FACTORS AFFECTING BEHAVIORAL INTENTION OF ACADAMIC PERFORMANCE IN STATE UNIVERSITIES IN SRI LANKA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN EASTERN UNIVERSITY, SRI LANKA AND SOUTH EASTERN OF UNIYERSITY SRI LANKA

Abstract

State university students in Sri Lanka are crucial for the country's economic and social development, yet they face significant challenges, including high dropout rates and low engagement levels. Approximately 30% of first-year students drop out, and only 40% are highly engaged in their studies. These issues are influenced by personal, institutional, and social factors, further exacerbated by the country's economic hardships. Understanding these factors is essential for improving student retention and engagement, which this study aims to investigate, focusing on Eastern and South Eastern Universities. Thus, this study intends to investigate the study focuses on the behavioral intentions of state university students in Sri Lanka, with a particular emphasis on the Eastern University and South Eastern University. It explores the factors that influence students' intentions to persist in their studies and engage actively in their learning. The study employs a quantitative approach using surveys to collect data from students from both universities. In this research study, primary data was collected. A structured questionnaire was used as the method of data collection. The stratified selected sampling method was used to create the sampling framework for the study. The quantitative research approach was used. The study data were presented with univariate, bivariate, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The 386 sample members that are used as the sample of the research are from the South Eastern University and Eastern University which are two government universities in Sri Lanka. To classify the personal information of the sample included in the research data analysis, the results of the data analysis on the personal factors such as gender, years of study, degree program, family income, and language of instruction at university, and type of university attended were discussed. The relationship between behavioral intention (BI) and perceived behavioral control shows a strong positive correlation. It was confirmed that the relationship between the two variables PBC and SN as well as attitude and behavioral intention is a strong positive correlation. Correlation between subjective norm and behavioral intention is a strong positive correction. Based on the findings of the research, this research socializes some recommendations to enhance the academic performance of the degree candidates representing the Government Universities of Sri Lanka. The recommendations focus mainly on developing cognitive behavioral control, developing positive attitudes in students and stimulating the positive influence of subjective norms