Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR) adheres to the principles and best practices outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity in all editorial decisions.

Complaints
Complaints may concern the editorial process, peer review, publication ethics, author or reviewer conduct, or any aspect of journal management. Complaints must be submitted in writing and should include relevant details, such as manuscript identification and supporting documentation where applicable.

Appeals
Authors may appeal editorial decisions, including manuscript rejection, where they believe that a significant procedural or ethical issue has occurred. Appeals based solely on disagreement with reviewers’ comments will not normally be considered.

Procedure followed by the journal

• All complaints and appeals will be acknowledged promptly.
• Complaints and appeals will be handled objectively, confidentially, and in accordance with COPE guidelines.
• The Editor-in-Chief, or a senior editorial member independent of the original decision, will review the matter.
• Where appropriate, additional reviewers or independent editorial advice may be sought.
• Any conflicts of interest will be managed in line with COPE recommendations.
• The final decision following an appeal rests with the journal and will be communicated clearly to the complainant.

Complaints and appeals should be submitted via the journal’s official at jmtr@kln.ac.lk

Process for Complaints by Authors

Authors and other scholars submitting to the Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR) have the right to raise concerns or request clarification if they perceive any misconduct, ethical breach, or deviation from journal policies during the editorial or publication process.

• Complaints should be submitted via the journal’s official at jmtr@kln.ac.lk, clearly stating the manuscript details, nature of the complaint, and any supporting evidence.
• All complaints are treated seriously, confidentially, and promptly.
• JMTR investigates complaints in accordance with prevailing publication ethics practices and internationally recognized guidelines, including those from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
• Authors will be notified of the outcome of the investigation and any corrective actions taken, as appropriate.

Categories of Complaints

Authors or other scholars may submit complaints regarding the following issues:

• Authorship issues – disputes regarding authorship credit, order, or contribution.
• Plagiarism – unacknowledged copying of text, ideas, or results.
• Copyright violations – unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest – financial, personal, or professional interests that could influence outcomes.
• Deceptive or inaccurate research results – falsified, fabricated, or misleading data.
• Violations of established research standards – breaches of ethical, methodological, or reporting standards.
• Bias in the review process – unfair or non-objective assessment of the manuscript.
• Unsatisfactory peer-review comments – inadequate, unprofessional, or unclear feedback from reviewers.
• Unusually delayed manuscript processing time – significant delays beyond normal editorial timelines

JMTR is committed to fair, transparent, and ethical resolution of all complaints, ensuring the integrity of the publication process and maintaining trust in the scholarly record.

Policy for Handling Complaints

JMTR views every complaint as a chance to improve the clarity, accountability, and overall quality of its editorial process. Each submission of concern is reviewed carefully, handled with fairness, and resolved in a timely and professional manner, ensuring adherence to established publication ethics.