Browsing by Author "Sakalasooriya, N."

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Adaptation strategies for flood victims on major river basins in Sri Lanka: The case from Megoda Kolonnawa GN Division of Kelani River basin
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ranwella, K.B.I.S.; Sakalasooriya, N.
Recently, it has been witnessed that flood is the burgeoning catastrophe in Sri Lanka when compared with all the other calamities recorded. Depending on the temporal and regional intensity and the broad spectrum of destruction, it has been recognized as one of the most predominant disasters in Sri Lanka. The awareness of victims who live in the endangered area and launching strategies for avoiding significant impacts are required to adapt to disasters. Accordingly, victimized proportions of the flood have vigorously adapted to vulnerable situations rather than leaving their homelands and disrupting their daily routines. This study becomes significant in providing theoretical and validated impulses beyond any limits, typically imposed by a culture of safe and exemplifies the essential elements to provide adaptive strategies to flood victims in “Megoda Kolonnawan GN division” practiced prior the incident, at the moment and after the incident. Kolonnawa was found to be the largest flood-affected DS Division in Sri Lanka. Out of 46 GN divisions of Kolonnawa DSD, “Megoda Kolonnawa – A” GND has been identified as the most vulnerable area to flood disasters. A sample of 3 % of the total population which is, 2347 households of the GND was selected for the study. The stratified sample method was used to select GN Division and the Simple Radom Sampling method was used to select 70 units of households from the GN Division. The study was carried out using primary and secondary data collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. This study revealed the fact that “Identifying the strategies of adapting to the flood” is becoming the main approach from the villagers as well as the government and non-government offices. Maintaining initiate communication with each other to gather at a safe place where the government has approved in vulnerable situations is the most common strategy. Similarly, increasing the physical values of the buildings and coordination with the government engineers to get the appropriate building plans are the most common strategies recorded within the past few decades.
The Backwardness of Development in the rural peripheries of Rapidly Changing Areas in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of Gampaha District
(University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, 2007) Sakalasooriya, N.
Caste based social stratification and development backwardness: a case study in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Sakalasooriya, N.
Causes of the rapid urbanization of the Nittambuwa town in Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Wijesiri, H.P.S.Y.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This research investigates the major causes of the rapid urbanization of Nittambuwa town which is located in the northwest periphery of Colombo Metropolitan. Urbanization has become a major development trend in developing countries. In Sri Lanka also with the metropolitan area development of the Colombo city, so many emerging towns show a rapid urbanization process during past decades. Nittambuwa town also situated within this Colombo metropolitan area and as an emerging town which shows a rapid urbanization process and so many political, social and economic factors have affected. This research uses a mixed-method and urban geographic approaches. The study area has defined 50 meters buffer zone of Colombo –Kandy highway in the Nittambuwa town area. It has been selected 30 shops and 50 dwellers for primary data collection under a simple random sampling method. Observations and other surveying techniques were used to collect data while other data gained from secondary data sources such as Urban Development Authority, Road Development Authority and National Physical Planning Department of Sri Lanka. MS Excel, GIS, and Remote Sensing techniques were used to analyze the data and charts, maps, and tables were used to present the data. This analysis revealed that the Nittambuwa town acts as the main interchanging center within the area. The number of commuters who pass the town has significantly been increased and transport services as well during the last decade, 2009-2019. Thought he Colombo – Kandy has widened and upgraded to reduce the severe traffic jam, it causes to increase the commuters to the city area. Connecting road development projects of the surrounding area of the city has affected the increase of the mobility of the crowd into the town. Construction of large scale textile shops and supermarkets also have become a major development trend within the town area. It is better to place an entertaining area for the people to be refreshed and proper parking yards for private vehicles. It is clear that the infrastructure development of the town area has effected to rapid urbanization in the Nittambuwa Town.
Changing Crop Pattern in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka; Reasons and Consequences (A Case Study of Aranayaka Samasara Mountain area)
(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Silva, T.M.; Sakalasooriya, N.
The case study discusses changing crop pattern in central highlands of Sri Lanka and the case focused to Aranayaka Samasara mountain area. Especially it has drastically been changed the ecosystems of central highlands without concerning the land condition and their consequences. Disasters, which have been occurred in central highlands, have also been increased with the intensity and the number of disasters and Aranayaka landslide, which was occurred on 17 May 2016, is one of the best evidence. The case study paid attention about three crops as Tea, Rubber and Home Gardens. The main objective of the study is to identify the pattern of crop changes in the study area. There are two specific objectives as find out reasons and consequences reference to the crop pattern changes. This case study proves the significance of cropland management of hilly areas in Sri Lanka The study found the cropland pattern of the area had changed within last 50 years of period. The area encompassed by major Tea and Home Gardens with minor Rubber lands. Apart from that, the area had exposed to the excessive land preparation, and took very limited remedies as application for the conservation of slopes plus extreme land uses denoted near steep slopes of the area as remain poor land management system. When concluding with all above results the changes of crop pattern has changed without concerning the fragile environment of the area and just concern short-term benefits from the harvest of the croplands. The major consequence due to this crop pattern change is, the area has exposed to disaster as landslide and made unstable banks. These results were taken by applying both cartographical and ground level analysis. Cartographical analysis based on land covers in 1956, 1981, 1992, 2012 and 2016. Arc Map 10.1 used as a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool and relevant Geoprocessing techniques were applied. The ground level analysis verifies the story of cartographic contrast changes
Contribution of Computer Literacy for Socio-economic Development in Rural Areas of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Hansamali, K.W.M.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This paper scrutinizes the relationship between rural development and computer literacy in Sri Lanka. As a developing country, Sri Lanka has significantly paid attention to enhance the computer literacy in both urban and rural areas. The computer literacy surveys show that the computer literacy of Sri Lanka has dramatically increased during the last decade. According to the census, 22.4 percent of total households of Sri Lanka have at least one desktop or laptop by 2014, and the figure of rural area is about 20.4 percent. One of the major objectives of increasing the computer literacy is to expedite the socio-economic development in Sri Lanka. Therefore this study explains the relationship between computer literacy and rural development progress of Sri Lanka. The study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, field observations and key informant discussions. Wellandura Grama Niladari Division of Kahawaththa Divisional Secretariat Division in Rathnapura District was selected as the study area, and 50 respondents has been selected for sample survey. It was conducted 05 focused group discussions to collect the qualitative data. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyse techniques were applied. The results of the study clearly show that there is no satisfactory positive relationship between literacy computer of villagers and their village development. The young generation of the study area has better computer literacy but they do not like agriculture sector or self-employment. The majority of people including younger generation use their computer literacy for entertainment purposes like maintain Facebook, watching YouTube, playing computer games, etc. the parents of school children are totally disgusted about their children‟s computer literacy because of avoiding homework misbehaviour, and they think that their children will face many socio-cultural and especially sexual abuses through computers.
Disaster Management Issues of Marginalized People in Flood Affected Areas in the City of Colombo and Its Surroundings: The Cases of Colombo and Gampaha Districts of Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sakalasooriya, N.
This Study investigates the major issues of communities who have settled in flood prone areas in Colombo city and surrounding rural periphery in Gampaha District. Around 302,000 people in 22 districts in Sri Lanka have been affected due to the torrential rain and floods, according to the latest situation report from the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka. The number of families affected is close to 75,000 with 104 deaths, 31 injured, 99 missing and damage to property totalling over 5,000. There are 210 safe locations housing over 6,000 individuals and 21,484 families. Key findings in an assessment by the Ministry of Disaster Management in the Colombo, and Gampaha districts said the May 2016 floods have caused the highest displacements widespread damage to productive assets, loss to livelihoods and agricultural and livestock production. This paper examines the gap between neediness of victims and disaster management process in 2016 flood disaster in Sri Lanka. to examining the issues to fulfil the neediness of victims in city and its periphery, 09 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs), five from Gamapaha district and four from Colombo District, have been selected as study areas. The study clarifies the issues, which are being faced by the flood victims in the study areas and attempts to disclose the weaknesses of post disaster management process to recover their livelihood. Qualitative approach is applied and focused group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations are the main data collecting methods. The study has done in month of August, two months after the severe flood event occurred in 2016. Most of the families got affected are living in geographically vulnerable areas such as low-lying lands, filled land, and brick quarries where inundation is possible after heavy rain. No relationship is been observed between the development and the geographical features of the area. Seems there was no city planning or rural planning whatsoever. This needs to be taken into consideration in longer term town development planning. Canal systems, waste water systems, swage systems were seems to be irregular. Though there were many reports of community based disaster management systems, none of such systems were functioning during the floods. Survey participants clearly mentioned the gaps in disaster response mechanisms. They have observed the lack of coordination among respective organizations. As per the community improper functioning of waste management, sewage systems and management of water ways have found out to be the main reason for the increased impact. In most cases, especially in Kolonnawa DS division in Colombo this was a regular occurrence even before the flooding. People have not considered early warning from DMC seriously, although they are warned people were hesitant to evacuate because they didn’t have previous experiences of a disaster of such a magnitude. This also has raised the point of having the capacity among people to interpret early warnings given by the Government and media and to respond accordingly. Lesson learned was that not only early warning technology, their impacts and anticipated responses need to be assessed.
Downward Transitional Areas of Rapidly Changing Regions: The Development of Backwardness in the Rural Peripheries of the Gampaha District a case study
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Sakalasooriya, N.
Regional disparity of development has been the focus of many discussions on development issues in the developing world during the past four decades. The economic growth and modernization are skewed in favour of the metropolitan core area in the Western Province of SriLanka, due to numerous historical and geographical factors. The widening inequalities at local levels have caused disintegration of socio economic system even within fast changing areas like the Gampaha district of SriLanka. The present paper is an analysis of the prevailing spatial inequality of development in the District and an exploration into causes and consequences underdevelopment of peripheral rural areas. These ongoing socio-economic processes have generated internal inequalities of the development in the district. Within the district, DS Divisions of Mirigama, Attanagalla, Weke and Divulapaitiya, Which remain as relatively backward and stagnating, amidst the growing urban and industrial sector in the Western part of the area, will be the foci of the study. The weakening of the agricultural base in the district as a whole was experienced during the last few decades. However, the dependency on small farm sector in certain areas has been a major characteristic of the economy. The weak backward linkages and insufficient services and poor infrastructure facilities are attributable to the prevailing backwardness in these study areas, according to the survey. This study closely observed micro-level variations in the villages of Akaragama East, Radwadunnna Pahala, Ethaudakanda and Kirimatiyawatta, with special reference reference to spatial patterns of poverty, migration, land tenure, caste and employment structure that are related with the peripheral backwardness. Land use changes associated with industrialization and suburban growth and concentration of services into few centers are among key areas of the discussion. Validity of available theoretical and empirical knowledge in explaining ongoing spatial changes in the study areas are evaluated in the conclusion.
Economic and Social Vulnerability of Chronic Kidney Disease Affected Families in Sri Lanka; the Case Studies in Anuradhapura District
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Gunawardana, P.H.J.P.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This paper examines the nature of economic and social vulnerability of the families which has affected by the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Central Dry Zone, agricultural area, of Sri Lanka. CKD has already become one of the major reasons for mortality and morbidity in this rural area. This CKD was first identified in 1991 in Anuradhapura District of North Central Province (NCP) in Dry Zone, and it has spread-out to other 06 provinces in Sri Lanka. WHO says that about 15 % of settlers aged 15-70 years in NCP is being suffered by CKD. During the last 24 years over 22,000 deaths were reported due to the CDK. After affected the CKD and/or the deaths a member or members of family, their family‟s economic and social sustainability is begun to collapse. This is the beginning point of their economic vulnerability. This situation excludes their life from the general social and economic life style. This research has focused these economic and social problems of these families and their nature of issues. Finally, the study makes the recommendations to sustain their lives and mainstream the members of these families. This is inductive study and uses both qualitative and quantitative data and information for evidence. 25 affected families out of 70 total families were selected as a sample from the village of Etambagaskada in Medawachchiya Divisional Secretariat Division. All the family members of the sample are negatively impacted and they are unable to sustain themselves. Just after the affection, they give up the hope of life, and their family members become hopeless and directionless. This situation leads to create more vulnerability to the family and their villages. Especially designed counselling process and the economic assistance are needed to avoid vulnerability. This intervention should come from the government end but still it is not good enough.
Effectiveness of flood early warning methods; the case from Yabaroluwa North in Biyagama
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Rangana, M.P.T; Sakalasooriya, N.
Flood is one of the major natural and human-induced disasters in Sri Lanka and the majority of people who live in low-lying areas in both Wet and Dry Climatic Zones of Sri Lanka are highly vulnerable for the flood. The risk of flood disasters would be significantly reduced by an effective early warning system. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of current early warning systems of Sri Lanka and to make recommendations to improve the current early warning systems. The study has selected the Kelani River basin as a study region and Yabaroluwa North village in Biyagama DSD has been selected to field study under the case study method. To achieve the objectives, the stratified sampling method was used and the sample was selected randomly. The quantitative data were collected by questionnaire and qualitative data were collected by focus group discussions and key informant discussions. Relevant articles, study reports, research findings, other published documents, and different databases were used for secondary data. Both Descriptive and analytical methods were used. The study reveals that the main weakness of the flood early warning methods is that the message does not receive to the grassroots and many warning systems are too common and not specified the message and the target areas. Still, the Disaster Management Center uses traditional ways to convey the message. The government’s regular and active intervention and assistance to promote new technological methods and about knowledge, warning given from the main three languages and warnings should warning go directly for vulnerable people.
The Endemic Socio-Economic Issues of Widowed Female Headed Families in Rural Areas of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Mihirani, K.G.N.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This paper explains the outcomes of the Udawalawa Multi-Purposes Development Programme (UMPDP) which has implemented in 1963. The UPMPDP has implemented under river valley development approach with o6 major objectives. This study clearly point out the progress of these objectives and the new trends in the programme area.The Udawalawa is the second multipurposes development project in Sri Lanka. The programme has covered the rehabilitation and upgrading of 62,803 ha. and 21873 ha. Has newly been irrigated. A total benefitted family of the programme is 63,522. The results of the study reveals that the industries which were implemented under the project were collapsed except Sevanagala Sugar factory and Thimbolketiya Timber mill. Hydropower generation is very successful because 2450 MW has produced by two hydro power plant in 2014. The programme has directly and indirectly generated new job opportunities in the area. By 2014, 258,388 hectares were distributed among poor farmers for agriculture. Even though, the project has planned to mitigate the frequent floods in the area, the settlers still suffer the problem. As a new trend tourism is becoming one of the major income source because of Udawalawa elephant orphanage and Udawalawa Wild Life Park. The study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, field observations and key informant discussions. For collecting the primary data, Moraketiya Grama Niladari Division has selected and 50 families were interviewed. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyse techniques were applied.
Environmentally related backwardness in underdeveloped areas of Sabaragamuwa province in Sri Lanka: a case study
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Chandrasena, U.A.; Sakalasooriya, N.
Evaluation of the Progress of Pilisaru Solid Waste Management Project in Kegalle Urban Council
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Wimalarathne, P.A.M.S.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This paper evaluate the outcomes of Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP) in Kegalle Urban Council (UC) which has established by Pilisaru National Solid Waste Management Programme of Sri Lanka. The project has six objectives which are designed to maximize the efficiency of solid waste management in Kegalle UC. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the current progress and the process of SWMP of Kegalle UC, and to identify existing problems and issues of the project. The estimated quantity of Municipal Solid Waste generated in Sri Lanka is estimated as 6,400 tons per day. The urban population across Sri Lanka has been increasing and 20 percent of total population of Sri Lanka live in cities. Number of industries and agriculture firms has increased rapidly to fulfil needs of people increasing with the urban population growth. High number of industries and residents are disposing large amount of waste to the environment in urban areas. Different types of waste could be identified which resulting from different industries and residential areas. They are mainly categorized as degradable and nondurable solid waste. Pilisaru project mainly focus the degradable waste for producing compost. The results of the study reveals that the first and the third objective of the project, increase the efficiency of solid waste collection, and recycling the solid waste, are satisfactorily achieved. The other four objectives, reducing waste generation, increasing compost usage, promoting carbonic agriculture, and producing new job opportunities, has not been satisfactorily achieved. The study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, field observations and key informant discussions. It has been selected 50 housing units and business places for sample survey to collect the primary data farmers has been selected for sample survey and 06 focused group discussions and key informant discussions were conducted to collect the qualitative data. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyse techniques were applied.
An Evaluation of the Progress of Udawalalwa Multi-Purposes Development Programme in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Sandamali, W.V.A.D.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This paper explains the outcomes of the Udawalawa Multi-Purposes Development Programme (UMPDP) which has implemented in 1963. The UPMPDP has implemented under river valley development approach with o6 major objectives. This study clearly point out the progress of these objectives and the new trends in the programme area.The Udawalawa is the second multi-purposes development project in Sri Lanka. The programme has covered the rehabilitation and upgrading of 62,803 ha. and 21873 ha. has newly been irrigated. Total benefitted families of the programme is 63,522. The results of the study reveals that the industries which were implemented under the project were collapsed except Sevanagala Sugar factory and Thimbolketiya Timber mill. Hydropower generation is very successful because 2450 MW has produced by two hydro power plant in 2014. The programme has directly and indirectly generated new job opportunities in the area. By 2014, 258,388 hectares were distributed among poor farmers for agriculture. Even though, the project has planned to mitigate the frequent floods in the area, the settlers still suffer the problem. As a new trend tourism is becoming one of the major income source because of Udawalawa elephant orphanage and Udawalawa Wild Life Park. The study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, field observations and key informant discussions. For collecting the primary data, Moraketiya Grama Niladari Division has selected and 50 families were interviewed. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyse techniques were applied.
Identifying the Negative Influence of Political Culture on Development Policies in Sri Lanka
(International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Sakalasooriya, N.; Perera, B.K.K.G.
The main objective of this study is to the negative influence of political culture on development policies that have been implemented by the successive governments in Sri Lanka since independence in 1948. Based on the descriptive analysis of this study, the impact of the political culture of Sri Lanka has badly affected the implemented development projects and it causes to make lots of issues of the expected results of the projects. Sri Lanka remains a developing nation in the Asian region even after 70 years of independence. Without a proper national development policy, the island nation has failed to come up to par with many other Commonwealth nations in a post-colonial era. Modes of thinking and policy stances of political parties in the country were influenced by their ideological allegiances. The difference and the contrast of the main political parties who have governed the country are directly and badly affected development projects. The United National Party (UNP), the right of the center of Sri Lankan politics, adopted a basically libertarian ideology, in combination with an element of social democracy. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the principal alternative to the UNP, was basically social-democratic in its ideological orientation but had also absorbed certain elements of socialist ideology from the radical left. But, many other Commonwealth nations have managed to pass Sri Lanka in the Development race thanks to their cemented and inclusive national development policies but as a country, Sri Lanka is yet to identify or launch a proper national development policy owing to the negative influences of its political culture in a post-colonial era
Impact of Drugs Addiction to Rural Development in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Chathurangani, W.M.M.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This paper describes the impact of drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking, at rural development process. In addition to the main objective of the study, it pays attention to find the factors for drug addiction in rural areas. This study scrutinizes the variations of drug addiction among children, elders, males and females. Drug abuse is one of the prominent problems which affect the country in many aspects including social, economic, and educational and health. The most highlighting issue with regard to drug abuse is that prisons in Sri Lanka accommodate approximately 40 percent of drug related offenders compelling the Government to spend large sums of money on them. So it has become a glaring problem for the country, both urban and rural, as they have become a burden to the country's economy and also to the society. The results of the study depicts that the drug addicted settlers of villages is a major threat for rural development because 75 percent of the respondents allocated more than half of their monthly income for alcohol and smoking. Though the government makes more taxes on drugs, there in not reduction of usage. In this situation, their families are more vulnerable to fulfil their basic needs. 95 percent of wives say that alcoholism and smoking is the major reason for their poor standard of living condition. All the respondents are aware about these drugs cause for health issues, and they want to take possible action to stop or reduce the addiction. The major problem is that there is still no proper mechanism to support them. The study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, field observations and key informant discussions. Pahala Kalankuttiya Grama Niladari Division of Galnewa Divisional Secretariat in Anuradhapura District has selected as the study area because this is one of the major drug addiction areas of Sri Lanka, and 50 families has been selected for sample survey. It was conducted 05 focused group discussions to collect the qualitative data, and both qualitative and quantitative data analyse techniques were applied.
Issues and Solutions for Municipal Waste Management in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kularatnte, M.G.; Amarasinghe, A.G.; Premarathna, W.M.A.G.H.; Premarathna, W.M.A.G.H.; Dharmasiri, L.M.; Chandrasena, U.A.; Sakalasooriya, N.; Waniganeththi, G.; Fernando, V.; Rathnasekara, S.; Wijesekara, S.; Senarathna, D.; Arunashantha, S.
The waste disposed into the open environment from day today human activities, gradually has increased and created significant socio- economic, health and environmental issues. Ultimately it has become a burning political problem at present. Inefficiency in waste management strategies further aggravate the issues preventing national objective of the clear environment. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the factors that influence technical efficiency of waste management and ways and means to maximize that efficiency under Pilisaru Project funded by Central Environmental Authority in Sri Lanka, The data has collected from the sample size which is represented 22% of currently active compost plants by the stratified random sampling considering all forms of administrative local authorities (LAs). Though several Pilisaru projects have achieved a satisfactory level of expected results. The majority are inefficient due to some reasons. The projects mainly target to produce only organic compost and some biomass power generation but no other alternatives concerned. Segregation of waste for compost production is a prerequisite, however, waste segregation is an unsolvable issue due to the various reasons. Another issue is whether condition which is beyond the control of human effort of the natural process of composting. LA s mainly collects only solid waste and they do not collect liquid waste from the sources of waste generation. Basically, compost production in the Pilisaru compost plants is labour intensive. Therefore, it requires more man power for handling the compost production. Lack of land for the expansion of the compost plants and the ongoing process of composting is time consuming are other barriers. Finally, ongoing compost production system is not the eco-friendly. Compost users do not satisfy and trust with the quality of compost produced by the municipal solid waste and no proper market mechanism and distribution. Labourers and other employers are not satisfied with the benefits they get including salary. The efficient waste management system must ensure to produce all possible product other than organic compost. For this new technology should be introduced. Compost should be promoted among the small scale/ subsistence farmers at first and then in large scale agricultural areas with the proper certification procedure. Municipal waste is hidden treasure on the development of righteous agriculture in Sri Lanka with the application of proper scientific and technical method of waste treatment. Therefore, we recommend establishing "Waste Recycling Centres" with the environmentally recycling system (ERS) such a High Speed Indigenous Microbes Fermentation System (ERS).
Land issues of the second generation of the Mahaweli (H) system in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Withanage, J J.; Sakalasooriya, N.
The main objective of this research is to investigate the land issues in the Mahaweli agricultural settlements and to identify the causes of the land problem in the area. Mahaweli Multipurpose development program is the most comprehensive physical and human resource development program in Sri Lanka to date. But Mahaweli systems are densely populated as the natural growth of population and low outmigrations. In 1977, the total number of families settled in the Mahaweli H zone was 2393 and by 2012 it had increased to 28,211 families. Consequently, the lands of Mahaweli systems are noticeably stressed and the settlers of the second-generation in the Mahaweli systems are confronted with various forms of land problems and it has become a serious issue in Mahaweli development areas. The study was done under the mixed method political ecological approach of Geography. The 472 Galnawagama Division in the Mahaweli H system was selected as the study area which was the first to launch the pioneer settlement pattern under the Mahaweli settlement. Data were collected from the selected 40 families based on convenience sampling from the Galnawagama Grama Niladari Division. The questionnaires and interview methods were applied to collect the primary quantitative and qualitative data while other data gained from secondary data sources such as Mahaweli Development Authority, Ministry of Land Development, Mahaweli Divisional Management office and Divisional Secretariat Office in Galnewa. SPSS, MS Excel and GIS techniques were used to analyze the data maps, charts and tables were used to present the data. Numerical and descriptive analysis were used in the data analysis. The study reveals that the second-generation colonists in the Mahaweli system H are subject to state land conditions, Limited Land use difficulties to growing families, fragmentation of land, land ownership and unauthorized occupation are the dominant factors. It has been concluded that the problem which is already in the second generation will lead to a lower quality of life for the colonists and a direct impact on the third generation.
Loss of biodiversity and conservation strategies in Sri Lanka
(Academic Staff College (ASC), Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, 2005) Harasgama, H.D.A.G.; Sakalasooriya, N.
Negative Impacts of Facebook Social Media of Younger Generation’s Social Life; A Case from Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Fonseka, W.U.C.; Sakalasooriya, N.
The study reveals some of the negative impacts of Facebook social media for youths and their social life. This study has achieved three main objectives; (1) to identify the correlation between Facebook social media and, suicides, abuses, rapes and other crimes among youths in Sri Lanka; (2) to examine the real impact of Facebook for the crimes and abuses; (3) to suggest possible solution to minimize negative impacts of Facebook social media. Facebook is the most popular social networking website in the world. Social networking websites are specialized websites where people meet other people online and interact. They interact mostly in terms of sharing photos, videos and information about their day to day activities. The current Facebook statistics shows that the service has been used by more than 300 million users around the globe and 6 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day. Even in Sri Lanka Facebook is the most popular social media. Unfortunately, according to the media reports, the Facebook is becoming a major reason for suicides, sexual abuses and other crimes in Sri Lanka. Therefore, some of community organizations and people requests to ban the Facebook in Sri Lanka. On the other side, some of intellectuals argue that there is no close relationship between these crimes and Facebook. The study is based on 06 most popularized cases which were happened in 2014 and 2015 in Sri Lanka. The both public and private media has reported that the major cause of these 06 cases is Facebook related incidents. The study has clearly pointed out that there is very law relationship between the cases and the Facebook. Final argument of the research is no significant negative impact between these two variables