https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/8693 2026-04-23T10:20:18Z 2026-04-23T10:20:18Z Rathnayake, RACN Herath, Renuka Pushpanjalee Rajapaksha, Upali https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/8717 2025-08-06T07:14:17Z 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

INVESTIGATION OF OPERATIONAL & PROCESS WASTE TYPES IN SRI LANKAN MARITIME SEAWORTHINESS PROCESS Rathnayake, RACN; Herath, Renuka Pushpanjalee; Rajapaksha, Upali Technical seaworthiness in maritime operations is resource-intensive, demanding operational efficiency through waste reduction. This study investigates waste types in this sector, which faces unique challenges beyond conventional manufacturing. Using a qualitative, single case study design within an interpretivist paradigm, the research explored the nuanced interactions of waste in Sri Lankan maritime technical seaworthiness processes. Eleven in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions were used to collect rich and context specific data form the participants' through subjective experiences. Eight key waste categories emerged: unnecessary data processing, capacity constraints, lack of standardisation, poor governance, inadequate human resources, inconsistent culture, supply chain inefficiencies, and excessive bureaucracy. Contributing factors included poor data accessibility, centralisation issues, resource scarcity, regulatory adherence, and insufficient training. Categorisation of these wastes as value-added, non-value-added and necessary non-value-added activities further clarified their impact. This study offers a framework for minimising non-value-added activities and optimising others, enhancing operational performance. It provides critical insights into operational and process inefficiencies within the Sri Lankan maritime context, guiding strategies for waste reduction and improved efficiency.

2025-07-01T00:00:00Z Weerasinghe, Sakuni Amanda Wang, Grace Izadikah, Zahra Goh, Yong Ireland, Michael J. https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/8716 2025-08-06T07:11:34Z 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY AND SCALABILITY OF THE SINHALESE TRANSLATION OF THE PERMA PROFILER FOR SRI LANKANS: INTERNAL CONSISTENCY AND MOKKEN ANALYSIS Weerasinghe, Sakuni Amanda; Wang, Grace; Izadikah, Zahra; Goh, Yong; Ireland, Michael J. The PERMA-Profiler is a reliable measure of wellbeing that has been translated and validated for use in many languages. However, there is a notable gap in evaluating its reliability for the Sri Lankan Sinhalese. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate and assess the reliability and scalability of the PERMA Profiler. The process of translation involved a parallel translation, followed by an iterative process with a review panel. Data for reliability testing were collected from thirty Sri Lankan participants recruited online. Omega Total and G6 (SMC) coefficient were calculated as measures of internal consistency. The overall wellbeing scale had excellent internal consistency. The subscales of e had excellent internal consistency. In line with previous studies, the Engagement subscale had questionable internal consistency. The Mokken scale analysis that was conducted to evaluate item scalability and the structure of subscales confirmed strong hierarchical scalability across all subscales except for Engagement. Weaker cohesion among its items and issues with the question item, “In general, how often do you lose track of time while doing something you enjoy” were identified. This warrants further investigation to establish its relevance to the Sri Lankan context. Overall wellbeing was substantially lower in the early adult age groups (26- 35 and 36- 45 years) compared to the middle-aged group (46- 55 years). The emerging adult group (18- 25 years) experienced markedly fewer positive emotions and considerably more negative emotions compared to middle-aged adults (46 - 55 years). No differences in age were observed in Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. The translated tool is valuable for researchers’ investigating wellbeing among Sri Lankans and practitioners who require a reliable tool to assess wellbeing in their clients to inform treatment decisions.

2025-07-01T00:00:00Z Wijesingha, Pavithra Padukkage, Amitha https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/8715 2025-08-06T07:00:42Z 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

DETERMINANTS OF ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG UNIVERSITY YOUTH IN SRI LANKA Wijesingha, Pavithra; Padukkage, Amitha In the present society, online platforms play a pivotal role in shaping how individuals access health information among younger generations. The objectives of this study were to investigate the factors influencing online health information-seeking behaviour among university youth, to identify the level of eHealth literacy among university youth, and to analyse the relationship between these factors and online health information-seeking behaviour among university youth. The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) was used as the theoretical foundation for this research. Applying a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected via an online survey from 91 management undergraduates. The collected data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with the objective of analysing relationships among variables, fitting the model, and testing. Findings reveal that social media is the predominant source of health information, while lack of time and limited search skills are major barriers. The average eHealth literacy score was moderately high, indicating digital readiness among younger generations. The results reveal that behavioural intention and eHealth literacy significantly influence online health information-seeking behaviour. Furthermore, attitudes and subjective norms were found to shape behavioural intention strongly. These findings highlight the relevance of social and psychological factors in digital health behaviours. The study contributes theoretically by validating the TRA model in the Sri Lankan context. Further results provide insights into the design and development of eHealth systems for the young generation.

2025-07-01T00:00:00Z Bandara, BRAWS https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/8714 2025-08-06T06:51:22Z 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

JAPAN'S MILITARY MODERNIZATION AND REGIONAL SECURITY DYNAMICS Bandara, BRAWS Japan’s defence modernization is a major shift in its defence doctrine, driven primarily by the changing regional threats and regional strategic realignment. This study looks into the factors influencing the Japanese defence policies such as, geopolitical tensions with China and North Korea, technological developments, and further deepening alliances with the United States and other regional partners and tries to analyse how such developments influence the security dynamics of East Asia using qualitative content analysis. The findings reflect Japan's changing approach from a classical pacifist state to a more proactive security role, strengthening deterrence while fuelling regional stability concerns and possible competition in the arms race. Japan's defence modernization enhances the capability of its defence, rewriting its geopolitical role and standing as a crucial player in maintaining regional stability. Still, balancing national security and historical pacifist commitment leaves the complex set of challenges. The study emphasizes the need for strategic diplomacy and multinational cooperation to mitigate tensions and maintain the stability of the security environment in East Asia.

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