Browsing by Author "Jayaratne, M"

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A study about the geographical isolation of the Rhododendron arboreum plant in Horton plains national park
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Wijekoon, P.M.; Jayaratne, M
Geographical factors have mainly influenced the origin and expansion of plants in the world. The Rhododendron arboreum plant, which is endemic to Sri Lanka is fairly spread in high altitudes area from 1500m to 2400m in central highland. The main objective of this research is, to identify whether the Rhododendron arboreum plant geographically isolated and spread as an invasive form. The study area of this research is Horton plains national park in Nuwara-Eliya. The research was based on primary and secondary data. The mixed-method has applied for this research and questionnaire, interview, direct observation on square method were conducted to collect the primary data. The books, research articles, and magazines were used as secondary data. To find the answers qualitative and quantitative analyzed were done using the MS excel, GIS, and Shannon’s diversity index calculation. According to the analysis Rhododendron arboreum plant has been geographically isolated and the growth of this plant has been dynamic in the last two decades. 80% of the sample shows that the Rhododendron arboreum plant is grown and expanded in the areas that were used for potato cultivation in the earlier period. Although the Rhododendron arboreum is an endemic species, the Horton plains ecosystem can be affected due to it’s as an invasive nature. For this reason, it is important to conduct a systematic study on this plant to ensure the sustainability of the Horton plains national park.
A Study of the ecological services provided by the Puttalam lagoon in the Puttalam Divisional Secretariat Division.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Gunarathna, N.M.S.M.; Jayaratne, M
The use of lagoon ecosystems is a prevalent environmental problem in today's world. As the biomass production of lagoons has increased, the lagoon ecosystem is gradually being destroyed with human use. As the population grows, the damage is escalating. Over-consumption of natural resources globally and due to the degradation, those scarce resources are now being ecologically charged a value. The main objective of this study is to identify the ecological services of the Puttalam Lagoon (PL). Puttalam Divisional Secretariat Division selected as the study area for this research. Primary data collected through questionnaires and interviews from thirty randomly selected persons in five Grama Niladhari Divisions in the boundary of the PL. Also, the data verified through the observation. To analyze the data, both quantitative and descriptive methods were used. MS excel software is used to analyze quantitative data and tables, charts, and maps that were used to interpret the data. According to the above analysis, the ecological services provided by the lagoon environment were categorized as production services, environmental phenomena protection services, cultural services, and services to other ecosystems. These services have been a great help to the daily life of the people living in the area. But it was also proved by the observation that there was a misuse of resources in terms of the way it was used. It is necessary to study the nature of these services to preserve the ecosystem in the lagoon. When obtaining services from the lagoon, it is time to consider future generations and ensure that they do not harm the lagoon's environment. Enforcing the existing rules in this regard is strategic. Further, residents should be properly educated and encouraged to protect the lagoon.