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The paper attempts to assess the interlinkages among the equity markets of SAARC nations by examining the degree of co-movement or association in the long run between the selected subject markets. The time-series data is also tested to examine the impact of shock transmission from one market to another (to-and-fro). The timeseries is tested for stationarity using unit root tests. Further, the paper aims at determining the long-term interrelatedness between four member countries of SAARC--India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh--using the Johansen cointegration methodology. Further, the impact of shocks from one stock market to another is studied using Variance Decomposition (VD) and Impulse Response Function (IRF). The daily closing prices of principal stock markets are used for empirical investigation for the period April 1, 2013 to December 31, 2019. Results from the study propose that no interrelatedness and cointegration exist among the equity markets of the four countries in the long run. Empirical evidence from the variance decomposition and IRF further reconfirms that the level of integration among the SAARC region is low. Overall, the inferences from the study state that each stock market is influenced by price fluctuations in its own market. Also, due to less stringent regulatory environment of the studied stock markets, accept India, there will be opportunity for QIBs to generate value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2022 has brought many shocks and surprises to the world. Even as nations across the globe were recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia invaded Ukraine causing a devastating geopolitical turmoil. Closer home in South Asia, Pakistan faced a political setback and elected a new prime minister, while Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in more than 70 years. In fact, Sri Lanka's economic woes are not new. The crisis has been festering for years, until it started unraveling in the beginning of 2022. The ensuing chaos has deeply affected its citizens, which ultimately led to political turmoil and violence. It is difficult to predict the future state of affairs in the island nation, since a new political regime has recently taken charge. This paper aims to extensively analyze the economic crisis, mainly focusing on the reasons for the sad state of affairs, such as mismanagement by successive governments and ill-timed economic and trade policies, including China's investment fallout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial-led growth hypothesis suggests that the financial development of a country plays a major role in its economic growth. Several channels through which financial development promotes growth in the economy include efficient allocation of capital, mobilization of savings through attractive instruments, lowering of the cost of the information gathering and presenting, among others. Financial development has been a much debated issue among economists and policy makers both in developed and developing countries, including Sri Lanka. This paper empirically examines the validity of the financial-led growth hypothesis in Sri Lanka using time series data from 1966 to 2016. The paper uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing for cointegration developed by Pesaran et al. (2001). The empirical results confirm the validity of the financial-led growth hypothesis for Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the intense competition in skincare products, the key market players need to identify and evaluate consumer behavior and the factors affecting brand loyalty and attachment to stay ahead in the game. Consumers are usually emotionally attach to only a limited number of brands, hence it is important for marketers to enhance the connection and thus the attachment consumers have to their preferred brands, which depends on self-concept and brand personality. The paper aims at identifying the impact of brand personality (sincerity, excitement, competence, sophistication and ruggedness) on the emotional brand attachment of consumers. The study was done by selecting skincare products, specifically face cream brands, in Sri Lanka. Primary data was collected through a well-structured online questionnaire. A total of 385 respondents were selected as sample in the Badulla area state. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that there is a strong positive relationship between brand personality and emotional brand attachment. Further, there is a significant positive impact of brand personality dimensions on emotional brand attachment, and sincerity has the most significant impact on emotional brand attachment. The study provides insights on emotional brand attachment and how the consumers perceive themselves in relation to the brand and its personality. The results indicate that marketers should consider the interrelationships between multiple sources of competitive advantage when looking for explanations of emotional brand attachment in the skincare industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature reveals that how entrepreneurship intention mediates the relationship between perceived behavioral control and startup preparation has not been empirically tested in the Sri Lankan context. Hence, this paper aims to examine the relationship among perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurship intention, and startup preparation as well as the mediating effect of entrepreneurship intention on the relationship between perceived behavioral control and startup preparation. To achieve the study objectives, primary data was collected from 60 postgraduates from a selected state university in Sri Lanka. Simple mediation analysis was used to test the research model. The findings of the study reveal that positive and significant relationships exist among the study variables. Furthermore, the empirical finding of the study indicated that entrepreneurship intention mediates the relationship between perceived behavioral control and startup preparation. The current study is considered vital in understanding the empirical knowledge regarding the relationships among perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurship intention, and startup preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to examine the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between emotional demand and turnover intention in the context of three selected apparel manufacturing firms in the Eastern region of Sri Lanka. Employee absenteeism and turnover are key issues of apparel firms in Sri Lanka. In order to achieve the objective of this paper, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 153 employees of apparel firms and the collected data was analyzed using simple mediation analysis techniques. The findings of the study reveal that a positive and significant relationship exists among the study variables. Moreover, the empirical findings of the study indicate that both emotional demand and emotional exhaustion have significant effect on turnover intention, and emotional exhaustion partially mediates the relationship between emotional demand and turnover intention. Hence, the apparel industry should take proper measures to regulate the employee's emotions and to control employee's turnover intention as a preventive strategy for employee turnover problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the relationship among effective time management, individual performance and organizational performance and the mediating effect of individual performance in the relationship between effective time management and organizational performance. In order to achieve the study objectives, primary data was collected from 120 managerial level employees in select financial institutions operating in Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka. The simple mediation analysis was used to test the research model. The findings of the study reveal that positive and significant relationship exists among the study variables. Moreover, the study indicated that individual performance of employee mediates the relationship between effective time management and organizational performance. The current study is considered to be vital in understanding the empirical knowledge regarding the relationship among effective time management, individual performance and organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical proximity and close ethnic commonalities attracted Tamil Nadu to involve directly or indirectly in the ethno-based political turmoil of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the role of Tamil Nadu had become most significant in determining the depth of intimacy/hatred between India and Sri Lanka relations, particularly after the entry of the Sri Lankan Tamils into Tamil Nadu as refugees and help seekers. It is evident that the Government of Tamil Nadu provided only lip service in terms of solidarity until the movement of Tamil militants became stronger in the political spheres of the Island country. In fact, the Tamil Nadu factor should be read from two different angles. First, the contribution of 'Tamilness' has to be understood impartially, prevailing both in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka at the beginning of ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka. Secondly, their role should be analyzed systematically within the period of military conflict. In this context, the paper focuses on the imprint of the Dravidian Movement in Tamil Nadu on the ethnic turbulence of Sri Lanka. Further, it would emphasize on the ongoing policy shifts in the ethno-tensed Indo-Lankan relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurial orientation is, in many instances, mentioned as an imperative ingredient of growth, competitive advantage and superior performance. This paper investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire measuring entrepreneurial orientation and business performance was distributed among the owners/managers of SMEs of Kurunegala district in Sri Lanka. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance of SMEs. Thus, it is inferred that entrepreneurial orientation is very important for the survival of SMEs in Kurunegala district in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In postcolonial times, language has become synonymous with nationality. This notion existed even in pre-historic times. Each nation aspires to be a linguistic entity. This presumption is drawn from evidence in Europe, as native speakers are identified by their language, such as native speakers of French, German, and Italian are Frenchmen, Germans and Italians, respectively. The single national language theory which is a product of European historical experience is problematic in South Asia, which has shown that linguistic identity and national consciousness are synonymous. Mother tongue is sacred and is a vehicle for all national endeavors. In an expanding global scenario, the survival of economy and borders depend upon communication and comprehension, English becomes the most unavoidable vehicle. While critics most often focus on religion, region and nationality within South Asia, they rarely focus on the linguistic regionalism inherent in this region and the position of English language therein. In this paper, I have concerned myself with the problems of identity and survival of English as a language of literature inside an important South Asian country, namely, Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of green transformational leadership on green performance, with a focus on the mediating role of green mindfulness in the context of banking sector. Primary data from 224 employees across eight commercial banks in Sri Lanka were collected and analyzed using bivariate and multistep mediation analyses. Results indicate a positive influence of green transformational leadership on both green mindfulness and green performance. The study highlights that the relationship between green transformational leadership and performance is partially mediated by green mindfulness. Practically, organizations are encouraged to prioritize development of green transformational leadership and mindfulness to enhance overall green performance. The study contributes by emphasizing the need for aligning employees with proenvironmental values, fostering positive responses to green transformational leadership, and providing insights into the relationship between green transformational leadership and green performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO) data for the macroeconomic variables, this study comparatively examines the sovereign debt crises in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It identifies different macroeconomic factors related to the sovereign debt crisis, investigates their interrelations, and explores if their debt crises are similar. It shows that the general revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios of Sri Lanka degraded to converge with the upgrading status of Bangladesh during the Covid-19 period. Since 2010, Sri Lanka has maintained a well-off economic status with per capita GDP, while Bangladesh has a long way to go yet. The general expenses to GDP ratio of Sri Lanka shows stresses on its GDP, while that of Bangladesh is more relaxed. Sri Lanka has overstressed debt to GDP ratio along with Balance of Payments (BOP) deficits, while Bangladesh has continued traces of managed debt to GDP ratio along with BOP surpluses. Bangladesh has taken enough precautions in their sovereign debt management, compared to Sri Lanka. Even in 2020, Bangladesh maintained progressive investment track over the threshold limit of 30%, while Sri Lanka fell into a debt trap. Following the pandemic, Bangladesh has enjoyed a gross national savings to GDP ratio of above the threshold of 25%, while Sri Lanka is going through a critical phase. It shows governance myopia of Bangladesh regarding its imbalanced current account positions, while governance myopia of Sri Lanka exists with reference to its imbalanced current account positions, adverse gross debts, and government borrowing as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to a country cannot be overstated since they are the engine that drives the economy. A slew of roadblocks hamper their growth. This study looks at the challenges small businesses face in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the study looks at the link between barriers and SME growth, with a view to finding the most crucial influencing element. A total of 100 SMEs were selected from 294 SMEs in Galle district. For the study, convenience sampling approach was employed. The correlation analysis revealed a strong negative but significant link between all obstacles and SME growth. According to the results of multiple regression analysis, all factors influence SME growth. Also, when all the hurdles to SME growth are taken into account, only financial and legal and government barriers substantially influence SME growth. In contrast, organizational and external barriers have no significant impact. The most influential element in SME growth is financial obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For everyone, whether it be a parent, student, teacher, doctor or anyone in the world, time matters. The study attempts to identify the relationship between time management and academic performance of Sri Lankan undergraduates. For the study, the data was collected from a randomly selected sample of 200 undergraduates from third and fourth year of Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce of University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, by administering a self-prepared questionnaire. The findings revealed the importance of time management for undergraduates to improve their academic performance. Therefore, time management should be included in their curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to explore the impact of employee green behavior on green banking performance in select private sector banks in Sri Lanka. The data for this study was collected from 150 employees from select private sector banks in Sri Lanka through a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. The findings of the study revealed that there is a high level of green behavior that exists among the banks' employees and green banking performance of surveyed banks is at a high level. The findings of the study also suggested that employee green behavior has a positive and significant impact on green banking performance. This study suggests that banks operating in Sri Lanka as well as other countries, need to pay more attention to the green behavior aspect of employees so that it may contribute to superior green banking performance of the banking sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work-family balance is a challenging issue for many working adults. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, employees' awareness and perception about work-family balance is very limited as compared to the western countries. Academics in Sri Lanka are no exception and they receive very little or no family-friendly support from universities as they struggle to achieve a balance between work and family with their never-ending workload. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between university academics' work-family balance and job performance. Further, this study aims to find the dimensional impact of work-family balance on job performance of university academics. With the purpose of accomplishing the aforesaid objectives, a self-administered survey is carried out among 200 university academics from the four largest government universities in Sri Lanka. The sample is selected based on simple random sampling from the management faculties of the respective universities. This study finds a statistically significant positive relationship between work-family balance and job performance among academics. It also finds that a significant positive relationship exists between work-family balance dimensions and job performance. Further, satisfaction balance is identified as the major contributor to job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments have become more and more interested in embracing Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and have made a remarkable progress over the last several years. In Sri Lanka, Divisional Secretariats are providing e-Government services to the public using ICT. The study attempts to assess the level of E-Government Readiness (EGR) at Divisional Secretariats in Batticaloa district focusing on five selected variables affecting EGR categorized into: (i) ICT strategy; (ii) E-Government program; (iii) User access; (iv) Infrastructure; and (v) Human resource. The quantitative and qualitative data were obtained through distributing questionnaires, discussion and observing organizations' physical setup. The findings revealed that the Readiness of E-Government was at moderate level. Concerning detailed assessment, the results proved that ICT strategy, E-Government program and user access were at high level, whereas human resource and infrastructure were at moderate level. The findings further exposed that all five variables have a significant impact on EGR and also have a positive correlation with EGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]