University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

Guidelines

Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

Value co-destruction in the peer-to-peer accommodation: A dyadic analysis among guests and hosts of Airbnb
(Wiley, 2026) Athapaththu, J.C.; Tuzovic, S.; Luck, E.
While customer-perceived value and value co-creation have received considerable attention in the hospitality management and marketing literature, emerging research demonstrates that the opposite can happen, that is, one or more actors in a service system experience value co-destruction (VCD). Yet, few studies have adopted a dyadic and service ecosystem perspective. The purpose of this study is to explore drivers of VCD resulting from dyadic interactions in the sharing economy, specifically in peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation from the service ecosystem perspective. Data were collected from Airbnb guests, hosts and online reviews within the context of Australia. The result reveals that six types of guest-host VCD activities that occur on micro, meso, and macro levels to understand the dynamics of dyadic actor interactions across multiple levels. The findings offer several implications for mitigating VCD and enhancing understanding of the value propositions sought by P2P accommodation guests and hosts.
From Tradition to Transformation: Exploring Factors Influencing Social Media Advertising Adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka
(International Journal of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Research, 2026) Wanasingha, W.M.I.D.; Athapaththu, J.C.
Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of social media advertising over traditional advertising methods and their impact on brand awareness among SMEs. Methodology: The study adopted an interpretive qualitative research approach, and data were collected from SME owners and marketing managers through in-depth, semi-structured personal interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings: The study reveals that platform selection, metrics and analytics tools, real time interaction, and cost-effectiveness drive the shift to social media advertising, while advertising reach and targeting capabilities, customer engagement, immediacy, and influencer partnerships enhance brand awareness compared to traditional methods. Applications: The study offers valuable implications for SME owners and marketing managers to develop appropriate marketing strategies to enhance competitive advantage and facilitate the successful implementation of social media advertising in their businesses. Novelty: This study provides a novel contribution to the literature by addressing an empirical gap in understanding the role of social media advertising in the SME sector in Sri Lanka and the wider region.
Non-invasive management of gastrostomy granulomas in children using table salt: Outcomes from a retrospective review
(University of Colombo, 2025) Jayapathum, A.; Hathagoda, W.; Rajindrajith, S.; Chandralekha, L.; Samarasinghe, M.; Rathnayake, I.
Gastrostomy-related granulation tissue is a frequent complication in children receiving long-term enteral feeding. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of table salt as a simple, low- cost treatment for the management of peristomal granulomas in children. A retrospective review was conducted on 52 pediatric patients who received table salt application for gastrostomy granulomas from the clinic database. One session was defined as the application of table salt for 1 hour. The length of the granulation tissue was measured as the largest vertical diameter using a sterile ruler. Of the 52 patients, 25 (48.1%) were male and 27 (51.9%) were female. The mean age was 5.8 years. All patients achieved complete resolution of granulomas by salt application without requiring any surgical interventions. The number of sessions ranged from 1 to 5, with a median of 3 and an interquartile range (IQR) of 2 3. A statistically significant association was observed between initial granulation size and number of sessions required (Kruskal Wallis H = 41.53, p<0.001), with larger lesions needing more sessions. For example, 78% of patients with 3mm lesseons required >_4 sessions. Tube size (16G, 18G, 20G) did not significantly affect treatment duration (Kruskal Wallis H = 0.587, p=0.746). Table salt is an effective, safe, and low- cost treatment for gastrostomy-related granulation tissue in pediatric patients. Given its accessibility and minimal side effects, salt therapy can be recommended as a first-line option, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The role of a selected group of healthcare providers as a source of health information: A primary study
(University of Colombo, 2025) Ramzath, A.R.R.; Siriwardana, Y.D.
Healthcare providers (HCPs) are widely regarded as the most reliable source of health information, yet their role in Sri Lanka has remained underexplored. This study aimed to describe the types of health- related support requested, the nature of support pro - giving role. Associations between variables were also assessed. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 167 HCPs working at two Base Hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire captured socio-demographic and occupational data, patterns of health information requests, support provided, and self-perceptions. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, and the chi-square tests assessed the relationship between variables. Most were females (67.7%), and nursing officers (68.3 %) with <_24 years of nurses (83.8%). The majority (86.8%, n=46/53) had a specialisation related to the health care field. Immediate family of the HCP (82.6%), patients (82.0%) and colleagues (76.0-80.8%) were the commonest information seekers, typically contacting HCPS at least weekly (59.9%) via face-to-face encounters (92.2%) or phone calls (83.2%). Frequently requested topics were information about diseases management (82.6%), diet (74.3%) and hygiene (73.7%). HCPs rated their knowledge sharing role highly; 92% perceived their knowledge level as high, and most scored their supportiveness between 80%-100%. training programme attendance, while qualification level showed weak associations with dissemination competence. The study emphasises the crucial role of HCPs in disseminating health information and the need for continuous professional development to enhance their effectiveness.
A reflection on the legality of restraining clauses in contracts of employment
(University of Colombo, 2025) Sarveswaran, A.
In the modern employments, it becomes increasingly important to the employers to protect their confidential information, insider knowledge, trade secrets, proprietary interests and to prevent solicitation of trade associates. Therefore, employers incorporate restraining clauses in contracts of employment. An employer could incorporate a restraining clause that favours him, and the employee is not in a position to resist it because of his unequal bargaining power. Such restraining clauses may become a violation of freedom of employment of the employee and violation of public policy. In this conundrum, the research problem is whether incorporation of a restraining clause in a contract of employment is lawful. The main objective of the research is to analyze lawfulness of a restraining clause in a contract of employment. The research is qualitative in nature, based on the analysis of legal materials, in particular, judicial decisions and statutory provisions. A clause which restrains an employee during employment is generally lawful as trust, confidence and fidelity are expressed or implied conditions of certain employments. A clause which restrains an employee in post-employment should be an expressed one. The clause is lawful if it is fair, reasonable and not in violation of public policy. The recent judgment of the Indian Supreme Court in Vijaya Bank case justifies a restraining clause/restrictive covenant which restraints an employee from resigning within a specified period and imposes a liquidated damage for default. In this case, the Indian Supreme Court justified the clause considering the expensive and time-consuming recruitment process and the impact of early resignation on smooth functioning of the workplace. In India, the legal validity of a restraining clause is tested on the touchstone of Section 27 of the Contract Act. It is suggested to amend the Unfair Contract Terms Act of Sri Lanka to expressly provide that a restraining clause in a contract of employment is void unless it is fair and reasonable.