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Analyzing the impact of tourism development on local communities in the Blue Field Division, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya
Full text linkThis study analyzes the impact of tourism development on local communities in the Blue Field
Division, Ramboda, with a particular focus on estate workers in the area. The rapid growth of
tourism, centered around attractions such as the Blue Field Tea Factory, Ramboda Waterfall, and
traditional tea tourism, has created socio-economic challenges and opportunities for local
communities. However, there is a a mismatch between the economic benefits generated and the
level of local community participation of tourism and the local population's involvement in
it, as the tourism sector is primarily controlled by private investors. This research employs a mixedmethods approach, combining qualitative interviews with local residents and quantitative data
from surveys to assess the socio-economic impacts of tourism on local workers. The findings
highlight the limited participation of estate workers in tourism-related activities, despite the
significant influx of tourists. Positive impacts include new income sources for some families
through small businesses, while negative effects include limited wage growth and poor working
conditions for estate workers. The study suggests that increasing local involvement in tourism,
through training and community-based initiatives, could provide sustainable benefits for the local
population. By promoting eco-tourism and leveraging local culture and traditions, tourism
development in the Blue Field Division could be made more inclusive and sustainable. The
research underscores the need for greater community engagement in tourism planning and
decision-making to ensure that tourism benefits are equitably distributed
An analysis of writing difficulties in descriptive text among grade 9 students at mind rich college, Dehiwala
Full text linkWriting is one of the complex cognitive and linguistic skills that requires language competence,
desire, interest, and guidance. The objective of this study was to ascertain the primary reasons
behind the students’ poor performance in descriptive writing, focusing on the nature of writing
and the difficulties within the educational context. A qualitative approach was adopted for this
study, which included interviews and the analysis of written samples. The data was thematically
analyzed to find recurrent problems and issues among the groups. The findings evidenced that a
great number of learners lacked intrinsic motivation and internal desire in writing. This lack of
motivation led to a failure in a number of basic facets, such as vocabulary, sentence phrases, and
the degree of detail the sentences were employed. Students also appeared to view the time allocated
to writing activities as a major challenge. Time constraints to complete assignments within limited
periods ostensibly set by teachers, they struggled to plan, draft, revise, and fine-tune their written
script. Another major uninhibited concern was the absence of consistent writing activities, and the
absence of timely and constructive feedback from teachers
Illegal migration in Sri Lanka: challenges, consequences, and insights from Islamic jurisprudence
Full text linkMigration has occurred continuously throughout human history and is influenced by social,
religious, economic and political factors. The process of migration can be divided into legal and
illegal forms. Entering the territory of a state without valid authorization constitutes a criminal
offence punishable under national and international law. Nevertheless, this particular topic
continues to spark debates among classical and modern Islamic jurists in the context of Islamic
law. In this context, the study was conducted from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence
through legal analysis to identify illegal migration and its consequences. The primary data for this
study was obtained from the Quran and Sunnah, and some data was derived directly from the
religious decisions and opinions of Islamic scholars. The main factor that led to illegal migration
was the severe economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Illegal
migration predominantly originates from eastern and northern Sri Lanka to destinations including
India, France, and Australia, causing significant economic and national security issues for the Sri
Lankan government. As for Islamic jurisprudence, in His Holy Quran 67:15, 22:46, 62:10, 47:10,
the Almighty encourages travel on earth but does not support its use as a threat to the country's
government or sovereignty of his people. In addition, Islamic legal scholars cite Quranic verse
24:27 to address the issue of entering the territory of a country without its authorization, which is
classified as Makruh Tahrimi (strongly discouraged and condemned) or, in some scholarly
interpretations, as Haram (prohibited and illegal). Conversely, jurists such as Imam Shafi, Imam
Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Abu Hanifa agree that a person must perform hijra (emigration) when the
country's circumstances are not conducive to fulfilling his obligatory duties. In countries where
Muslims are a minority, such as Sri Lanka, it is a Muslim's duty to abide by the laws of a country
and respect the customary law based on the Siyāsa sharʿiyya. In Islamic jurisprudence, illegal
migration is fundamentally seen as an infringement on a sovereign nation's territorial boundaries
and is discouraged as it disrupts the peaceful coexistence of its citizens
Assessing landform patterns and resource potentials using digital terrain models
Full text linkThis study effectively demonstrates the power of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in detailed micro
level mapping and landform pattern analysis, proving particularly valuable for large-scale cadastral
initiatives. Integrating GIS and remote sensing techniques, DTMs enable nuanced spatial
evaluations and richer visual representations. The research methodology incorporated a synergistic
blend of existing cadastral maps, elevation data sourced from SRTM and ALOS DEM, field
collected GPS readings, and pre-existing Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. This integrated
approach yielded several significant outcomes for detailed micro-level mapping. Specifically,
DTMs facilitated a deeper understanding of the physiographic arrangement and the identification
of areas susceptible to erosion. Furthermore, they aided in comparing soil distribution patterns,
revealing homogeneity or heterogeneity, while 3D visualization capabilities allowed for the analysis
of intricate soil-geomorphic and physiographic interrelationships. In conclusion, the study
underscores the effectiveness of DTMs in micro-level spatial investigations, especially for mapping
small villages or watersheds to pinpoint erosion-prone zones. This was followed by an analysis of
soil-physiographic relationships and the potential for land resource mapping, ultimately assisting
in the identification of critical water conservation hotspots. Ultimately, DTMs present a cost
efficient methodology for natural resource mapping and streamlining field survey operations
Land use change in Sinharaja Forest: a study focusing on the Kalawanai region
Full text linkThis study identifies land use changes in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, located in the Kalawana
Region of Sri Lanka (Irakkuwanai), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its
biodiversity. The main objective of the study is to assess the extent, causes, and consequences
of land usechanges in the Sinharaja region over the past 10 years. Data have been obtained
using a combination of remote sensing technologies, GIS analyses, secondary data, and field
surveys to achieve the objectives of the study. The study examines land use changes in the
study area due to population growth, the expansion of agricultural lands, and infrastructure
construction under socio- economic factors, including the expansion of agricultural areas,
transportation networks, waste management, deforestation, and increasing human settlements.
The study concludes by highlighting how the loss of habitat, biodiversity loss, and
deforestation are impacting sustainable development. It also emphasizes the critical need for
coordinated action between government agencies, conservationists, and local stakeholders to
mitigate the negative impacts of land use changes and preserve the ecological balance of the
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Co-movement and information transmission between conventional and Islamic equities in Sri Lanka
No full textThis study investigates the co-movement and information transmission between conventional and Islamic equity indices in Sri Lanka. Methodology: This study uses daily data of All Share Price Index and Dow Jones Islamic Market Sri Lanka Index from 2013 to 2023 for conventional and Islamic proxies. Descriptive statistics, cross-correlation, DCC-GARCH, and wavelet analysis were used for the investigation. Findings: Analyses reveal synchronous correlation yet lead-lag dynamics between the indices. The Islamic index has lower volatility, clustering, and persistence than the conventional index. Localized volatility patches and scale-dependent synchronicity suggest diversification opportunities to optimize risk-adjusted returns. Originality: This study uniquely integrates DCC-GARCH and wavelet analysis to examine the dynamic, time-varying relationships between Islamic and conventional equity markets in Sri Lanka’s dual financial system. This approach helps embrace both short-run changes and long-run movements to gain in-depth co-movement and spillovers, as well as potential diversification gains within an emerging financial market. Implications: The insights from this study are important for investors to optimize diversified portfolios by exploiting time-varying correlations. The identified lead-lag dynamics, bidirectional information flows, and scale-dependent synchronization between the indices enable both investors to predict market movements for effective asset allocation and regulators to monitor market efficiency, stability, and implement shock mitigation measures
Geospatial analysis of crime patterns in Kelaniya police division Sri Lanka
Full text linkThis research explores with depth to the Kelaniya Police Division's Crime Pattern and Hotspots
using a Geographic Information Systems approach. This study identifies the major contributing
elements that influence crimes, as well as analyzes spatial and temporal trends, highlighting
hotspots needing special intervention. This integrates both primary and secondary data on crime
records, population density, road networks, land use, and socio-economic variables in one
comprehensive review of the crime dynamics in the region. Advanced GIS methodologies, such
as Kernel Density Estimation and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, were employed to
reveal significant crime hotspots that are located in high-population and commercially active zones.
Temporal analyses show that the crimes have a peak period of time, underpinning the relationship
between the spatial and temporal factors. Some major contributors to the spread of crimes are
inadequate urban design, poor lighting, and lack of surveillance, which together facilitate
conditions that enhance criminal activities. The findings highlight targeted interventions as
critically needed. Specially areas like Peliyagoda, Wattala, Kelaniya town areas show a significant
growth in most of the crime activities overall years and higher level of crime density. Crime
mitigation suggested by the study include enhanced urban planning to guarantee clear sightlines
and regulated access to vulnerable areas, alongside community-driven initiatives put in place to
encourage vigilance and local ownership. Using GIS-based analytical tools, this research provides
evidence-based crime database that can be used by law enforcement agencies in resource
optimization and implementing evidence-based crime prevention. This will, in turn, contribute to
the broader objective of fostering safer and more secure communities within the Kelaniya Police
Division and use other police divisions in the country
Historical development of marginalised communities
Full text linkThe historical development of marginalised communities is a complex process shaped by centuries
of exclusion, resistance, and gradual empowerment. Across regions and periods, various groups—
including Dalits, Adivasis, women, religious minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA
individuals have faced systemic social, economic, and political marginalisation. This abstract traces
the historical trajectory of these communities, highlighting key moments of institutionalised
oppression such as caste hierarchies, colonisation, slavery, and patriarchal norms. Simultaneously,
it foregrounds the enduring struggles for dignity, rights, and representation, including social reform
movements, constitutional safeguards, affirmative action policies, and grassroots activism. By
analysing both oppression and resistance, this study provides a critical understanding of how
historical processes continue to influence the present realities of marginalised groups. The paper
also explores the intersectionality of marginalisation and the evolving role of the state, civil society,
and global human rights discourses in shaping inclusive development
Sustainable tourism development and management: case study Barberyn Island, Beruwala region, Sri Lanka
Full text linkTourism is a vital sector in Sri Lanka, contributing approximately 12% to the country's GDP. It
attracts local and international visitors annually, playing a critical role in economic growth through
foreign exchange earnings, employment generation, and support for various industries such as
agriculture, transport, and construction. The economic development of the Beruwala region
mainly depends on income generated from tourism. This paper aims to assess the current state of
Barberyn Island, identifying the challenges and opportunities for establishing it as a premier tourist
destination in the Beruwala region, all while promoting sustainable tourism and infrastructure
development. Additionally, alternative ideas will be identified to enhance tourism management and
development in Barbican Island, along with strategies to boost the local economy in the Beruwala
Region. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. The data used included
primary sources, such as stakeholder interviews, field surveys, observations, and secondary data.
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were analyzed using a SWOT analysis.
Analysis indicates the importance of tourism development in Barberyn Island, establishing it as a
premier tourist destination in the Beruwala region, and the lack of awareness of tourism
management and development among people .so this study highlighted the ideas and strategies for
sustainable tourism and infrastructure development management in Barberyn Island
Assessing the Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts of Flood Disasters in the Mathugama Region, Sri Lanka
Full text linkFlooding is among the most destructive natural hazards worldwide, with Sri Lanka experiencing
frequent and severe flood events that significantly disrupt communities and livelihoods. The
Mathugama Divisional Secretariat has recently faced notable physical and human challenges due
to recurrent floods. This study aims to comprehensively assess the social, economic, and
environmental impacts of flood disasters in the Mathugama area. In addition, it seeks to propose
effective strategies and recommendations for minimizing future flood-related damages. The
research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, gathering primary data through questionnaires,
interviews, direct observations, and group discussions, alongside secondary data from published
literature and official reports. Analytical tools such as MS Excel and ArcGIS 10.8 were employed
to process and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings highlight the
multifaceted consequences of flooding on local populations, infrastructure, and the environment,
and offer actionable insights to enhance flood management and resilience in the region