Browsing by Author "Amarasinghe, A.G."

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Changes of Shoreline in Western Coast in Sri Lanka from 1935 to 2005
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Changes in shoreline, vertically and horizontally relatively to mean sea level, are natural and continuous processes. Shoreline can change spatially and temporally altering the physical features of the coastal zone. This process can disturb the equilibrium of the coastal environment, which is recognized as delicate, sensitive and having highest biodiversity. On the other hand, shoreline change creates economic and social problems due to destruction of the land and properties of the shoreline. In order to monitor the changes of the coastal environment and economy, the rate of the shoreline change should be identified quantitatively. The prime objective of this study is to quantify the shoreline change in the South West coastal zone in Sri Lanka with the help of available large-scale maps and field data. Oldest large-scale maps that depict the shoreline is available at the Railway Department of Sri Lanka, which were drawn in 1933 for the purpose of making plan for the railway track. Map interpretation techniques, Geographical Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and basic statistical methods are to be employed in analyzing data and presenting the results.
Demarcating Problem of Reference Boundary for Coastal Zone and Shoreline: The Case of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Amarasinghe, A.G.
―Coastal Zone‖ and ―Shoreline‖ have become popular and widely used terms among environmentalist, policy makers and planners around the world from ancient times. Coastal areas have been identified as one of the geographical regions that consist with different types of natural resources which provide required impetus to economic, social, cultural and environmental development of countries particularly island nation like Sri Lanka. And also, there are evidences that over utilization of resources or unplanned use of coastal zones have already created different types of problems too. Coastal erosion, degradation of ecosystems and destruction of built environment are the main issues that have emerged due to over utilization of resources through shortsighted human activities. Understanding the importance of the coastal region and the intensity of problems, protection and conservation the coastal environment has positioned at the forefront task of the government of Sri Lanka from 1980s. Establishing the Coast Conservation Department can be considered as the turning point of the sustainable utilization of coastal resources. Yet, the problems of coastal belt in Sri Lanka are still increasing. One of the main reasons leading to this situation is the uncertainty about the exact ground reference points for the Coastal Zone and the Shoreline. It is natural that the boundaries of coastal zone and shoreline are changing spatially and temporally. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the reasons for change the concerned boundaries and adjoining problems. Field survey, library survey and interviews were used to collect data and basic statistics was employed to analyze data. Demarcation of exact boundaries would help to protect and pave the way to sustainable use of coastal environment.
Disasters in Sri Lanka: not popular yet impact is enormous
(Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, 2nd ICSS, 2013) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Sri Lanka is prone to both natural and manmade disasters as other countries. Floods, cyclones, landsides and droughts have been considered as the major natural disasters in the country. Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No 13 of 2005 has identified twenty one (21) types of natural and manmade disasters. Except disasters consider as major, others are not popular among policy makers, planners, general public and other groups of relevant parties. But, the impacts of unpopular disasters in the list listed in the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act are enormous in terms of several facets. And also, there are many other incidents that influence Sri Lanka are not still included into the national list of disasters and disaster management strategies. The broad objective of this paper is to discuss the reason or reasons for the dilemma on different levels of popularity among disasters in Sri Lanka. Literature survey and case studies employed to gather data. Both basic quantitative and qualitative methods used to analyze data. Problems relating to disaster management policy in Sri Lanka can be considered as key reason of grouping disasters into major or minor category. Other than this definition of the term ?disaster?, level of awareness on the impacts of disasters, intensity of the problems of basic needs, visions of politicians, nature of relationships among institutions and scientists and interest of mass media are the other reasons to be a disaster as popular or unpopular. Identifying the real impact of disasters that exist in the country would help to categories disasters ensuring the future goals of sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
The efficiency of the solid waste management process in Kirikiththamulla Grama Niladhari Division
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Mandira, M.A.T.; Amarasinghe, A.G.
Inefficient disposal of waste can be ascertained as a social as well as a significant environmental problem. It has also resulted in the creation of varietal waste management issues. Waste management has become a problem both in urban and rural areas in Sri Lanka. Participatory observations, interviews, and questionnaires were employed in gathering primary data for this study. A sample of 50 families in Kirikiththammulla GND was selected and a set questionnaire was used to collect data. Secondary data was obtained through the use of company data, reports, statistics, prior researches in the same field, newspapers and journal articles. Ignorance and carelessness of people, inadequate facilities for waste recycling, attitudes of people, inadequate knowledge in relation to waste management, the rapid increase in waste products, and the absence of an effective waste management mechanisms are the main factors resulting in the inefficient disposal of waste in the study area. To minimize this situation educating the rural communities, improve waste management facilities introduce waste recycling practices and educate the community about the social and environmental impact of waste disposal through formal disposal can be regarded as solutions to the Waste Management Industry.
Environmental issues associated with inappropriate land usepattern: The case on Bahirava Kanda Grama Niladhari Division in Kandy District
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Attanayake, A.M.P.S; Amarasinghe, A.G.
Inappropriate land use patterns in Sri Lanka has created many environmental problems. Population growth, urbanization, rising land prices, and intensive agricultural activities are the main reasons that cause inappropriate land use patterns. The Bahirava Kanda Grama Niladhari Division which belongs to the Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat of the Kandy District is a hilly area close to the Kandy municipality. As the study area close to Kandy city, for the land. As such, the land is severely misused. The main objective of this study is to study the environmental problems associated with the inappropriate land use pattern in the Bahirakanda GND area. To achieve the target, 35 households were selected through the simple random sampling method from the total number of families in the study area. Both primary data and secondary data were used in this study. Questionnaire methods, interviews, and observations are used to collect primary data. In the secondary data review, information was collected under books, journals, reports, maps, and office data. Quantitative data analysis and descriptive data analysis were used in data analysis and Geographic Information System was used to create maps. MS Excel is also used to create tables, charts, etc. for data analysis. This analysis revealed that the slopes of the study area are mostly used for the informal house constructions. In Bahirava kanda, the number of informal house constructions with risk is 38%. As a result, problems of landslide risk, maximum soil erosion, forest degradation, groundwater pollution, and sedimentation of waterways were identified within the area. In order to mitigate these problems, proposals for mapping of landslide hazard areas and public awareness, Prevention of fragmentation of lands, growing vegetation on the surface of the land, controlling of drainage systems parallel to the slope gradient, recommendations of NBRO for construction can be proposed.
Gaps in Policies and Practices of Disaster Management in Sri Lanka: A case study of the Shoreline Erosion in the South Western Coastal Sector
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Proper policies and effectiveness of their application are the basic requirements for achieving satisfactory results particularly from any government program. Disasters can cripple the existing level and the future potential of economic development. Therefore, identification the gaps between policies and practices of disaster management have become a crucial task of a government. Incumbent government of Sri Lanka pays its due attention on disaster management activities from recent past amidst controversial issues. This background urges to carry out research on the subject of disaster management in Sri Lanka. There are acts, institutions and organization to manage disasters. Coastal Conservation Act no 57 of 1981 and the Coast Conservation Department of Sri Lanka are leading such prominent act and institute in the Island. The chief aim of this Act is to conserve coastal zone of Sri Lanka paying particular attention to combat shoreline erosion hazard. But, still there are problems relating to shoreline erosion and usage of coastal zone. The broad objective of this research centered over existing policies, its practice in Southwestern coastal sector and gaps between these two. The problem of coastal erosion creates many environmental and socio- economic problem of coastal zone in Sri Lanka. Therefore, findings of this study would help to researches, policy makers, planers and general public mainly to mange shoreline erosion and sustainable development of the coastal zone.
Geographical Information Systems: An efficient Method for the Selection of Student for Grade One in Government Schools of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Amarasinghe, A.G.; Senarathna, H.M.P.K.
Finding a school for the children who wish to enter the year one of government schools has become one of the most crucial problems in education system of Sri Lanka. It is evident that, selecting qualified students for the year one is a major issue faced by the relevant authorities. At the same time, it is clear that both parties involved deviate from the normal procedure adopted in the selection process. Sometime selection personnel have been bribed, especially when the needed requirements are insufficient. There are instances where qualified students have not been selected for admission to school. In such instances parents are compelled to bribe the officers. It is opined that such incidents occur due to the lack of efficient information needed for selection of students. These issues can be handled easily with the help of available computer aided technology such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS). GIS can handle relevant qualitative and quantitative data. Using these data it is easy to determine the geographical location and get other information that are curtail to select the student. Maps, diagram, images or photos can be added and create a database to verify the dictions. Once the selection is made, the database can be duly updated throughout the student’s career in the particular school as well as other national institutes that required such data.
Impacts of Climate on Verbal Sound Production
(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Anandakiththi Thero, Kapugollawe; Amarasinghe, A.G.
Human beings (Homo sapiens) are recognized to be the only animal species that has acquired language – both spoken and written. Unique sounds or combinations are recognized by socially and geographically defined populations as words that constitute the basic building blocks of spoken language. In the case of written languages sounds of words are represented by letters or pictographs. There are approximately 6,000 languages around the world. The main factor that differentiates these languages, one from another, is the sounds of words. The sounds of spoken words, even within the very same written language can differ quite markedly from one geographical region to another. These differences can become even more pronounced when moving between climatic regions. One possibly significant reason for this is the climatic influence on the body parts most central to the production of verbal sound such as the lips, tongue, larynx, glottis etc. The muscles and soft tissues of the human body naturally become less flexible in cold and dry environments. In cold and dry climates, muscles and tissue tend to be less elastic, whether we are talking about the vocal folds of the larynx or the tissue that makes up the human lips. An effect of this loss of elasticity can limit the range of or otherwise change the capabilities of making the human voice. The broad objective of this paper is to investigate the nature and factors that influence to produce different verbal sounds or articulate the sounds for similar words in different geographical regions. Findings of this study would help to teach and learn foreign languages efficiently and effectively.
Impacts of human activities on soil erosion: A case study in Wewere GND, in Minipe DSD
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Danasekara, D.R.A.K.; Amarasinghe, A.G.
Human activities influence heavily on soil erosion in Sri Lanka. Soil erosion in rural areas is high, due to various human activities. Wewere GND is selected for this study as there was high consumption of land for agriculture in Kandy district. The main objective of this study is to identify the human activities which accelerate the natural process of soil erosion and provide the solution to conserve soil erosion. The methodology of the research was a mixedmethod under the holistic approach. Hence to achieve the target, Wewere GND was divided into 7 land units according to the types of human activities in the area and obtained 1 kg of soil from each land unit through the simple random sampling method. Further, experiments were conducted in the laboratory and the final results were analyzed. The results were represented with maps using Arc GIS and charts, graphs, tables using MS Excel. 100g of soil from each soil samples were taken, 2mm sieved each sample and obtained 2 fractions to determine their particle sizes. The fraction which is more than 2mm (+2mm) is selected as the results of each sample. Sub forest represented 4.82 %, crop cultivation represented 41.36% of soil particles(+2mm). The result substantiated high soil erosion was represented in crop cultivation (41.36%) due to the human activity and less was represented in sub forest (4.82 %). The mismanagement of land, proper soil conservation measures are not being adopted to the villagers, improper land use and less knowledge are the causes of accelerated soil erosion in Wewere GND. Vegetative methods, structural methods, management practices, and awareness programs should be executed to the conservation of soil erosion in the research area. The management of agricultural systems must be carried on the sustainable approach and related authorities should pay attention to minimize soil erosion.
Improving knowledge of riparian dwellers on physical process of the drainage basin water cycle: the experience of Sri Lanka
(Dali, Yunnan Province, China, 2005) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Inside of the data base of Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)/ the Department of Research Cooperation (SAREC) project University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Issue of development of Sri Lanka in 21st century:
(Book of Abstracts, Annual Research Symposium 2014, 2014) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Continues change of the average climatic conditions globally or locally over long period of time refers to climate change. Extreme meteorological events such as irregular floods, droughts, strong winds are the direct results of the climate change. Sea level rise, coastal erosion, decreasing the bio-production and biodiversity, increase of diseases and epidemics that effect to human as well as agricultural crops has already been recognized as indirect impacts of this phenomenon. Both of these impacts cause to create various kinds of problems with several facets. Various types of environmental socioeconomic, political and cultural issues experience in the contemporary would link with or to the process of climate change. Therefore, national and international as well as regional and local level interventions have to be made to cater with the impact of climate change.
Issues and Solutions for Municipal Waste Management in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kularatnte, M.G.; Amarasinghe, A.G.; Premarathna, W.M.A.G.H.; Premarathna, W.M.A.G.H.; Dharmasiri, L.M.; Chandrasena, U.A.; Sakalasooriya, N.; Waniganeththi, G.; Fernando, V.; Rathnasekara, S.; Wijesekara, S.; Senarathna, D.; Arunashantha, S.
The waste disposed into the open environment from day today human activities, gradually has increased and created significant socio- economic, health and environmental issues. Ultimately it has become a burning political problem at present. Inefficiency in waste management strategies further aggravate the issues preventing national objective of the clear environment. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the factors that influence technical efficiency of waste management and ways and means to maximize that efficiency under Pilisaru Project funded by Central Environmental Authority in Sri Lanka, The data has collected from the sample size which is represented 22% of currently active compost plants by the stratified random sampling considering all forms of administrative local authorities (LAs). Though several Pilisaru projects have achieved a satisfactory level of expected results. The majority are inefficient due to some reasons. The projects mainly target to produce only organic compost and some biomass power generation but no other alternatives concerned. Segregation of waste for compost production is a prerequisite, however, waste segregation is an unsolvable issue due to the various reasons. Another issue is whether condition which is beyond the control of human effort of the natural process of composting. LA s mainly collects only solid waste and they do not collect liquid waste from the sources of waste generation. Basically, compost production in the Pilisaru compost plants is labour intensive. Therefore, it requires more man power for handling the compost production. Lack of land for the expansion of the compost plants and the ongoing process of composting is time consuming are other barriers. Finally, ongoing compost production system is not the eco-friendly. Compost users do not satisfy and trust with the quality of compost produced by the municipal solid waste and no proper market mechanism and distribution. Labourers and other employers are not satisfied with the benefits they get including salary. The efficient waste management system must ensure to produce all possible product other than organic compost. For this new technology should be introduced. Compost should be promoted among the small scale/ subsistence farmers at first and then in large scale agricultural areas with the proper certification procedure. Municipal waste is hidden treasure on the development of righteous agriculture in Sri Lanka with the application of proper scientific and technical method of waste treatment. Therefore, we recommend establishing "Waste Recycling Centres" with the environmentally recycling system (ERS) such a High Speed Indigenous Microbes Fermentation System (ERS).
Policies and practices of disaster management in Sri Lanka: a case study of the shoreline erosion in the South- Western coastal sector in Sri Lanka
(2014) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Pre-disaster preparedness: role of the university in disaster management
(2006) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Problems pertaining to Stagnation of Water in paddy Fields in Kelaniya area in Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium 2005-Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2005) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Stagnation of water in paddy fields has become a common phenomenon around the country. Prosperous and economically valid paddy fields of few decades ago are being turned into marshy or barren land. These areas now serve as dumping grounds in many localities in Sri Lanka. This phenomenon is apparent in the Kelaniya area. Garbage of houses and urban centers and wastewater from factories accumulate into these paddy fields. Discarded waste and biomass of the paddy field itself pollute the stagnant water. Polluted water produces bad smell and act as a poisonous acid. Absorbing this water into human body through wound or injuries has caused death to many people in these areas. Because of this, people are unable to use this land than filling. But, major potion of this kind of land is still abandoned. This situation prevails in many parts of the island both in coastal plain as well as other parts of the country. Filling sediments in waterways, blocking channels and sea level rise area recognized as reasons for stagnation of water in lowland paddy fields. The main objective of the present study is to find out the problems and reasons for stagnation water in paddy fields in the area. Data is to be collected employing field surveys and map interpretation techniques. Arc- view software of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Excel software would be used to analyse data and present the findings.
Progress in Controlling Efforts of Inland Water Pollution in Sri Lanka: The Case of Lower Kelani River Basin in Sri Lanka
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarasinghe, A.G.
Water pollution can be defined as the process or phenomenon of contamination of natural water bodies by chemical, physical, radioactive or pathogenic microbial substances. Polluted water contains harmful chemicals or substance which are not suitable for human consumption such as drinking, washing purposes or bathing and agricultural activities. Paying due attention to this trend, the government of Sri Lanka has introduced several policies and programs to control the process of water pollution. All these policies and programs have been implemented in the Lower Kelani River Basin. Lower Kelani River basin is the geographical area where the highest population and industrial density can be seen. And also, it is revealed that the water pollution level is high in this river basin. The objective of this paper is to discuss the characteristics and trends of the water pollution process and to identify the initiatives that have been taken to control the water pollution. Field survey and reviewing literature were the main data collecting method. Filling a set questionnaire, interviews and observation were the method applied to collect primary data from the field. Basic statistics, diagrams and maps were used to analyze data and present the result.
Sea level rise” experiences of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Amarasinghe, A.G.
A Study eco-friendly agricultural and practices for Green Economy: Based on Dompe Divisional Secretariat
(Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Samarasinghe, S.A.C.S; Amarasinghe, A.G.
The conference of RIO+20 conference held in 1992 in Brazil to lead the world population for Eco-friendly programmer under the topic of “ Do We Include to a Green Economy ” The main purpose of this conference was to emphasis on how to gain to the contribution of world population for the green economy. Therefore, Sri Lanka is an agricultural based country. The main reason for that is Sri Lanka has the optimum physical factors that are beneficial for agriculture. Sri Lanka is also moving towards a trend of eco-friendly agriculture. The process of developing the economy which is a concept of the “Five-Fold Process” implemented by the previous government has been given priority. Thus today is trying to capture the market for the massive demand internationally for eco-products via eco-friendly organic farming and it has been contributed to ensuring the food sovereignty and safety of the country. The main objectives of this study were to the identification of the ecofriendly organic farming and the contribution of eco-friendly agriculture for the green economy in the competitive economy. Dompe divisional secretariat which is a backward development area in the core zone was selected as my study area. Primary Secondary & tertiary data have been used for investigating the eco-friendly agriculture. The sample of 50 family units was selected under the simple random sample. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Via this investigating agriculture could be identified as the main economic activity of the 62% of the employees in Dompe Divisional secretariat. Form them about 12% of the employees aware of the concept of a green economy. About 82% of the employees have a sound knowledge regarding eco-friendly farming. The contribution of eco-friendly agriculture to the green economy is about 3%. The economy can be tuned up by capturing the market for the international massive demand for eco-agriculture products. Further, the environment sustainability can also be ensured.
A Study on the Process of Declining the Extent of Tea Lands in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2002) Wijedasa, M.S.; Amarasinghe, A.G.