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

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

Recent Submissions

Adoption of Audiobook Technology among Differently Abled University Students in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Opportunities
(Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, 2025) Chandrasena, S.
Audiobooks are increasingly recognized as effective learning resources that promote access and inclusion in higher education. For differently abled students, such as those who are blind, those with dyslexia, or those with locomotor impairments, these technologies offer a valuable alternative to print based materials. In Sri Lanka, however, where digital transformation in universities is still progressing and audiobook adoption remains minimal. This study investigates the use of audiobook technology by differently abled university students in Sri Lanka, focusing on barriers to adoption and opportunities for integration. A mixed methods design was employed. Surveys of differently abled students across several universities were combined with semi structured interviews involving educators, policymakers, and technology developers. Comparative insights from international best practices in audiobook adoption also informed the analysis. Findings show that audiobook usage in Sri Lankan universities is at an early stage. Adoption is hindered by limited access to platforms, a shortage of localized content, insufficient training for educators, low levels of technological literacy among some students, and persistent socio cultural attitudes toward disability. At the same time, opportunities are emerging. These include growing national and institutional attention to inclusive education, potential partnerships with international audiobook providers, and rapid innovation in digital learning technologies. The study concludes that audiobook technology has strong potential to advance inclusivity in Sri Lankan higher education. Realizing this potential requires closing infrastructural gaps, raising awareness among stakeholders, and enacting supportive policies. Stronger partnerships between universities, policymakers, and technology developers are essential. By prioritizing audiobook integration, Sri Lanka can create a more equitable higher education system that empowers differently abled students and aligns with global best practices.
Exploring Safety Risks and Reporting Barriers among University Students in Night-Time Part-Time Employment
(Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, 2025) Alponsu, R.K.N.M.
In recent years, the demand for part-time employment among university students in Sri Lanka has increased as they attempt to balance financial needs with academic responsibilities. Night-time employment is particularly common, but it exposes students to significant risks, both during travel and at workplaces with inadequate safety measures. Despite rising concerns, limited research has examined these safety challenges and reporting barriers in the Sri Lankan context. This study aims to explore the safety risks faced by university students engaged in night-time part-time employment, identify the factors influencing their reporting behaviour, and recommend effective interventions to improve their well-being. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 120 undergraduate students of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura currently employed within the Colombo District. Responses were obtained through structured questionnaires and semistructured interviews. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, allowing both quantitative and qualitative insights. Findings reveal that 75% of participants experienced safety-related issues, varying by job type. For example, 18% of students in restaurants and cafés reported verbal harassment, 31% of delivery workers encountered road violence and accidents, 15% of call centre employees endured verbal abuse, 24% of private tutors reported theft, and 12% of data entry workers faced threats from employers. Despite the prevalence of such incidents, 66.7% of affected students did not report their experiences, citing lack of trust in authorities, employer discouragement, fear of reputational damage, and perceptions that incidents were not serious enough. The study emphasizes the need for stronger safety measures, awareness initiatives, and accessible reporting systems to protect students in night-time employment.
The Role of Coping Strategies in Managing Work Stress and Burnout among IT Professionals
(Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, 2025) Priyabhashana, H.M.B.; Chandrasekara, W.S.
The Information Technology (IT) sector plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economic growth. The government expects to have an IT workforce of 200,000 targeting $15 billion market value and 15% contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030. The IT sector is a high-stress occupational environment. This contributes to increased turnover intentions, potentially undermining national digitalization objectives. However, despite its economic potential, the IT sector is also characterized by intense workloads and psychological strain. Within this context of occupational stress and burnout, coping strategies are mediating mechanisms that influence well-being and resilience. The study examines the role of coping strategies in managing stress and burnout among IT professionals, aiming to identify commonly adopted coping strategies and assess their relationship with stress and burnout. A quantitative design was employed with data collection from Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE Inventory and custom burnout inventory. Data analysis was conducted using Python, utilizing libraries such as pandas for data manipulation, seaborn for visualization, and stats models for regression, correlation, and mediation analyses. The sample consisted of 275 IT professionals representing diverse roles and the analysis indicated that most employees experienced moderate (38.5%) to high (60.4%) stress levels. Adaptive coping strategies such as positive reframing, acceptance, and emotional support were linked to lower stress, whereas maladaptive strategies like self-blame and denial correlated with higher stress. The moderate stress group exhibited a mixed profile of both adaptive and maladaptive strategies. In terms of burnout, most respondents demonstrated moderate levels (79.3%) with a risk of escalation, and nearly half reported the absence of organizational mental health support, highlighting a critical gap in workplace well-being initiatives. Overall, psychoeducation and awareness programs promoting adaptive coping strategies can effectively mitigate or prevent stress and burnout among IT professionals.
Voter Engagement and Political Continuity in Wattala: Insights for Inclusive Governance and Practical Political Strategies
(Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, 2025) Perera, D.
This research explores the reasons behind the United National Party’s (UNP) sustained electoral success in Wattala, a constituency in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. The study aims to understand why the UNP has maintained long-term electoral support in Wattala by examining voter behavior and local conditions, and how this knowledge can guide practical governance strategies. Based on 40 interviews with residents, along with analysis of socio-economic indicators and historical election statistics, the study identifies the key dynamics shaping long term party support. Findings reveal that the UNP’s inclusive policies and responsiveness to community concerns have been central to maintaining voters’ loyalty. Wattala’s demographic composition, shaped by cultural traditions and historical migrations, has further influenced political preferences. The party’s ability to address socio-economic challenges while embracing ethnic diversity underscores the importance of inclusive governance in multiethnic environments. The research also highlights how ethnic and religious identities intersect with economic conditions, such as income and employment, to shape voter mobilization. These factors explain Wattala’s consistent support for the UNP and offer insights into broader electoral patterns in Sri Lanka. The study concludes that recurrent UNP support in Wattala is driven by inclusive governance, socioeconomic realities, and ethnic-religious dynamics. Insights from this research emphasize the need for policies addressing inequality and promoting interethnic dialogue, demonstrating how academic findings can strengthen democratic stability, inclusive development, and contribute to shaping the future landscape of work in multiethnic societies.
A Comparative Analysis of Political Manifestos in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Elections: From Chandrika Kumaratunga to Gotabaya Rajapaksa 1994-2019
(Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, 2025) Ukwatta, W.; Priyadarshani, R.D.
Political manifestos are key element in modern democratic country and it gives shapes of their guidelines and visions of political parties and candidates. Not only Sri Lanka but also throughout the world this concept practices less or more. Correspondingly In Sri Lanka, since the establishment of the executive presidency, presidential candidates have consistently offered platforms to communicate their governance priorities and process of directions. However, a significant disparity often exists between the promises articulated in these documents and their actual implementation. This study investigates into the presidential manifestos from Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (1994) to Gotabaya Rajapaksa (2019), analyzing their content, periodic themes, and the extent to which they were translated into policy action. Key areas of focus include economic development, governance reforms, national reconciliation, education, and social welfare. The study employs a qualitative content analysis approach, focusing on the presidential manifestos of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (1994, 1999), Mahinda Rajapaksa (2005, 2010), Maithripala Sirisena (2015), and Gotabaya Rajapaksa (2019). The manifestos are analyzed to identify key themes and promises in areas such as economic development, governance reforms, national reconciliation, education, and social welfare. Notable milestones in Sri Lanka’s presidential manifesto history include: 1. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga focused on peacebuilding, economic reforms, and poverty alleviation. Her promise to resolve the ethnic conflict through devolution marked a significant shift in political discourse. Next Mahinda Rajapaksa promoted the “Mahinda Chintana,” which emphasized infrastructure development, national security, and post-war reconstruction then Maithripala Sirisena manifesto prioritized governance reforms, abolishing the executive presidency, and fighting corruption. Then Gotabaya Rajapaksa focused on economic development, national security, and modernizing infrastructure under the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour.”