University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Mapping Two Decades of Human-Elephant Conflict Research in Sri Lanka (1999–2023): A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis
No full textHuman-elephant conflict (HEC) remains a pressing concern in Sri Lanka, where human settlements and agricultural activities increasingly encroach upon the natural habitats of elephants. This bibliometric analysis aims to explore the existing research on HEC in Sri Lanka, identify major thematic areas in the literature, and analyze the trends and patterns in scholarly publications. A thorough literature retrieval was performed through Scopus database, resulting in a dataset of research articles, review papers, conference proceedings, book chapters, conference review, letter, and review. Visual mapping and bibliometric tools were applied to analyze articles on HEC published between 1999 and 2023 in the Scopus database. An assessment was carried out on 52 articles. Various bibliometric indicators were utilized to examine the trends in scholarly output, author contributions, institutional collaborations, and recurring research topics. The results reveal the heightened academic engagement with HEC research in Sri Lanka over the years, with a focus on topics such as elephant behavior, agricultural practices, mitigation strategies, and policy interventions. The analysis also highlights the collaboration networks among researchers and institutions involved in HEC research in Sri Lanka. Overall, this bibliometric analysis offers an in-depth overview of existing HEC research in Sri Lanka, highlights areas where further investigation is needed, and proposes directions for future research and policy actions aimed at mitigating HEC.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i02.1
Enhancing IT-Based Tax Payment Systems in Local Authorities in Colombo District in Sri Lanka
No full textLocal Authorities (LAs) in Sri Lanka have a significant responsibility to provide quality public services and are authorized to collect rates and taxes as primary income sources. The efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery determine the level of public satisfaction. However, inefficiencies in manual tax collection and the limited adoption of IT-based systems have posed challenges, highlighting the need to assess the effectiveness of existing digital tax payment systems in LAs. This study addresses the question: How effective and efficient are the existing IT-based tax payment systems in Colombo District LAs, and what strategies can improve their performance? Accordingly, the research analyzes the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of existing IT-based tax and fee payment systems and identifies strategies to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. The study focuses on twelve (12) LAs in the Colombo District that currently use IT-based tax payment systems. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and secondary sources such as legal provisions, policies, and project reports. A qualitative analysis was conducted using the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) as the theoretical framework, as it provides a comprehensive basis for understanding how innovations are adopted within organizations. The SWOT analysis was structured around the five (05) attributes of IDT relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability, and their parameters. Overall, the findings reveal that the strengths of these systems are substantial, demonstrating that IT-based tax payment systems positively influence the functionality and performance of LAs. Finally, strategies to enhance effectiveness and efficiency were proposed under three key areas: structural development, educational development, and attitudinal development.
Keywords: Innovation Diffusion Theory, IT-Based Tax Payment Systems, Local Authorities, SWO
Statin adherence and medication knowledge among Ischemic Heart disease Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Sri Lanka
No full textIntroduction: Cardiovascular disease is a major public health issue that accounts for 30% of all fatalities worldwide. Poor adherence to statin medication has been linked to poor clinical outcomes and increased healthcare costs. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and adherence to statins and the association of selected factors among ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients attending the tertiary hospital Jaffna. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among IHD patients using statins. Patients who were above 18 years old and who had taken statins for at least the past three months were selected. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit patients. An interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess the association between adherence and variables. Individuals who answered “0 days” to all three adherence questions were considered as high adherence; those who reported they forgot to take statin at least once in the previous week were considered as medium adherence, and those who reported that they purposefully added or missed statin for one day or more in the last week were considered as low adherence. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The response rate was 97.28% (n=430). 43.7% of patients showed medium adherence, 38.4% showed high adherence, and 17.9% showed low adherence. The mean statin knowledge score of patients was 6.31 (SD±1.51). Statins’ knowledge (p=0.001), clinic visits (p=0.023), polypharmacy (p=0.038), support from family members/caregivers (p=0.014), and co-morbidities (p=0.034) showed statistically significant association with medication adherence. Conclusion: Adherence to statins and medication knowledge among patients was suboptimal. Statin adherence could be improved by considering associated factors in this study
Digital Transformation of the Valuation Profession: Evolving Roles of Valuers and Implications for Sri Lanka
No full textThe valuation profession is undergoing a considerable transition due to rapid improvements in digital technologies, which are now gaining significant attention. This digital transition of property valuation reflects the gradual shift from traditional valuation techniques to the integration of digital technologies, data systems, and automation tools such as Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), all of which improve efficiency, consistency, and accessibility of data. This paper uses a systematic literature review strategy to investigate the digital transformation of the property valuation profession globally and within Sri Lanka, with special attention on the e-valuation system of the Government Valuation Department (GVD). The findings reveals the importance of valuers blending digital insights with professional expertise to deliver reliable, informed, and ethically grounded valuations. In Sri Lanka, digital adoption requires institutional support, capacity training, and contextual adaptations to ensure the long term incorporation of digital innovations into valuation practice.
 
Assessing the Spatial Arrangement of Reach Morphology along a Headwater Stream A Case Study in Yagirala Forest Reserve
Get PDFHeadwater streams are the initiation points of river networks. They are important areas for the investigation of geomorphological features of stream channels due to the proximity to sediment supply sources and fewer disturbance from anthropogenic activities. In this study, the spatial arrangement and characteristics of bed morphologies in a headwater stream in Yagirala Forest Reserve investigated at reach scale. The study was conducted by establishing 11 sites along the headwater stream. Montgomery and Buffington classification was used to identify different reach morphologies. Detailed observations of the classification criteria were recorded, along with measurements such as stream width, depth, and boulder sizes at each location. The study’s findings show three major channel morphologies: alluvial, bedrock and mixed alluvial morphology along the headwater stream. Furthermore, various reach morphologies such as step pool, plane bed, pool riffle, regime (sand bed) under alluvial morphology were identified. Field investigations revealed that step-pool reaches were found in relatively high-gradient areas, while plane-bed and pool-riffle reaches were in mid-gradient areas, and regime reaches were found in lower-gradient areas. At the reach scale, the plane bed occupied the majority of the stream. Under the spatial arrangement of channel reaches, the expected general downstream pattern of Montgomery and Buffington classification was not observed in this study. Fluvial processes were dominated in all the reach types along the stream. Bed morphology characteristics at reach scale were closely related with the longitudinal profile of the headwater stream. The outcomes of the study have the potential to future restoration of the region's degraded headwater streams and similar environments while providing a better understanding of the major aspects of headwater streams.
Keywords: Headwater streams, Reach, Morphology, Montgomery and Buffington classificatio
A Decadal Analysis of Phytoplankton Response to Nutrient Variability and Dynamics in the Arabian Sea
No full textPhytoplankton growth in the global ocean is often limited by nutrient availability. Understanding these nutrient-phytoplankton relationships are essential, especially in the Arabian Sea (AS), where nutrient-driven variations in time and space significantly influence its primary productivity. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between phytoplankton biomass and dissolved nutrients (phosphate, nitrate, silicate, and iron) in the AS for a 30-year period from 1993 to 2023. Spatial diversity in nutrient dynamics was investigated, splitting the study area into four sub-regions: western, eastern, northern, and central AS. Monthly mean data were obtained from Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS), with spatial resolution of 0.25° at the ocean surface layer of 50 m depth. Data analysis was performed using the R programming language. Descriptive statistics revealed that the monthly mean nutrient concentrations over the three-decade period, ranked from highest to lowest, were 0.110 mg L-1 for silicate, 0.018 mg L-1 for phosphate, 0.014 mg L-1 for nitrate, and 0.00005 mg L-1. for ferrous. Phytoplankton biomass showed significant positive correlations with nitrate (r=0.67, p<0.001) and phosphate (r=0.59, p<0.001), indicating nitrate is the primary limiting nutrient. Correlations with silicate (r=0.13, p<0.05) and ferrous (r= -0.04) were weak suggesting minimal influence on phytoplankton growth. Nitrate concentration peaked from July to September, due to seasonal upwelling (Southwest monsoon) in western AS. In contrast, nitrate levels remain consistently low during April and November (inter-monsoon periods), characterized by less upwelling. The monthly variation of nitrate concentrations corresponds closely with the phytoplankton biomass, highlighting the influence of monsoon cycles on nutrient availability and primary productivity in the AS. One-way ANOVA showed significant spatial variations in monthly mean nutrient concentrations (p<0.001) across the four sub-regions. Being a strong upwelling region, nitrate was abundant, but Fe was highly limiting in the western AS. Elevated surface silicate concentrations in the eastern AS was primarily attributed to significant riverine inputs from India. Multiple linear regression showed nitrate, phosphate, and ferrous significantly influence phytoplankton biomass, explaining 54% of its variability, while silicate shows no significant effect. In conclusion, this study underscored the critical role of nutrients in driving phytoplankton biomass in the AS, particularly in response to monsoon-driven upwelling. Utilizing CMEMS data on phytoplankton-nutrient relationships can enhance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management by monitoring and predicting nutrient-driven productivity trends, supporting sustainable resource use on a large scale.
Keywords: Arabian sea, Phytoplankton, Dissolved nutrients, Nitrate, Phosphat
Impact of Clear Cutting on Sedimentation Dynamics: A Case Study in Naturalized Mature Pine Plantation, Tropical Lowland, Sri Lanka
Get PDFVegetation plays a crucial role in regulating soil erosion through its roots, canopy, and litter layers, reducing surface runoff and sediment transport. However, removal of vegetation through clear-cutting amplifies soil erosion, increasing the frequency and magnitude of sediment yield. However, limited research has been conducted on the specific effects of clear-cutting on sediment yield. This study investigates the impact of clear cutting and replanting on sediment yield in a naturalized mature Pinus caribaea plantation in the tropical lowlands of Sri Lanka. Three surface runoff plots (10 m × 3 m) were established on slopes within the plantation, representing overall site characteristics. Slope, canopy cover, ground vegetation cover, and litter thickness within each plot were measured. The before-felling (BF) period was considered the control, while after-felling (AF) and after replanting (AR) periods were considered the treatments. Rainfall and sedimentation were recorded for individual storm events from July 2023 to February 2024, covering the southwest monsoon period, second inter-monsoon period and north-east monsoon periods. Out of 92 storm events, 46 events with rainfall between 1 mm and 18 mm were used for the data analysis. Sediment samples were oven-dried at 105°C for 24 hours, and sieve analysis was conducted to assess grain size distribution. The average sediment yield was 1.50 g/m², 2.48 g/m², and 0.42 g/m² during BF, AF, and AR periods, respectively. Clear cutting increased sediment yield by 65.3% while replanting reduced it by 83.1%. The results indicate a significant difference (P<0.05) in sediment yield among the three periods. Positive correlations were found between rainfall and sediment yield, while canopy cover, ground vegetation cover, and litter thickness were negatively correlated with sediment yield. Sieve analysis revealed that coarse grains constituted the highest sediment output, with fine grains being the least represented across all phases. Loss of vegetation cover and canopy cover and soil compaction through forest clear-cutting increases sedimentation yield. Sieve analysis results indicate that the quantity of sediment yield was affected by the felling practices, rather than the texture of the resulting sediment. These findings highlight the importance of forest management practices to mitigate soil erosion and sedimentation in Pinus caribaea plantations in tropical lowlands, ensuring sustainable forest management practices.
Keywords: Clear-cutting, Forest management, Pinus caribaea, Sediment yield, Sieve analysis 
Abundance of Virus-Like Particles Associated with Coral Mucus on the Dominant Corals in Southern Sri Lanka
Get PDFCoral reefs are among Earth’s most diverse and productive ecosystems, playing a crucial role in marine environments by supporting biodiversity and providing habitats for numerous marine organisms. Coral mucus, a gel-like secretion produced continuously by coral polyps, serves as a vital interface between corals and their environment, fostering complex microbial communities, including bacteria and viruses. Understanding the abundance of viruses in coral mucus and their relationship with bacteria is essential for linking microbial dynamics to coral health. This study aimed to quantify the abundance of virus-like particles (VLPs) in the mucus of dominant coral species to investigate coral mortality in southern Sri Lanka. Coral mucus samples were collected from Paraviwella (PV), Polhena (POL), and Weligama (WEL) reef sites to assess VLP abundance in two key coral species: Montipora sp. and Acropora sp. The VLP counts were quantified using epifluorescence microscopy and analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and descriptive analysis. Results revealed significant differences in VLP abundance between Montipora sp. and Acropora sp. across the southern sites, with Montipora sp. consistently exhibiting higher VLP levels (p<0.05). These findings highlight notable variations in VLP abundance among the dominant hard corals across the three reef sites, emphasizing the species-specific health and stress dynamics. This study underscores the importance of monitoring VLP abundance as a potential indicator of coral health, particularly in assessing the impacts of environmental stressors on southern and northern coral reefs.
Keywords: Virus-like particles (VLPs), Coral reefs, Coral health, Southern Sri Lanka, Coral mortalit
Short Term Impacts of Polypropylene Microplastics on Soil pH and Microbial Enzyme Activities
No full textMicroplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles or fragments that measure less than 5 mm. Common existence MPs in the soil environment cause significant threats to microbial life, plant, animal, and human health. The accumulation of these microplastic particles can have varying effects on soil pH and microbial enzyme activities depending on the exposure time. The objective of this study was to examine the influences of polypropylene MPs at different exposure periods on pH and microbial enzyme activities of soil under laboratory conditions. Transparent single-time polypropylene (PP) cups labeled as PP 5 were used. The PP was crushed using a plastic shredder and separated into 3 different sizes (1mm, 2 mm & 2.8-5 mm). Fragmented PP MPs were mixed at concentrations of 0%, 2%, and 4% (w/w) with surface soil and incubated at room temperature. Samples were collected on the 0th, 15th, 30th and 45th day of incubation and the soil pH, urease, and dehydrogenase enzyme activities were measured. The soil pH decreased significantly over time, depending on the exposure duration, with an initial reduction from 13.1–19.0% on the 15th day, further declining to 0.8–6.0% by 30th day. However, by 45th day, the soil pH had increased by 2.5–11.3% relative to the MP-free soil. PP fragments of size 2.8–5 mm resulted in higher pH values relative to the 1 and 2 mm fragment sizes after the 15th, 30th and 45th days. Soil pH increased from 4.3% to 11.3% when the PP concentration was increased from 2% to 4% (w/w) after the 45th day. Thus, the effect of MPs on soil pH was revealed to be dependent on size, concentration, and exposure period. Urease enzyme activity was decreased by 3.3–9.1% after the 30th day while dehydrogenase showed a decreased activity of 8.7–40.6% after the 45th day. The results indicate that after 45 days of incubation, PP MPs with different sizes, concentrations, and exposure periods caused increased pH and decreased urease and dehydrogenase microbial enzyme activities that suggest potential effects on equilibrium of the soil ecosystem.
Keywords: Polypropylene, Urease, Dehydrogenase, Microplastics, Soil p
Assessing Mangrove Forest Cover Dynamics in the Northern Part of Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka, from 2006 to 2024 Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology
Get PDFThe Mangrove ecosystem is one of the critical and highly productive coastal habitats found in Sri Lanka's coastal zone. However, this ecosystem is increasingly under threat due to anthropogenic activities. The study area for this research is the Northern part of Negombo Lagoon, located on the West coast of the Gampaha district in Sri Lanka. This study aims to assess the dynamics of mangrove and associated mangrove forest cover in the Negombo Lagoon from 2006 to 2024 using RS and GIS technology, identifying patterns of mangrove diversity. The study used Landsat satellite images, 2006 (Landsat 4-5 TM C2 L2), 2015 (Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS C2 L2), and 2024 (Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS C2 L2) to calculate the entire area in the Northern part of Negombo Lagoon with mangroves and mangrove associates. The total area of the study area is 0.467 Km2 in 2024. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used after the atmospheric corrections for monitoring the changes in vegetation. To obtain accuracy metrics, used the kappa coefficient, user accuracy, and production accuracy. Vegetation cover maps classification results presented major six classes according to the NDVI classification and land use classification. In 2006, the overall classification accuracy was 66.00%. In 2015, the overall accuracy was 71.00% and the overall accuracy increased to 80.00% in 2024. There was a 30.39% positive change in mangroves in the study area and also 0.72% negative change and other area change of 9.95% and there were no changes in the study area is 58.92% between 2006 to 2024. The primary drivers of change in the examined region between 2006 and 2024 were agricultural operations, urbanization, and exceptionally severe weather events, which resulted in deforestation and vegetation loss. As a result of this study, it was found that the area of vegetation is increasing rather than decreasing. The study's conclusions may serve as a guide for further research on changes in vegetation cover in comparable regions.
Keywords: Mangrove vegetation, NDVI, Negombo lagoon, Accurac