http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/119 2026-04-07T08:35:31Z 2026-04-07T08:35:31Z Tharshiga, P. Chandrasena, H.M. http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12426 2026-03-31T08:53:39Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Impact Of Micro Finance On Women’s Empowerment Evidence: From Anuradhapura District In Sri Lanka Authors: Tharshiga, P.; Chandrasena, H.M. Abstract: The present study aims to analyse the impact of microfinance on women’s empowerment in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. For the analysis purpose, microcredit, micro savings, and microinsurance are the measures of microfinance that serve as independent variables influencing women's empowerment, which is measured by decision-making power, income generation, education, health, and well-being. Guided by Empowerment Theory, the research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 150 women beneficiaries selected through stratified random sampling across three divisional secretariats: Madawachchiya, Mihinthale, and Rambewa. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the structural relationships between microfinance services and empowerment dimensions. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the women beneficiaries of the microfinance program across three divisional secretariats: Madawachchiya, Mihinthale, and Rambewa. The study's findings reveal that microfinance plays a significant and positive role in improving women’s empowerment. Among the microfinance components, microcredit and micro savings emerged as the key drivers, enhancing financial independence and household decision-making. The findings emphasise that while microfinance facilitates economic empowerment, persistent socio-cultural and institutional barriers limit women’s full autonomy. The study highlights the importance of integrating financial services with financial literacy and social inclusion programs to ensure sustainable empowerment outcomes. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies seeking to strengthen gender-responsive microfinance frameworks in Sri Lanka.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Dilogini, S http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12422 2026-03-31T06:13:39Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Are women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (WMSMEs) in Sri Lanka using social media as their transformative digital tool? Case study insights from Sri Lanka Authors: Dilogini, S Abstract: This study explores the use of social media tools by Sri Lankan women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (WMSMEs) as empowering digital technologies for entrepreneurship transformation. Following a qualitative case study approach, the study draws on in-depth, semi-structured, prolonged interviews with ten Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs representing different industries, supported by thematic analysis. Results show that social media enables such entrepreneurs to overcome geographical and socio-cultural borders, expand markets, and engage with consumers via visual storytelling and niche messaging. Entrepreneurs strategically mix and match platforms using Instagram and YouTube for brand building, Facebook for promotion, and WhatsApp for personalized communications while increasingly relying on analytics in guiding content and marketing decisions. Despite challenges such as low digital literacy, poor connectivity, and gendered social constraints, the women entrepreneurs exhibited resilience and adaptability in navigating the digital space. Despite the growing focus on digital tools, little is known about how women entrepreneurs strategically use social media for transformative business outcomes in developing contexts. This study engages with theories of digital entrepreneurship and gendered innovation to reveal how WMSMEs use social media for market expansion, customer engagement, and cultural storytelling. The findings highlight the need for targeted digital literacy programs to bridge infrastructure and socio-cultural gaps. This research contributes to the academic discourse by signifying WMSMEs' analytically driven, multi-platform strategies, and provides actionable insights for inclusive digitalization for policymakers.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Mithila, G. Lingeshiya, K. Attygalle, S. http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12416 2026-03-27T08:54:26Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Understanding Behavioural Intention Toward Cryptocurrency Use Among Gen Z in Sri Lanka Authors: Mithila, G.; Lingeshiya, K.; Attygalle, S. Abstract: Cryptocurrency has emerged as an influential element within global digital finance. However, adoption patterns differ across countries. This study investigates behavioural intentions of Generation Z users in Sri Lanka to adopt cryptocurrencies by applying the Technology Acceptance Model. The model incorporates perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, and awareness as key determinants of intention. A quantitative survey of university students was conducted, and responses from 261 participants were analysed using established statistical techniques. The results indicate that all four factors have a significant positive effect on behavioural intention, with trust emerging as the strongest predictor. The model explains a substantial proportion of the variation in intention, demonstrating the importance of both technological and psychological drivers in shaping adoption behaviour. The findings emphasize the need to improve user awareness, strengthen trust in digital financial systems, and enhance usability and perceived value of cryptocurrency platforms. These insights offer practical implications for policymakers, educators, and industry practitioners aiming to promote responsible and informed adoption of cryptocurrency technologies in emerging market contexts.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Mithila, G. Kengatharan, L. Fernando, A.M.P. http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12415 2026-03-27T08:24:13Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Impact of Mobile Banking Adoption on Financial Inclusion Authors: Mithila, G.; Kengatharan, L.; Fernando, A.M.P. Abstract: FinTech, especially mobile banking has become a key tool in expanding financial access, particularly in regions underserved by traditional banking. While developed countries focus on improving service use, mobile banking has driven major inclusion gains in emerging and frontier markets by overcoming cost and distance barriers. Despite high banking access in Sri Lanka, usage of digital financial tools remains low, partly due to limited IT literacy which is around 35% and trust concerns. This study examines whether mobile banking awareness, accessibility, digital skills and trust influence financial inclusion using survey data from 220 bank customers in Puttalam district. Statistical analysis is carried out using SPSS 25.0 version and the results show all four factors significantly support inclusion with trust and digital literacy having the strongest effects. The findings suggest mobile banking can effectively promote financial inclusion, but success relies on improving user knowledge, digital skills and confidence in digital systems. The research fills a gap in the frontier market and offers clear direction for policies and FinTech strategies aimed at inclusive financial growth.

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