University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
Not a member yet
5869 research outputs found
Sort by
The Impact of Environmental Amenities and Bushfire Risk on Melbourne's Housing Market: A Hedonic Property Values Approach
No full textMelbourne City, Australia is abundant with environmental assets, including the Yarra river and Port Phillip Bay which are considered defining features of the city. However, some of the areas of the city are prone to bushfire risk. This research explores the factors influencing residential property prices in Melbourne, Australia, using the Hedonic property values approach, and reveals the implicit values related to the environmental amenities. Data related to prices of the houses sold in Williamstown, Boronia, Hawthorn and St Kilda suburbs, which were published by the real estate sector, were obtained for the period from 2020 to 2024. Simple random sampling was used, and the ultimate sample consisted of 494 houses. Information on the structural attributes of the houses such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and lot size, location, neighbourhood characteristics such as proximity to schools, proximity to amenities, environmental characteristics and bushfire risk were also gathered. Regression analysis was employed to analyze the data. According to the results, the adjusted R-squared value was 0.9308, indicating an acceptable model fit. The model satisfied all the requirements related to multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, and normality of residuals. The property prices are positively influenced by the number of bedrooms (β=0.097), the number of bathrooms (β=0.099), the presence of a pool (β=0.134), a fireplace (β=0.038), automatic gates (β=0.083) and a garden (β=0.047). The influence of lot size is also positive (β=2.221). The impact of the distance to government schools is negative. The proximity to bushfire zones negatively affects property values (β= -1.375). The housing prices increase when moving closer to Yarra River (β= 0.319) and Port Phillip Bay (β= 0.047). The Marginal Willingness to Pay values for being closer to the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay are AUD 584,840.03 and AUD 86,639.08 respectively, which are considerable. The study's findings indicate that buyers in the Melbourne housing market are influenced by bushfire risk, while proximity to environmental amenities like the Yarra River boosts property values. These insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders in Melbourne's housing market, informing property valuation methods and policy decisions.
Keywords: Hedonic property values approach, Melbourne housing market, Yarra River, Port Phillip Bay, Bushfire ris
Species Distribution Modeling of Sri Lankan Endemic Genus Stemonoporus Thw.: Use of Stacked Species Distribution Models by Integrating Machine Learning and Regression Models
Full text linkGenus Stemonoporus Thw. (Family Dipterocarpaceae), endemic to Sri Lanka, having 26 species showing restricted distribution mainly confined to the wet zone of the island. The National Red List 2020 recorded all the Stemonoporus species under threat categories. S. nitidus is listed as critically endangered, possibly extinct (CR(PE)). However, the potential effects of climatic variables on their distribution have not been investigated. This study aimed to model the species assemblages and compute the species diversity and richness distribution of the genus Stemonoporus using stacked species distribution modeling (SSDM). The approach integrated both machine learning and regression models including Generalized Linear Models (GLM), Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Random Forest (RF) and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). Species occurrence data were obtained from reliable repositories, including international herbaria, national and international floristic databases, and field surveys. A total of 19 bioclimatic variables were acquired from Bioclim version 2.1. A multicollinearity test was conducted to prevent model overfitting. Binary maps were constructed using True Skill Statistics (TSS). The SSDM maps of local species richness and composition were generated by summing the probabilities from the habitat suitability maps. The performance of the model was evaluated using evaluation metrics including species richness error, Cohen’s kappa, specificity and sensitivity. The relative contribution of environmental variables was assessed. Analysis was conducted in ntbox and SSDM R package. Results revealed that annual mean temperature and precipitation have the highest relative contribution. Mean species richness is five within a 1 km2 grid in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. A higher sensitivity value (0.85) indicates strong model performance for detecting the presence of Stemonoporus species. A higher kappa value (0.99) indicates a strong agreement between the predicted and observed species distributions. This suggests that models accurately predict species presence and absence, reflecting strong reliability in predictions.
Keywords: Stemonoporus, Dipterocarpaceae, SSDM, Species richnes
Analysis of Biogas Production Potential from Anaerobic Digestion of Canteen Waste of University of Sri Jayewardenepura
No full textAnaerobic digestion leads to the production of a renewable energy source in the form of methane through biogas production (biomethane). Recently, biodegradable organic waste has been subjected to anaerobic digestion as a sustainable waste management practice. Canteen waste is considered a good source of organic materials, such as food and paper waste. The most common conventional waste management methods regarding canteen waste are open dumping and landfilling. This suppresses the opportunity for energy recovery from the organic fractions of the canteen waste via integrating the anaerobic digestion technology into waste management, a sustainable approach. The feasibility and potential of filling this identified gap is addressed in this study. Accordingly, this study investigated biogas generation potential using the organic fraction of canteen waste, specifically focusing on food and paper waste. The biogas production potential was determined by conducting a series of biomethane potential assay experiments. According to the selected experimental design, the organic portions of canteen waste were subjected to anaerobic digestion for over 35 days in batch experiments under ambient temperature. A factorial experimental design was followed in the experiment to determine the effect on biomethane production of multiple factors with the least number of experimental runs. Numerous factors, such as microbiological, operational, environmental and substrate characteristics, influence this anaerobic digestion process. This study examined the effect of particle size, inoculum to substrate ratio and waste composition on biomethane production. Cow manure was used as the inoculum where necessary. The experimental results were analyzed by curve fitting using a modified Gompertz equation. The highest biogas generation potential was reported from the reactor which contained the feedstock composed of both food and paper waste. The biogas yields were higher in the reactors which contained ≤20mm sized particles than the reactors with smaller particle size. The results indicated the presence of individual and synergistic effects of selected independent variables on biogas yield and the overall study revealed that food and paper waste can be incorporated into anaerobic digestion via a co-digestion process rather than mono-digestion of food waste.
Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, Biomethane, Canteen waste, Co-digestion
 
The Forest Division and Colonial Governance during the British Era: A Study of Batticaloa District
No full textThe British colonial administration constructed a systematic and enduring set of policies in Ceylon during the middle of the 19th Century. The first Forest Ordinance in Ceylon was enacted in 1885. A special ordinance was introduced in 1907 for the forest department to facilitate revenue collection. This directed to extensive resource utilization throughout the island, including the Eastern Province. According to the Administration Report of Ceylon in 1900, Mr. Alfred served as the Assistant Conservator, while Mr. R.A. Jayman was the Forest Ranger, in the Eastern province. Via Edward Said’s theory, primarily articulated in Orientalism (1978), according to E.Said, this discourse justified Economic Extraction by promoting the idea that colonized regions required Western control and development. Framing these regions as ‘less advanced’ enabled colonial powers to rationalize resource appropriation and impose exploitative economic structures. The Batticaloa district was notably rich in natural resources since the ancient period, Indigenous people traditionally utilized forests for sustenance, gathering food, fuel, medicine, and materials, without causing major harm. However, the British administrators utilized and controlled these resources for profit, transforming them into valuable assets for annual revenue. In particular, British colonial policies directed forest resource administration under the supervision of the Forest Department. The objectives of this study are to identify the influences of colonial policies pertaining to the forest division and to examine the impact of the socio-economic aspects in the district of Batticaloa. Further, whether the British policies affected the forest division of Batticaloa and what aspects were highly disturbed, are the research questions. The hypothesis is the British policies on the forest division of Batticaloa were primarily designed for economic exploitation. Based on historical methodology, the research examines the British colonial records, survey maps, field visits and interviews. This study aims to reveal the colonial government’s approach on resource conservation and how the natural resources were utilized in Batticaloa under British rule. Specifically focused on the forest policies during the British era, the role of the forest office and administrators in the Batticaloa district, the utilization of natural resources, and the social impacts of imperialism on forest resources.
Keywords: Colonialism, British policies, Exploitation, Fores
Climate Finance in Sri Lanka: A Critical Review of Current Status, Implementation Gaps and Strategic Way Forward
No full textThis review analyzes the current landscape of climate finance in Sri Lanka, examining key challenges and opportunities in mobilizing and deploying financial resources for both climate adaptation and mitigation actions. Through a comprehensive analysis of policy documents, institutional frameworks, and financial instruments, this research employs a systematic review methodology focusing on both public and private sector climate finance initiatives. The analysis reveals that while Sri Lanka has made notable progress in establishing foundational frameworks, including the Green Finance Taxonomy and sustainable finance roadmap, significant challenges persist in scaling up climate finance. Current findings indicate that green lending comprises only 1.4% of the total banking sector portfolio, highlighting a substantial financing gap against the country's climate commitments. Given that Sri Lanka ranks 22nd in the World Risk Index, reflecting its significant vulnerability to natural disasters, it is particularly concerning that approximately 19 million people are projected to live in areas at risk of floods or droughts by 2050 (World Risk Index 2024). According to Sri Lanka's Climate Prosperity Plan, the country requires approximately USD 26.5 billion by 2030 for climate actions, with 69% focused on mitigation and 31% on adaptation efforts. At COP28, the Government further indicated a need for USD 100 billion to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. These investments are crucial for meeting the country's commitments, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5% during 2021-2030 and generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The study finds that innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, carbon credit markets, and debt-for-nature swaps, remain underutilized despite their potential to bridge the funding gap. The review concludes that addressing Sri Lanka's climate finance challenges requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on developing bankable projects, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering innovative financial instruments. Key recommendations include enhancing project development across key sectors, implementing targeted fiscal incentives for green lending, strengthening public-private coordination, and leveraging international climate finance opportunities. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working to accelerate climate action through improved financial mechanisms in developing economies.
Keywords: Climate finance mechanisms, Green taxonomy, Sustainable finance, Climate adaptation, Mitigation strategies, Financial innovation, Carbon neutralit
Assessing Soil Carbon Recovery: Evidence of Progressive Restoration at a Lowland Wet Zone Site in Sri Lanka
No full textDiyakothakanda forest in the Kalutara district (6° 45' N - 80° 31' E) is a 2-hectare restoration site that was initiated in 2009. The restoration project, which used the relay floristic method (2016 onwards), demarcated the degraded forest area into three zones (A, B, and C) from lower to higher elevations. The main objective of the present study was to compare soil characteristics and soil carbon stock with an adjacent reference forest to determine the success of initial restoration efforts in terms of soil. A stratified random sampling approach was used. From each zone of the restoration site (RS) and the corresponding zones of the adjacent natural forest (NF), five topsoil samples (0 to 25 cm depth) per zone were collected, and soil pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, bulk density, and organic carbon content were measured. Hierarchical clustering was performed based on soil parameters using RStudio (version: 4.4.1). A heat map was generated (ArcGIS Pro 3.0.1) using soil carbon stock data. No significant difference was observed in soil pH (5.4 -5.6) and electrical conductivity (45.7mS/m) between the two sites. A significant difference was observed between the natural forest and the restoration site in soil moisture (RS: 1.1%, NF: 9.1%) and organic carbon content (RS: 4.5%, NF: 6.1%). Soil carbon stocks were 10573 t ha-1 and 4334 t ha -1 in the natural forest and restoration site, respectively. This significant difference shows that the restoration effort would require further time for carbon stocks to recover to levels seen in natural forests. However, out of the three zones of the restoration site, zones A and B, which are the older plots, showed a higher value for soil carbon stock compared to zone C. Under hierarchical clustering, five main clusters were formed, with most of the RS plots in the first cluster, while the last cluster showed only NF plots. In the other clusters, plots from both sites were seen, suggesting that these RS plots share similarities with the NF plots regarding soil parameters. This can be considered a positive early outcome for the restoration effort as it shows that the mature areas of RS have reached the NF level in terms of selected soil parameters. The current study lays a foundation for gathering further insights into the restoration process at this site and thereby suggesting optimized restoration strategies for the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Soil carbon stock, Restoration site, Hierarchical clustering, Soil characteristic
Development of a Strategic Conservation Education Plan for the Department of National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala
Full text linkDehiwala National Zoo, one of Asia’s oldest zoos, houses a remarkable collection of indigenous and exotic fauna. It aims to inspire animal conservation through educational initiatives but faces challenges in raising visitors’ awareness due to outdated educational strategies. The study aimed to assess current awareness levels among visitors, examined the zoo’s strategic efforts, and prepared a strategic plan for conservation education in the zoo to enhance visitors’ awareness and inspire behavioral changes. Literature review, semi-structured visitor survey with ten questions administered to 72 visitors (general public, school children, undergraduates, and professionals in zoology), and focus group discussions were conducted to assess visitors’ awareness on conservation and perceptions of the zoo. In-person discussions with zoo employees provided insights into existing educational strategies and efforts and resource availability. SWOT analysis was conducted to identify the zoo's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Major weaknesses identified in the SWOT analysis: insufficient employee awareness, poor marketing strategies, and limited use of digital technology have been addressed in the prepared strategic plan. The visitor survey evaluated attributes such as visitors’ perceptions on zoos’ roles in conservation, awareness of breeding and reintroduction efforts, and interest in conservation programmes. Statistical analysis of visitor survey responses, including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, revealed that professionals exhibited the highest awareness (100%) of animal breeding, reintroduction, and endangered species conservation projects. Other groups demonstrated comparatively lower awareness on current conservation projects. However, all groups expressed high satisfaction with the zoo’s conservation efforts. The survey results emphasized the crucial requirement to continuously improve and expand conservation programmes. Children predominantly favored leaving animals in the wild, while 80% of professionals strongly valued zoos’ educational and scientific roles. These perceptions underline the importance of tailoring educational content to different visitor groups. Surveys reveal positive feedback across categories suggested that effective conservation education fosters positive behavioral intentions. The strategic conservation education plan align with five key strategic goals for implementation/ enhancement within the National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala, with each goal outlined corresponding activities: improving and developing educational materials, enhancing systems for gathering and sharing scientific findings, intensifying employee training, expanding educational programmes for students, and increasing awareness and outreach programmes for the general public. These targeted actions aim to address the identified gaps and foster greater conservation awareness and responsibility among visitors. This study underscores the necessity of implementing these strategic goals to redefine the zoo’s role as a conservation leader and enhance its educational impact on diverse visitor groups.
Keywords: Strategic conservation education plan, Visitors’ awareness, Conservation, Zoo 
The Impact of Land Use and Climatic Factors in Indirect Biodiversity Conservation of Sri Lanka’s Plantation Landscape: Case Study
No full textTwo thirds of Sri Lanka’s threatened species inhabit the wet zone climatic region where only 14% is protected. Regional plantation companies account for 20-30% of the whole wet zone region highlighting the need for biodiversity conservation outside the protected area network. This study aims to understand the key contributing factors influencing biodiversity conservation within plantation landscapes. Therefore, 25 estates managed by Kelani Valley Plantations PLC were clustered based on seven land distribution variables (total area, elevation, wetland area, built area, forest extent, abandoned area, rock cover), three agricultural variables (tea, rubber and other crop extents), four climatic variables (annual average rainfall, temperature, aridity index, evapotranspiration), and three production variables (tea production, rubber production, greenhouse gas emission from factories). The cluster analysis resulted in three different clusters among the 25 estates. The species richness data of two selected taxa (mammals and birds) was extracted from the company data catalogue to analyze how different land use and climatic factors have influenced biodiversity in these clusters. Cluster one, characterized by the highest means of forest cover, total area, and other production areas supported the highest species richness for mammals and birds. Cluster two with the highest means of tea production area, being more oriented towards production showed the lowest faunal diversity for the selected taxa. Cluster three, with the highest means of rubber production area, temperature, and rainfall demonstrated a moderate species richness for the selected taxa. The findings emphasize the vital role of forest coverage in sustaining biodiversity within the plantation landscape. It is estimated that if the plantation companies increase the land designated for biodiversity conservation by just 4% it can significantly aid the preservation of critical biodiversity elements in the wet zone contributing toward national and global biodiversity targets. While efforts were made to minimize errors by using more reliable taxa for inter-estate comparisons, potential discrepancies may arise due to differences in sampling expertise and methodology. Therefore, biodiversity conservation within plantation landscapes outside the protected area network calls for further intensive research and standardization of biodiversity sampling protocols to enhance data accuracy and conservation strategies.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Cluster, Conservation, Plantation, Sri Lank
Analysis of the Availability of Plastic Food Packaging and their Alternatives in the Market
No full textAbstract
Plastic poses significant environmental and health challenges, interlinked with food safety. In the recent past, plastic food packaging and wrappers got significant attention due to difficulties in waste management and implementation in related health issues. This study aims to analyse the different types of lunch boxes and plastic food-wrapping materials available in the market compared to alternatives. Data for the plastic lunch boxes survey was conducted by randomly selecting 28 stores in the Gampaha district. The data for the food wrappings survey was conducted by selecting two supermarkets in Kelaniya. Gampaha district was selected as the study site due to the highest population, and it has been designated as the commercial region. 104 different types of dry food products were sampled. From the 28 stores, 168 different types of lunch boxes were sampled to examine the brand, price, and availability of ambles such as recyclability and food grade. The brand, packaging material, recyclability, recyclable number, food-grade logo, and price of the selected dry food products were examined. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis, a 1-proportion test, and a one-way ANOVA test. 83% of available lunch boxes were plastic. And 17% of lunch boxes were alternative materials such as stainless steel, glass, and bamboo. Out of 139 types of plastic lunch boxes, 93% were made of number 5, polypropylene. Prices of sampled plastic lunch boxes varied from Rs.160 to Rs.2700. Prices of alternative boxes varied from Rs.500 to Rs.8000. According to the shop managers, stainless steel, glass, bamboo, and other types of lunch boxes were less popular due to high prices and less availability. However, 100% of the different types of plastic boxes carried food-grade and BPA-free logos, certifying food safety. The 1-proportion analysis showed the dominance of plastic lunch boxes (0.5<) in the sampled population. Out of 104 different types of dry food wrappings, 67% of products were wrapped with thin plastic. 33% of dry food products were wrapped with alternative materials such as aluminium, cardboard, and paper. Recyclable number 5 (60%) and recyclable number 7 (40%) were commonly found in dry food packaging. The one-way ANOVA analysis showed that there is a significant difference between the wrapping material of sampled products and their price. The findings recommend prioritising implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and pushing producers to introduce their products with eco-friendly packaging innovations to control the food packaging waste.
Keywords: plastic lunch boxes, dry food wrappings, eco-friendly alternatives, market availability, recyclable numbe
Exploring Strategies for Minimizing Clinical and Medical Waste during the Covid-19 Pandemic with reference to the Colombo District, Sri Lanka
Full text linkThe COVID-19 pandemic seriously disrupted the waste management systems around the world and enhanced clinical and medical waste generation in most developing countries, including Sri Lanka. The present examines the upward trend in clinical waste of the Colombo District, contributed by prevailing practices, challenges, and environmental impacts stemming from poor waste management linked to the pandemic. A qualitative research methodology was adapted and, as population 63 Public and Private Hospitals in the Colombo District are included. Using purposive sampling technique nine In-Charge Officers and nine Overseers are selected as the sample. Accordingly, study sample comprising of 18 participants. Open-ended personal interviews and site visits are used as primary data collection methods. Secondary data is collected through research articles, journals, and custom department statistics, logbooks maintain by waste management department of each hospital. Studies have documented an increase in clinical waste by approximately 35% compared to the pre-pandemic era and infectious waste increased by 60%, inclusive of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns. Hazardous plastic waste surged 45%, partly due to single-use medical products. The majority of hospitals had conventional ways of managing the wastes, while more than 70% of facilities faced problems while adhering to guidelines pertaining to segregation at the source and waste disposal. In addition, only 30% of hospitals could show specific premises for waste treatment, as a result, up to 50% of medical waste was subjected to incineration without filtration or landfills, which increased the pollution burden. The study concludes with dire needs of practices that ensure sustainable waste management with proposals such as biodegradable personal protection equipment and reusable containers. To this end, this paper concludes that without new strategies, COVID-19 waste will leave behind a legacy that has a long-term impact on the environment. It is thus recommended that further studies in the area be carried out to expand the scope beyond the hospital’s setting by incorporating quantitative analyses that bear on improved understanding and policy.
Keywords: Clinical Waste, Corona Virus, Covid-19 Pandemic, Medical Waste, Strategie