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

The effect of customer service quality on the satisfaction and loyalty of mobile broadband customers
(Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025-11-21) Bandara, T. M. W. G. V. Y.; Jayawardana, L. A. N. C.
The corporate marketing environment has gotten competitive and dynamic. Marketers face the challenge of capturing a larger market share. Securing and retaining loyal customers is critical in achieving a competitive advantage for organizations. This study has examined how the customer service quality affects customer satisfaction and loyalty in the telecommunication sector. Study has also examined the effect of the corporate image on customer retention of organizations. It has further examined the mediation effect of customer satisfaction to the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. Study has employed a deductive research approach, applying quantitative methods. Colombo district, having the highest mobile broadband subscribers in the country, was selected for the study. A sample of 420 smartphone users in ten divisional secretariat divisions in Colombo district was surveyed using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were employed. Study indicated a significant impact of age and education level on customer satisfaction. Service quality dimensions of tangibility, reliability, assurance, and empathy had a significant effect on customer satisfaction. Age of the customer, service experience, service quality dimensions of assurance, and empathy indicated a significant effect on customer loyalty. Findings also indicated a positive effect of the corporate image on customer loyalty. Customer satisfaction has a mediatory effect on the relationship between the service quality and loyalty of mobile broadband customers.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among tea plantation workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025-11-21) Abeysooriya, A.; Jayathilaka, M. W. A. P.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a considerable health concern for tea plantation workers, and attribute to physically demanding tasks involving bending, lifting, and repetitive motions in work undertaken by women as pluckers. The work conditions adversely affect worker health, resulting in absenteeism and lower productivity. Addressing MSDs is essential for enhancing worker health, wellbeing and ensuring the sustainability of tea industry. This study evaluated the prevalence of MSDs among tea plantation workers, identified the most affected body regions, and assessed the influence of factors such as gender and land type on the prevalence of MSDs. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodology comprised of a structured database search, screening, eligibility assessment, and quantitative synthesis of data from 23 observational studies across eight countries. Prevalence rates were pooled through a random effects model, which was chosen over a fixed-effects model, because studies considered varied in geography, population characteristics, and methods, requiring an approach that accounts for between-study heterogeneity. Variability was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and I² statistics. Meta-regression found the factors that affect rates of musculoskeletal disorders, and the subgroup analyses detected the affected body regions and worker characteristics. The prevalence of MSDs among tea plantation workers was 76.5% (95% CI: 66.34%–85.36%) exhibiting considerable variability (I² = 97.6%, p < 0.0001). The lower back was the most 76.02%) affected region followed by the neck (45.04%) and the shoulders (40.60%) regions. The prevalence among female workers was 83.82%, exceeding that of male workers. Geographical differences were apparent, with Bangladesh (84.3%) and Iran (83.5%) exhibiting the high rates. The results highlight the necessity for ergonomic interventions and mechanised harvesting to alleviate physical strain on workers. These findings emphasise the importance of gender-sensitive ergonomic interventions to address the high prevalence of MSDs among tea plantation workers.
Effectiveness of a social media–based nutrition education program in promoting awareness of low glycemic index foods among urban working women in Sri Lanka
(Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025-11-21) Jayasinghe, J. P. C. V. T.; Somaratne, G. M.; Walallawita, U.; Gunasekara, D.
Department of Research and Development, CIC Dairies, Dambulla, Sri Lanka Low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate-based foods help regulate blood glucose level and reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, particularly diabetes. However, urban educated working women in Sri Lanka lack awareness and consistent use of these foods. This study assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices regarding low GI carbohydrate-based foods, and evaluated the effectiveness of a social media-based nutrition education program. In the first phase, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 758 educated working women across major urban areas using stratified sampling. Validated questionnaires were shared through WhatsApp, email, and Facebook. The findings showed low knowledge (mean:5.33/10) and poor dietary practices (mean:25.99/48), but attitudes were generally positive (mean:66.26/80). Statistical analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between knowledge and attitudes, and a weaker but significant relationship between knowledge and practices. Higher knowledge was associated with younger women and those with postgraduate qualifications. Similarly, better attitudes and practices were linked to higher education and income levels. In the second phase, a three-month educational program was launched through YouTube and Facebook, featuring videos, infographics, and interactive posts. Post-intervention evaluation among 50 participants showed significant improvements in knowledge (mean:9.94), attitudes (mean:78.74), and practices (mean:46.46). Participants rated the content as clear, relevant and high in quality. These findings suggest that well- structured social media-based education is an effective and scalable approach to promote healthy eating habits and lower the risk of diet-related chronic diseases in urban populations.
Contribution of daily diet for non-communicable disease risk factors: a pilot study conducted in Minuwangoda Divisional Secretariat Division, Sri Lanka
(Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025-11-21) Karunarathna, J. M. C. U.; De Silva, P. G. S. M.; Silva, A. B. G.; Madhujith, W.M.T.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are growing public health concerns in Sri Lanka, closely linked to dietary habits. The Ministry of Health Sri Lanka implemented a traffic light colour coding system to reduce NCDs risk factors such as salt, fat, and sugar. This pilot study aimed at examining the daily consumption of salt, sugar, and oil against recommended intakes in Minuwangoda Divisional Secretariat. A cross-sectional survey from March to October 2023 involved 54 randomly selected families, using interviewer-administered questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls. Results showed that 94.4% of households used coconut oil for cooking, reflecting traditional dietary patterns. Despite its cultural significance, the highly saturated fatty acid content of coconut oil raises cardiovascular risk concerns. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends fat intake not exceeds 30% of total energy, while actual fat intake averaged 44.17 g (19.63% of total energy), below this limit. Average salt intake was 6.5 5 g per day, exceeding the WHO’s 5 g recommendation (p < 0.05), suggesting that excess salt contributes to hypertension and related NCDs. Conversely, free sugar intake averaged 17 g daily, below Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health limit of 25 g (6 teaspoons), indicating free sugar is less likely to be a major NCD risk factor in this population. However, Sri Lankans typically having a carbohydrate rich diet, sugar derived from that main diet was not included. These findings highlight that traditional diets combined with excessive salt intake still as a public health challenge and underscore the need for culturally sensitive nutrition education and policies focused on reducing salt and promoting healthier fats to reduce NCD risk. Further research on the national level is needed to validate these findings and guide broader NCD prevention efforts.
Lactation curve modelling for dairy cattle genotypes in different agroclimatic zones and management systems in Sri Lanka
(Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025-11-21) Ramanayake, U. D.; Dematawewa, C. M. B.; Silva, G. L. L. P.
Lactation curve modelling allows for the estimation of individual cow's lactation yield over time, supporting improvements in herd management, genetic selection, and overall productivity and profitability. In local context, evaluating and comparing different lactation models is essential to identify the most appropriate one under varying genetic, environmental, and management conditions in Sri Lanka, as these factors significantly influence lactation performance. This study compared six non-linear lactation models namely Wood, Brody, Gaines, Dijkstra, Wilmink, and Rook, to select the best fit model for dairy cows. Data included 39,198 test-day milk records from 2,976 cows across five parity levels and six genotypes (Friesian, Jersey, Sahiwal, and their crosses), reared under intensive and semi-intensive systems across four agro-climatic zones of up-country wet zone, up country intermediate zone, low country intermediate zone and low country dry zone. In total, 24 genotype-management-environment combinations were analysed. Model parameters were estimated using non-linear regression (PROC NLIN in SAS software) for each group. The goodness of fit was assessed using coefficient-of-determination ), mean-square-error (MSE), Akaike’s-information-criterion (AIC), and Bayesian-information criterion values (BIC). Wilmink and Rook had nearly linear curves, leading to unrealistic predictions and poor fit for all scenarios. Late-lactation yield was also underestimated consistently by Gaines, and unsuitable for long-term milk yield forecasting. Brody model demonstrated a moderate suitability for purebreds, while the Wood was performed well in early lactation but significantly overestimated peak yield, therefore, unsuitable for practical application. Due to the best fit provided, Dijkstra model can be recommended for all scenarios with further cross validations on other scenarios.