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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Effect of flood on sustainable development in the semi-urban area A study in Thekkawatta Grama Niladhari Division.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Randima, N.N.; Jayarathne, M.
Flooding is one of the natural disasters generated by human activities which constitute a threat to human life, property, and the built environment with high impacts. Rapid urbanization and the growth of cities, especially in developing countries like Sri Lanka, have led to the emergence of highly vulnerable semiurban communities, particularly through informal settlements and inadequate land management. Therefore, it is necessary to study how effected the flood for sustainable development. The main objective of this research is, to investigate the impact of flooding on sustainable development. The study is carried out in Thekkawatta GN Division in the Kalutara Divisional Secretariat. The mix method was used for this research. The primary data were collected from 60 persons using a pre-tested questionnaire under the random sampling methods. Apart from that 08 resources persons have been interviewed and field observation was done to clarify the information. The data were analyzed by using qualitative and quantitative methods. According to the analyzed lack of construction of the canal, irregular construction of retaining wall of kalu ganga, the growth of invasive plants, and sand mining was identified as threats for the sustainable development of this area also, blocking the canal system by peoples was an another weakness. Damaging roads, houses, furniture, and the vehicles directly harm for the daily activity of the resident people of this area. As an opportunity to flood the fertility rate of soil has developed and the dumping site has cleared up. Therefore, the research suggests is the take action to control the above problems with establishing the preparedness plan for mitigating the flood in this area.
Build sustainable livelihood through peace building
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Bulathgama., T
A livelihood is a means of making a living. It secures the necessities (food, water, shelter, and clothing) of life. Livelihood has defined a set of activities essential to everyday life that are conducted over one’s life span. Such activities could include securing water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. The concept of sustainable development (SL) is an attempt to go beyond the conventional definition and approaches to poverty eradication. These were too narrow because they focused only on certain aspects of poverty such as low income, or did not consider other vital aspects of poverty such as vulnerability and social exclusion. The sustainable livelihood concept offers a more coherent and integrated approach to poverty. As such we need to strengthen the means of livelihoods. The problem is that the failure of livelihoods can contribute to conflicts. These conflicts can emerge in various ways, such as competition for scarce resources, ethnic/religious tensions, competition over political power and dissatisfaction on the part of marginalized groups. Thus, to build a sustainable livelihood in conflict situations requires critical thinking flexibility, an understanding of specific conflict dynamics and the recognition of the impact of the conflicts. The objective of the study is to offer actions on promoting livelihoods during conflicts. This research is used secondary data such as textbooks, journals, publications, articles, websites, and online journals. Finally, this research will help to build mutual understanding, trust and strengthen the bond of the community. It will also lead to peace and harmony toward society. If there is peace in society, development is always easy to achieve.
Impacts of human activities on soil erosion: A case study in Wewere GND, in Minipe DSD
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Danasekara, D.R.A.K.; Amarasinghe, A.G.
Human activities influence heavily on soil erosion in Sri Lanka. Soil erosion in rural areas is high, due to various human activities. Wewere GND is selected for this study as there was high consumption of land for agriculture in Kandy district. The main objective of this study is to identify the human activities which accelerate the natural process of soil erosion and provide the solution to conserve soil erosion. The methodology of the research was a mixedmethod under the holistic approach. Hence to achieve the target, Wewere GND was divided into 7 land units according to the types of human activities in the area and obtained 1 kg of soil from each land unit through the simple random sampling method. Further, experiments were conducted in the laboratory and the final results were analyzed. The results were represented with maps using Arc GIS and charts, graphs, tables using MS Excel. 100g of soil from each soil samples were taken, 2mm sieved each sample and obtained 2 fractions to determine their particle sizes. The fraction which is more than 2mm (+2mm) is selected as the results of each sample. Sub forest represented 4.82 %, crop cultivation represented 41.36% of soil particles(+2mm). The result substantiated high soil erosion was represented in crop cultivation (41.36%) due to the human activity and less was represented in sub forest (4.82 %). The mismanagement of land, proper soil conservation measures are not being adopted to the villagers, improper land use and less knowledge are the causes of accelerated soil erosion in Wewere GND. Vegetative methods, structural methods, management practices, and awareness programs should be executed to the conservation of soil erosion in the research area. The management of agricultural systems must be carried on the sustainable approach and related authorities should pay attention to minimize soil erosion.
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.
Applicability of the Green City Concept to minimize environmentally Issues cause by ill-planned urbanization in Ja- Ela Municipal Council area
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Balasuriya, R.P.A.S.; Jayarathne, M.
Cities reveal not only their past but the present while providing a basis for future planning and development. Unfortunately, many cities in Sir Lanka exhibit qualities of poor environmental management, particularly in the area of ill-planned urbanization. It has given origin to various Environmental Problems (EP). To face this EP, the Green City Concept (GCC) has been widely used. Illegal construction, irregular garbage disposal, wastewater discharge, air, soil and noise pollution have worsened this EP. The main objective of this study is, to investigate the applicability of the GCC to minimize the EP stated above. The study area of this research was the JaEla Municipal Area (MA). Primary and secondary data were used for this research. Primary data was collected by the questionnaire, interviews, and field observations while the secondary data was collected from books, magazines, research articles, census reports, and maps. Also, the sample questionnaires were administered to 20 families and 10 state institutions in the MA. Data analyses were done using quantitative and qualitative methods. Collected information was illustrated through graphs, tables, and maps. The study reveals that 90% of the sample accepted the green city concept. And 85% of the sample said that to the illegal construction directly help to generate the urban problem like mental stress, dengue epidemic, flood, and population issues. Therefore, the research suggests is the establishment of GCC most successful and capable of sustainable development in urban areas.
Impact of alien invasive species of Annona Glabra Special reference to Kelaniya Mudun Ela catchment
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Premathilaka, H.D.P.C; 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.
Scopes for increasing saving opportunities in rural low-income households; with special reference to Kalahagala Grama Niladari Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Gunasekara, S.C.P. D.S; Sakalasooriya, N
Sri Lanka is a developing country for a long time and now it has become a lower-middle-income country. In the development process, human resource contributes a lot and household plays a major role. Their income and expenditure levels decide the household savings. The significant number of rural households still can be categorized as low-income households. Therefore the savins rate of rural areas is significantly low. There are 82% of the total population of Sri Lanka live in rural areas. Therefore it is essential to increase the savings of rural low-income households. The main purpose of this study is to study the barriers to improve the savings of rural low-income households in Sri Lanka and find the scopes for increasing savings in rural lower-income families. In this research, Kalahagala Grama Niladari Division of Thamankaduwa Divisional Secretariat Division in Polonnaruwa District was selected as the study region. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Especially the primary data were collected by questionnaires, interviews and site observations mixed methods. Secondary data were collected from the books, research reports, Samurdhi bank reports and journal articles on websites. The study reveals that the barriers of the money savings of the rural low-income households were new trending of people to apply for loans from micro-financial institutions and people expanding money without a farsighted plan. Consequently, these loan processes have increased the rural indebtedness unprecedently. Therefor new scientific understanding of investments and entrepreneurship should be provided to the rural lower-income families.
Study on socio-economic factors affecting urban child malnutrition on Kollonnawa.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Perera, U.U.K.S.R; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S
Malnutrition is a universal issue holding back development with unacceptable human consequences. Background as in many other Asian countries, Sri Lanka is in the phase of a rapid demographic, Nutritional and epidemiological nutritional transition occurring with socioeconomic development and urbanization. The effect of malnutrition is globally recognized as being devastating and far-reaching. Malnutrition in Sri Lanka takes many forms and is widespread. While the national prevalence of stunting dropped dramatically over the decades, progress has stalled in recent years and wasting is at the level of a major public health issue. The main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic factors affect urban child malnutrition in Sedawatta GND. This research is a mix method research. Hence to achieve the target, 50 households were selected through simple random sampling method. The structured questionnaire has been used to collect the primary data as well as journals, books, articles, research papers, organizations reports that have been selected to the secondary data. Both primary and secondary data have been analysed under descriptive statistical methods and results have been illustrated by graphs and tables. This study reveals that the main reasons for urban child malnutrition are low income, unemployment, illiterate, early marriages, less access for health and sanitation and less attention to the nutrition status of children in households. According to the researcher, empowerment of households organized awareness programs to make an attitude change of dietary habits are the main suggestion for eradicating urban child malnutrition.
Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Small and Medium enterprises in Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Chandrakanthi, E.G.D.
Although contemporary economies take women entrepreneurship seriously, the uptake of entrepreneurship activities by women remains low in Sri Lanka; the involvement of women-run businesses in economic development is minimal. Using a quantitative research methodology that involved the filling in of objective questionnaires by female entrepreneurs, the study sought to establish the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, identify contributing factors to these challenges and consider the roles played by different stakeholders in promoting women entrepreneurship. The study revealed that most women who are actively engaged in business are aged between 30 to 49. Because of the power of education, these women believe that they are capable of running successful businesses. However, some women feel that they are weak and marginalized. All the study participants have less than 10 years of experience in the business. There is inadequate Government support and most of the women lack knowledge about where they could get support. Despite having legislation that supports women’s participation in economic development and the business interests of women, women remain underrepresented in national economic activities. Significant challenges faced by women in business in Sri Lanka are related to cultural factors, funding and lack of information. More research-based strategies are required to create awareness of the business opportunities available for women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. The study concluded that women entrepreneurs is fairly new in Sri Lanka hence there is a need for further research on women entrepreneurs and how it benefits different stakeholders. Gender justice based socio-cultural reorientation in Sri Lanka could allow more women to explore their potential in business without fear of victimization and marginalization.
Identification of the threats of the Fall Army Worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) epidemic on crop production and socio-economic impacts in Dewahuwa agrarian area, Galewela Divisional Secretariat in Mathale District of Sri Lanka.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Jayarathna, A.UA.U.
Fall Army Worm (FAW) as known as Spodoptera Frugiperda is a destructive pest, reported in the field of agriculture in the world who is a nearly reported foreign pest in Sri Lanka. The Department of Agriculture in Sri Lanka introduced this worm as “Sena caterpillar.” Dewahuwa Agrarian area is one of the areas situated in the Mathale District. Agriculture is the main economic way of livelihood for the Dewahuwa community. They cultivate Paddy, Maize, Chili, etc. In the present, they have to face an egregious problem, the comeback of FAW. The vast number of cultivations have destructed, and it leads to economic collapse. Accordingly, the main target of this study is to identify the impacts of FAW on crop production and identify the socio-economic impacts of the pest in the Dewahuwa Agrarian Area. Both primary data and the secondary data were used for this study. Primary data consisted of a questionnaire and field observations. Hence to achieve the target of the research, 50 farmers were selected in the Dewahuwa area. Secondary data were collected from Dewahuwa Agrarian Service Center. Across the surveyed regions, Maize, Cabbage, Knokol, paddy is the most affected cultivations of this area. Maize cultivated farmers are highly affected by the hazard. A large number of crop affected farmers have reported in the Bulanawewa region. They have received low revenue in this season than previous seasons. They have to use more expensive insecticides and of the degree of pesticides much more for their cultivations. When supplying crops to the market, they have to get low income from their harvest. Therefore, the findings of the study suggest that, conduct an awareness program on the identification of pest and introduce control measures especially biological and cultural control options as well as compensation for affected farmers and provide alternative seeds can be the best solution to minimize the impact of Fall Army Worm.
Impact of water pollution on human ecology in the Kelani river
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Disanayaka, D.M.I.K.K.; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S
Water pollution is one of the main topics of the urban environment in Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. The city of Colombo is Sri Lanka's most densely populated area and the population of the Kelani River is very high. The main purpose of this study is to identify the impact of directly changing the environment on human beings. For this study, the area from the Peliyagoda Bridge to the estuary of the Kelani River is selected and 25 water samples from this zone are to be examined. The tests to be performed are the three parameters of water valence (pH), biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), and dissolve oxygen (DO). Primary data and secondary data will be used for this research. Primary data will be used for this purpose through water sample collection, interviews and field observations. Secondary data is also expected to be used in books, journals, research, reports, etc. The new ArcGIS 10.2 software will be used primarily to analyze the data collected, with the main focus being its interpolation methodology (IDW), which will be used also (BUFFER, CLIP) to the main methodology. The results of the above research will be analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The people of this area are suffering from various health problems due to water pollution. The soil of the paddy fields in the river has also been acidified. The human ecological approach to physical geography was used to conduct this research.
A study about micro-climate changes in the Medadumbara Divisional Secretariat Division after the construct of Victoria Reservoir.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Abeysinghe., A.M.L.K.K.; Jayarathne., M
Climate has been changing throughout history, and there has been a steady evolution in climate conditions. But in the past, most of these changes took place as part of natural processes, over which humanity didn't have any control or say, even now such changes continue to take place. However, what is worrying about the entire world today is the climate change that is taking place as a result of human intervention of a different kind of development. The reservoirs constructed under the development project have been subjected to subtle changes in the climate of the surrounding areas. The main objective of this research is, to investigate the effects of Micro-Climate Change (MCC) due to the construction of the Victoria Reservoir (VR). For this study, fifty families were elected from the left bank of the VR, Medadumbara DSD. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation, while corporate reports, research dissertations, and meteorological data were used as secondary data. The results were represented with maps, graphs, and tables. According to the analysis, after the construction of the VR, MCC was detected. The spatial and temporal patterns of rainfall, temperature, and humidity were changes due to VR and it has helped to change the land use pattern as well of this area. Therefore, the state institutions should pay attention to minimize the issues due to MCC in the surrounding area of VR.