PurposeThe main aim of this study is to explore the appropriate factors in measuring COVID-19-induced supply chain disruptions and the impact of these disruptions on the economic vulnerability of small-scale farmers in Sri Lanka.FindingsThe findings revealed that most of the farmers have continued to cultivate even during the pandemic despite several challenges which affected their economic status. Therefore, it is concluded that COVID-19-induced transportation and demand disruptions exacerbated the economic vulnerability of small-scale farmers over the disruptions in supply and production.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are crucial for formulating novel policies to improve the sustainability of the Sri Lankan agricultural sector and alleviate the poverty level of Agri-communities in the countryside. As farming is a vital sector in the economy, increased attention ought to be given on facilitating farmers with government-encouraged loans or allowances for their financial stability. Further, the respective government authorities should develop programs for importing and distributing adequate quantities of fertilizers among all the farmers at controlled prices so that they can continue their operations without any interruption. Moreover, the government could engage in collaboratively work with private organizations to streamline the Agri-input supply process. There should be a government initiative for critical consideration of the issues of farming families and their continued motivation to engage in agriculture. Thus, farmers' livelihoods and agricultural prosperity could be upgraded through alternative Agri-inputs and marketing strategies, providing financial assistance, encouraging innovative technology, etc.Originality/valueDespite the significance and vulnerability of the vegetable and fruit sector in Sri Lanka, there is a limitation in the empirical studies conducted on the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 measures and their implications on the farmers' livelihood. Furthermore, previous empirical research has not employed adequate quantitative tools to analyze the situation or appropriate variables in evaluating COVID-19-induced disruptions. Hence, the current study explored the appropriate factors for measuring COVID-19-induced supply chain disruption using exploratory factor analysis. Then, the impact of those factors on the economic vulnerability of the small scale farmers was revealed through the ordinal logistics regression analysis.

The objectives of the study were to; examine the differences in happiness at work among white-collar and blue-collar workers in the apparel industry and to explore the main contributing organizational level factors to happiness at work. Following the case study method, a sample of blue and white-collar employees, selected from a large organization in the apparel industry were used to collect data. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data related to happiness and its determinants. Both ANOVA and ANCOVA models together with qualitative analysis were used to analyze data. It was found that blue-collar workers are happier at work than white-collar workers. Furthermore, it was discovered that job inspiration and work-life quality are the most significant contributors to the happiness of blue-collar employees; job inspiration, leadership, and work quality contribute to the happiness of white-collar employees.

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This study aims to examine the effect of remittances on the standard of living of the remittance receiving households in Sri Lanka. Survey data were analyzed using thematic analysis and stratified matching method in propensity score matching. It was found that, a large majority of labour migrants remit money to their households left behind. However, the volume of remittances varies with the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the labour migrants and their households. Furthermore, it was found that remittance receiving households enjoy income from diversified sources. Average treatment effects estimated through stratified matching analysis reveal that remittance receivers enjoy a higher level of income and higher standard of living compared to their non-remittance receiving counterparts. Improvement of the income by the remittances varies with the income quintile of the households.KeywordsMigration, Propensity Score Matching, Remittances, Sri Lanka

Aim of this review is to review literature on the impact of international labour migration and remittances on household well-being and present a theoretical and a conceptual framework to facilitate empirical studies. Study found that, migration literature comprises diversified views which has been changed in different era with the changing socio-economic contexts of emigrating and immigrating countries. Present view, which is highly dominated by pluralists, provides theoretical foundation to link migration and remittances to household well-being. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks developed in this review provides a strong foundation for empirical analysis.