NCUED 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/22447

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Effectiveness of post-disaster management practices after occurring the Aranayake landslide: A case study in Aranayake Divisional Secretariat in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Perera, A. L. W. M.
Landslides are natural disasters that unfortunately unavoidable. Many countries around the world are facing a landslide disaster from time to time and they face difficulties with massive challenges after passing through such disaster. As a developing nation, it is also common in Sri Lanka. In line with that one of the massive landslide which occurred in 2016 at Samasarakanda. Now three years passed therefore it is time to verify are the remaining people adjusting their lives after the displacement with efficient post disaster management strategies. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of post-disaster management practices in Aranayake. This study was conducted in “Senehe Siyapatha Gammanaya” in Wasanthagama. A convenient sampling method was used to select 30 affected people considering their level of exposing. Both primary and secondary data were collected for this study. Required Primary data collection was based on field observations, interviews, and a semi-structured questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from related institutions and literature. The study found that Dialog Axiata and Rhino Roofing Products Ltd were the major contributions to relocate their lives permanently in Wasanthagama. It also revealed that most of the victims lost their agricultural livelihoods such as Paddy, Rubber, Tea, Banana, Clove, Pepper, etc. As a result, now the trend to self-employment. Further revealed that passed three years the rehabilitation process is satisfactory in both government and nongovernment fields but there is no rehabilitate strategy in present-day lives. Public perception about post-disaster management mechanisms demonstrated that 47% of peoples are not satisfied with their current situation. Accordingly, findings of the study suggest that management strategies should be strengthened with the government, non-government and voluntary aids and support withal it will be a better solution when government or non-government institution introduces alternative income-earning activity such as a garment factory closely their households.
Challenges of urban expansion in Nawalapitiya urban council area
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Senarathne, M.G.N.K.; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S
The rapid expansion of urban areas is one of the major challenges facing Sri Lanka at present. These urban expansions are often without proper regulation Can be defined as urban extensions. Sri Lanka's cities are rapidly expanding, with suburbs and rural areas now swirling near cities. Therefore, it is imperative to study the current urbanization nature and future trends and challenges of Sri Lanka. The objective is to identify the challenges of urban expansion on the Nawalapitiya urban council area. The study was based on the Nawalapitiya Municipal Council area in the Kandy District to clearly visualize the urban core peripheral areas. Data analysis was carried out based on the information gathered in the area for ten years. Primary data and secondary data were used to study the change in geographical information system as time-to-space use, under primary data analysis Residents of the town, shop owners through a questionnaire proposal Data were obtained by randomly selecting 25 people. Interviews with people involved in the urban development process, the UDA data, national physical plan, urban development plan, maps, etc. as secondary data were used for the study. Expansion of the urban landscape into environmentally sensitive areas and creating several urbanization problems, Disturbing the beauty of the area urban eruption has taken place. Disaster risks are created through the creation of environmental problems, Rapid changes in land use were identified as challenges to urban expansion. Nawalapitiya is located in an environmentally sensitive region, based on the National Physical Plan, it has been identified as a conservation area which should limit the expansion of future developments. Optimal use of existing infrastructure, implement appropriate development plans based on the resource identifier of the city's unused potential, Awareness of city dwellers on city development strategies, Awareness of persons and officials involved in development activities can lead to optimal urban expansion.
Gender equality and professionalism in television media; Specifically for Hiru TV and Independent Television Channel
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Padmasiri, H.V.D.R
Gender equality is built on the social welfare of the biological-born gender identity. It is a social force based on cultural factors such as gender, masculinity, behavior, appearance, and character. With the population of the country, many women in government and non-governmental institutions will be able to achieve optimal institutional development if women are employed compared to men. The number of women who work professionally in the media field is relatively low compared to men. This study has examined the role of gender equality in the profession of television as a responsible and decisive medium in society. This will make media content more equitable in the equality of gender equality in the TV media profession. Media productions also attribute more fair-minded characters and actions to both men and women. The main objective is to positively lead the entire society towards sustainable development. Both the independent and the private television channels Hiru TV were used for this study. Information was obtained through questionnaires and interviews. The study revealed that many women are willing to pursue a career in the media but do not want to take on top positions. They stated that there are many obstacles and problems. By adopting an equitable process that takes into account the special needs of both sexes, TV media can achieve equality in the profession. This will enable the strengthening of the gender bilateral cooperative society for the sustainable development of the country.
Challenges faced by the curd industry as a rural economic activity; Based on the Divisional Secretariat Division of the Thissamaharama.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Bhashinee, S.D.A.; Arunashantha, H.A.S.
The rural economy is the unit that pursues allied occupations for an agricultural lifestyle. Sri Lanka’s curd industry is considered as a primary sector industry that uses traditional agro techniques. It is one of the most famous agricultural activities in the rural sector in Sri Lanka. Nowadays, the dairy industry, which is a major agricultural activity of the people in rural areas of Sri Lanka, is facing a major problem. This situation can be seen because of the industrial skills. The research mainly identified challenges that occurred in the curd industry. As the study area, the researcher chose two GND from the Thissamaharama DSD. Fifty milk producers have been selected as the sample population covering Thissamaharama and Weerawila GND. The researcher analysed the quantitative and qualitative data obtained. Based on the data analysed, the curd industry was found to be discouraged and challenged by industry problems such as the use of primary technology, irregular transportation, and manufacturers’ lack of knowledge of the industry and market dynamics, and minimal manufacturing facilities. To solve these issues researcher identified several solutions. Those are, getting advises from national dairy experts to provide the farmers with the necessary industry training and education, the systematic measures to promote the product market and the improvement of the milk processing facilities.
Poverty and Drug usage; Comparative analysis of poverty and Drug usage
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Primali, J.N; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S
The calamity of drugs is one of the greatest threats in Sri Lanka at present. The total number of drug related arrests were 81,156 in 2017. Compared with 2016, drug related arrests have increased by 2% in 2017. Out of the total drug related arrests, 36% were for heroin and 63.8% were for cannabis. Most of the drug related arrests have been reported from the western province (61%), followed by the southern province (9%) and the central province (8%). The prevalence of drug related arrests was 506 per 100,000 population aged between 15-64 in 2017. Thus, the rapid growth of the number of persons who were addicted to drugs is a tragic situation in Sri Lanka. The main objective was to identify the connection between drug use and poverty. The “Nawa Diganthaya” rehabilitation center in Nittabuwa and the “Seth Sevana” rehabilitation center in Colombo were used as source places to collect data. Quantitative data was collected by providing questionnaires to 50 persons who were addicted to drugs. Case studies and interviews were done to collect qualitative data. Secondary data collection was based on survey reports, books and institutional sources. Moreover, the principles of statistics and Excel were used to analyze the data. According to the major findings of the research, the majority of persons have used a considerable amount from their salary to use drugs and due to that, the family economy has been diminished. The usage of drugs has not been decreased even though the prices were increased. In such circumstances, the main findings of this research are that drug addiction is the major cause of poverty.
A Study eco-friendly agricultural and practices for Green Economy: Based on Dompe Divisional Secretariat
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Samarasinghe, S.A.C.S; Amarasinghe, A.G.
The conference of RIO+20 conference held in 1992 in Brazil to lead the world population for Eco-friendly programmer under the topic of “ Do We Include to a Green Economy ” The main purpose of this conference was to emphasis on how to gain to the contribution of world population for the green economy. Therefore, Sri Lanka is an agricultural based country. The main reason for that is Sri Lanka has the optimum physical factors that are beneficial for agriculture. Sri Lanka is also moving towards a trend of eco-friendly agriculture. The process of developing the economy which is a concept of the “Five-Fold Process” implemented by the previous government has been given priority. Thus today is trying to capture the market for the massive demand internationally for eco-products via eco-friendly organic farming and it has been contributed to ensuring the food sovereignty and safety of the country. The main objectives of this study were to the identification of the ecofriendly organic farming and the contribution of eco-friendly agriculture for the green economy in the competitive economy. Dompe divisional secretariat which is a backward development area in the core zone was selected as my study area. Primary Secondary & tertiary data have been used for investigating the eco-friendly agriculture. The sample of 50 family units was selected under the simple random sample. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Via this investigating agriculture could be identified as the main economic activity of the 62% of the employees in Dompe Divisional secretariat. Form them about 12% of the employees aware of the concept of a green economy. About 82% of the employees have a sound knowledge regarding eco-friendly farming. The contribution of eco-friendly agriculture to the green economy is about 3%. The economy can be tuned up by capturing the market for the international massive demand for eco-agriculture products. Further, the environment sustainability can also be ensured.
The role of the tea estate smallholder’s development societies to improve the productivity of the tea industry in Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ariyarathna, D.G.C.D.; Arunashantha, H.A.S.
‘Ceylon tea’ has a proud history for 150 years in the foreign market, it takes the position of third foreign income generator in Sri Lanka. Annually, the amount of tea production in Sri Lanka is 349,308kg. This production is from both large states and small tea estate holders. According to the Ministry of Plantation Industry reports in 2018, 76% of small states contributed to national products. The main objective of this research is to examine the contribution of small tea estate holder’s development societies to improve the productivity of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. The researcher has been selected 6 small tea estate holders in Akurana Divisional Secretarial Division in Kandy. As the sample of this study was selected from 60 small tea estate holders using a random sampling method. The methodology of this study based on primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Secondary data were collected from the reports of the Tea Research Institute and Small Tea State Development Authority, websites and books. Those data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel. In addition to that Google Earth, Arc GIS software was used to study the physical nature of this area through maps. According to the findings, it was confirmed that major contribution to the tea industry from small tea states and majority of them was engaging with small tea holders. But, among those societies, only one society is engaged to build entrepreneurs. And it was found that cultivating a huge density of tea trees in the small land area was affected by using the correct technology and proper harvesting at the correct time, by using the new and correct cultivating method, and re cultivating the tea estate, using fertilizer in the tea estate. It can be increasing the production of small tea holders the implementation of these suggestions will improve the production of the tea industry in Sri Lanka.
Influences of the transport infrastructure facilities to road accidents in the Colombo area (By using Geographical Information System)
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Nissanka, R.P.A.; Arunashantha, H.A.S.
This paper concerns the most populous issue within Sri Lanka in recent times called vehicle traffic and accidents. However, Colombo as the major commercial city in Sri Lanka became the major victim city with the issue of vehicle traffic accidents. Kuruduwatta and Pettah police divisions are the main urban areas that spread vehicle accidents in the Colombo area. Vehicle traffic, human traffic, and poor infrastructure facilities are the major reasons for accidents. The main objective of this study is the interrelationship between vehicle accidents and the travel infrastructure facilities. And how those infrastructure facilities, directly and indirectly, influence to the accidents. As the specific objective touch upon the improvement and the development of the traveling infrastructure as well as the variations of the traffic jam. The secondary data collection method is applicable for this study and GIS & SPSS use for data analysis. According to the Hotspot Analysis Western part of the Kuruduwatta identify as the highest about the accident and middle parts of the Maradana and Pettah became the highest amount of accidents. With that identify the nature of the vehicle accident. Traffic lights and the liability of the junctions are the major factors for such kinds of accidents further the road system, signal light system and flatform also can be considered as a major reason and all of these reasons are proved during the project field visit in Kuruduwatta police division. Based on this study can identify the interrelationship between heavy traffic and the time duration of the vehicle available on the roads according to the study area, and as the recommendations can identify providing public transportation in a useful manner by using subways and friendly manner for people and try to mitigate the busiest schedule.
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.
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.
Socio-economic problems of rural households due to microfinance indebtedness; The case from Akuressa Divisional Secretariat Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Priyanthi, M.L.A.; Sakalsooriya, N.P
Microfinance company has faced mainly two risks loan recovery risk and marketable risk. To enhance the market of loans, microfinance companies introduce different types of easy payment systems. Consequently, the rural peasants have attracted to the loans. The problem is that they hardly think to repay the loans. As a result, the loan recovery rate is very low in rural areas. In this sense, microfinance companies use different attempts for recovering their loans. These strategies differently harm to the social and economic level of the rural settlers. According to the UNO report in 2019, 2.8 million of Sri Lankan people have aggrieved by this microfinance loan, there are 2.4 million (85.7%) are women. This is one of the biggest tragedies faced by rural families in Sri Lanka at present. According to the report on the microfinance industry, 89% of the rural sector is inclined to borrow microfinance, at the provincial level micro-industrial distribution in the southern province is high. This study investigates the socio-economic problems faced by rural households due to microfinance indebtedness. The Manikgoda Grama Niladhari Division of Akuressa Divisional Secretariate Division in Southern Province of Sri Lanka has been selected for the case study. Both qualitative and quantitative primary data was collected by questionnaire, interviews, and observations. The study has pointed out that they are socially and economically downward due to loans. It means these microfinance loans to rural settlers hardly support their socio-economic development.
A study of the contribution of a cottage industry to the rural development in Madurawala Divisional Secretariat Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Sepalage, S.C.G.; Arunashantha, H.A.S.
Among the countries in the world and according to their global development ranking Sri Lanka is still listed as a developing country. The rural population of Sri Lanka is 82% (2015) out of the country’s total population. Therefore, rural development is a needful factor in Sri Lanka. By empowering the rural community in social, economic, political and ecological aspects may ensure the development of rural industries. The foundation of rural community development can be laid by giving attention to home-based cottage industries. The cottage industry also is known as the handicraft industry which is known for the extensive use of personal specification and technical skills.it helps economic growth by facilitating rural development, generating employment opportunities, and paves the way for entrepreneurial growth, making efficient utilization of human and other resources too. But unfortunately, after the open economic policy of 1977, the cottage industry showed quite a downfall which resulted in the reduction of interest for the cottage industry among the rural community in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this research is to identify the contribution of the cottage industry towards the rural development of Mahayala and the Walpita Grama Niladari Division of Madurawala Divisional Secretariat Division which selected as a sampling area to obtain primary data the researcher has been selected 30 owners of a cottage industry. Also; questionnaire, interview, and observational method were used to collect primary data and in the process of the secondary data collection the books, magazines which were parallel to the research, the resource profile and selfemployment report of the Madurawala Divisional Secretariat Division and training institution of clay industry and also, SWOT analysis was used as data analysis technique. It was revealed that the cottage industry has contributed to rural development. Also, it has been found that the second generation did not attract these industries and it had a lack of specific market. Those issues can be overcome by establishing formal vocational training centers, making local and foreign market opportunities, engaging the rural community for innovation. As a conclusion, there is a possibility to achieve rural development by carrying out above mentioned suggestions successfully.
Impact of Rajagiriya flyover on neighboring communities
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Nisansala, K.K.H.P.; Manawadu, L.
Traffic congestion became a serious problem in the city of Colombo since 1978 with the introduction of the open economy into Sri Lanka. This issue was expanded to other adjacent districts such as Gampaha, Kalutara, and Galle significantly since the year 2000 with the boom of vehicle imports and the tendency of moving towards using private vehicles. Industrial development and expansion of businesses to those districts might have caused such traffic congestion along with the enhancement of affordability for using private vehicles. Rajagiriya junction is a critical junction in the road network in Colombo metropolitan region that connected to Borella, Kollupitiya with Nawala, Battaramulla, Malabe, Athurugiriya areas. The facility available at the existing four-legged junction is currently saturated. The main objective of this study was to identify the contribution of flyovers to reduce the traffic congestion, with special reference to Rajagiriya flyover, 50 commuters, 25 traders both permanent and mobile surrounding the flyover and 25 Householders were selected through purposive sampling method. Focus-group discussion, field observation, and questionnaire surveying techniques were used to collect primary data while other data gained from secondary data sources such as Urban Development Authority, Road development Authority and Department of Survey. Descriptive Statistics including percentage and mean score measures to analyze the data and used Inferential Statistics Methods such as Paired Two Sample for Means, using SPSS software. Furthermore, the conclusion obtained from data analysis, created a Kernel Density Map for road traffic accidents with the road network in Rajagiriya intersection using ArcGIS 10.1 software. According to the scope of the study, this study revealed that there was heavy congestion along the Sri Jayawardenapura Mawatha in the morning peak and evening peak as well as other time of the day. The study was identified that the morning peak time was 07:30h -08:00h while 17:00h - 17:45h was in the evening. The majority of the sample was daily routers. Half part of the fixed merchant’s sample had mentioned that the construction of the Rajagiriya flyover as an existing issue. Also, all fixed merchants did business in the pre-construction period of the flyover and after too. Finally, the researcher was found that the amount of vehicles is higher than after the construction of flyovers than earlier. For that reason, traffic congestion had also increased. Moreover, here results demonstrated that the construction of the flyover project had a failure due to insufficient feasibility study.
The impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Abeyrathne, R.M.D.H.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an investment in the form of controlling ownership in a business in a country by an entity based in another country. It contributes to transfer tangible and intangible assets such as technology, capital, knowledge and managerial skills, etc. FDI is the main driver of economic growth and sustainable development especially regarding Least Developed Countries (LDC). Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030 include Decent Work and Economic Growth as the 8th goal which can be accelerated by attracting FDI. In 1977 the open economic reforms invited Foreign Direct Investors to Sri Lanka. Thus the Board of Investment and island-wide free trade zones started regulating and monitoring FDI activities in Sri Lanka. Later, welfare economic reforms resulted in a dual gap issue of the savings-investment gap and export-import gap which in return caused the continuous budget deficit. Consequently, FDI is used to fill the dual gap problem and also for investment purposes. But the impact of FDI on economic growth in developing countries changes due to country specific factors. Therefore, this study attempts to identify the impact of FDI on economic growth measured by Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and identifying the impact of domestic investment, trade liberalization, inflation, human capital and population on GDP for the period of 1978-2018 in Sri Lanka. The analysis is based on the time series data collected from secondary resources like reports of central bank and the Census and Statistics Department. The multiple regression analysis indicates that FDI has a positive and statistical impact on economic growth in Sri Lanka. But the previous studies revealed that the causation is from the GDP to FDI.
Differentiations of development standards of the colonists settled under the Mahaweli Development Programme in Sri Lanka; A comparative study of Teldeniya and Uttalapura villages
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Dissanayake, H.K.V.S; Sakalasooriya, N
Mahaweli development program is considered as a successful project implemented in Sri Lanka. People from different parts of the island were provided lands and the main objectives of this multipurpose development project are to reduce the density of the population in the wet zone, increase food production, reduce poverty, and increase hydropower generation. Consequently. The number of people moved from marginal areas of the wet climatic zone to newly irrigated lands of Dry Climatic Zone in Sri Lanka. This comparative study examines the contrast of economic, socio-cultural, and political development of these new settlers in Dry Zone and people who stayed at their traditional villages in Wet Zone. A clear understanding can be obtained here, as to who has achieved a higher development level. The study has been carried out both in The Uttalapura village which belongs to the Mahaweli System- “C” in Ampara District, and in the Teldeniya in Kandy district. Primary and secondary sources have been used in collecting data. In this study, 20 families were chosen from Uttalapura village and another 20 families were chosen from the Teldeniya under a random sampling method. The results clearly show that the settlers who were settled earlier under the Mahaweli scheme had slow progress of development than traditional villagers who have stayed in their marginal settlements. On the other hand, there was a drawback in their educational and social development compared to the villagers who remained in their native places. Future more there is a tendency for people to get into early marriages. Though there is a low level of socio-cultural development in their infrastructure facilities. People who remained in areas like Teldeniya depend on the salary drawn from their respective employers. They have less opportunity of earning an additional income. But the people who were settled under the Mahaweli development project can grow other crops which bring them an additional income in addition to paddy cultivation. They are also provided with modern machinery by the government and they carry on various other business affairs with the help of the government. Because of these reasons they are economically developed. The conclusion is that the people who settled in Mahaweli development areas are liable to adjust themselves to new situations than those who remained in their traditional villages and therefor their socio-economic development and educational development level will gradually improve in the future.
The utilization of renewable energy sources to reduce the contribution of Green House Gases (GHGs) on climate change in Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Kumari, U.K.G.A
Sri Lanka’s current carbon footprint is much less than the global indicates but according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2019 rated Sri Lanka as the second most affected country by extreme weather events. Burning fossil fuel for energy generation and transportation is the main source of GHGs emissions on climate change in Sri Lanka. Waste burning, industrial emissions, and deforestation are also considered contributing the climate change. Thus, one of the most effective ways of reducing emissions is to use renewable energy sources. Accordingly, this study was carried out to evaluate the utilization of renewable energy sources to reduce the contribution of GHGs on climate change in Sri Lanka. Mainly secondary data were collected for this study. The findings of the study reflected that as a middle – income country, Sri Lanka has 80% renewable energy utilization as the most effective and sustainable method of reducing GHGs emissions. Sri Lanka is prone to monsoon rain and wind as a result of the tropical climate also. Therefore, as sunlight continues throughout the year, Sri Lanka has access to renewable energy sources such as sunlight, water, wind and ocean waves. In this condition, legal action plans, target policies, eco-friendly associations, and the enthusiasm of the youth are already underway to challenge the carbon footprint. According to the Sri Lanka Energy Sector Development Plan, These include 20% renewable energy use by 2020 and Sri Lanka as a self- sufficient country by 2030, 5% reduction in fuel and fuel consumption in the transport and manufacturing sectors, and 5% reduction in the energy sector by 2025. Thus, the utilization of renewable energy is important to reduce GHGs.
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.
A Study of the impact of the Easter Day Terrorist attack on the tourist region of Kitulgala
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Rathnayaka, R.M.S.N.; Jayarathne, M
Invasive alien species (IAS) have distressing impacts on native biota, causing decline or even extinction of native species, and negatively affecting ecosystems. All major invasions are due to the actions of humans such as deliberate introductions or escapes, and hitchhiking with global trade of species to other continents. Annona glabra plants also highly impact to the wetland ecosystems in the western part of Sri Lanka. The main objective of this research is to identify the environmental impact of annona glabra plant. The Mudhun Ela catchment in Mahara Divisional Secretariate Division was selected as the study area. The primary and secondary data were used for this research. The mixed-method has been used by this research. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, observation, and ground surveys with square method while reports, books, articles, and institutional reports have been used as secondary data. Ground survey data were analyzed using Shannon's wiener diversity index calculation and it showed species richness and density were highest in the study area. Also, it could be identified that the people not aware of the threat of the IAS plant to the ecosystem. According to the analysis, it is better to conduct awareness among the villagers and government on dos don’t with IAS would assist in opening up more opportunities for community participation in effective IAS management.
Spatial distribution pattern of religious populations in Gampaha District
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Sewwandi, W.K; Sakalasooriya, N
Religion is a phenomenon with a tremendous potential to transform human thought, history, and civilization. Geographically, religion can be identified as a complex process that spans time and space. Sri Lanka can be identified as a multi-religious country and the Gampaha district is prominent. There is a high concentration of people in the Gampaha district as an urban area and there is a high population of many religions. Accordingly, the objective of this research is to study the spatial distribution pattern of religious populations in The Gampaha district and the factors that influence it. Due to the various invasions and colonization of the district, which had a large Buddhist population many centuries ago, other religious people were concentrated in different areas. At present 71.48% of Buddhists, 2.28% of Hindus, 21.19% of Catholics, 5.01% of Muslims and 0.05% of other religious people have been spatially distributed in different parts of the Gampaha district. Accordingly, this study has sought to identify the distribution pattern and the factors that influence it. The study was primarily based on secondary data and interviews and observations were made with people belonging to major religions to obtain primary data. Descriptive statistics including charts, tables, and maps used to analyse the data. This study has identified the spatial distribution pattern of the religious population in the Gampaha district and revealed the important historical socio-economic and cultural factors influencing this pattern. The findings of this study confirm the lack of willingness and trust in other religious communities. This has had a major impact on the socialization of racist ideologies and ideas. This study has attempted to inform the public about the problems that can be created in today's society and future societies through the spatial isolation of religious people to different areas based on the above mentioned factors.
A study of factor combination in seed potato production Hewanakumbura Grama Niladari Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Sandunkumari., E.M.P; Kularathna., M.G
The potato can identify as a commercial crop that only second for the paddy and wheat among the main harvest throughout the world. It takes the fourth place among the economical crops. Potato has introduced to Sri Lanka in the early 1850s and the most suitable area for the expansion of potatoes is the area which 4000 feet above sea level. Both “Yala” and “Maha” seasons are cultivated by only Nuwaraeliya and Badulla districts. Except those, Kandy, Ratnapura, Jaffna, and Puttalam cultivate potatoes. There is a high production cost for potatoes and the most for seed potatoes. Hence, the problem of the study is to identify which seed potato combination is influencing the low cost with high production. The sample of the study is 36 farmers who grow potatoes in selected five villages in Hewanakumbura Grama Niladhari Division under a Simple random sampling method. Data in the study is presented in descriptive statistics. Among the methods of obtaining seed potatoes, it was revealed that the best way to obtain high production at low cost is to produce the seed potatoes themselves. The government should intervene in this regard to educate the farmer on the productivity of seed potatoes and modern production methods.