Browsing by Author "Deyshappriya, N.P.R."
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Item Analysis of Personalized Determinants of Paying Back Loans by Poor with Special Reference to Kotmale DS Division, Nuware Eliya District(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Raajaratnam, S.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.Due to the poverty all over the world, it influences in borrowing loans and paying back loans. Past research articles have identified that the poverty level is higher in rural sectors and estate sectors and as a result of that poor people tend to borrow loans so as to fulfill their needs. However, it has been identified that they have been facing difficulties in paying back their loans due to several reasons. Individuals' personalized determinants influence in different degrees when they pay back their loans. Therefore, this research study aimed to identify whether there is a relationship between personalized determinants and paying back loans. In this research study Income, Expenditure, Age, Gender, Employment sector, Education, House hold size are considered as personalized determinants. There is no any research study found in this area of research in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this research study fulfills the gap by identifying whether there is a significant effect of personalized determinants of paying back loans or not. The objectives of this study were to identify the relationship between personalized determinants and paying back loans by poor people and to identify the difficulties facing by poor people when they pay back their loans.Item An Analysis of Supply Chain of Small-Scale Fisheries in Loggal Oya Reservoir in Badulla, Sri Lank(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Dissanayake, D.M.W.C.J.; Wikramaratne, I.U.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Jayasinghe, A.K.G.R.M.M.Y.Loggal Oya Reservoir is one of the minor perennial tank located in Badulla District, which has higher production rate compared to other minor perennial tanks in the area. However, the supply chain performance, fisheries activities and livelihood condition are not up to the standard level. The current study attempts to recognize the present condition of the fisheries supply chain along with its main stakeholders and their selected socio-economic characteristics. Moreover, the study also focuses on recognizing the constrains and opportunities related to small scale inland fishery supply chain in Loggal oya reservoir. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire from 59 individuals and while qualitative data was collected through Key Informat Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Additionally, secondary data from various source have also been used and mainly descriptive analysis was employed to accomplish the objectives of the study. Specifically, BCG Matrix, SWOT analysis and Fishbone analysis were used to analyze the supply chain while the Warwick – Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale were used to examine the Wellbeing of the stakeholders. The study reveals that the Loggal Oya fishery supply chain consists of four main stakeholder groups such as fishermen, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. It is observed that 64% fishermen sell their catch to wholesalers, whereas 34% directly sell their catch to consumers and 2% of the fishermen sell their catch to small scale value added producers. In contrast, the study reveals that 60% wholesalers sell their fish to retailers, while 40% sell and transport their fish catch to local markets located in Badulla and Mahiyangana.100% retailers directly sell their fish to consumers. The majority of the stakeholders had a moderate wellbeing in the study area. The analysis further highlighted constrains such as depletion of fish stock, lack of financial availability, lack of training, knowledge and new technologies, and lack of infrastructure facilities in the fisheries supply chain in Loggal oya reservoir. The study emphasizes the requirement of providing appropriate trainings, credit facilities and funds, infrastructure facilities and inputs, improve market facilities, enhance security around the lake and awareness programs as remedies to the recognized constrains. Moreover, the study also recommends promoting value- added production based on fish in order to improve the supply chain and livelihood condition of the stakeholder. Keywords: Supply chain analysis; Small-scale fisheries; Inland fishery; WellbeingItem Analyzing the Effectiveness of Poverty Alleviation Micro Financing Project (PAMP) Conducted by Central Bank of Sri Lanka; with Special Reference to the Badulla District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Kariyawasam, K.H.G.T.D.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.Poverty alleviation is a one of the most debatable topic in the recent literature as poverty adversely affect to the living condition of individuals and the development process of country as well. In the Sri Lankan context, PAMP project is one of the poverty alleviation project implemented recently which included the provision of collateral free loans to poor people in rural areas. The borrowers organized into small groups and it reduced the risk of default. It targeted one of the most helpless groups in society - women, who live in households with little or almost no assets by providing opportunities for self-employment. The research was buildup based on the poor people, who barrowed loan from loan scheme. The objective of this study is to investigate whether it has been achieved the main objectives of Project and how it affects the living condition of the poor people in selected areas in Badulla District. The study is based on field works with questionnaires filled by beneficiaries and direct interviews with project officers. Random sampling technique has been employed to select the sample.After analyzing the data by using descriptive techniques, it has been observed that project has enhanced the living condition of the poor people. It has not only helped the poor people to uplift their standard of living, but also helped them to empower themselves and improve the saving ability. Therefore the study strongly recommends widely spread similar poverty alleviation projects managed by the government in order to eradicate the rural poverty. Key words: Rural poverty, Poverty alleviation, Isuru Loan Scheme, Random Sampling TechniquesItem Analyzing the Potentials of Promoting Rail Cruise Tourism in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to Up-country Rail Line(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kapugeekiyanage, K.W.P.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Idroos, A.A.This study attempted to identify the potentials of promoting luxury rail cruise tourism as a novel tourism strategy in the up-country rail line to attract more tourists. Apart from that, the study also examined what were the main challenges of implementing rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka. There are many tourist destinations such as Nine Arches Bridge, the Damodara Railway Loop, Nanuoya-Idalgashinna station which are located along the upcountry railway track. Therefore, the initialization of such rail cruise itinerary will attract many tourists to those cities and that will generate thousands of revenues to the Sri Lanka Railway as well as to the GDP of Sri Lanka. Both the empirical and knowledge gaps are filled by this research. The study used explanatory sequential mixed method. Data were collected through key informant interviews and a survey was conducted for 100 tourists using a convenient sampling technique. Mainly, descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to accomplish the objectives of the study. The database was developed in the SPSS software interface. The result of the study revealed that Sri Lanka has the potentials to promote rail cruise tourism and tourists had a positive perception of rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka. However, the study also emphasized that there are several barriers related to infrastructure, organizational and technological barriers in relation to promoting rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka. In conclusion, the study highlights the possibility of promoting rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka, and hence government intervention to resolve the barriers related to rail cruise tourism is highly recommended. Keywords: Rail-cruise tourism, Niche tourism, Sri Lankan railway, Sri Lanka tourismItem conomic Resilience of the Hotel Industry in Sri Lanka: A Capital Based Approach to Crises and Disasters (With Special Reference to 3, 4 & 5 Star Graded Hotels in Southern Coast)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Pathirana, M.D.T; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Dissanayake, R.S.Ensuring economic resilience assists to minimize the negative impact of crises and disasters on the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka. The study applied a Disaster Resilience Framework for Hotels (DRFH), a capital-based approach to explore economic resilience to crises and disasters within the hospitality industry with special reference to 3,4 & 5 star graded hotels located in the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. The purpose of this study is to observe the existence of such an evaluation system and also to examine the impact of economic capital on economic resilience of the hotel industry. Study adapted both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods (Mixed method). Twelve 3-5 star class hotels located in the South Coast were selected for the study and 12 financial managers and 120 employees who worked in hotels were selected using Purposive Sampling Technique to collect the required data. The semi structured questionnaire uses 15 identified indicators categorized under 4 predictors and 4 indicators to measure the economic capital and economic resilience respectively. Predictors of the economic capital were obtained to identify economic resilience to crises and disasters that should be presented within the hotel industry. SPSS statistical software version 24 was used to analyze the data and analytical tools such as Descriptive analysis and Pearson‟s coefficient correlation were used to assess the association between the variables. According to the study, the most affected predictors of economic resilience were the availability of resources, diversification of income and financial strengths of the hotels. Content Analysis was applied to identify the barriers of economic resilience observed and that lack of disaster preparedness, insurance policy issues and lack of government support were the major economic resilience barriers. The overall result confirms that economic capital has a positive impact on the economic resilience of the hotels during the disasters and crises. Furthermore, this concept can be applied for hotels to measure and build economic resistance in times of crisis and disaster. Keywords: Economic Resilience; Economic Capital; Disaster Resilience Framework for HotelsItem Developing Mandaram Nuwara as a Rural Tourism Destination; Context, Perceptions and Potentials(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Pathmasiri, G.T.T.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Idroos, A.A.The Tourism sector significantly contributes to the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) of Sri Lanka by enhancing the service sector. The industry is also related to the community lifestyle and a significant amount of community inhabitants of Sri Lanka depend on the tourism industry. Hence, community based tourism has been recognized as an emerging trend in tourism, despite traditional tourism avenues are also important. However, community based tourism has not been paid sufficient attention as such destinations are located remotely with less facilities. The current study was conducted to identify the community perception on developing Mandaram Nuwara as a tourism destination and also its potential economic benefits. The required data were collected from 70 residents and 06 officials through conducting a survey and interviews respectively. The collected data were analyzed through a descriptive analysis and a thematic analysis. As the results of respondents it was concluded that, the tourism industry in Mandaram Nuwara is in a developing stage and the community perception is at a moderate level. Also, according to the study it is found that there are very few residents and other stakeholders in Mandaram Nuwara who are aware of the tourist resources and their potential. Their knowledge of the tourism industry as well as positive attitudes should be further developed. For that, the public sector should take the lead and build an efficiency mechanism. Also, through that mechanism, all interested parties should be integrated and a system should be built. The study also recommends that the existing resources in Mandaram Nuwara should be further promoted. Through that, it has the potential to generate benefits from the natural resources of the destination by attracting local and foreign tourists and attracting external investors. Also, the study emphasizes that Mandaram Nuwara could be transformed into a rural tourism destination village through further tourism-centric promotion and regulation of the existing agricultural lifestyle and other small scale industrial entrepreneurship (SME) in the area. Keywords: Potential benefits ; Community Perception ; Tourism mechanism ; Tourism regulation ; Rural Tourism ; Destination DevelopmentItem An Empirical Study of the Impact of Brand Equity on Consumer Purchase Decisions of Soft Drink Market: Special Reference to Youth Sector(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Samudika, U.B.G.S.; Gunarathne, Y.M.C.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.At present brand equity is important element to the marketing, based on consumer’s attitudes on positive brand attributes and favorable consequences of brand usage. In soft drink market, people prefer to have well-known soft drink brands. Hence, soft drink companies should know the magnitude of the impact of brand equity on the purchase decisions of consumers. And none of the research done to the soft drink market regarding impact of brand equity on consumer purchase decisions. Therefore, this research was carried out with the intention of finding the impact of brand equity on the purchase decisions of the youth regarding the soft drink brands. The national youth policy of Sri Lanka defines youth as those within the age group of 15-29. The specific objectives of the study include; to investigate the impact of brand equity on purchase decisions of Sri Lankan soft drink market, to examine the relationship between each element of brand equity and consumer buying decisions on soft drinks in Sri Lanka and to identify the most influential element of brand equity on purchase decisions of soft drinks in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire based survey conducted to collect primary data from 240 young consumers by using the convenient sampling method. Descriptive Statistics along with statistical tools such as, Correlation Coefficient and Regression Analysis Techniques were employed to analyze the data. Through hypotheses testing the researcher also revealed that each element of brand equity has a significant relationship with consumer buying decisions of the youth. According to the findings of the study, “Brand Loyalty” was the most influential factor on consumer purchase decisions among the four elements of brand equity. Hence, the domestic soft drink marketers can adapt this knowledge to their marketing plans and activities to provide the offerings based on the factual consumers’ needs.Item Empirical Study on Relationship between Productivity Techniques and Export Quality Production Level of the Tea Factories (Special Reference to Badulla District)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Wickramarathna, P.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.The scarcity of the resources is the major problem in the present world and all the nations try to get the maximum use of the existing resources. Therefore several strategies are used to increase the productivity of the existing resources to get the competitive advantage. The study aimed at assessing how productivity techniques effect to increase the export quality production level of the small holding tea factories in Badulla District. Therefore the main objective of this study is to examine the effect of productivity techniques on production of tea and identify the barriers of implementing those techniques. Five small holding tea factories those are adapting 5S practices were selected from Badulla district for the study. Structured questioners were used to collect the data from the considered sample and Cobb —Douglas production function was occupied within the study by employing OLS method to take the productivity of tea factories in to account. The results show that 5S concept has directly affected on increasing the export quality production level of the small and medium holding tea factories in the Badulla. Furthermore the study explored that the factors like employee resistance to change, lack of the expertise knowledge have been massive barriers in implementing the 5S concepts within their entities. According to the further investigation the study identified most of the tea factories were in the maturity stage and they faced to decreasing return to scale. The study strongly recommends adapting proper productivity techniques in order to achieve a higher level of production in terms of quantity and quality. Key words: Productivity Techniques, 5S, Cobb —Douglas Production Function, OLS methodItem Illustration of Key Morphological Characteristics of Highly Demanded, Export Restricted and Export Prohibited Marine Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dhananjaya, B.G.N.; Dias, P.C.B.; Herath, H.M.T.N.B.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Liyanage, N.P.P.The marine ornamental fish export industry becomes a valuable foreign income generator over the past few years. However, illegal exporting of marine ornamental fishes has threatened the most marine species. Illegal exports continue, despite the available sufficient regulations including Fauna and Flora Protection Act No 49 of 1993 and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 02 of 1996 of Sri Lanka. Illegal exporting of marine ornamental fishes also attributed to the misidentification of the marine species. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a user-friendly marine ornamental fish identification guide based on a dichotomous key which aids to minimize the misidentification issues. Ten highly demanded marine ornamental species were selected from the Sri Lanka Customs database. In addition to that, 14 export restricted marine ornamental species and 17 export-prohibited species were chosen for preparation of the guide based on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 02 of 1996. Secondary data were utilized to identify the morphometric and meristic characters that discriminate against the fish families. Morphological characters used to identify the species are included; body colour, body patterns, pectoral fin length, presence of stripes, number and position of the photophores, and head length. Fish species that live in the same area at the adult growth stage was used for collecting morphological characteristics among individuals of the same species. Forty-one species under the 16 families were included in the dichotomous key to find out from the study that Family Chaetodontidae has the highest number of restricted species (n=12). Under the prohibited species, family Haemulidae bears the highest number of species (n=4). The developed guide is important for fish divers, collectors, exporters as well as customs officers to identify the restricted and prohibited species. The dichotomous key developed in the present study will be utilized for the development of marine ornamental fish identification mobile application. Keywords: Dichotomous key, Marine ornamental fish, Sri Lanka, Mobile applicationItem Impact of Cash Conversion Cycle on Firms’ Profitability (Special Reference to Listed Beverage Food and Tobacco Companies in Colombo Stock Exchange)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Keerthiratne, K.G.C.B.P.; Gunaratne, Y.M.C.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Yapa, U.A.S.The Cash conversion cycle, where the decisions about investments in accounts receivable and inventories and about acceptance of credit from suppliers. It is one of the most generally utilized estimations to evaluate the risks and returns associated with liquidity management. Every corporate organization is extremely concerned about how to sustain and improve profitability, hence they have to keep an eye on the factors affecting profitability such as inventory management, accounts receivables and also accounts payables. Consequently, the main purpose of the study is to identify the impact of CCC on firm’s profitability with reference to the Beverage Food and Tobacco industry. The study is concerned about evaluating how CCC impact on the profitability of Beverage Food and Tobacco sector companies listed in CSE in Sri Lanka. The profitability was measured in terms of Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA). The CCC was determined by Inventory Conversion Period (ICP), Receivable Conversion Period (RCP), and Payable Conversion Period (PCP). The study covering a sample of 14 Beverage Food and Tobacco companies and data were collected by concerning the time period from 2009 to 2017. Correlation statistical techniques and Panel data regression were used to analyze the relationship and impact the between CCC and the firm’s profitability. Results revealed that ICP has a negative relationship and significant impact on the firm’s profitability. Further RCP and PCP are positively impacted on ROE and ROA. Finally, overall CCC negatively correlated with the firm’s profitability and has a significant impact on firm’s profitability. Therefore, the study suggested that managers can create value for their shareholders by reducing the number of days of overall cash conversion cycle to a reasonable minimum.Item Impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 on Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Sector with Special Reference to Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Lakshika, R.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Athula, J.A.Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease spreaded rapidly across the borders creating pathetic health, economic and social impacts on each and every country in the world. In fact, aquaculture and inland fisheries is one of the industries which has been affected drastically. COVID-19 first time recorded in 2020 in Sri Lanka. This study aims to analyze the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic situation on aquaculture and inland fisheries sector in Trincomalee district focusing on the impacts on the inland capture fisheries and aquaculture community along with production dynamic during the period of 2019 and 2020. Mixed method and Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques have been employed as major methods of sampling during the data collection where a total of 155 individuals who are engaging in aquaculture and inland capture fisheries activities operated under the monitoring of National Aquaculture Development Authority in seven Divisional Secretariat divisions; Kuchchaveli, Morawewa, Trincomalee Town and Gravets, Thambalagamuwa, Kinniya, Muthur, Kanthale located in Trincomalee district. Pre- tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from respondents while secondary data were collected from Trincomalee National Aquaculture Development Authority and mainly descriptive analysis was applied by using Microsoft excel to compare the situation before and during COVID-19 in order to accomplish the objectives of the study. The results indicated that Trincomalee district inland fisheries total production was 9% lower in 2020 with compare to the 2019. Apart from that, the study also confirmed the livelihood, education, health & food security, well-being, and happiness of aquaculture and inland fisheries community have been severely affected by the COVID-19, especially during lockdown period. Hence, this study emphasizes the necessity of providing livelihood assistance to such affected household in order to enhance their living standard and need to provide Advice with business continuity planning and Advice on how to prevent infections while maintaining business operations. Keywords: COVID-19; Aquaculture; Inland fisheries; Livelihood; Socio-economic impactsItem Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures on Institutional Ownership of the Highest Turnover Non-Financial Companies in Sri Lanka.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Koswaththa, H.N.; Gunaratne, Y.M.C.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a vital source for organizations to increase their social reputation in the competitive markets. Organizations actively participate to disclose their CSR activities through annual reports in order to make an overall picture of the organizations’ social value creation process. Institutional Owners (IO) are one of dominant party who has high investment portfolios. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the impact of CSR Disclosures (CSRD) on IO in Sri Lankan context. There for this study examines the impact of CSRD on IO of the highest turnover nonfinancial companies in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from annual reports of 25 listed non-financial companies which are categorized under LMD 100 in Sri Lankan Business Magazine (SBM) over the period from 2011-2017 based on annual turnover. CSRD measured through a grading procedure under 67 disclosure items and IO indicated through number of shares owned by institutional owners. As control variables, firm leverage and firm size used. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and random effect regression model of panel data analysis were used for the statistical analysis. The finding of this study revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship between CSRD and IO. Furthermore, CSRD significantly and positively impact on IO. Firm leverage negatively impacts on IO while firm size positively impact on IO. In conclusion, it is confirmed that, when non-financial companies engage with effective CSR disclosure procedure, institutional investors tend to invest in those companies with the feeling of less risky investment. The findings of this research will be crucial to the non-financial companies in Sri Lanka to enhance the disclosing procedure of CSR in order to gain more institutional investors’ attraction and results also will provide guidance for organizations which are engaging with poor CSR disclosures.Item Impact of Covid – 19 on Performance of SMEs in Uva Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Hashara, K.A.D.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.COVID – 19 as a globally spread virus, has led to inactive almost all the economies in the world and it has been created a negative impact on all businesses especially including SMEs worldwide. This study provides a detailed analysis of how the COVID - 19 has affected the performance of SMEs in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka.Moreover this study has been focused to identify SME holders ability to conduct the business siring the pandemic situation. This study has adopted the quantitative approach as research design. In addition the questionnaire was the major instrument of data collection administered to the one hundred and twenty (120) respondents from two (02) districts in Uva Province namely, Monaragala (56) and Badulla (64). The data obtained under three constructs consisting of 38 dimensions were analyzed employing both descriptive analysis and t - test analysis by using IBM SPSS software. The findings of the study have revealed that COVID – 19 has affected the performance of SMEs in Uva Province in both positive and negative manner. It further revealed that there is a significant difference in the financial performances and marketing performances of SMEs in Uva Province during the COVID – 19 and before the COVID - 19. However, innovative performances of SMEs have increased during COVID – 19 compared to the Pre COVID – 19 Period. Moreover, the study provides details about SME holders‟ ability to conduct the business even under a pandemic situation. The studt revealved that the majority of SME holders (give the percentage if available) have the ability to continue their businessess only about 3 to 6 months under this pandemic situation. Keywords: COVID – 19; Small and Medium Enterprises; Performance of SMEs; Financial Performance; Innovative Performance; Operational performanceItem The Impact of COVID-19 on Stock Return in Asian Stock Markets(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Kumarapperuma, O.V.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Rajapaksha, R.M.M.C.The consequences of pandemic on global economy have been apparent throughout the history. COVID-19 emerged from China and rapidly outbreak across the globe, and hence the World Health Organization had announced a global emergency situation as well. Stock markets play a vital role in both individual and global economic contexts and however the stock markets are highly sensitive for any kind of shocks. Hence, this study attempts to examine the impact of COVID-19 on stock market of 15 Asian countries which represent developed, emerging, and frontier markets. Specifically, the study focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on stock returns of selected markets while observing the relationship between confirmed COVID-19 cases and stock return. The impact of COVID-19 on stock returns were analyzed using Event Study method by comparing the calculated abnormal return before and after the event under two event windows such as (0,10) and (10,20). Apart from that, OLS based panel regression analysis was carried out to observe the impact of the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases on stock return in selected stock markets. Daily closing price indices during the period of 1st January 2019 and 30th June 2020 were used to calculate the abnormal return and the empirical results of the event study reveal that abnormal returns after the event day are negative and therefore it is apparent that the COVID-19 outbreak has drastically affected the stock returns of selected stock markets of the Asian region. Specifically, two event windows indicates that COVID- 19 has an immediate negative impact on all selected stock markets while long term negative impact has limited to emerging and frontier markets. Moreover, it is observed that COVID-19 confirmed cases negatively affect the stock return of all selected stock markets in Asian region. Hence, the current study recommends the importance of recovering from the pandemic and sustaining appropriate environment for the development and smooth running of stock markets. Keywords: Asian stock markets; COVID-19; Event study method; Stock return.Item Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Fish Consumption Patterns in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Kapuge, H.K.D.T.; Coswatte, A.C.W.W.M.C.L.K.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.The COVID-19 which was originated in Wuhan, China has been rapidly spreading across the globe and consequently the World Health Organization has announced a global emergency condition. The pandemic has drastically changed the dietary and lifestyle patterns of people and specifically consumption of freshwater fish and sea food has been considerably reduced in terms of frequency and level of consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the food fish consumption patterns, production of inland food fish and price variation of fish before and during the period of the COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. A hybrid survey (both online and physical) was carried out in 13 districts and collected primary data from 711 respondents. The Wilcoxon test was employed to compare the selected variables before and during the COVID-19 using in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 25). The study found inland fish consumption has increased by 13.81% as frequently consuming fish type during COVID-19 pandemic when comparing before COVID-19. Moreover, type of fish, processing methods of fish, fish purchasing places, affordability to buy fish per month, fish purchasing frequency, fish consumption frequency and the amount of fish consumed by family per month were also analyzed and there was significant difference (p<0.05) during the pandemic, compared to before 13th march 2020. Moreover, it was examined 78% of the consumers were aware of the process of cleaning, storage and preparation and also 58.74% of them have changed their pre COVID cleaning and storage process during COVID-19 period. The average retail food fish price and inland fish production was increased at the end of the lockdown period after first wave of COVID- 19 pandemic from May 2020 when compared to year 2019. The study identified the differences of the pattern of fish consumption; fish consumption frequency, preference for freshwater food fish during COVID-19 pandemic compared to before COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19; Protein; Dietary pattern; Food price; Fish productionItem Impact of labour Out- Migration on Household Income: A Study in Tea Estate Sector in Badulla District(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Withanage, N.S.Note: See the PDF Version Labour migration from agricultural sector to other sectors in developing countries has become a trend as migration has a positive impact on households' income. As migration is a viable opportunity to better their economic status, family members who migrate often diversify the sources of income and risk their households. More in the context, tea plantation sector of Sri Lanka is now experiencing labor shortages due to labor outmigration from the sector. Low profile stigma attached to plantation worker and poverty among the workers has compelled them to migrate in search of better opportunities outside this sector. Migration outflows come along with certain monetary inflows. Remittances from migration increase the household welfare (Massey et al., 1993). In the long term migration and the remittances of migrants may play a large role in the household's development strategy (Rozella et al., 2003). Therefore, finding the impact of labor migration from tea plantation sector would offer a better contribution to the migration studies.Item Impact of Loan Portfolio Diversification on Performance of Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Kumanayake, M.S.; Gunaratne, Y.M.C.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.Credit risk attached with commercial bank loans can be considered as one of the main risks which commercial banks face. Thus, commercial banks diversify their loan portfolio to enhance performance through mitigating the credit risk. Loan portfolio diversification refers to providing loans to different sectors without concentrating on a particular sector. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the link between loan portfolio diversification and performance of commercial banks. Therefore this study examines the impact of loan portfolio diversification on performance of commercial banks in Sri Lanka. Hirschman Herfindahl Index was used to measure the loan portfolio diversification while performance measured by the CAMEL model. The Interest Rate Spread and Bank size were considered as the control variables. The sample consists of ten licensed commercial banks including six systemically important commercial banks in Sri Lanka out of 25 licensed commercial banks and the sample period spans for ten years from 2008 to 2017. The data were collected from published financial statements of sample companies and analyzed by using Pearson correlation coefficient and fixed effect panel regression model. The results revealed that there is a significant negative impact of loan portfolio diversification on performance of commercial banks. Further, both control variables-bank size and interest rate spread show a positive impact on performance of commercial banks. In conclusion, it is recommended that commercial banks should reduce their loan portfolio diversification as much as possible to increase the performance. The management should develop specific strategies on Loan Portfolio Diversification in order to improve the performance while paying high attention on loan portfolio position of the bank.Item Influence of Visual Merchandising on Fashion Oriented Impulse Buying Behavior: Special Reference on Colombo District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Fernando, C.T.A.M.; Gunarathne, Y.M.C.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.Currently, fashion has become an integral part of day to day life especially in urbanized areas. The main objective of this research is to examine the impact of visual merchandising on fashion oriented impulse buying behavior of the people in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. Secondary objectives of the study include to investigate the relationship between visual merchandising and fashion oriented impulse buying behavior and to identify the most significant visual merchandising type which influences on fashion oriented impulse buying behavior of consumers in Colombo District. The study focuses on four types of visual merchandising techniques such as window display, interior design, floor merchandising and promotional signage. Sample of 100 people were selected from Colombo District by employing convenience sampling method. Descriptive Statistics along with statistical tools such as, Correlation Coefficient and Regression Analysis Techniques were employed to analyze the data. In this study, researcher identified that there is a strong positive relationship between promotion signage and impulse buying behavior and the analyzed results interpreted that the promotional signage would be more influencing factor on the fashion oriented impulse buying behavior in Colombo District. The main results of this research demonstrate that there is a positive relationship between visual merchandising and impulse buying behavior.Item An Overview on Behaviors of Fishing, Fish Consumption and Preservation Techniques of Indigenous Community in Sri Lanka. With Special Reference to ‘Dambana’ Indigenous Community(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Wijerathne, L.H.P.S.; Dias, P.C.B.; Thilakarathne, E.P.D.N.; Dias, P.G.I.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.Indigenous communities can be identified as culturally distinct ethnic groups who are native to a particular place. The Veddas, the indigenous community of Sri Lanka are numerically small people verging on extinction (0.20%). Dambana, the most renowned original settlement of the Veddas in Sri Lanka has been arguably considered as the hub of Veddas over the past half a century. Food consumption patterns of the Veddas had been greatly altered during the recent past with the dynamic process of modernization and also with changing nature of lifestyle. An adequate and updated attention has not been paid by the existing literature on the consumption of fish along with the processing techniques of the indigenous community of Sri Lanka. Hence, this study examines the level of fish consumption and preservation methods practiced by the indigenous community in Dambana region in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire based interviews with the indigenous people were conducted along with Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and a desk review to collect the required data while a descriptive analysis employed to accomplish the objectives of the study. The study observed that a higher preference on fishing (85%) compared to hunting. Previously, the indigenous community used the pots made by crushing the wild herbs, spikes made of iron and wood for fishing. Currently, several fishing gears (net gear and spears) are being adopted to increase the quantity of catching which is required for their growing consumption. Moreover, the results indicate that their fish consumption has increased approximately by 95%. Furthermore 65% of them consume fish mostly at once/twice a week. Moreover, the study examined that traditional techniques used for cooking, processing and preservation of fish (specific woods such as Cassia fistula and Manilkara hexamer) have been gradually altered and being used modern technology such as refrigerators. Additionally, preference on different fish species in the market has been enhanced (20%). Under this scenario, the study emphasizes the need of protecting traditional fishing and preservation method while facilitating in order to increase the level of fish consumption of the indigenous community through appropriate strategies. Keywords: Fishing; Fish Consumption; Indigenous community; Preservation Methods; VeddasItem Personalized Determinants of the Demand for Life Insurance(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Dilhara, F.K.S.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.When it comes to insurace purcahses people claim a demand of insurance since heir life timethey believe in the risks they have to confront during t. People try to im the risk they have to face in a finacial yard stick and that is why they want an alc insurance coverage which brings them financial assistnace when people are in utmost trouble. Considering this usual situation in the insurance market houshaolds play a role of paramount importance for the insurance demand. This study examines the relationship between personlaized determinants and life insurance demands of people in Sri Lanka.For this task samples have been selected from three districts which have htest density of population in Sri Lanka in comparison to other districts of the the hig country in accordance with the demographic statistics pointed out by th Central Bank report annual2010Colombo are Those., Kandyand from GalleWestern, Central and Southernrovincesp . 150 Considering thatquestionnairs were distributedamong householders. Thedependentvariable is the demand for Life Insurance Policy . There :as independent variables are seven personalized determinantsincome ,expenditure , age ,educated level ,dependants, gender and civil status. The result revealed that there with life insurance between age and education are positive and sigMificant relationship demand of the selected households. Expenditure and gender has significantly negative relationship between IIouseholders' demands for life insurance. Descriptive statistics and logit regression analysis have been employed to analyse data.