Manuscript Preparation

• Manuscripts should be submitted via email to: editorharbour.tc@esn.ac.lk
• The manuscripts/papers should be research based or related, original and comprise of previously unpublished material and must be presented following scientific methodology.
• Authors must submit an abstract not exceeding 250 words. All manuscripts should be prepared in Times New Roman, font size 12, double-spaced, and submitted only in MS Word latest version.
• All manuscripts should adhere to the APA style latest version guidelines appropriate to the relevant field of research. The full paper must not exceed 5,000 words, including tables and references.
• The manuscript should be well-organized having a Title Page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Literature Survey, Problem Definition, Material & Methods, Findings & Results, Interpretation & Discussion, Conclusion and References.
• All quoted and reproduced material should clearly be referenced in References or Works Cited.
• All contents should be original – authors’ own words, ideas, findings and arguments.
• Tables and figures should appear in the document near or after where they are referenced in the text. All figures and tables must have an intelligible caption in relation to the text.
• Photographs must be sharp, and exhibit good contrast.
• Correct and complete referencing of quoted and reproduced material is the obligation of the author.
• If author uses a reference from an out-source, author should cite relevant source giving credit to the original author or contributor.
• Authors must ensure that the study adheres to accepted ethical standards. Participation should be voluntary, with informed consent obtained from all respondents, and confidentiality and anonymity must be strictly maintained.

Publication Ethics

Manuscripts must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited. Authors must ensure the accuracy and integrity of their data and avoid fabrication, falsification, or manipulation. All contributors who have made significant scholarly contributions must be listed as authors, and all authors must approve the final manuscript. Any conflicts of interest and sources of funding must be clearly disclosed. Authors bear full responsibility for any ethical or legal violations.

Plagiarism Alert & Disclaimer

• The publisher and editors are not responsible for plagiarism or improper citation by authors.
• Authors must submit a declaration (downloadable form) confirming the originality of their work.
• Authors are solely responsible for any legal or ethical violations.
• Contributors must ensure their manuscripts comply with acceptable plagiarism standards.

Peer-Review Policy

All manuscripts submitted to the HARBOUR Journal of Researches are subject to a double-blind peer-review process to ensure impartiality and scholarly rigor. Reviewers’ comments and recommendations play a vital role in guiding the editor’s decision and in improving the quality of manuscripts. This process also enhances readers’ trust in the integrity of the research.

• The Editor-in-Chief conducts an initial screening.
• Authors will be notified of the editorial decision via email.
• Manuscripts will be evaluated based on originality, practical significance, relevance to the subject, scientific quality, and contribution to the current academic landscape.
• Manuscripts that meet the journal’s publication policies will proceed further in the review process.
• Accepted manuscript will be forwarded to the double-blind peer review process. Such that the journal does not disclose the identity of the reviewer(s) to the author(s) and does not disclose the identity of the author(s) to the reviewer(s).
• The review committee is not responsible for stripping of any information during panel review as the original author is not known to the committee.
• Manuscript/paper will be published only when the article is ‘commended for publication’ from the review committee/editorial board.
• If necessary the copy-editing work will be done by the members of the Editorial Board.
• The review process may take minimum 20 working days.
• In case of acceptance of the manuscript and commended for publication favourably, the manuscript will be published in online mode of time. If paper/article/manuscript is not commended for publication, the rejected manuscripts shall not be returned.

Privacy Statement

The journal may collect personal information such as names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and contact details solely for editorial and publication purposes. This information will be used exclusively for the stated objectives of the journal.