CHAPTER 01

INTRODUCTION

1.0Introduction

POLA has received much scholarly attention, compared to other social spaces in Sri Lanka.
The ‘POLA’ or market is part of most Sri Lankan’s daily or weekly ritual. It is a place where
one goes to purchase their vegetables, fruits, dry rations and perhaps converse with the vendors
for the latest gossip in the area. And most townships in the country have at least one POLA
which receives frequent patronage.
POLA’ concept is historical concept derived from a long time and globally it’s a market
concept taken place at everywhere in the world in different format with different scale and in
today’s context ‘POLA’ concept is divert with modern factors with different faces. In Sri
Lankan context ‘POLA’ was continue especially in rural area on different specific days in the
week at specific places and it will be routine activity from the inception. Our task was to
working on qualitative aspects of ‘DELKANDA POLA’ on customers and visitors behaviour.
We visited ‘DELKANDA POLA’ and engage on this activity to find out the behavioural
aspects of customers and visitors.
This chapter initially presents Background and overview of the Delkada POLA and Customer
behaviour. After that, describes the research problem, objectives and research issues for the
study. In addition this highlights the contributions of this study to the extant literature. Lastly,
the organization of chapters of the whole report is presented

1.1 Background of the Study

‘DELKANDA POLA’ is one of the famous oldest ‘POLA’ in Sri Lanka and continued their
operations since 1960’s. Earlier it was operated at in front of the high-level road with small
plot of land belongs to private ownership call ‘RAJJURUWO’ and its family own concept hired
to outsiders to carry on with trading activities. Initially they sold ‘GOMA’ for the agriculture
sector and later on converted to other goods. In 2007 it was shifted to excising place on
Raththanapitiya road with new face and facilities and presently ‘POLA’ is administrative by
Urban Development Authority (UDA).
1
‘POLA’ is conducted their business on Saturday & Sunday regularly and Saturday for the
wholesalers and Sunday for the retailers. On Saturday average 2000 customers are visiting
‘POLA’ as a wholesalers and Sundays average 3000 plus customers are visiting ‘POLA’ as a
retailer.
‘POLA’ is physically structured in two categories and in main building in the centre is having
5 by 5 feet area shops and UDA charging Rs.500/= per day. Second part the structure is consist
of separate big shops with identifications with permanent allocation are paying Rs.1500/= plus
as a ground rent to UDA. Other than the above mentioned permanent structures, there are small
unorganised traders are everywhere with different business categories are paying Rs.200/= plus
amounts as a ground rent to the UDA. To the ‘POLA’ approximately over 1000 merchandisers
are coming for a trading activities in different types of business from different part of the
country specially from Rathnapura, Horana, Kalutara, etc. Most of the traders are in the
‘POLA’ from inception of their life through family own concept and even third generation
family members in the trade currently. Some of the traders are new to the business specially
with shifting with old place to current place some extra space allocation and with some political
influence manage to occupy by new comers.

1.2 Problem of the Study

POLA is an important informal organisation that helps to the survival of rural community in
Sri Lanka. Customers are the key players in the POLA and their behaviour is important to the
success of the POLA. The behaviour of customers cannot easily be predicted and changes with
the time period. There are very few studies conducted related to the POLA in Sri Lanka.() the
changes in the perceptions of consumers who visit to the POLA may alteration with the open
up New Delkada POLA . Therefore the research problem of the study is
“Whether the customer behaviour is important in the success of Delkanda POLA in Sri Lanka”

1.3 Objective of the Study

 To understanding the ‘POLA’ concept widely through different perspective and how
its changing from history to present.
 To deeply elaborate the historical aspects of the ‘POLA’ in global aspects and local
aspects.

2
  To understanding the customers and visitor’s behaviour on ‘POLA’ and why they are
visiting on different time basis.
 To find out the administrative factors on historical perspective and how administrative
factors structured to the present scenario.
 To examine the problems and difficulties facing by customers and visitors at the
‘POLA’ from administration and traders.
 To understanding the economic theories and concept on market behaviour and how
those concepts are applicable to ‘POLA’.
 To identify external factors effecting to the ‘POLA’ on customers, visitors, suppliers,
traders, administrative workers, etc.

1.4 Significance of study

‘POLA’ is a market concept which evolving from long time ago drastically with major changes
to the different economies in global level as well as local communities and today those
historical concepts covert in to modern concept to enhance the quality of work of providing
goods and services to the customers and also from the traders and suppliers perspective its
enhancing drastically with modern techniques to provide better service to the end users. Even
‘DELKANDA POLA’ also being servicing to the community for a last five to six decades with
valuable historical factors and evolved time to time with remarkable changes to the current
‘POLA’ and today it is highly structured and organised with increased customers, visitors,
traders and suppliers.
On the other hand, ‘POLA’ has produced number of other additional services to the community
more than the initial historical traditional concept due to development and evolvement of
different economic, social marketing concepts to the modern world by enhancing quality of
goods and services and also other services like formal banking and financing activities, etc.
Therefor studying of different market concept like ‘POLA’ is providing important information
on different part of communities as well as economic and social aspects and able to identified
potential development area to be expose to contribution to the economy.

1.5 Chapterisation
The report is organized into five chapters investigating the customer behavior in the Delkanda
POLA in Sri Lanka.Chapter One introduces the research objectives, discuss the background
of the study, articulate the main motivation of the study, present the research questions and

3
elaborate on the research contributions. The chapter is introduced with a brief outline of the
manner in which the thesis is organized.
Chapter Two presents a review of related theoretical and empirical studies on POLA More

specifically, the chapter is divided into three main sections. Initially it explains the historical

developments in POLA in the Sri Lankan context. Secondly, In particular it reviews of

empirical studies from Sri Lanka that are concerned in the investigation of the customer

behavior at POLA.

Chapter Three presents the research design and methods used in this research. The

compatibility of the selected research design with the research objectives and questions is

discussed. The chapter also addresses the challenges in using a mixed-methods research design.

This chapter discusses the qualiative research design, methodology and statistical analysis of

data used in this study.

Chapter Four discusses the results of the statistical analysis of the data. Here, descriptive

statisticss and content analysis related to consumer behavior at Delkada POLA,

Chapter five presents a summary of the findings from the quantitative and qualitative data, and

the implications of this study for policy-makers and practitioners. Furthermore, it discusses the

contributions of the study and sheds light on its limitations. The chapter concludes by explicitly

offering suggestions for future research.

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 CHAPTER 02

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter explores the evolution of POLA from the past history up to present in the context

in Sri Lanka. Initially, a History of POLA is presented. Then, the definitions of POLA is

described. In the final section, Literature Related to the POLA studies is presented.

Baudrillad(1983 ) has theorized the simulation of consumer behaviour

2.1 Evolution of POLA in Sri Lanka

POLA has acknowledged much attention by the various scholars’ in Sri Lanka.The

development of rural (Fairs - 'POLAs') markets were associated with religious festivals and

pilgrimages. (Fernando 1975). He further explained that as many of these festivals took place

after harvesting by the farmers and had enough means to buy their needs at these places.

Nevertheless, this elucidation appears to be too contracted. Afterward scrutinizing various

government documents and secondary sources. A foreign anthropologist Jackson (1977)

accomplishes that these markets are primarily originates at the 20th century. She studied the

POLA system in North Western Sri Lanka, specifically looking at a set of POLA circuits

consisting of 86 POLAs.

In 1980, Agrarian Research and Training Institute (ARTI) of Sri Lanka studied the POLAs in

Kurunegala District, at the request of Ministry of Plan Implementation, for the regional rural

5
market development project funded by Food and Agricultural Organization of the United

Nations (UNFAO). The study marks POLA as an central link in the agricultural marketing

system in Sri Lanka and therefore endorses that it should be given further devotion from policy

makers. (Senanayake 1980) It provided the basis for a national development plan for rural

markets. Winslow (1981) designates a competition between the POLAs at KudaPOLA (a retail

POLA

with 200 vendors) and POLAgama (located in a town with 300 wholesalers and retail vendors),

and how the villagers of the pottery making village compared the transportation costs of going

to a larger but distant POLAgama POLA and the closer but smaller KudaPOLA POLA. In

1988, the ARTI studied and documented POLAs in Kalutara district at the request and with the

financial support of Ministry of Youth Affairs. This study approximations that there were more

than

400 POLAs in Sri Lanka at the time and highlights that, as a market system with market

functions of different sorts according to socio-economic pattern of the local area. (Bandara

1988) Rural areas most produce is sold through periodic markets known as POLAs, to

boutiques, to itinerant or other traders who have set up long term relationships with the

producers. (Stirrat 1988) Department of Geography (University of Jayawardenapura)

,conducted a study to discover the urban-rural interface in Sri Lanka, advocates a growth in

the number of POLAs to 517 in 1997 which was clearly impacted by large resettlement

programs like the Mahaweli Project. (Karunanayake 2003).

Gamperaliya fast-track rural development program aims to develop Sathi POLA, and

entrepreneurship in all districts of Sri Lanka within the next two years. The needs of individual

village markets are listed, along with the cost of each upgrade. Village markets that receive

6
funds are obligated to follow up on the progress of each micro-project. (Weekly Village Fair

Information System 2018).

2.2 Definitions of POLA

POLA is in Sinhala word and santhai or chantha is called by tamil speaking areas is a similar

place and social institution . In ethnically mixed (Sinhala and Muslim) areas the same place is

identified by different names such as markari kadei or bazar (Lit: vegetable market) (Haniffa

2016). There are other terms that are adopted from other languages including English; like

markettuwa deriving from market.

POLA does not have a dictionary term which all scholars and practitioners reach a decision;

it is translated and defined in different ways by the various schools in other countries. Jackson

(1977) appeals POLA as a ‘periodic market’, vindicated by the characteristics the POLA

shares with periodic markets elsewhere in the world. Here she denotes characteristics including

periodic nature of the market activity, get-together of buyers and sellers and the aim of buying

and selling exhibits in POLA.

Senanayake (1980) agrees with Jackson and uses the term ‘periodic market’ with the adjective

‘rural’ and he further explained that the periodic rural markets are commonly known as fairs.

(Senanayake 1980) Merriam-Webster dictionary (2016) defined a fair where gathering of

buyers and sellers at a particular place and time for trade, a competitive exhibition usually

with accompanying entertainment and amusement, and a sale of assorted articles usually for

a charitable purpose. This definition also vague since POLA is not only used for chartable

purpose. Bandara (1988) defines POLA as a ‘process defined by transactions that take place

when a group of buyers and sellers, gathers at a specific place, on a specific date and within a

7
specific time period, with the intension of buying and selling’. Stirrat (1988) uses both ‘weekly

fair’ and ‘periodic market’ interchangeably to refer to POLA as a place connected to the fishery

community he studied.

Azmi (2008) takes this definition beyond the economic function of POLA by saying, “POLA

in rural Sri Lanka, not only serves as an economic center, but also as cultural, social and

recreational center”. But her research is not explained how POLA plays these multiple roles.

2.3 Literature related the consumer behavior at POLA in Sri Lanka

Jayatillake and Mahalianaarachchi interviewed total of 100 consumers were and four case
studies were carried out in Monaragala District. Five fairs were selected from five of 10
Divisional Secretariat Divisions. According to the study the main reason for their preference
was low price and freshness and the consumer’s main vegetable purchasing market was the
POLA and the next was the village retailer. Consumers were interested in both price and quality
(appearance, freshness and nutritive value) when they purchase vegetables and fruits at the
POLA.

2.4 History of Delkada POLA in Sri Lanka

8
Since 1960’s Delkada POLA was operated at in front of the high-level road with small plot of
land belongs to private ownership call ‘RAJJURUWO’ and its family own concept hired to
outsiders to carry on with trading activities. Initially they sold ‘GOMA’ for the agriculture
sector and later on converted to other goods. In 2007 it was shifted to excising place on
Raththanapitiya road with new face and facilities and presently ‘POLA’ is administrative by
Urban Development Authority (UDA). The newly constructed the Delkanda POLA and
building complex in Gangodawila was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 09th
Match 2014. The Rs. 130 million project has established a new POLA complete with
washrooms, parking lot, and walkways for the use of the general public. The POLA is to be
ceremonially declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa this Sunday.The new POLA
situated on Raththanapitiya Road, close to the Delkanda Junction, was built by the UDA after
vendors were evicted from the old POLA by the owner of the land in which the POLA operated.

9
 CHAPTER 03

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction

This chapter details out the research methodology for the present study and explains a suitable
methodology to achieve the objective. The research methodology has been robust and measures
have been taken to minimize errors in data collection and analysis. Various authors have
coined the term “Research Methodology” as a systematic rigorous process of contributing
knowledge by using various data collection tool. This chapter provides information of research
approach, research design, population and sample of the study, data collection and data analysis
procedures that is used to obtain data.
3.1 Research Approach

The research approach that was followed for the purpose of this study was the inductive one.
According to this approach, researchers begin with specific observation for investigating the
behaviours of customers and visitors in POLA, which are used to produce generalized theories
and conclusions drawn from the research. The reasons for occupying the inductive approach
was that it takes into account the context where research effort is active, while it is also most
appropriate for small samples that produce qualitative data.
This study was conducted as cross sectional qualitative study that sought to explore the
behaviours of customers and visitors in Delkada POLA. The main instruments used for
information collection was observation and interviews.
3.2 Research design

The research design is the blueprint that helps in the fulfilment of objective and gives answers
to a particular research problem. Kothari (2004) defines research design as the arrangement of
conditions for collecting and analysing of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to
the research purpose with economy in procedure. It provides the systematic plan of procedures
for the researcher to follow.

10
3.3 Population and Sample

When the research population is seen large or in extreme, the researchers mostly use samples
of research because it is difficult to take as a whole for the research. The population of this
study is Colombo customers and visitors in Delkada POLA, Nugegoda. Saleemi (1997) defines
sampling as the method applied to collect data in most of the cases. According to this method,
40 customers and visitors from the whole population in were selected as sample and the results
obtained from this sample are generalized for the whole population.
Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used Delkada POLA to identify the key
respondents of the research. The purposive method was convenient for the researcher to use to
support the exploratory nature of the research. The purposive sampling was selected as it was
base to certain purpose. The respondents were selected according to their active participation
in the subject area.
3.4 Data collection method

Data collection is the systematic approach to gathering and measuring information from a
variety of sources to get a complete and accurate picture of an area of interest. The study used
the primary data sources to collect the data from customers and visitors in the market. Primary
data was collected fresh from the people and for the first time, thus were happen too original
in character.
This data was collected through observation and interview to analyse participant’s behaviours
and opinions regarding a particular subject. The main advantage of personal interviews is that
they involve personal and direct contact between interviewers and interviewees, as well as
eliminate non-response rates, but interviewers need to have developed the necessary skills to
successfully carry an interview (Fisher, 2005, Wilson, 2003).
Some certain questions were prepared, so as for the researcher to guide the interview towards
the satisfaction of research objectives, but additional questions were made encountered during
the interviews.

3.5 Data Analysis Method

The Statistical procedures can be divided into two major categories: descriptive statistics and
inferential statistics. The following analysis tools or techniques are used in the study

11
3.5.1 Content analysis
It was used to analyze the data which was gathered from personal interviews. According to
Moore & McCabe (2005), this is the type of research whereby data gathered is categorized in
themes and sub-themes, so as to be able to be comparable. A main advantage of content
analysis is that it helps in data collected being reduced and simplified, while at the same time
producing results that may then measured using qualitative techniques. Moreover, content
analysis gives the ability to researchers to structure the qualitative data collected in a way that
satisfies the accomplishment of research objectivs. However, human error is highly involved
in content analysis, since there is the risk for researchers to misinterpret the data gathered,
thereby generating false and unreliable conclusions (Krippendorff & Bock, 2008).
3.5.2 Descriptive Analysis

A descriptive analysis is an area which focuses on describing a particular scenario, a problem

area through an investigated question. It is essential to have clarity on the methods of data
collection prior to the formulation of the problem statement. This field of study is complex and
it requires proficient skills of research so that it can be designed and executed effectively.

3.6 Summary
In this chapter, the research methodology followed to achieve on acceptable result is discussed.
The identification and definition of the target population in terms of the objective of study is
represented. The results from the statistical tests employed will be discussed in the next chapter.

12
 CHAPTER 04

DATA ANALYSIS

4.0 Introduction

It’s not like in the past, nowadays there are multiple options available for customers to buy
their day to day necessities, and there are different specific marketplaces such has Small
grocery outlets, larger scale convenient stores and popular market community like “POLA”
can be found, these are the most popular marketing destinations for the general public in Sri
Lanka. People visit these places to buy their day to day needs such as Vegetables, Fruits, Meat
and fish, Groceries and other necessities. The” POLA” as a concept, is very much popular with
our local communities. The main purpose of this section of the report is to analysis the
Customers and Visitors who visited to “Delkada POLA”. This “POLA” opens every Saturday
and Sunday for business activities, mainly Saturday focus on Wholesale and Sunday focus on
retail.

With the observation tour to the “Delkada POLA” and have managed to select a convenient
sample of customers who represented the target population of POLA. Further the data
collected through a face to face interview with 30 customers. A questionnaire has been
designed to capture the most important elements of customer’s feedbacks (see Appendix).

4.1 Descriptive analysis of customers

It is important to understand the basic characteristics of the customers who are visiting
Delkada POLA on a weekly basis, therefore an insight of gender, age group, Monthly income,
weekly spending budget, and occupation type are main vital elements to analysis.

4.1.1 Gender
As per Figure: 01 shows that, the higher percentage of female customer representation which
is 53% while 30% male customers and 17% family among who are visiting Delkada POLA on
a weekly basis can be observed..

13
Figure: 01

4.1.2 Age

Figure : 02
It is prominent that the age group 25-40 have a higher representation of customers which is
47%, while the age group 40-60 indicate 30% slightly less and age 60 above has a lesser
amount of 23% customer representation.

4.1.3 Monthly Income

When considering the monthly income of the customers its clear that 43% of customers have
an income level of less than Rs.150,000 per month, 27% of them earns less than Rs.100,000
per month, 13% earns less than Rs.50,000, 10% earns less than Rs. 25,000 and only 7% against
the less than Rs, 200,000 income level.

14
Figure: 03
4.1.4 Weekly spending for “Delkada POLA”

Figure : 04

As above figure 04 indicated a larger percentage of customers spends in-between Rs.1000 -

3000 per week and secondly 20% of the customers spend in between Rs.3000 to 5000, whereas
spending category in between Rs.5000 to 7000 is concerned it’s only 10%. Further less amount
of 7% indicated for both Rs.0 to 1000 and for the Rs.7000 above spending category.

4.1.5 Occupation type

When analyzing the occupation of the customers it is understood that the private sector has a
representation of 37%, secondly 27% of these customers having an own business to generation
their monthly income. Also, 13% are housewife, 10% government servants, 10 % Retired and
3% represented as students.

15
Figure: 05

4.2 Content Analysis of the customer behavior and Perception

4.2.1 Geographical presence of customers

When examining the geographical presence of the customers it’s identified that “Delkada
POLA” represented with 98% of local area customers form the surrounding areas within the 2
to 3 Kilometer range locations such as Delkada, Nugegoda, Navinna, Rathanapitiya and
Wijerama. As POLA or in other words marketplace is center for the local community to buy
their necessities conveniently and some of the customer’s perception revealed that they visit
Delkada POLA as a tradition, they believe in socializing with the local community.

4.2.2 Interaction and Perception of customers

The key experiences gained through “Delkada POLA” observation and interaction with
customers and visitors that, they are very easy to approach, humble, friendly, and willing to
share their views, opinions, and experiences. Also noticed that they have built up long
trustworthy mutual understanding with vendors and other outside sources. One gentleman
Suagth (47) from Kotte who is a banker working in Dubai, comes to Sri Lanka for his vacation
mentioned that, he visits twice a year and makes sure to come to “Delkada POLA” to get the
experience of the typical Sri Lankan taste of socialization. Customer interaction with vendors
in a friendly approach and demanding the correct weight and quality of the goods they buy,

16
especially in meat stall customers had the freedom of choice. Also, one important factor
observed that certain individuals build up a conversation with other fellow customers and share
their weekly gossips and stories. Overall the atmosphere is very genuine and friendly for any
outsider to mingle and start a conversation with anyone.

4.2.3 The purpose of visiting “Delkada POLA”

Many customers claimed that they visit POLA every Sunday, only a few of them comes once
or twice a month, They have different views on the question of “why Delkada POLA ?”
Despite there are other nearby POLA such as Maharagama and Nugegoda most of them believe
the location and access to this POLA is very convenient and able to buy all the necessities at
one place. One customer mentioned that he usually walks to POLA every Sunday as a part of
his exercise routine to stay fit and manage his buy time scheduled. Almost all the customers
come to Delkada POLA to buy Vegetables and there are many vegetable stalls who offer the
same category of vegetables in different competitive price points, in slightly different quality
levels.

One gentleman name “Ashoka” (34) shared his view.

I usually come here every Sunday to buy vegetables, I think vegetables in this POLA very
fresh, and I know many of the sellers here, they always offer me good quality vegetables,
sometimes give me bit extra too. Some sellers, sell at a higher price but with my experience
with delkada POLA I know what to buy and from whom to buy different vegetable types. For
me, this is very convenient and value for money, also I can buy all the other necessities, most
importantly I enjoy the culture here in dealing with Local people.

One women shared her view

I am coming to Delkanda POLA every week to buy the local fruits and vegetables for my kids
which are not poisoned and directly purchase from the grandmothers whose coming from
villages.

According to many customers, they visit this POLA to buy Fruits, there are different fruit
selling stalls offer fresh quality, customers can demand the best quality and they can physically
see what each seller has to offer. Even though fruits are expensive but people visit Delkada
POLA because of freshness and quality. Furthermore most of them mentioned that they can
easily buy fresh Fish and meat in one location. Further, some customers have a different view
such as that they believe it’s their responsibility to help the Local community.

17
4.2.4 Problems and Issues faced by the customers

Many customers complained about the price, as per them “ Delkada POLA” is an expensive
POLA. One matured lady(48) visit from Meepe as a practice to buy the Raw material for their
own business, she mentioned that her kids call Delkada POLA as “Supiri POLA” due to high
price compare to other in surrounding locations. And there is no price control, some sellers
charged extra and change the price as per the customer. One gentleman highlighted that lots of
cheating happening in terms of the quality for some items like Eggs, as per him “ Game bithara
kiyala Farm bithara wikunanawa” , “Kithul hakuru kiyala sini dapu hakuru vikunanawa”.
When considering the location and the facility, this there is no proper cleaning and Hygiene in
terms of maintaining the Toilet conditions for Customers and visitors.

4.2.5 Content Analysis related to Other visitors

Apart from regular customers there are other visitors such as Money lenders who offer loans
to sellers and collect the interest in daily basis, and well-dressed bankers from NSB who held
mobile saving machine to collect Savings from sellers, this a good initiative from National
savings bank and it seems sellers are very comfortable with this service offered at their
fingertips.

Furthermore administrative officer from UDA who monitors the selling space of each seller
depend on the area allocated and collect the daily ground Rent. We observed small mobile
sellers such as utility bag sellers and beggars, service providers like taxies and transport are
prominent individuals who visit this “Delkada POLA”.

18
 CHAPTER 05

CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

5.0 Summary

In this study main objectives was to study the behavior and characteristics of the consumers.
The majority of consumers who come to buy at the POLA relatively falls within the category
between 25 years to 40 years with a substantial level of education. Most of those who come to
buy goods are females. It is reveled that teachers, clerks, pensioners and businessman are the
most regular purchasers at the POLA. About 90% of the consumers of the POLA at Delkada
were regular purchasers. Most of the Consumers do not have predetermined preferences and it
is apparent that the consumers decide on items of purchase at the point of arrival to the POLA.
Majority of the consumers believed that market prices at the POLA were lower than other local
market outlets and the quality of goods reaching the POLA held as moderate quality. The main
reason for their preference for such market (POLA) was the low price fallowed by the other
considerations such as freshness, good quality and high degree of selectivity. Consumers were
interested in both price and quality (appearance, freshness and nutritive value) when they
purchase.

5.1 Conclusion

According to the study following conclusions can be reached related to POLA. POLA is a place
where life is shared along with its economic aspects. The inclusion of social, cultural and other
aspects of the POLA requires the broadening the vantage point, frame and focus (Perera 2016).
This study discloses that it is a place of exchange and meeting with a substantial economic role,
but not simply a market place. The POLA is a platform for life journeys created by people
themselves. The compatibility of the needs and interests of vendors and customers repeatedly
brings the same actors together POLA is not rebellious. It is operated, guided and controlled
through values that are commonly respected. POLA is built on and drives on social capital
where the capital relies on human resources. POLA is a driver of urban growth and contributes
to the changing cityness (Simone 2016)

5.2 Limitations of the study

19
The findings of the study provide extensive evidence regarding the behavior of Delkada POLA
in Sri Lanka however, the researchers must note certain limitations of the study that should be
taken into account when considering the conclusions that can be drawn. A limitation of this
study is that the research is based only on Delkanda POLA and only considers 40 customers
interviewed. Furthermore this study is cross sectional data and if it is considered in a certain
period

20
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Wilson, T.D. (2003). “Philosophical foundations and research relevance: issues for information
research”, Journal of Information Science, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 445-52.

Appendix

Customer Questionnaire “ Delkada POLA”

1. Are you alone or with the family?

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2. How often you come to Delkada POLA?
3. Where are coming from?
4. Why Delkada POLA and to buy what?
5. What’s your age?
6. What’s your occupation?
7. What is yours or family income?
8. How much you spend weekly at Delkada POLA?
9. Any comments about Delkada POLA and the facility

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