranjani, R.P.C.; Karunarathne, W.V.A.D.; Weligamage, S.S.
Factors influencing the satisfaction of undergraduates’ of industrial training: an empirical investigation using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Weligamage, S.S.
Gender and Type of Residence as Determinants of Undergraduates' Academic Performance
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Weligamage, S.S.
Providing accommodation for undergraduates posses an important problem to university administration in Sri Lanka. While students expect the university to provide accommodation for all, universities find it difficult to provide accommodation facilities to all undergraduates inside the university during their study period. This leads some students to stay in privately provided accommodation (boarding places) or in their own home during the university life. Finding out the effect of type of residence on academic performance would help university administration to plan facilities improvements. University of Kelaniya, situated in the grater Colombo area can be considered as representing the situation in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted with the objective of identifying the relationship between the type of residence and Gender of students' on their academic performance. Data for the study were gathered from 180 third year accounting undergraduates using a structured questionnaire and from academic records. Multiple regression, variance analysis and cross tabulation were used to analyze the data; Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGP A) at the end of second year was used as dependent variable and· type of residence (hostel, boarding place or own home) and gender were identified as independent variables. Findings revealed that type of residence and gender had a significant effect on students' academic performance. Females perform better than males. Forty seven percent of students were staying in university managed residential facilities during the second year of their studies. Fifty two percent of these students showed poor academic performances. Twenty nine and twenty four percent of students were staying at boarding places and at their own homes respectively. Percentage of students' reporting poor performances while staying at boarding houses was thirty two percent while thirty percent of students staying at own homes showed poor performances. This study concludes that the type of residence has a significant effect on undergraduates' academic performance and students who reside with their parents perform better.
Graduates’ Employability Skills: Final Year Undergraduates’ Perspective
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Weligamage, S.S.
Enhancing graduate employability skills is considered as an important task within the Sri Lankan University community. In order to enhance competitive advantage for graduate employment, students need to develop employability skills in addition to the acquisition of subject-specific knowledge. Employability skills include cognitive skills, subjectspecific skills and key skills. The labour market needs and the employers’ requirements for skills from graduates are changing. Undergraduate students should be aware of the labour market needs and future employability skills requirement from the labour market. This study was conducted with the objectives of identifying the final year undergraduates’ perspective on the nature of their employment situation after graduation and identifying undergraduates’ understanding and competencies on employability skills. Data for the study were gathered from the selected sample of final year undergraduates from Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya through a survey using a structured questionnaire. Survey questions were designed to obtain information on skill needs of sample respondents based on the employability skills identified from the literature review. Findings reveal that the majority of final year undergraduates were expected to select future employment in a government sector and employment expectations are different from one study programme to another. Perspectives on competencies on employability skills showed differences among study programmes. Undergraduates also show lack of knowledge on skill needs of the labour market. This study concluded that graduates should improve their understanding on requirement of the skill needs of the labour market and enhance their employability skills in order to add competitive advantage for graduate employment.
Human capital valuation and development: prospects and challenges in sri lanka
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Weligamage, S.S.
Human Capital plays a prominent role as the major factor in the development of individuals, organisations and countries as a whole. Sri Lanka is experiencing a challenging economic and social environment and moving towards changes in economic growth and human capital mobility. The government and all employers need to rethink recognising and providing appropriate value for the human capital in Sri Lanka. This concept paper aims to provide an overview of human capital valuation and development in Sri Lanka and find out the prospects and challenges. Data was collected through secondary data sources using different reports available in Sri Lanka and at the international level and presented using explanations and descriptions. Based on the information, the review revealed several important areas that would directly impact human capital enhancement in the country. More focus should be given to tertiary and vocational education, labour force participation, unemployment, highskills employment, talent shortage, middle-skills employment, long-term unemployment, public spending on education, employment gender gap, developing more human capital in the areas of health, service and welfare sector to meet the future global job market. At the same time, Sri Lankan organisations should consider valuing their human capital and calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) at the organisational level. Sri Lanka should focus more on catering to the international labour demand related to the professional, skilled, and semi-skilled categories in light of the decline in demand for low-skilled labour in the international labour market.
Impact of Climate Finance Literacy on Investment Decisions among Organizations and General Public in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Taiba, M.N.F.; Weligamage, S.S.
Purpose: Climate change mitigation and adaptation play an important role in overcoming the climate change challenges faced by Sri Lanka today. But the major issue is the concept of Climate Finance and the importance of investing in Climate Finance is not popular among Sri Lankan people. Proper awareness about Climate Finance should take place to make climate finance an alternative investment source among people in Sri Lanka. So that they could contribute to saving the environment and mitigating climate change. Thus this research examines the literacy and awareness of Climate Finance and Climate finance sources in Sri Lankan people. Additionally, this study hopes to increase Sri Lankans' awareness of climate finance and sources and encourage them to invest in Climate Finance. Design/methodology/approach: The quantitative research approach and deductive design were used in this study by surveying Sri Lankan bank personnel and the general public. Sample of 100 people from locally incorporated banks and financial institutions, a proportion of the general public was chosen for the survey. Investing or not in climate finance is identified as a dependent variable and awareness of climate change, resources, environment, and social impact is included as independent variables. The IBM SPSS Software was used to analyze the data using correlation and regression methods. Findings: According to the objectives of the study Climate finance literacy on investment decisions is examined based on awareness respondents have about climate finance due to personal opinion, awareness of climate change due to environmental and social aspects, awareness of climate finance and climate finance sources has a positive relationship in investing in climate finance. Originality: Despite there being studies focusing on climate change and related policies as well as mitigating and adapting to climate change, limited research has been carried out regarding awareness of climate finance and investing in climate finance sources. Within this context, this study makes an original contribution to the area of climate financing with reference to a developing country like Sri Lanka.
Impact of Customer Satisfaction and Service Quality on Motor Insurance Demand
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Rathnapala, M.G.D.; Weligamage, S.S.
Introduction: Motor insurance is a mandatory according to Sri Lankan law. Therefor this is highly profitable sector in the insurance companies. This is biggest and fastest growing in general insurance portfolio. This research study determines the impact of motor insurance demand in the companies according to customer satisfaction and service quality. Design/Methodology/Approach: After reviewing the literature thoroughly researchers identified five main factors which are tested by the previous research done in this regard. Those are Tangibility, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy. 200 customers have been captured from five companies in Deraniyagala division and the data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS 23) was used as the key analysis tool. Multiple regression analysis was performed to test the study hypothesis. Findings: The results of data analysis, three independent variables are statistically significance and accepted the hypotheses by correlation and regression analysis. But two variables are rejected. The final result emphasizes that the reliability, responsiveness and assurance are statistically significant, and tangibility and empathy are not significant. Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between tangibility and empathy and negative relationship between reliability, responsiveness, and assurance.
The impact of electronic banking service quality on customer satisfaction during the pandemic period
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2021) Priyankara, W.M.; Weligamage, S.S.
Introduction- Due to Coronavirus spread in the community, customers looked for more and more electronic banking services other than traditional banking services during the pandemic period. This study aims to see the impact of electronic banking service quality on bank customer satisfaction during the COVID – 19 pandemic n Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach- The study was based on the quantitative approach and used primary data targeting four commercial bank electronic banking services used customers and 182 electronic banking service holders included in the study. Findings- Findings revealed that the electronic banking service quality dimensions such as reliability, assurance, security & privacy, ease of use variables have a significant positive impact and empathy dimension has a negative impact on customer satisfaction during the COVID – 19 pandemic periods in Sri Lanka. Conclusion – Based on the findings of this study electronic banking service quality dimensions, commercial banks in the Sri Lankan banking industry should focus on reliability, assurance, security & privacy, ease of use, and empathy.
Impact of Financial Literacy, Financial Stress, Self-Efficacy, and Coping Strategy on Help-Seeking Behavior and Academic Performance During Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to University of Kelaniya Undergraduates
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya., 2024-11-01) Sathsarani, K.P.G.; Weligamage, S.S.
Sri Lankan citizens, including university students, have faced significant economic challenges, financial instability and maintaining their academic performance during the financial and economic challenges period. This study aimed to examine the impact of financial literacy, financial stress, self-efficacy, and coping strategy on help-seeking behavior and academic performance among undergraduates during an economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 324 students at the University of Kelaniya using a questionnaire consisting of both close-ended questions and 5-point Likert scale-type questions. The convenience sampling technique was used to ensure practical accessibility and was placed on the sample's representativeness, considering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, academic disciplines, and various academic levels. Financial Literacy, Financial Stress, Self-Efficacy and Coping Strategy, and Help-seeking Behavior were used as the independent variables, and help-seeking behaviour and academic performance were used as Dependent variables. Data was tested using frequency distribution, descriptive, validity and reliability checking, correlation and regression analysis through inferential statistics. All variables, including financial stress, financial self- efficacy, financial literacy, coping strategy, help-seeking behaviour, and academic performance, exhibit alpha values above 0.7, meeting the accepted threshold for reliability. Correlation analysis results reveal significant relationships between help-seeking behavior and various factors. Strong positive correlations were observed with all independent variables, and all are statistically significant at the 0.05 level. These results imply that individuals facing higher financial stress are more inclined to seek help, linked to perceived financial self-efficacy, financial literacy, and coping strategies. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of these variables in influencing help-seeking behavior during economic challenges. The study's findings also revealed that financial stress and coping strategies significantly impact students' help-seeking behavior and academic performance. The study also found that financial self-efficacy and financial literacy had a significant impact only on academic performance. This study recommended developing comprehensive financial wellness awareness programs among undergraduates and enhancing financial literacy and coping skills to manage their academic performance.
Impact of Income Diversification on Bank Performance: Evidence from Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Fernando, W.N.M.; Weligamage, S.S.
Purpose: To diversify their sources of income, banks have started additional operations, such as brokerage, investment banking, and the underwriting and trading of securities. Non-interest income is regarded as an essential source of bank diversification, and it refers to a bank's earnings that are not derived from interest payments on deposits, loans, or investments. The purpose of this study is to look into the impact of income diversification on commercial bank performance in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach: Ten licensed commercial banks were chosen based on the most significant market capitalization and data availability. Secondary data was collected covering the period of the year 2011 to 2021. Quantitative research techniques and a deductive methodology were used. Return on assets and return on equity are performance measures, while the diversification index measures income diversification, and panel data regression is used for data analysis. Findings: findings revealed that income diversification has a perfect impact on bank performance in Sri Lanka (ROA and ROE). Both bank size and ROE significantly influence the performance of banks in both ROA and ROE models. Financial leverage significantly increases ROA while having a negligible effect on ROE. However, the impact of growth rate and lending strategy on bank performance is minimal. Finally, the findings show that income diversification significantly improves bank performance. Originality: To improve overall aims and objectives and eventually improve bank performance, the banking industry can use the findings of this study as a guide.
The Impact of Psychological and Behavioral Factors on Investment Decisions: Evidence from Individual Investors in Colombo Stock Exchange
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Bandara, O.A.K.D.; Weligamage, S.S.
Behavioral Finance is a newer field of study that attempts to explain irrational behavior of investors which traditional financial theory fails to explain. This study aims to identify the psychological and behavioral factors that affect the investment decisions; to assess the impact of the identified factors on the investment decisions and finally to evaluate the extent to which these factors can explain the investment decisions of individual investors in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents for the study and the sample consisted of 74 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the identified respondents. Factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and case study descriptions were used to analyze and interpret the data. Findings of this study proved that prospect factors have significant negative and market factors have a significant positive influence on investment decisions of CSE investors. Hence it can be concluded individual investor decisions are affected by irrational biases and investors should attempt to avoid these biases to generate higher returns in their portfolios and investment advisors should consider the influence of these factors on their client’s investment decisions for the purpose of enhancing their wealth.
Internet usage amongst Commerce and Management undergraduates: a study based on University of Kelaniya
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Karunarathne, W.V.A.D.; Weligamage, S.S.
Management faculty members’ satisfaction on academic support in Sri Lankan public universities
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2013) Weligamage, S.S.