National Conference of Undergraduates on Environment and Development (NCUED)

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Adaptation strategies for flood victims on major river basins in Sri Lanka: The case from Megoda Kolonnawa GN Division of Kelani River basin
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ranwella, K.B.I.S.; Sakalasooriya, N.
Recently, it has been witnessed that flood is the burgeoning catastrophe in Sri Lanka when compared with all the other calamities recorded. Depending on the temporal and regional intensity and the broad spectrum of destruction, it has been recognized as one of the most predominant disasters in Sri Lanka. The awareness of victims who live in the endangered area and launching strategies for avoiding significant impacts are required to adapt to disasters. Accordingly, victimized proportions of the flood have vigorously adapted to vulnerable situations rather than leaving their homelands and disrupting their daily routines. This study becomes significant in providing theoretical and validated impulses beyond any limits, typically imposed by a culture of safe and exemplifies the essential elements to provide adaptive strategies to flood victims in “Megoda Kolonnawan GN division” practiced prior the incident, at the moment and after the incident. Kolonnawa was found to be the largest flood-affected DS Division in Sri Lanka. Out of 46 GN divisions of Kolonnawa DSD, “Megoda Kolonnawa – A” GND has been identified as the most vulnerable area to flood disasters. A sample of 3 % of the total population which is, 2347 households of the GND was selected for the study. The stratified sample method was used to select GN Division and the Simple Radom Sampling method was used to select 70 units of households from the GN Division. The study was carried out using primary and secondary data collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. This study revealed the fact that “Identifying the strategies of adapting to the flood” is becoming the main approach from the villagers as well as the government and non-government offices. Maintaining initiate communication with each other to gather at a safe place where the government has approved in vulnerable situations is the most common strategy. Similarly, increasing the physical values of the buildings and coordination with the government engineers to get the appropriate building plans are the most common strategies recorded within the past few decades.
Affect the immigrant fluctuation for community livelihood in tourism destination area: A case study on Kandy District
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Maduwanthi, R.M.U.I.; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today. The attractiveness, climate, topography, soil, infrastructure and other amenities of a given geographical unit make the place an attractive destination. Due to these factors, the tourism industry which is established in a particular area will affect many sectors including economic, environmental, social, and political. It can be seen that the variation of tourist immigration in the destination area has also affected its livelihood. The problem of this research is to identify the community livelihood changes in tourism destination areas due to the reason of immigrant fluctuation. The approach of this research is an economic geography approach based on the human geographic view. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Questionnaires and interview techniques used under the survey method and also observation methods have been used to collect primary data. Accordingly, 10 sample producers, 10 marketers and 10 tourism service providers in the Gangawatakorale Divisional Secretariat and Kalapuraya Grama Niladhari Division in the Kandy District were selected as the sample. Descriptive analysis methods were used for getting the result. The finding of this research was the decline period of tourist immigration has highly contributed to the deterioration of the economic and social status of the people in the destination area. The main affecting factor was the high loan pressure of the community in the destination area.
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.
Bird species –habitat association in different land uses and land covers in Sri Palabaddala Grama Niladari Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Madhushika, M.S.; Chandrasekera, C.M.K.N.K.
Bird diversity contributes to the balance of an ecosystem. Land use and land cover of an area are one of the determining factors highly impacted on bird diversity. An attempt was made to analyze the diversity changes of bird species from the human-dominated landscape towards the natural forest area in the present study. Part of the Sri Pada Sanctuary belonging to the Sri Palabaddala Grama Niladhari Division in Ratnapura District and 3 villages named Andirikelle, Pawanella, and Mahawatta were selected as the study area. The study area considered a dense forest, forest, tea, cinnamon, scrubland, and home gardens. The observations were carried out during the period from September to November 2019, using 20 samples. Observations are scheduled From 5.00-8.00am in the morning and from 4.00-7.00pm in the evening. Quadrant with a 50m radius was considered as the area of a sample. GPS coordinate of each sample was recorded for mapping purposes. Observations were repeated for three consecutive days for each sample. A total of 1081 individual bird species were enumerated about 49 species of birds. Among them were 32 resident species, 15 endemic species, and two migrant species. The most common avifaunal species in the area were Red-vented bulbul, Yellow-billed babbler and Spotted dove. In terms of land uses, 24 birds species from dense forests, 12 birds species from forest, 18 birds species from tea plantation, 19 bird species from cinnamon cultivation, 15 birds species from scrubland and 28 birds species from home gardens were observed. Accordingly, the very distinctive species composition of bird species was identified in home gardens. The reason behind the highest species richness is the availability of food in home gardens.
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.
Causes of the rapid urbanization of the Nittambuwa town in Sri Lanka
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Wijesiri, H.P.S.Y.; Sakalasooriya, N.
This research investigates the major causes of the rapid urbanization of Nittambuwa town which is located in the northwest periphery of Colombo Metropolitan. Urbanization has become a major development trend in developing countries. In Sri Lanka also with the metropolitan area development of the Colombo city, so many emerging towns show a rapid urbanization process during past decades. Nittambuwa town also situated within this Colombo metropolitan area and as an emerging town which shows a rapid urbanization process and so many political, social and economic factors have affected. This research uses a mixed-method and urban geographic approaches. The study area has defined 50 meters buffer zone of Colombo –Kandy highway in the Nittambuwa town area. It has been selected 30 shops and 50 dwellers for primary data collection under a simple random sampling method. Observations and other surveying techniques were used to collect data while other data gained from secondary data sources such as Urban Development Authority, Road Development Authority and National Physical Planning Department of Sri Lanka. MS Excel, GIS, and Remote Sensing techniques were used to analyze the data and charts, maps, and tables were used to present the data. This analysis revealed that the Nittambuwa town acts as the main interchanging center within the area. The number of commuters who pass the town has significantly been increased and transport services as well during the last decade, 2009-2019. Thought he Colombo – Kandy has widened and upgraded to reduce the severe traffic jam, it causes to increase the commuters to the city area. Connecting road development projects of the surrounding area of the city has affected the increase of the mobility of the crowd into the town. Construction of large scale textile shops and supermarkets also have become a major development trend within the town area. It is better to place an entertaining area for the people to be refreshed and proper parking yards for private vehicles. It is clear that the infrastructure development of the town area has effected to rapid urbanization in the Nittambuwa Town.
The challenges and related trends faced by tourism-related employees; based on tourism area around Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Subhashini, W.M.S.; Arunashantha, H.A.S
Tourism is one of the world's leading industries in the present scenario. This is due to the attractiveness of the tourism industry and its ability to generate a large number of jobs, from the large to the micro-level. Accordingly, it is a labor-intensive industry in countries such as Sri Lanka with high unemployment. But when examining the current situation of tourism in Sri Lanka, it is clear that although the growth of tourism these employees face many challenges. Accordingly, the research problem is to study the challenges and related trends faced by tourism-related employees. The main objective of this program is to identify the challenges faced by the employees related to tourism. The study area is the Gregory Lake tourism area in Nuwara Eliya Central and Magastota Grama Niladhari Divisions of Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat Division. A randomized sample of Fifty persons with indirect employment related to tourism in this area was selected as the sample for this research. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and secondary data were collected from corporate reports. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data and the results we're able to identify the challenges faced by the tourism-related employees. Accordingly, the main challenge is to decline tourist arrivals and it also implies that the challenges they face can lead to a decline in their living conditions. Accordingly, there is a timely need to introduce and encourage alternative employment and income sources such as handicraft, enhancing the fisheries industry and agricultural products.
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 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.
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.
Challenges related to solid waste management in Local Authorities of Sri Lanka (The case of Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha area)
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Rajapaksha, R.S.A; Amarasinghe, A.G
Disposal of solid waste has become an environmental problem in Sri Lanka. This has posed a challenge for waste management. Solid waste management is one of the biggest challenges for Asian countries including Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study is to explore the challenges associated with solid waste management in the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha area. Three Grama Niladhari Divisions namely Uthuwankanda, Habbunkaduwa, and Mahawatta have been selected as the sample area in this study. Both primary and secondary data were used for this purpose. The questionnaires, interviews, and observations were used in this study. A sample of 30 households and shops from three Grama Niladhari Divisions were selected for the study. A structured questionnaire and unstructured interviews were used to collect data. When creating a database for data analysis, Microsoft Excel and GIS software were used. Food waste, polythene, plastic, and tin have been considered as waste material in this study. It has been calculated that 500g of waste was generated by a 750g of waste was produced by the shops. Solid waste management practices can reduce waste by 20%- 30% of the household and market waste. People’s attitudes must be changed to achieve this purpose. By educating the community on these issues and by informing the community on the social and environmental impact of waste disposal, these challenges of waste management can be reduced.
Climate change adaptation in agricultural farming; a case study from Neththipalagama Grama Niladhari Division.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Bandara, M.H.B.P.P; Jayarathne, M.
The major challenge posed before the entire world today is Climate Change (CC) or global warming. CC phenomena have been widely reported over the past few decades. Famers have been gradually adapting to agricultural patterns since the beginning of human civilization. This study focuses on how farmers have adapted to CC in Sri Lanka. The Neththipalagama Grama Niladhari Division (GND) of the Mahawa Divisional Secretariat in the Kurunegala District was selected as the study area for this research. Primary and secondary data were used for this research. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussion, and field observation while secondary data was collected reports, magazines, books, and the internet. The survey was done 30 selected individuals under the simple random sampling method. Data analysis was completed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Analyze data were displayed using tables, charts, and maps. The study showed that the total land area of farming lessened from 65% to 40% from the year 2000 to 2018. Also, the annual rainfall has decreased from 2000 mm to 1800mm by the above period. The 55% of farmers engaged in the agricultural sector in the study area, 40% of them used various agricultural adaptations methods, such as short-term crops, new seeds and substitute crops. To minimize this situation, it is ultimately possible to identify different methods of irrigation, generate new seeds using innovative methods and distribute new seeds and introduce a new market for crops that can alter farmers' incomes.
Community adaptation for frequent urban flood the case from Keravalapitiya GN Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Buddhima, S.M.D; Sakalasooriya, N
This study investigates the community adaptation for a frequent urban flood. In tropical climates, urban flash floods have been increased and the vulnerability is also increased due to climate changes. According to the international rankings, Sri Lanka has been ranked second among the countries most affected by extreme weather events in 20 years since 1998. The 2019 Long-Term Climate Risk Index, published by Germanwatch, has listed Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, and Dominica as the top three affected countries. The study has selected the Keravalapitiya G.N division in the Wattala urban council area of the Gampaha District in the Western Province of Sri Lanka because this urban area faces frequent floods due to the geographic location on the coastal belt of the This study was done under mixed-methods and the primary data were collected from 50 households using a questionnaire. Maps, satellite images, aerial photos have been used for the secondary data. The study reveals that community adaptation is not satisfactory because each time the victims are suffered from the flood. Anyway, this community does not migrate to a safer area because they are lower-income families and they have no other alternative. The study points out that, all the victims of the flood are an economically and socially marginal community. According to the low gradient of the slope, drainage pattern, climate pattern, and frequency of floods, the most sustainable solution is to relocate the community into a new housing scheme.
Community-based issues on unauthorized residents in the Coastal conservation area; Case study on Munnakkaraya costal area
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Wickramananda, R.P.K.N; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S
Urbanization has become a major trend in developing countries. People migrate to metropolitan areas as a result of that population density is increasing gradually. Especially in the coastal line. The coastal conservation area is important to protect all human and natural ecology. Sri Lanka declares the coastal conservation area under the act of 1981 no.57 and more than 1500km. The contemporary issue of the coastal conservation area in Sri Lanka is Unauthorized Residents. The replacing programme of this community was not a success due to the reasons for issues of their residence. The problem of this research to identify the issues of unauthorized people in the Negombo lagoon. Munnakkaraya- North GND of the Negombo Divisional Secretariat. A set of questionnaires and observations were used to collect primary data and secondary data sources such as Negombo District Secretariat Office, Gampaha Land Use and Planning Department and Department of Coast Conservation and Management. Quantitative and qualitative data were used and a descriptive analysis method has been used to analyze data and information. It is mainly used MS Excel software to analyze calculations and Arc. GIS 10.7 software used for spatial analysis. The results can be identifying poverty, land issues, drugs, lack of infrastructure facilities, unemployment and sanitation issues as the high impact factors for this community.
The consequences on the water quality of the Tissa Wewa tank in Anuradhapura
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Thilakarathna, N.D.C.J; Ekanayaka, E.M.M.G.S.K.K; Jayawickrama, G.G.H
Sri Lanka had the most complex irrigation system of the ancient world. Most of the great reservoir tanks still survive today. Thissa wewa is one of the unique features of the Anuradhapura district. Mainly it provides drinking water for more than 15,000 people living in 15 villages and governmental and private sector institutions in the Anuradhapura town area and is used for religious purposes. Exceeds one lakh to five pilgrims and others reach this place for various reasons. As a result of an excessive amount of their urine, and E-coli bacterium is added to the tank water. Due to that reason it mainly affects access to drinking water and other purposes. This study mainly investigates the consequences of the water quality of the Tissa Wewa. As a study area, selected Tissa Wewa and Mihindupura villages. 30 questionnaires given to villagers and pilgrims and interviewed 3 responsible institutions selected through a convenient sampling method. And by prosecuting secondary data also. Water consumers have to pay extra money for drinking water additionally tap line water. The present lake is polluted due to fertilizes, improper waste dumping, wastewater discharge, recreational activities are some of them. This paper also discusses the Impacts on aquatic life, cultural value, accessibility of drinking water, health effects especially Kidney Disease, economy, etc. The treatment plant is a mixed high level of cleaning agent for separate chemicals from the raw water and it is very harmful to the human body. This study ends by discussing new solutions to overcome those problems. Not polluting, appoint particular officers to protect that lake, policy and regulations must be hardened, proper solid waste management practices, proper wastewater treatment techniques, new regulations, regular quality testing programs with the support from CEA, interference of religious. To protect such kind of natural and cultural valuable lake systems should be paid adequate attention to responsible institutions and officers in Sri Lanka.
Contribution of Samurdhi program to alleviate rural poverty in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.S.P
Despite Sri Lanka has achieved impressive results in human development indicators over the decades, continuously it has encountered difficulties in its battle against poverty. Since independence, the country has recovered significantly, mainly through the implementation of various social empowerment programs. However, the poverty in Sri Lanka is still widespread and acute and is generally a rural phenomenon. Sri Lanka has a long history of social empowerment programs and food subsidies in particular. Like many other countries, the government of Sri Lanka has several poverty alleviation programs. The largest one of these is the Samurdhi program which was introduced in 1995. The Samurdhi program consists of six major components. There is a welfare program, social insurance support to the poor to protect during extreme situations, savings, and financial assistance, Spiritual and social development programs, Infrastructure development programs, human resource development programs. Secondary data will be collected mainly from journals, textbooks, and central bank reports. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. Failure to reach the desired level due to the deficiencies in the implementation of poverty alleviation programs in Sri Lanka. Implementation of these policies more efficiently will help achieve the desired results.
Contribution of Small - Scale Entrepreneurs to Rural Development; Pinnaduwa Grama Niladhari Division of Akmeemana Divisional Secretariat Division of Galle District
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ayeshma., P.W.P.; Amarasinghe., A.G.A.
Small businesses have become one of the key strategies that have been introduced to generate income in the rural development process in Sri Lanka since the 1977s. Eradicate the Poverty " Unemployment " Income Distribution are the main objectives of introducing Small Scale Entrepreneurs in rural areas. The objective of this study is to investigate the ways of the Small-Scale Entrepreneurs contribute to a rural area. Pinnaduwa Grama Niladhari Division of the Akmeemana Divisional Secretariat of the Galle District was as the study area for this study. 40 small entrepreneurs were selected through the nonrandom sampling method. Both primary and secondary data were used for data collection and observational questionnaires were used for primary data collection. Unpublished dissertations, books, magazines" institutional Publications and Internet were used to get Secondary data. SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software used to analyzed data and tables graphs used to present my Findings. This research found that Small-Scale Entrepreneurs contribute to rural development. These small businesses can be introduced to address a wide range of social and economic issues, particularly as a means of reducing unemployment to increase their income. Therefore, further expanding these SMEs in the rural development process should be a hindrance to the national development process.
Contribution to rural livelihood development in Kehelbaddara cashew processing industry
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Hettiarachchi, H.A.S.S.; Rathnasekara, S.R.L.S.
Cashew can be described as an agro crop with high demand and prices and market value both locally and overseas. Cashew is a minor export crop and is widely cultivated in the Puttalam, Mannar, Hambanthota, Vavuniya, Anuradhapuraya, Polonnaruwa, Monaragala, Gampaha and Kurunegala in districts commonly cultivated. There are about 70,000 families in the cashew industry. The cashew production contributes in the Gampaha District 70 % to in the cashew processing industry. The main objective of this study is to investigate how the cashew processing industry has contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of the rural community. The cashew processing industry is functioning in Udugampola, Minuwangoda, Nedagamuwa, Madelgamuwa, Uggalboda, Batapotha, Makewita, Walpola, Kaluwelgoda and Thammita areas within the Minuwangoda Divisional Secretariat. The Kehelbaddara Grama Niladhari Division has been used as the study area. In data and information were obtained through questionnaires and interviews with a sample of 50 groups in the cashew processing industry in the Grama Niladhari Division. The information obtained was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. In rural livelihood development, the cashew processing industry can identify the major economic activity in these families. Women labor contributes much more to the process of cashew processing. Investment, technical know-how required for proper livelihood development in rural livelihood development through the cashew processing industry should be more effectively and efficiently intervened at the public and private level to promote the quality of capital resources, products and to encourage the people involved.
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.
Distribution pattern of population distribution in Polgahawela urban area
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Gunawardhana, M.B.H.S.M.; Manawadu, L
Polgahawela city is a major transportation hub in Sri Lanka. However, the population growth of the city and structure different when compared with the other cities on the Island. Therefore, the aim of the present study to assess the prevailing pattern of the concentration and the distribution of the population of the Polgahawela city area. Polagahwela city area consists of twelve (12) Grama Niladhari Divisions (GND) Population data collected from the census and statistics department of Sri Lanka in 2008 and 2018 pertaining to 12 GNDs and Administrative boundary map of the same area were used for the study. Population densities of each GNDs for 2008 and 2018 were calculated and mapped using Arc GIS 10.1 software. Multiple ring buffers were created from the central point of the city towards the peripheral areas having 500m intervals and calculated the density of the population of each buffer for the analysis. The results revealed that; the density of the population was 1073Km2 in 2008 and it was 733Km2 in the first 500m close to the center. The population density of the 2nd ring (500-1000m) in 2008 was 1603km2 while the density was 1344 Km2 in 2018. In the 3rd ring population density was 1773 Km2 in 2008 and 1644 Km2 in 2018. During the past 10year period the population density of 1.5km from the city centre observed decreasing. However, in the fourth ring, it was observed an increase in population density in 2018 than 2008 showing that 1336 Km2 and 1228 Km2 respectively. In the 5th ring also showed the same pattern indicating 1083 Km2 in 2008 and 1250 Km2 in 2018. Overall, the population density of the polgahawela city area shows two considerable segments from the city center to the peripheral area. In the first segment, the density of the population showed a decreasing pattern of up to 1.5km. The second segment (1.5km to 2 km) showed an increasing pattern of the population.