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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Recent Submissions

Gender differences in behavioural intentions to adopt seaweed farming in Northern Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08) Madhuranga, P. E.; Kopiyawattage, K. P. P.; Weththasinghe, P.
Seaweed farming has emerged as a climate-resilient livelihood strategy in post-conflict coastal regions of Sri Lanka. However, adoption intentions may differ across gender due to variations in perceived support, ease of use, and expected outcomes. This study aims to examine gender differences in behavioral intention to adopt seaweed farming using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. Primary data was collected from 195 respondents in the Northern Province using a structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling approach was utilized; to collect data from specific DS Divisions (Delft, Kayts, Velanai, Poonakary) in Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts. The population was stratified into 'adopters' and 'non-adopter' categories based on their seaweed farming practices. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) were employed. Multi-Group Analysis revealed distinct gender dynamics: female respondents are significantly more reliant on enabling environments and institutional scaffolding, as Facilitating Conditions emerged as their strongest predictor (β = 0.516, p < 0.001) compared to males (β = 0.422, p < 0.001). Conversely, males respond more strongly to perceived ease of use, with Effort Expectancy heavily influencing their intentions (β = 0.374, p = 0.004) compared to females (β = 0.293, p = 0.023). Performance Expectancy was statistically non-significant for both groups. Measurement model assessment showed strong internal consistency, with outer-loadings ranging from 0.714 to 0.890. A high HTMT ratio (0.994) between Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions revealed a conceptual overlap, reflecting a context where community social pressures and institutional support structures are heavily intertwined. The findings indicate that ease of use and institutional support are critical drivers of seaweed farming intention, while perceived productivity gains play a limited role. Gender differences suggest that female respondents are more dependent on enabling conditions, whereas males respond more strongly to perceived ease of use. The study extends UTAUT application to community-based aquaculture adoption in a developing-country context and highlights the importance of gender-sensitive livelihood interventions.
Governing climate change for sustainable futures: integrating environmental policy and legal frameworks
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Vitharana, S. S. S.
Environmental degradation and climate change pose significant challenges to sustainable development, requiring coordinated legal and policy responses at both national and international levels. Although many countries have strengthened their commitments to sustainability, environmental governance systems continue to face fragmented legislation, weak institutional coordination, limited enforcement, and inadequate integration of environmental priorities into development planning. This study explores how integrated environmental governance frameworks can strengthen climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development by evaluating the effectiveness of environmental laws and climate policies in Australia, Germany, and Sri Lanka. These jurisdictions were selected because they represent developed and developing governance systems with diverse legal traditions and varying capacities for climate policy implementation. Using a qualitative comparative research design, the study analyses environmental legislation, national climate policies, international agreements, and institutional reports through document analysis and thematic analysis. The comparative assessment is based on four key criteria: policy coherence, institutional coordination, enforcement effectiveness, and implementation outcomes related to climate resilience and environmental protection. The analysis identifies five major themes: coordination mechanisms, enforcement instruments, institutional capacity, policy coherence, and monitoring and accountability. The findings indicate that jurisdictions with integrated governance structures, strong inter-agency coordination, legally binding climate targets, and effective monitoring mechanisms achieve more effective climate policy implementation, resulting in improved climate adaptation, resource management, and institutional resilience. Conversely, fragmented governance structures, overlapping institutional responsibilities, limited enforcement capacity, and inconsistent policy implementation undermine environmental governance and reduce policy effectiveness. The study recommends strengthening cross-sector policy integration, adopting enforceable climate legislation with clearly defined targets, establishing independent monitoring and accountability mechanisms, enhancing institutional coordination, and promoting greater stakeholder participation. These measures can improve environmental governance and contribute to achieving long term sustainable development while demonstrating the critical role of integrated legal and policy frameworks in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable futures.
The role of livelihood diversification in enhancing household food security: a case study of tea plantation communities in Loolkandura, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Jayathilake, E. G. T. P.
Tea has remained central to Sri Lanka’s economy and identity for over a century. The Loolkandura Tea Estate in Kandy, recognized as the first commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka, exemplifies both the historical importance and present-day vulnerabilities of tea estate households. Despite their contribution to national export earnings, estate households remain highly dependent on tea wage labor, exposing them to economic shocks, limited livelihood opportunities, and persistent food insecurity. This study investigated livelihood diversification as a pathway to enhancing household food security among tea estate households in Loolkandura. It aimed to identify livelihood diversification strategies, assess their contribution to household food security, and examine socio-economic and institutional barriers affecting their adoption. The mixed-method research approach was employed, combining structured household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, field observations, and secondary data from the Department of Census and Statistics and the Ministry of Plantation Industries, Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected during March–April 2025 through a field survey of 45 households selected using systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics summarized household characteristics and livelihood practices, while the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) assessed food security status. The Mann–Whitney U test examined differences in HFIAS scores between tea-dependent and diversified households, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study identified several livelihood diversification strategies beyond tea production, including home gardening, petty trading, small-scale services, livestock rearing, and handicrafts. Tea-dependent households recorded significantly higher HFIAS scores (Median = 8.0, Mean = 8.30 ± 1.36), indicating greater food insecurity. In contrast, diversified households recorded lower HFIAS scores (Median = 2.5, Mean = 2.82 ± 1.50), reflecting better food access and stability. The Mann–Whitney U test confirmed a significant difference between the two household groups (U = 505.0, Z = 5.72, p < 0.001). Although livelihood diversification significantly enhanced household food security and resilience, barriers including limited land access, inadequate credit, lack of training, and weak institutional support continue to constrain its adoption. Strengthening vocational training, agricultural extension services, market linkages, and institutional support is therefore essential for promoting sustainable livelihood diversification in Sri Lanka’s plantation communities.
Towards sustainable coexistence: an ethical evaluation of technological solutions to human-elephant conflict
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Meedeniya, R. S. P. H. M. R. B. V.
The rapid development of modern science and technology, including artificial intelligence, GPS tracking systems, and drones, have significantly transformed how humans interact with wildlife, particularly elephants. These technologies are widely used to monitor, manage, and regulate animal behavior and movement. Historically, human interference with wildlife was relatively limited. However, population growth and human needs such as deforestation, infrastructure development, and settlement expansion have intensified human-elephant conflicts by reducing habitat and increasing competition for space. Elephants are recognized as keystone species that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance through seed dispersal, habitat modification, and nutrient cycling. Their conservation is therefore essential for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. As a solution, authorities have introduced various technological methods to manage these conflicts. This study examines whether technological interventions in human-elephant conflict promote sustainable coexistence or disrupt natural wildlife behavior and ecological balance. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of modern technological methods compared to traditional approaches in fostering sustainable coexistence, through the lens of different ethical frameworks. The study adopts a qualitative, literature-based methodology drawing on Sinhala and English scholarly articles, books and academic online sources. This study focuses on ethical analysis and theoretical interpretation rather than empirical measurement. The data are analyzed through comparative and critical analysis. The findings suggest that technologies such as GPS tracking systems, drones, and electric fencing can reduce human-elephant conflict and improve safety. However, these methods often prioritize human interests by restricting elephants’ movements and disrupting natural behavior. The study also emphasizes non-lethal strategies such as natural deterrents like bee fences, buffer crops, early warning systems, and community-based conservation as more ecologically sensitive alternatives. From a utilitarian perspective, these outcomes may be justified if they reduce overall harm. However, deontological ethics challenges this view by emphasizing the intrinsic value of animals and opposing their treatment as mere objects of control. The study concludes that while technology is important in managing human-elephant relationships, its application must be guided by ethical principles that balance human safety with animal freedom to ensure genuine coexistence.
Traditional medical practices and folklore in Sri Lanka: a historical and cultural analysis of 'Kem' rituals and Mantras in the Benthara Region
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2026-08-20) Karunathilaka, K.
The Benthara region of Sri Lanka holds a prominent place in the country's indigenous medical history, primarily due to its unique lineage-based healing traditions. This study explores the intersection of traditional healing, 'Kem' rituals, and mantra practices, preserved for centuries through oral traditions and the patronage of local religious institutions. The primary objective is to analyze the historical evolution and current status of these practices within the 'Bentara Weda Parapura', while examining the role of the Buddhist community as their primary custodians.Adopting a qualitative research design, primary data were collected through an extensive field study at the ‘Bentara Pancha Maha Rajamaha Viharas’ (specifically Galapatha and Wanawasa Raja Maha Viharas) involving in-depth interviews with senior monks who safeguard this medical lore. Crucially, the researcher also conducted interviews and direct observations with contemporary small-scale practitioners in the Benthara area who still actively perform these rituals. Secondary data were sourced from ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and historical chronicles found in temple archives. The findings reveal that the Benthara medical tradition is a sophisticated blend of pharmacology, symbolic acts (Kem), and vibrational healing (Mantras). A significant discovery is that despite the pressures of modernization, a resilient but diminishing network of small-scale practitioners and monks continues to utilize these methods, primarily for psychosomatic alleviation. The study concludes that these traditions represent a vital yet vulnerable segment of Sri Lanka’s intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, the persistence of these living traditions in Benthara underscore an urgent need for systematic documentation to preserve this unique cultural legacy for future generations.