http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9139 2026-01-07T04:26:50Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9147 Macro-Economic Variables and Stock Market Performance: Empirical Evidence from Colombo Stock Exchange Amaresh, M; Anandasayanan, S; Ramesh, S Stock market performance is considered as a significant indicator of financial and economic circumstances of a country. In a nutshell, a secured and regulated financial environment is being provided by the stock market where shares can be transacted at lower operational risk. The stock market also functions as a platform through savings, and investments of individuals are channelized into productive investment proposals. It allows capital formation and economic growth for the nation. The ultimate objective of this study is to examine the impact of macro-economic variables on stock market performance. The macro-economic variables (independent variables) used in this research study are Inflation, Interest Rate, and GDP. Stock market performance (All-Share Price Index) is the dependent variable. 120 Monthly observations from January 2009 to December 2018 had been taken for the study. The Augmented Dickey Fuller’s unit root test, Ordinary Least Squares Regression and Correlation analysis were applied to the variables. The results of correlation analysis indicated that inflation and Stock market performance are positively associated meanwhile interest rate, and GDP and Stock market performance are negatively correlated. The Ordinary Least Square results showed that nearly 75% of the variation in all share price index is explained by the three macroeconomic variables, GDP, TB and WPI. The study suggested some of the possible reasons for the positive impact of Inflation on the Colombo Stock market performance, and negative impact of Interest Rate on Stock market performance and recommended that efforts should be made to improve the Stock market performance. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9146 Traditional Knowledge used in Soil Taxonomy and Identifying Degradation: A Case Study in Knuckles Range, Sri Lanka Thennakoon, T.M.S.P.K; Gamachchige, R.N Traditional Knowledge is an experiential knowledge built by people within a long duration and this knowledge has been decaying with time. Traditional soil taxonomies or classifications are most important in the process of identifying soil degradation. Therefore, this study was focused to ascertain the traditional knowledge used in identification of soil erosion and classification of soil in the Knuckles range of Sri Lanka. Seven Grama Niladhrari Divisions out of 56 laid in Knuckles range were selected as the study area. Out of 346 families living in the study area, 120 families were selected by employing simple random sampling method. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations and transect walks while international and local soil classification methods were applied for scientific validation. In this study four (04) traditional methods used to classify the soil was identified. Based on 6 different indigenous criteria, three (03) main soil types and 15 sub soil types were identified. Further, types of components existing in each indigenous soil type were identified using a soil index which comprises of 16 type of materials while nine (09) soil samples and nine (09) soil profiles were scientifically validated through international and local soil classification. The traditional soil taxonomy found in this research can be applied for identifying and minimizing the degradation of soil and securing the quality of the environment. Comparative studies between the scientific and traditional science like this would expose and disseminate more and more possibilities on future studies. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9145 The Problems and Constraints Faced by Small Scale and Informal Business Community in the Tourism Industry: A Case Study from Ella, Sri Lanka Hettiarachchi, H.A.N Small scale and informal business sector in tourism is an effective mechanism which generates different advantages. It has come into existence as an important feature of peripheral tourist destinations. However, communities in such businesses confront different constraints which hinder their involvement. The main objective of this study was to analyze the issues and constraints faced by the small scale and informal business community of the Ella divisional secretariat division of the Badulla district. After a preliminary survey, this study area was selected. The total population (221) in the selected business sector was stratified into 13 categories and 90 respondents were selected by stratified random sampling method. Research techniques such as interviews and questionnaire surveys were employed for data collection. Qualitative techniques including the quotation and thematic analysis and quantitative techniques such as the methods of central tendency were employed for data analysis. The results of the study reveal that the small and informal businesses fall into 13 groups. The entrepreneurial characteristics identified were classified under the themes of the location and permanency of the business, source of capital and investment. The constraints were identified under 10 categories. Different measures have been introduced to eliminate such issues. However, there is a pressing need of carrying out an in-depth study to investigate these issues in detail and novel policies and plans are timely and significant to lessening the issues and constraints identified. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/9144 Study on the Influence of Pessimistic Cultural Bondages that Affect the Career Perspectives of Rural Women Wijewardhana, B.V.N It is assumable that the entire nation in Sri Lanka can prosper and thrive when both genders have equal opportunities and power. Greater gender equality also enhances economic efficiency, increased income and competitive productivity in the economy. Studies revealed that out of 57 % of the female population only 34.7 % of women actively participate in the economy. By tradition, the rural women accredited the man-made behavioral role as their destiny. The focal object of this study is to examine the impact of prevailing social bondages and to analyze how such elements influence rural women and their career perspectives. Geographically, this research is focused on 3 rural districts namely, Kurunegala, Monaragala and Anuradhapura. In total, 600 informants in both categories of employed and unemployed were randomly selected. Data was collected through adeptly conducted focused group discussions, interviews, questionnaires, proceeded with relevant case studies and observations. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. The results obtained in concern with family bondages and their marriages revealed that women are deprived due to the abstained rights for decision making within their family settings. It is anomalous to address above factors as an optimistic mechanism, having established a National Committee for Controlling Gender Based Discrimination (NCCGBD). Thereupon, a revised policy framework should be formulated for empowering rural women while raising awareness on discriminative elements that are blended with conventional social beliefs. Improving positive socio-cultural customs as best practices to ensure asserted women’s rights, harmonious marriages, congruent family settings and progressive career perspectives are key elements to be adopted. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z