http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/73 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:34:40 GMT 2026-04-16T12:34:40Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12453 Title: Assessing the willingness to pay of fishermen, Biologists and Engineers tor Sustainable Management of Thondamanaaru Lagoon in Jaffna District Sri Lanka Authors: Sooriyakumar, K.; Sivashankar, S.; Sarujan, S.; Nithila, K.; Kiriyaliny, V.; Selvana, S.; Anushiya, S. Abstract: As one of the prominent lagoons in northern Sri Lanka, the Thondamanaru lagoon provides a wide range of ecosystem services that are highly valued by society. However, the state intervention of barrage closure to prevent the salinity issues in the groundwater of the region has posed serious challenges on the biodiversity of the Thondamanaaru lagoon as well as the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen living in this area. The situation raises concerns not only among the local people but also among all the stakeholders related to this lagoon ecosystem management such as, biologists, engineers, fishermen. Therefore, this study aims to understand the preferences and willingness to pay of fishermen, biologists, and engineers using a choice experiment approach to support sustainable lagoon management. The attributes considered for this study include the levels of barrage operation, fish stocks, mangroves, tourist facilities, and payments. A total of 180 fishermen, 150 engineers, and 154 biologists were randomly selected for this study, and the preferences of different stakeholders were analyzed using a mixed logit model. The results show the preference order of barrage operation of fishermen and biologists as follows: complete opening of sluice gate throughout the year, opening for one month per year and complete closure of sluice gate, but the preference order of barrage operation of engineers is as follows: complete closure of sluice gate, opening for one month per year and complete opening of sluice gate throughout the year. However, all stakeholders are willing to pay to open the sluice gate for one month per year. Biologists had the highest WTP (LKR 2956.65) for sluice gate opening for one month per year. In contrast, engineers prefer to completely close the barrage and open the barrage one month per year levels than completely open the barrage. Notably, fishermen, biologist, and engineers are willing to pay for an increase in fish stock, mangroves, and improvements in tourism. Furthermore, the findings revealed that fishermen above 50 years of age were more willing to accept compensation for the complete closure of the sluice gate per month compared to those below 50 years of age. Further, engineers’ income and their knowledge regarding the lagoon significantly influence their choice, while biologists’ gender, knowledge, and understanding of lagoon management practices significantly influence their choice. These findings could be useful to policymakers to develop appropriate policy to maximize the welfare to society from lagoon and sustainable ecosystem management. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12453 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12452 Title: Analysis of Paddy Price fluctuations in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka Authors: Sooriyakumar, K.; Ahamed, M.M.M. Abstract: This study addresses the limited research on district-level paddy price fluctuations in Ampara, a key rice-producing region in Sri Lanka, which has been overlooked in favor of national-level analyses. It aims to analyze short- and long-term price dynamics of various paddy grain types using ARDL modelling, incorporating the effects of rice imports and interdistrict production. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to identify factors driving price volatility and assess its impact on farmer income and economic vulnerability. Findings will inform policy recommendations to enhance price stability and market resilience in Ampara’s paddy sector. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines time-series analysis using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and data collected over 22 years (2000-2022). The data includes total production in the Ampara district, annual rice import quantities for Sri Lanka, and prices of short-grain, long-grain red, and long-grain white rice. The study focuses on understanding the effects of local production levels, imports, and market dynamics on short- and long-term paddy price behavior, particularly for short-grain, long-grain white, and long-grain red rice varieties. The ARDL model reveals that rice imports and production levels negatively influence short-grain rice prices in neighboring districts, while long-grain white rice prices exert a positive influence on short-grain prices. Similarly, long-grain white and red rice prices are sensitive to both local and external production factors, reflecting broader market dynamics that affect price stability. The study highlights the significant roles of historical prices, imports, and inter-district production in shaping current price trends. The findings underscore the economic vulnerability of paddy farmers, particularly during harvest periods when price drops reduce income stability. Although government policies are aimed at price stabilization through procurement programs, they are often insufficient due to infrastructural and financial constraints. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12452 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12451 Title: Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka Authors: Sooriyakumar, K.; Perera, S.P.M.P.; Sarujan, S. Abstract: This study examines the macroeconomic determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Sri Lanka over the period from 1970 to 2022. Key variables analyzed include FDI net inflows (as a percentage of GDP), exchange rates, GDP growth, inflation and trade openness. Using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the research captures both short-run and long-run relationships between these variables and FDI behavior. The results reveal that both GDP growth and trade openness are significant drivers of FDI, exerting positive effects in both the immediate and long-term contexts. Stronger economic expansion and liberalized trade environments are shown to enhance Sri Lanka’s investment appeal. Notably, while currency depreciation initially deters FDI, it exerts a positive influence over time, underscoring the complex role of exchange rate dynamics in investment decisions. Additionally lagged GDP- particularly with a two-period lag- proves influential, highlighting the importance of sustained economic performance in shaping investor confidence. In contrast, inflation and FDI in US dollar terms were found to have no significant impact on FDI inflows, suggesting that foreign investors weigh broader macroeconomic stability over inflationary pressures. The study concludes that policies fostering economic growth, ensuring exchange rate stability, and enhancing trade openness are crucial for attracting sustained foreign investment and driving long-term development in Sri Lanka. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12451 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12450 Title: Assessing Local Fishing Communities’ Willingness to Pay for Reducing Faecal and Oil Pollution in the Negombo Lagoon Authors: Sooriyakumar, K.; Dissanayake, T.G.D.S.; Sivashankar, S.; Kamshajini, R. Abstract: The Negombo Lagoon is one of the economically important coastal areas in Sri Lanka, however, it faces challenges due to faecal and oil pollution. Faecal and oil pollution not only affect the water quality but also threaten aquatic organisms, human health, and the livelihoods of local fishing communities. This has led to declining fish and prawn stocks, loss of biodiversity, and reduction in the lagoon's ecological and economic value. Therefore, this study employs the choice experiment approach to assess the local fishing communities’ preferences and willingness to pay to reduce faecal and oil pollution in the lagoon. This study considered six attributes: faecal pollution, oil pollution, algae removal, fish and prawn stock, mangrove restoration, and payment. A total of 350 respondents were randomly selected using a wellstructured questionnaire. The mixed logit model was used to elicit respondents’ preferences. The findings of this study indicate that respondents are willing to pay LKR 1,220.20 and LKR 734.09 for a 50% reduction in faecal and oil pollution, respectively. Additionally, the estimated WTP for 50% algae removal, a 50% increase in fish and prawn stock, and a 50% increase in mangroves is LKR 2,181.10, LKR 2,313.78, and LKR 994.44, respectively. In contrast, respondents exhibited a negative WTP of LKR 899.88 for 25% algae removal. Notably, the findings of this study reveal that respondents have a higher WTP for increasing fish and prawn stock than for reducing faecal and oil pollution. It indicates that respondents prioritize attributes that are directly related to economic benefits over environmental improvements. Furthermore, results imply that respondents’ education level and household monthly income significantly influenced the faecal and oil pollution reduction preferences. The findings of this study will help policymakers in designing effective strategies and pricing mechanisms to reduce pollution while considering local communities' preferences Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12450 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z