Institutional Repository

U n i v e r s i t y of P e r a d e n i y a

The Institutional Repository of the University of Peradeniya is the University's digital gateway to scholarly knowledge and research excellence. Established as the next phase of the Digital Library initiative launched by the University Library in 2011, it preserves, showcases, and provides open access to the intellectual output of the University community.

Through a rich collection of research articles, conference proceedings, theses, dissertations, and other scholarly works, the repository enhances the visibility, accessibility, and long-term preservation of knowledge, extending the global reach and impact of the University of Peradeniya’s academic and research contributions.

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Impact of integrating intercultural communicative competence (ICC) into undergraduate English for academic purposes (EAP) classrooms
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Vindika, G. G. K.; Karunarathne, P. K.
In Sri Lankan University system, the medium of instruction of many disciplines is English. To assist with the language for undergraduates from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, universities have introduced special English Language courses such as English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Special Purposes (ESP) through English Language Teaching Departments. Despite their strong focus on the subject content, it is dubious whether sufficient attention is paid to learner cultural and linguistic background, individual behaviors, expectations and attitudes. Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) — individual’s ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, responding flexibly to differing behaviors, attitudes, and expectations is largely overlooked in the language classroom. Despite the growing theoretical emphasis on ICC, its practical integration into EAP classrooms in Sri Lankan university settings remains underexplored. The main objective of this study was to assess the current knowledge of the instructors as well as the learners on ICC, and impact of ICC in improving learner EAP skills. Further, the study aimed to identify the perceptions of the learners on integrating ICC into the curricula. Another objective of the study was to identify the challenges faced by the instructors as well as institutions in integrating ICC into the curricula. The study was conducted using the secondary qualitative research method focusing on undergraduates and English instructors from international and local universities, employing data gathered from numerous research articles. It examined EAP instructors’ understanding of ICC, the extent to which ICC components knowledge, skills, attitudes, and critical cultural awareness are embedded in curricula and teaching practices, and the institutional and pedagogical challenges affecting its implementation. Further, learner perceptions of the ICC usage in the classroom were also examined. The findings exhibited that majority of the instructors do not focus on ICC due to constraints such as insufficient training, lack of curricular guidance, and limited exposure to intercultural experiences. Furthermore, it was observed that a substantial proportion of undergraduates demonstrated increased engagement, cultural awareness, and communicative confidence while following EAP courses when ICC informed practices were incorporated into classroom interaction. This study contributes to aligning language teaching with global communicative needs through vitalizing curriculum design, teacher education, and professional development via structured ICC training. Integrating ICC into EAP classrooms is proved to enhance both language proficiency and students’ ability to navigate diverse academic and professional contexts, ultimately improving academic success and employability in a globalized world.
Role of women in agricultural decision-making: a case study of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Weerasinghe, T.; Prabhavi, B. U. I.; Kopiyawattage, K. P. P.
Although women constitute a substantial proportion of Sri Lanka’s agricultural labour force, empirical evidence on their decision making authority and control over agricultural resources in Dry Zone farming systems remains limited. This study therefore examined (i) women’s participation in agricultural and household decision-making, (ii) their control over agricultural income, and (iii) differences in decisionmaking according to household characteristics. A cross-sectional survey of 197 female farmers was conducted using random sampling in Mahailuppallama, Katiyawa, and Senapura in the Anuradhapura District. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and ANOVA in SPSS software. The sample consisted mainly of married women (85.1%), the majority being middle- to older-aged (56.3% over 40 years), with 67.0% having secondary education. Only 16.5% were household heads, with the remainder residing in male-headed households. Respondents reported high involvement in routine household decision-making (including food preparation, daily expenditure, and visiting relatives) but relatively low involvement in major financial and asset-related decisions such as savings, asset purchases, housing, and decisions concerning children’s education and occupation. In the agricultural domain, women exhibited limited participation in technical and input-related decisions (land preparation, sowing method, fertilizer application, irrigation, and machinery use), while demonstrating greater involvement in weeding, storage of produce, determining the proportion of produce for home consumption, decisions on the use of income, and saving behaviour. Although 73.9% of respondents were permitted to retain some portion of agricultural income, 27.1% could keep only 25% or less, indicating constrained financial autonomy. Perceptions strongly reflected male dominance in control over farming inputs, land and irrigation rights, and agriculture-related decision-making, and women identified poor household economic conditions, low remuneration, violence against women, limited employment opportunities, non-recognition of women’s contributions, and lack of training as major constraints. Factor analysis distinguished farm, financial, and household decision-making domains, and ANOVA indicated significantly higher farm related decision-making scores among female household heads than non-heads (F=6.735, p=0.010), with only a marginal difference in financial decisions (F=3.776, p=0.054) and no significant difference in children and household-related decisions (F=2.309, p=0.130). Overall, the findings reveal that although women farmers in the Anuradhapura District play a key role in routine household and postharvest decision-making, they remain largely excluded from technical agricultural and strategic financial decisions. This highlights the need for gender-responsive interventions to strengthen women's participation in technical farm decisions, improve their access to agricultural training and extension services, and promote equitable control over agricultural income and other productive resources.
Spatial validation of MSME location choices in Kandy Grid City: a GIS-based analysis of accessibility, visibility, and commercial centrality
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Wickramapala, I. A. K.; Jinadasa, U. N.; Subasinghe, S.; Maheswaran, S.; Dewasurendra, M. T. M.
The Kandy Grid City operates as both a world heritage center and a key commercial and tourism hub, where micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operate around historic streets, landmarks and commercial corridors. Previous studies on SME location choice and clustering show that business locations are influenced by a combination of location-specific, personal and community factors, including accessibility, visibility, customer access and owner decision-making. However, limited attention has been given to how such perceived location factors can be spatially validated in heritage-tourism cities, where commercial activity overlaps with cultural landmarks and heritagesensitive urban environments. This study examines the relationship between MSMEs’ choices of locational priorities and GIS-based spatial suitability of MSMEs in the Kandy Grid City. Initially, owner perceptions regarding business location factors were explored through Likert-scale interview responses. These perceptions were validated using ArcGIS-based spatial analysis of spatial distribution, road frontage, landmark proximity, major road visibility, and service area, where surveyed MSME records with complete location information and verifiable GIS coordinates were used within the Kandy grid city boundary. Findings indicate that visibility and accessibility from major roads, was the highest rated location factor for the owner, receiving a high importance percentage of 70%. Customer demand was the leading growth/sustainability factor, selected by 89.8% of MSMEs. GIS-based results supported these perceptions, as 86.5% of valid MSMEs were located within 25 meters of a road, indicating strong frontage, accessibility to business and visible commercial corridors in gird city. Proximity to landmarks was particularly important for tourism-related MSMEs, while 10–15-minute walking service areas generated from major landmarks and nodes, confirmed the relationship between MSME clustering and pedestrian accessibility from key landmarks. The results indicate that MSME location choices in the Kandy Grid City are spatially appropriate from a commercial urban planning perspective, are consistent with the perceptions of the owners, and can assist urban planners in guiding activities, like designing pedestrian access. However, commercial suitability does not necessarily imply heritage suitability, and further research is needed to assess whether the concentration of MSMEs around heritage buildings affects the architectural authenticity, heritage character, and conservation value of the Kandy Grid City.
Spatial and temporal analysis of land use change and its socio–environmental impacts in the Welimada divisional secretariat division, Sri Lanka (2005-2025)
(Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-09-24) Priyadarshanie, H. M. A.; Liyanage, D. L. N. P.
Land-use change is evident in the urbanization of areas in Sri Lanka, and it has different impacts on local communities. The study focuses on the spatial and temporal land-use changes and impacts within the Welimada Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2025. The study used both primary and secondary data sources: an interview survey with 30 respondents selected across three Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions; governmental reports; previous research reports; and Landsat 5 and 8 satellite imagery (2005-2025). Using interview data, the analysis employed thematic analysis to identify the socio–environmental impacts and the major challenges of land-use changes. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis was used to identify spatial and temporal land-use changes, and Spearman's correlation analysis was also used to assess the relationship between land use and socio–environmental impacts. The findings revealed that the forest cover decreased continuously from 50.43% in 2005 to 37.59% in 2025. Further, the share of developed land increased substantially from 2.45% to 15.46%, reflecting rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion within the study area. There were noticeable positive socio–environmental impacts, such as improvements in livelihoods, infrastructure development, urban growth, and settlement expansion. Negative impacts include loss of traditional livelihoods, population pressure, resource competition, loss of forests and biodiversity, climate variability, and declines in vegetation health. The correlation analysis confirmed a strong positive relationship (ρ = 0.866) between land-use changes and their impacts. Sustainable land management strategies, environmental conservation programs, and proper policy implementation are essential to minimize environmental degradation and ensure balanced regional development within the study area.
Impacts of frequent flooding on small-scale agriculture in the Nilwala River Basin: a case study in Bandaththara-Deeyagaha
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Chathurangani, S. W. J.
Frequent flooding in the Nilwala River Basin poses a significant threat to small-scale agriculture and rural livelihoods, particularly in Bandaththara-Deeyagaha, where paddy and mound cultivation underpin household economies. Recurrent floods disrupt cropping cycles, reduce yields, and weaken food security. While previous studies have largely examined crop damage and economic losses, limited attention has been paid to differences in flood impacts and adaptive capacities between men and women in farming communities. Gender dynamics further shape these challenges, as men are primarily engaged in paddy cultivation, while women contribute through mound cultivation and unpaid household labor. These differentiated livelihood roles create uneven vulnerabilities, exposing men to economic losses from crop damage and women to increased workloads and limited access to recovery resources. Therefore, this study assesses the impacts of recurrent flooding on small-scale agriculture and rural livelihoods in Bandaththara-Deeyagaha, emphasizing gendered vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies using the Gender-Climate Change Framework. The research adopted a mixed-method case study design. Data were collected through household surveys (n = 60), key informant interviews with agricultural officers, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to measure economic losses, crop damage, and livelihood diversification, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to identify coping mechanisms, adaptation practices, and gender-based differences in vulnerability. Findings reveal that flooding severely undermines paddy farming, with men facing recurring debt cycles, while women’s mound cultivation, though essential for food security, contributes little to household income and remains undervalued. Women reported limited access to extension services and decision-making but demonstrated greater adaptability through livelihood diversification and community-based coping practices. These findings suggest that resilience is unevenly distributed across gender, with women bearing intensified workloads during floods. The study highlights the need to recognize women’s contributions to food security, integrate gender-sensitive perspectives into flood management and agricultural planning, and strengthen adaptation strategies through the Gender-Climate Change Framework. By highlighting the differentiated experiences of men and women, this research contributes to a more inclusive understanding of flood resilience and provides insights for designing sustainable and equitable adaptation strategies for flood-affected farming communities in rural Sri Lanka.