National Conference of Undergraduates on Environment and Development (NCUED)

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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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Factors determining the changes in agricultural land use pattern in Nugethota Grama Niladari Division: 1971 -2008; A political ecological analysis
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ayeshika, W.K.D; Sakalasooriya, N
The land is the most important natural resource and it provides fundamental human needs such as water, air and food and minerals etc. However, the equilibrium of the environment has been collapsed at present due to the attempts of fulfilling the unlimited wants of humans. Consequently, modern agriculture land-use patterns have also been changed due to many reasons. This study investigates the major land-use changes and the major causes of these land-use changes in the Nugethota village. This study uses the politicalecological approach under the mixed method of study. The land-use maps, aerial photographs, and Google images between 1971 to 2018 have been used as secondary data. For finding the causes of land-use changes, the primary data was collected from field observations of, focused group discussions, and questionnaires. According to the study, the economic value of land and the price fluctuations of agricultural products are the main reasons for land cover changes in the area. Personal attitudes, lack of agricultural labour, development projects in the area and surrounding regions are the other reasons.
The efficiency of the solid waste management process in Kirikiththamulla Grama Niladhari Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Mandira, M.A.T.; Amarasinghe, A.G.
Inefficient disposal of waste can be ascertained as a social as well as a significant environmental problem. It has also resulted in the creation of varietal waste management issues. Waste management has become a problem both in urban and rural areas in Sri Lanka. Participatory observations, interviews, and questionnaires were employed in gathering primary data for this study. A sample of 50 families in Kirikiththammulla GND was selected and a set questionnaire was used to collect data. Secondary data was obtained through the use of company data, reports, statistics, prior researches in the same field, newspapers and journal articles. Ignorance and carelessness of people, inadequate facilities for waste recycling, attitudes of people, inadequate knowledge in relation to waste management, the rapid increase in waste products, and the absence of an effective waste management mechanisms are the main factors resulting in the inefficient disposal of waste in the study area. To minimize this situation educating the rural communities, improve waste management facilities introduce waste recycling practices and educate the community about the social and environmental impact of waste disposal through formal disposal can be regarded as solutions to the Waste Management Industry.
A geographical study of motorcycle accidents in Urubokka Police Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Abeysinghe, H.A.; Jayarathna, M
The motorcyclists are always in a very vulnerable position on the road. The common causes of motorcycle accidents are the motorists unable to identify by seeing and recognizing motorcycles on the road and geographical conditions of the area. This study uses specific causes of motorcycles accidents; which are road environment, road user errors, and vehicle defects. The main objective of this research is to identify the factors that have influenced motorcycle accidents and come up with strategies to mitigate them. The study area of this research was the Urubokka Police Division (UPD) of the Pagoda Divisional Secretariat Division. The research was based on primary and secondary data. The random sampling method was used to collect primary data and selected 30 drivers and pedestrians of the UPD. The questionnaire and interviews were used as primary data while secondary data was collected using research articles, reports, and books. To analyse data both quantitative and descriptive methods were used. According to analyse 80% of respondents said that motorcycle accident was at an all-time high. And it was identified that the rider's negligence about the weather conditions and nature of the roads mainly help to the accident. The study concludes that traffic rules and road signs should be maintained and encourage motorcyclists for other vehicles.
Technology adoption for paddy and productivity among farmers. (In Anuradhapura District)
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Nadeeshani, K.A.N
The increasing population also increases the demand for food crops especially rice in Sri Lanka. But, while comparing with the increase in demand for rice, the production of rice in Sri Lanka is not satisfactory. Therefore, modern agricultural technology was introduced for paddy. This study analyzed factors affecting modern agricultural technology adoption by farmers and the impact of technology adoption decisions on productivity in the study area. The data used for the study were obtained from 50 randomly selected sample households in the study area. Data collected were analyzed using the logit regression model and Cobb-Douglas production function. The binary logit model was employed to analyze the determinants of farmers’ decisions to adopt modern technologies. The result of the logistic regression showed that household heads’ education level, farm size, credit accessibility, perception of farmers about the cost of the inputs and off-farm income positively and significantly affected the farm households’ adoption decision; while family size affected their decision negatively and significantly. The result of the Cobb-Douglas production estimation showed that the average productivity of adopters is greater than that of non-adopters. Based on these findings it is recommended policymakers have to plan in such a way that the farm households in the study area will obtain sufficient education, credit accessibilities and also have to train farmers to make them understand the benefits obtained from adopting the new technologies. These bodies have also to arrange policy issues that improve farm labor participation of household members and also to arrange how farmers obtain means of income outside farming activities
An investigative study on the knowledge of growers for the management of caterpillar damage in Coconut cultivation; Based on Kithagama Grama Niladhari Division of Kobeigane Divisional Secretariat.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Wijendra, W.W.G.I.; Arunashantha, H.A.S.
The origin of Coconut cultivation dates back to the past. With the introduction of the open economic policy in 1977, the expansion of export potential has made coconut a major export crop. At present, the variation in coconut production and the increase in pest damage can be identified. Coconut growers have been educated by coconut-based institutions. But it does not appear to be going well. So what is the knowledge of growers on the management of caterpillar damage in coconut cultivation? is the research problem. The main objective of this research is to identify the knowledge of the coconut growers on the management of caterpillar damage. Kithagama Grama Niladhari Division of Kobeigane division was selected as a study area, the experiment sample is 50 caterpillar -damaged coconut cultivators. This was done based on primary and secondary data. In the primary data collection techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, and fieldwork were used. The statistical method, GIS and MS Excel software were used to analyze the data. As a result, growers had minimal knowledge of the management of caterpillar damage in coconut cultivation. It was found that with the decrease in education, there is a lack of understanding of how to manage the damage. Those who have secondary and higher educational qualifications from growers are willing to manage this damage in any way, biological, chemical or any other. They have a positive attitude to management this damage. It can reduce the caterpillar damage by introducing proper guidance to growers.
Habitat vise fish species richness in Negombo Lagoon
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Jayathilake, P.P.G; Chandrasekara, C.M.K.N.K
Lagoon environments are very rich ecosystems having greater species diversity in different types of habitats. The increase of anthropogenic activities in and surrounding areas exerted different types of threats to both biotic and abiotic factors in lagoonal environments. Fish species are one of the most impacted biotic components in these ecosystems. Negombo lagoon is located in an area where the anthropogenic activities are high. Thus the influence of human activities in the area is rapidly increasing and fish species receive great threats. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the richness and diversity of the fish species in the Negombo lagoon. A field survey was performed to collect primary data based on habitat heterogeneity. A total of twenty-three (23) samples were strategically selected; eleven (11) from natural habitats, eight (08) from artificial habitats and (04) from semi-natural habitats. Cast net with the mesh size of 1.25 inches was used to catch the fish for counting and observations were carried out three consecutive times in each sample. Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were used to calculate the richness and diversity of fish species. SPSS and Arc GIS soft wares were interactively used for data analysis. A total of 16 fish species were enumerated belonging to 7 orders, 15 families and 16 genera. According to the findings, the highest species richness was found in semi-natural habitats, with 1.6423 Margalef richness index. While the second highest species richness was found in natural habitats with the value of 1.6029 Margalef index. The lowest richness value was reported in artificial habitats (1.5984). The highest diversity was recorded in semi-natural habitats with 1.2688 Shannon-Wiener index. While 1.0148 and 0.7511 diversity indexes were found in natural and artificial habitats respectively. The highest richness and diversity could be identified to inform the Semi-natural habitats.