Abstract:
The rapid growth of e-banking has transformed financial services globally, yet its
adoption in rural areas of Sri Lanka, particularly in the North Central Province,
remains limited due to challenges related to usability and consumer attitudes.
Addressing this gap, the present study investigated the impact of perceived ease of
use on behavioural intention to adopt e-banking facilities, with a special focus on the
mediating role of consumer attitude. A quantitative research design was employed,
guided by the Technology Acceptance Model 3, and data were collected from 384
respondents through a structured questionnaire using convenience sampling. The data
were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, multiple regression, and
mediation analysis with SPSS software. Findings revealed that perceived ease of use
significantly and positively influences both consumer attitude and behavioural
intention, while consumer attitude mediates the relationship between perceived ease
of use and behavioural intention. These results highlight that enhancing the usability
of e-banking platforms not only improves user attitudes but also increases the
likelihood of adoption. The study provides important theoretical contributions by
extending TAM3 into a rural Sri Lankan context and offers practical implications for
banks, system designers, and policymakers to design user-friendly digital banking
platforms that promote financial inclusion and accessibility in underserved regions.
