University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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FINANCIAL STABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN’S’ RUGBY IN SRI LANKA
Get PDFThe Sri Lankan women’s rugby team has not achieved the same level of international success as the Sri Lankan men's rugby team. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the financial stability of female rugby players in Sri Lanka and assess their accomplishments in rugby. Employing a qualitative research design, a thematic analysis is conducted through one-to-one, open-ended telephone interviews. The sample comprised 12 women rugby players who had participated in at least two provincial-level tournaments in Sri Lanka. Among them, four players represented military forces, while the remaining eight played for rugby clubs in Sri Lanka. Five key themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) purchasing ability and the use of nutritional supplements for rugby; (2) access to infrastructure facilities for women’s rugby; (3) quality of coaching and support from team officials for women rugby players; (4) structure of payments for women’s rugby; and (5) acquisition of high-quality rugby gear. All participants confirmed that their current financial situations do not allow them to support their rugby endeavors adequately. The lack of financial support impedes women rugby players’ ability to purchase nutritional supplements, sports equipment and cover domestic travel expenses for accessing better training facilities. However, respondents noted that the support they receive from their rugby coaches motivates them to continue playing despite their financial challenges. In conclusion, ensuring the financial stability of female rugby players would provide them with essential resources, including the ability to purchase nutrition supplements, access better infrastructure facilities, and acquire high-quality rugby gear. This support is crucial for ensuring their performance in rugby
ANALYSIS OF DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING GENDER DISPARITIES IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS WITHIN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR OF SRI LANKA: EVIDENCE OF GLASS CEILING
Get PDFThe term 'Glass Ceiling' refers to invisible yet impenetrable barriers that prevent women and minorities from climbing to top positions, regardless of their accomplishments. To address the existing gap in this particular field of research, the study highlights the urgent need to prioritize diversity, acknowledge the leadership potential of women, and foster inclusive environments that support women in reaching senior academic roles in the Sri Lankan context. The analysis utilized a web-based structured questionnaire with five-point Likert scale questions to gather data from 290 female academics in Sri Lankan state universities through purposive sampling. The study deployed Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify the relationship and magnitude between variables. The analysis revealed significant inverse correlations between Cultural Barriers (r = -0.108, p = 0.000), Family Barriers (r = -0.095, p = 0.000), and Perceived Discrimination (r = -0.266, p = 0.000) with women's career progression, while Organizational Environment (r = 0.086, p = 0.000) and Motivation and Satisfaction (r = 0.566, p = 0.000) positively impacted their career progression. Hence the findings of the research strongly suggest reducing the gender-based disparities in leadership roles within academia. The study provides valuable implications to empower women for leadership roles while highlighting the role of the higher education system and relevant authorities in Sri Lanka.
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Aspects of the Demography and Social Behaviour of Asian Elephants (Elephas Maximus) in the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks
Get PDFSri Lanka has the highest Asian elephant density and one of the highest human population densities among habitat countries. Consequently, human-elephant conflict is widespread in the country and is a major impediment to the survival of the species in Sri Lanka. Moreover, adult male elephants are also more prone to come into conflict with humans and consequently experience a higher degree of human induced mortality than other age-sex categories, which can result in changes to aspects of the demography. The behavioural characteristics of male elephants that increase their propensity to come into conflict with humans is poorly understood. Estimating demographic parameters such as adult sex ratios and herd structure for wild populations of Asian elephants is problematic. However, the analysis of elephant herds that congregate in open areas such as around the tank beds of Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks may provide a window into demographic characteristics of the elephant population in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. We report the results of an ongoing study on the population structure and male elephant behaviour at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. The data presented here was gathered over a period 6 months from May to October 2023. 5,120 of elephant sightings were observed in total, of which 9.7% were adult males (496), 38.4% adult females (1,964), 47.9% juveniles (2,452) and 4.1% calves (208). The average number of elephants observed per visit was 53 (0-181). A social group on average was 11 (1-83). The adult male:female ratio was 1:4 and the number of calves per adult female was 0.1. When considering the behaviour of adult males, their reaction with other females (84.9%) and males (61.4%) was largely prosocial. Musth males displayed dominance (67.8%) and aggressive (72.5%) behaviours towards other males they interacted with. Almost all males were found to associate with at least one other male during our study. Our study shows that the adult male:female sex ratio differs from the ratio from the last national elephant census, and the adult males show a complex repertoire of social interactions.
Keywords: Asian elephants, Behaviour, Demography, Dry zone, National Par
Study Surface Emission Quantification of Trace Gasses (CH4, NH3, H2S, And VOC) in a Specific Blend of Compost and Soil
Get PDFThis study was to determine how methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from particular compost and soil mixtures changed over time and under varied environmental conditions. The research objective was to analyse the surface emission of trace gasses from particular compost and soil mixtures to study the gas formation process and variations over time. The experimental design has involved collecting soil (red-yellow podzolic soil from A horizon) and compost samples (municipal solid waste compost), conducting initial analyses, and preparing different compost-soil mixtures. Selected mixtures, such as compost 40:soil 60(C4S6), compost 50:soil 50(C5S5), and compost 60:soil 40(C6S4), were prepared in large polythene pots, alongside control experiments using only soil and only compost, to assess and compare their effects. Closed chamber flux with gas sensors was used to investigate trace gasses. Gas flux measurements were based on determining the gas concentration inside the chamber placed on the surface (chamber volume=0.0018 m3, chamber surface area=0.0123 m2). Material temperature was measured, and atmospheric conditions (temperature, wind speed, humidity, atmospheric pressure) were diligently noted during each gas data collection. Infrared spectroscopy study of the material has revealed the presence of particular functional groups relevant to gas formation in the system (O-H, N-O, C-O, and N-H). Compost samples have the highest conductivity (1.5 µS/cm). The research revealed a correlation between compost maturity and methane emissions, with a decrease in methane levels as compost with time (mean 10.7 ppm). Strong positive correlations of CH4 emission concerning time were found between specific compost and soil mixtures, such as C4S6, C5S5, and C6S4 (R=0.94, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively). In contrast, NH3 emissions showed a lower positive association with raw soil and C4S6 (R=0.16 and 0.25, respectively), while H2S emissions exhibited weak to moderate correlations with different variables. Compost and all compost-soil mixtures exhibit relatively high VOC emissions (R from
0.50 to 0.60). The PCA analysis investigated the effect of different atmospheric conditions and gas emissions (temperature, wind speed, humidity, pressure, and soil temperature). Soil temperature exhibits a moderate positive correlation with CH4, while NH3, H2S, VOCs, and atmospheric temperature demonstrate a weak negative association with methane levels, providing valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of these interactions.
Keywords: Pot experiment, Time series, Correlation, Environmen
Climate Change Research in Sri Lanka: Assessing Current Status, Identifying Gaps, and Recommending Emerging Priorities
Get PDFClimate change poses a formidable threat to Sri Lanka, necessitating extensive research to comprehend, mitigate, and adapt to its multifaceted impacts. This abstract reviews the current state of climate change research in the country, underscores existing gaps, and proposes key priorities for future investigations. Notably, current research primarily concentrates on agriculture, water resources, and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the impacts of rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. Vulnerability assessments, adaptation strategies, policy frameworks, and public awareness initiatives have also been explored. Disparities in research adequacy emerge across mitigation areas, with renewable energy potential and forest and land use showing satisfactory outputs, while energy efficiency, transportation, agriculture, and waste management demand strengthening efforts. Recommendations for enhanced climate change mitigation underscore the need for detailed studies on the country's renewable energy potential to inform low-carbon energy sector policies. Strengthening research on energy consumption patterns and opportunities for efficiency improvements is crucial. Similarly, a call for intensified research on the carbon footprint of the transportation sector and sustainable transportation options is made. Local emissions factors and sequestration factors for diverse forests and land uses are identified as essential. In agriculture and livestock, emphasis is placed on researching emission profiles and sustainable practices. The waste management sector requires strengthened research on practices, methane reduction, and sustainable techniques. Carbon pricing and market mechanisms demand enhanced research on implementation and implications. Further recommendations extend to fostering innovative, climate-friendly technologies, evaluating the effectiveness of existing mitigation policies, understanding public attitudes, promoting green finance, establishing a comprehensive carbon footprint database, and exploring co-benefits of mitigation actions within broader sustainable development goals. In the realm of climate change adaptation, the need for additional studies in underrepresented areas like health, ecosystems, biodiversity, export agriculture, industry, energy, transport, tourism, human settlements, infrastructure, coastal, and marine areas is highlighted. Future research should aim for diversity in regional coverage, conduct thorough evaluations of policy implementation, and emphasize the social dimensions of climate change policy and governance. A holistic approach that incorporates multiple perspectives and engages local stakeholders is proposed to enhance the effectiveness of climate change policy and governance strategies.
Keywords: Climate change, Research, Adaptation, Mitigation, Recommendations
 
Adaptive Reuse of Old Houses into Boutique Hotels: An Approach to Market Architectural Heritage
No full textAdaptive reuse of old house with rich architectural heritage into a boutique hotels or speciality tourism sector becoming a popular strategy while catering to sustainable use of resources. In addition, adaptive reuse helps to preserve architectural uniqueness, strength the local economy through environmentally friendly manner. This study focused to explore reuse house as boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, the vernacular and colonial approach by analysing the process and changes that occur on its application and identify the tourist perception on unique experience. Mixed method approach was instrumental in data collection. Site visits, walkthrough tour to identify building performance, analysis of the photographs, videos and online user satisfaction reviews were used to obtain tourist perceptions on reuse of old houses. Case studies approach used to study the 15 old houses converter to boutique hotels. Adaptive reuse of boutique hotels carter to the high-end tourist market and specially cratering to families and groups. Renovating old houses into boutique hotels enhances the value of the structures while preserving the passive design strategies inherent in vernacular and colonial buildings. Tourists appreciate the remarkable design layout, refined decor, aesthetic appeal of the space, and the ability of the interior to maintain its charm despite the tropical climate, offering mesmerizing views of the architecture. The result shows that a significant number of vernacular and colonial residences belonging to rich individuals have been transformed into boutique hotels, attracting a discerning clientele of high-end tourists. Conservation and restoration of economically and culturally important but abandoned buildings through its adoptive reuse contributes to the enhancement of tourist attraction, liveability, tackle the challenges of resource scarcity, waste prevention and preserve heritage.
Keywords: Old houses, Tourist perception, Adaptive reuse, Sri Lanka
 
Valuation of the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary from the Perception of the Visitors
Get PDFBar Reef is a diverse ecosystem with near shore coral reefs, sea grass beds and associated ecosystems with over 120 coral species and over 300 fish species reported from the surrounding sea. It has been declared as a marine sanctuary by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1992. Despite of the efforts it is subjected to over exploitation by extractive users, destructive fishing practices and visitor pressure on the ecosystem. The study sought to value the ecosystem degradation prevailing in the bar reef from the perception of the visitors using choice experiment method. Different attributes for the choice experiment were identified using two focus group discussions and 10 key informant interviews held prior to the mail survey. Identified attributes were level of plastic accumulated, use of illegal fishing nets, level of crowding and monetary contribution. An orthogonal main effect design was generated and 9 choice cards were prepared, each with 4 different attributes. Randomly selected 250 visitors were interviewed onsite during January to June 2021 and conditional logit model was used to analyze the significance of their preferences. Paying LKR 1,000, reducing crowding the beach area by 15% and reduction of plastic and polythene by 50% were the significant factors according to the results obtained at α=0.01. People are willing to pay LKR 1,001.18 if plastic pollution can be reduced by 50%. People are willing to pay LKR 998.92 if the crowding of the beach can be reduced by 15%. The results of this research emphasize the importance of protecting this habitat to the relevant stakeholders. Further, this research will enable to introduce new policies and practices so that sustainability of the ecosystem can be ensured.
Keywords: Ecosystem sustainability, Choice experiment, Conditional logit, Marine plastic pollution, Visitor access managemen
Analysing Sustainable Urban Growth: Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Expansion in Gampola Urban Centre
Get PDFUrbanization is a dynamic process which can be considered as one of the most significant indicators of development. It occurs both horizontally and vertically on the Earth’s surface according to a pattern which has positive and negative implications. Some countries measure their development by the level of urbanization because it directly affects for a country’s economy. During past decades, Gampola urban centre was experiencing a gradual urban growth and several implications. This study focuses on investigating urban expansion pattern of Gampola during 16 years by analysing three distinct years 2006, 2013, and 2022. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques were employed to examine spatio-temporal transformations and urban expansion patterns of Gampola and its outskirts. Landsat images for three distinct years were classified using pixel-based supervised classification to determine Land Use Land Cover (LULC) of the study area which achieved an impressive overall accuracy of approximately 90%. Four major LULC types were identified those are prominent in the area namely, water, built-up, forest, paddy lands and bare lands. Temporal changes of vegetation cover for 16 years were analysed further using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Consequent implications on Land Surface Temperature (LST) across the time period were analysed using thermal band of Landsat images. NDVI value has decreased from +0.7 to +0.5 during 2006-2013 and up to +0.4 during 2013-2022. LST analysis revealed a rise in temperature, increasing from 29.89° C up to 31.11° C during 2006- 2013 and surging to 33.14° C by 2022. Quantifying the urban expansion of Gampola was performed using buffer analysis. Analysis of urban areas grown within 1km distanced five buffer zones from urban core was performed to quantify urban expansion. Fourth buffer zone exhibited the highest urban growth, while first buffer zone displayed lowest urban growth during 2006 to 2022. In the interval between 2013 and 2022, the fifth buffer zone appeared as the zone with the highest urban growth. Further, Landscape Expansion Index (LEI) was employed to identify the urban expansion patterns, and Gampola urban area displayed an Edge Expansion growth type. We recommend the development of urbanized areas in a sustainable and efficient manner to mitigate adverse consequences and promote balanced growth.
Keywords: GIS and RS, Urban expansion, LEI, LST, Sustainable developmen
The Opportunity Cost Analysis of using Jack Fruit Timber as a Construction Material in Sri Lanka
Get PDFThe miracle tree in the world is thought to be the jackfruit tree. Its fruit-bearing capacity was well- documented by history academics. However, jackfruit wood is also regarded as one of Sri Lanka's more expensive wood types. Instead of considering the quality of the actual lumber material, this is only dependent on its legendary value. It was not considered how much money the timber was worth. They are carelessly used as one of the finest luxury lumber materials, disregarding the fact that they were originally planted as fruit trees. In an effort to compare the true worth of jackfruit wood to the current palette of premium timber materials, this study was initiated. Thus, it will assist legislators in passing a new law that forbids Sri Lanka from using jackfruit trees as a source of lumber. First, a life cycle model was used to determine the yield value and market value of jackfruit timber. The perceived value of the timber and the yield were then contrasted with the timber's real market worth. The study discovered that, before the age of 50 years, the jack fruit tree's yield value was significantly higher than its timber value. Only Rs. 100,000.00 is the typical timber value anticipated from a jackfruit tree. Only eight years of average yield value are required to restore the value of the timber. In order to preserve the jack fruit tree as one of the top fruit-bearing trees in the world, a new policy should be developed to change the jack fruit tree cutting age to a minimum of 50 years.
Keywords: Jack fruit tree, Yield value, Selling price, Timber valu
Estimation of Aboveground and Belowground Carbon Stocks in Homegardens of Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka
Get PDFHomegardens are one of the most significant and oldest types of land use systems in Sri Lanka which have been recognized as an essential component in providing a variety of ecosystem services. In these systems, trees and shrubs are grown together with food crops under family labor, creating a multitude of biological interactions. Due to rich tree diversity and density, homegarden agroforestry systems are known to have a great capacity to capture and store carbon in their biomass and soil, and thus greatly contribute to mitigation of climate change. Even though the importance of homegardens with regard to the above is highlighted significantly, large knowledge gaps remain on their total carbon storage potential, particularly in low country wet zone homegardens of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the current study aims to estimate the total aboveground and belowground carbon stocks of homegardens in Kalutara district. The study was conducted in ten homegardens ranging from 0.15 Ha to 0.43 Ha. The study focused on all perennial woody trees present in the homegardens. Heights and diameters at breast height (DBH) were measured in a total of 966 woody trees. Aboveground biomass of each tree was calculated nondestructively, using allometric equations which incorporated wood density, DBH and tree height. Belowground biomass was calculated using root: shoot ratios of trees. Total biomass of each tree was converted to total carbon stocks using a conversion factor of 0.5 extracted from literature, considering that total carbon stock of a tree is equivalent to half of its biomass. In order to get the total carbon stock, soil organic carbon (SOC) content of each home garden was analyzed in the laboratory from collected soil samples using the Loss-on-ignition method. Belowground biomass carbon stock and the SOC stock together were taken as the total belowground carbon stock of each homegarden. Estimated mean aboveground carbon stock was 91.4±11.4 Mg ha-1, while the mean belowground carbon stock was determined as 134.3±12.3 Mg ha-1 in low country wet zone home gardens. Aboveground carbon stock, together with the belowground carbon stock, was taken as the total carbon stock of the homegardens. Calculated total carbon stock per unit area for low country wet zone homegardens ranged between 179.873 Mg ha-1 and 286.606 Mg ha-1 with a mean value of 225.7±11.9 Mg ha-1. Above findings of the study present evidence for significant carbon storage capacity of low country wet zone homegardens.
Keywords: Homegarden, Low country, Wet zone, Carbon stock, Climate chang