Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics and its Impact on Land Surface Temperature in the Ratnapura Municipal Council Area, Sri Lanka

Unplanned urban growth and land use/land cover (LULC) changes are critical global challenges for towns and cities. Urbanization significantly alters land surfaces, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like South and Southeast Asia. This study analyzes LULC dynamics in Ratnapura, the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka, from 2006 to 2024, and assesses the impact of these changes on land surface temperature (LST) using time-series Landsat data and geospatial techniques. The study utilizes freely available medium-resolution satellite images, specifically Landsat TM (2006) and Landsat 8, 9 OLI/TIRS (2013, 2018, and 2024). A pixel-oriented supervised classification method was used to monitor LULC changes during this period, while LST was calculated using the same data. Vegetation and built-up areas were evaluated through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). Results reveal a 103.3% increase in built-up areas, along with decreases in forest cover (27.19%), agricultural land (24.37%), and other land uses (77.20%). Built-up areas exhibited the highest mean LST, reaching 25.95°C in 2006 to 27.81°C in 2024, despite a temporary drop to 24.97°C in 2013. Meanwhile, the overall mean LST for Ratnapura increased from 25.31°C in 2006 to 27.93°C in 2024, a rise of 2.62°C. Higher temperatures were concentrated in the city center and expanded towards the north, northwest, east, and south of the study area. A strong negative correlation between LST and the NDVI suggests that urbanization and reduced vegetation are driving temperatures increases. Additionally, a positive correlation between LST and the NDBI underscores the heat-retention properties of impervious surfaces in urban areas, further exacerbating temperature increases. The expansion of built-up areas, coupled with the declining forest cover and agricultural land, highlights the need for effective land-use planning and policies to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable urban Development. Keywords: Land Use Land Cover, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Built-up Index, Land Surface Temperatur

Fire Distribution Analysis For The Faculty Of Engineering, University Of Sri Jayawardenepura

This study investigated the different modelling methods for the fire and evacuation process. Then identified different fire sources in the manufacturing laboratory of the faculty. This paper discussed, the applications of the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) and discussed the outputs from FDS. The theoretical basis of related governing equations for the fire phenomena simulation and the theoretical background of human egress have been discussed. Furthermore, it identified the different fire sources of the manufacturing laboratory with the risk rating. Also, this paper explains how to perform a fire risk assessment and from that, an acetylene gas leak fire accident was selected for the simulation purpose. Then the theoretical background was discussed for Turbulence jet modelling. The smoke visibility capability calculates the distance a lighted sign can be seen in a smoke-filled environment, as well as smoke visibility obtained from the FDS smoke view results viewer. Finally, there will be some suggestions to improve the fire safety of the faculty manufacturing laboratory. This paper was created based on some research papers and books related to fire protection Engineering

An Analysis of Water Quality in Surface Water of Kalu River Basin, Sri Lanka in the First Inter-Monsoon Season 2024

The Kalu River is the major urban water source for the Rathnapura and Kaluthara districts. It originates from the Sri Pada Mountain of the wet zone, and it collects rainfall from the western slopes and falls into the sea at Kaluthara after traversing about 129 km with a catchment area of approximately 2766 km2. The river experiences frequent floods and large-scale inundation during wet season, particularly in cultivated areas and industrial zones. Therefore, it brings a high amount of agrochemicals, pollutants through several industries, along with pollution from the annual Sri Pada pilgrimage. This study was conducted to analyze water quality in Kalu River for physical, chemical and biological parameters during the first inter-monsoon season, coinciding with Sri Pada pilgrimage in 2024. Water samples were collected from 30 selected points along the river basin, focusing on potential pollutant zones. Parameters tested included temperature, turbidity, salinity, TDS, color, Electrical Conductivity, pH, chloride, alkalinity, total hardness, total phosphate, sulphate, nitrite, nitrate, fluoride, total iron, free ammonia, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The average river temperature was recorded at 29 0C and pH values fell within the standard range. Salinity, TDS, and electrical conductivity values were acceptable in 99% of samples, while color ranged from 22 to 960 Hazen units. The total hardness, chloride, and alkalinity values were within acceptable limits for drinking water. Sulphate, nitrite, nitrate and fluoride concentrations were found to be very low. All these parameters were within the safe ranges according to SRI LANKA STANDARD 614: 2013 and ISO 9308-1 2014 specifications for potable water quality. However, turbidity, color, total Phosphate, total Iron, and free ammonia posed a risk limit for % of the samples. Among the sampling locations, 100% of samples were contaminated with total coliform and Escherichia coli, exceeding standard levels. This highlights the need for targeted conservation and management strategies in drinking water quality treatments. Keywords: Water quality, Kalu River, Surface wate

Oryza nivara Identified in Wilpattu National Park

Oryza nivara is a wild rice species primarily distributed in the dry and intermediate zones in Sri Lanka and also reported from Wilpattu National Park (WNP). This is a good food source for most of the wild animals including elephants. With the long term aim of enhancing O. nivara populations in their native habitats as a food source for wild animals, we conducted a survey to identify O. nivara populations in WNP and further we studied their ecology and composition.  During the study, we identified three O. nivara populations within WNP; Kumburaviya, Pallekandal, and Ilandamote tank. Soil samples and rice plants were collected from these locations and associated species were recorded. Soil pH, salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured. Gross energy, dry weight, crude protein, fat and fiber contents of collected O. nivara plant samples were measured with standard methods. In Kumburaviya, the distribution and density of this species were 41% and 14.6 m², respectively, whereas in Pallekandal, those were 16% and 4.4 m², respectively. Samples were not collected from the Ilandamote tank due to the low plant density. According to our observations, this species was primarily found in marshy areas with acidic soils (mean pH 5.2) and low soil salinity (0.1%). The mean nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the collected soil samples were 31.865 ppm and 38.15 ppm, respectively. The mean soil conductivity was 160.85 µS/cm, and the mean TDS was 75.5 mg/kg. O. nivara coexists with several other plant species, including Hygrophila schulli, Eleocharis dulcis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eichonia crassipes, Calotropis gigantean, Limonia acidissima and Commelina diffusa. Considering the entire plant of O. nivara, the mean dry matter percentage was 31.75%. The mean values for gross energy, ash, crude protein, fat (ether extract), and crude fiber content were 3,578.6 kcal/kg, 18.6%, 6.2%, 1.42%, and 35.25%, respectively, on a dry matter basis. Our study found that O. nivara is a suitable energy source compared to most wild and hybrid grass species. Although its crude protein content is lower than that of hybrid grasses, it is within the range of most wild grass species. Further, the ash content is higher than that of hybrid grasses, due to its high crude fiber content. This study evaluates Oryza nivara's potential in habitat enrichment projects for supporting wild rice species and mitigating human-elephant conflict. It highlights the importance of soil quality assessments and provides baseline scientific data on O. nivara in WNP. Keywords: Oriza nivara, Locations, Nutrition, Distribution, Soil &nbsp

The Usage of Household Polythene and Plastics in Kirinda Puhulwella Pradeshiya Sabha, Matara

Plastic is one of the globally used versatile, synthetic polymers which includes many negative impacts despite their benefits. Due to its higher availability, it has been used widely in society and finally causes many negative impacts on humans, animals and the environment due to improper disposal techniques followed by the community. Therefore, the present study focused on identifying and evaluating household polythene and plastic usage, disposal practices and public perception of plastics in Kirinda Puhulwella Pradeshiya Sabha in Matara District, Sri Lanka. The study area has been divided into three zones urban, semi-urban and rural based on factors such as available infrastructure, transport facilities and population density. A questionnaire with six major sections including personal information, nature of the usage of plastics and polythene, disposal of plastics and polythene, identifying issues related to the usage of plastics and polythene, controlling the usage of plastic and polythene usage, public feedback on the regional program and governmental efforts for controlling has been deployed to identify plastic waste disposal methods and awareness. 150 participants were interviewed to represent all three zones in the study area and weights of plastic wastes were taken using a digital handheld scale. The study revealed that shopping bags are the most used plastic item (137 respondents) due to higher availability (40%) and lack of other alternatives (39%) in the study area. LDPE was the most used plastic type (18.5%) in the study area (0.27±0.11 kg/month/house unit) while PET was the least (8%) consumed type (0.12 ± 0.11 kg/month/house unit). Around 90% of participants had sound knowledge of the consequences of improper disposal of plastics but most of them practice burning (54%) and burying (27%) as main disposal techniques. Further, correlations were identified between plastic usage and disposal patterns concerning participants' occupational status and educational level. Plastic waste generation was moderately proportional to the educational level (p=0.028) and also to the type of occupation (p=0.01) in the study area. Short-term and long-term recommendations such as providing proper infrastructure facilities and permanent plastic waste collecting programs under feasibility studies, accepting segregated waste, focusing on attitudinal behaviours of specific communities, tightening existing rules and regulations and investing in research and developments were made based on the results of the study.   Keywords: Polythene and plastic, Disposal, Perception, Awarenes

Effects of Water Soaking Time on Quality and Chemical Composition of Fresh Sticks of Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume)

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) is a miracle spice exported from Sri Lanka and its quality plays a major role in market growth and retention. Sri Lanka, despite its competitive edge over Ceylon cinnamon, has struggled to capitalize on this due to poor food safety and quality management systems. Sri Lanka's cinnamon farming and processing methods are suboptimal, leading to poor quality. A certification-level factory concept is proposed to address this issue. Fresh cinnamon sticks are collected from rural areas and transported to central factories, resulting in high transportation costs. Therefore, the sticks are collected and stored in tanks underwater for more than one day. Government authorities recommend processing the sticks on the same day of harvesting, albeit there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this requirement. The current study aims to identify potential quality and chemical composition variations from different water storage durations of fresh cinnamon sticks. Eight samples were analyzed: an initial sample (control) with no soaking and seven samples soaked for varying durations, from 1 to 7 days. The comprehensive approach encompasses determining moisture content, oil content, yeast and mold content, water activity, color variation, chemical analysis of oil samples by GC-MS, and the evaluation of the peelability of cinnamon bark. The research aims to provide valuable insights into optimizing post-harvest handling techniques to improve the quality of cinnamon. Most quality parameters, including moisture content, volatile oil content, water activity, total ash, color values, and microbial counts were not significantly affected by soaking. Furthermore, the peelability of cinnamon bark was also unaffected by the length of soaking time. Though the cinnamaldehyde content in the oil has decreased, the exact change is difficult to interpret due to the semi-quantitative nature of the analysis. Moreover, an increase in 3-phenyl-2-propen-1-ol was also detected in GC-MS analysis. Further analysis and replication of the experiments are underway to establish sound recommendations based on chemical composition of cinnamon bark.    Keywords: Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamaldehyde, Quality management, Chemical composition, GC-MS analysis  &nbsp

Growth Rate Effects on Wood Density and Ring Characteristics of Over-mature Pinus caribaea in Sri Lankan Plantations

The current oversupply of mature and over-mature Pinus caribaea (Pine) plantations in Sri Lanka necessitates optimal resource utilization, particularly for private furniture manufacturing and export industries. This study investigated the relationship between growth rate and wood quality parameters by examining radial relative density and ring width variations within and between trees, focusing on slow, medium, and fast-grown trees, with particular emphasis on over-mature specimens. Wood quality assessment employed the maximum moisture content method to determine relative density, with measurements standardized at 12% moisture content to facilitate comparative analysis. The experimental design incorporated Boron treatment on selected samples to evaluate its impact on wood quality parameters. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc comparisons using Minitab 16 software. Results revealed that fast-grown trees exhibited significantly higher relative density than slow and medium-grown counterparts, while no significant differences were observed between slow and medium growth rates. This suggests that Pinewood relative density may be largely independent of growth rate within the slow to medium growth range. Ring width analysis demonstrated a consistent pattern across all growth rates, characterized by an initial decrease in juvenile wood and stabilization in mature wood, attributed to cambial ageing or canopy closure. Relative density variations from pith to bark displayed distinct patterns according to growth rates: slow-grown trees exhibited an initial decline followed by a slight increase towards the bark; medium-grown trees maintained a relatively constant density after an initial decline, and fast-grown trees showed an initial decrease followed by irregular slight increases. The transition from juvenile to mature wood formation occurred consistently at approximately ten years, independent of growth rate. The findings suggest that implementing silvicultural practices promoting faster growth rates could yield high-quality mature Pine wood without compromising wood properties. Moreover, Boron treatment showed no statistically significant effect on wood quality, indicating its potential as a preservative treatment option to enhance durability and rot resistance while maintaining wood properties. These results are important for optimizing Pine plantation management and wood utilization strategies in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Pinus caribaea, Relative density, Ring width, Growth rate, Wood qualit

Evaluating the Influence of Employee Satisfaction and Productivity on Individual Performance in Shared Workspaces: Insights from Western Province, Sri Lanka

This study focused on evaluating the influence of employee satisfaction and productivity on individual performance in shared workspaces in private office sector in Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo MC area. Adopting the quantitative research methodology, data was collected from 100 shared workspaces employees through a self-administered questionnaire, along with the secondary data. The analysis utilized Smart PLS SEM approach. The findings revealed that employee satisfaction and productivity has a significant positive relationship with individual performance in shared workspaces. The results of the Smart PLS SEM approachconfirmed the significant impact of employee satisfaction and productivity on individual performance in shared workspaces. The interpreted results uncover how interactions in shared workspaces affect employee outcomes, guiding the creation of supportive environments. This research offers valuable insights into workspace design and decision-making, establishing a basis for improving their impact on organizational performance through supportive and efficient work environments

Factors Influencing the Refusal of Post-Disaster Relocation: Insights from Resettled Individuals in Moratuwa, Koralawella, Sri Lanka

Relocation of people is the ultimate strategy adopted by governments to improve the well-being of victims those who faced with disasters or living in disaster-prone areas. However, there have been complaints that resettlers reject the new place and return to original location. Sri Lanka experiences many numbers of relocation programmes yet no comprehensive updated study conducted on why people reject relocation. This research examines the factors contributing to refusal of post-disaster relocation efforts in the coastal area of Moratuwa Koralawella. Perspectives collected from 50 re-settlers were analyzed using correlation. Results indicates the decision to reject relocation is mostly influenced by social and economic factors. The outcome of this study is useful for stakeholders and policymakers when dealing relocation projects in the future to mitigate the negative consequences

Interplay between Institutional Isomorphism and Institutional logics in shaping LGBTQIA+ Policies in Sri Lanka

This interpretive study explores how institutional isomorphism and institutional logics legitimize the company’s approach to fostering LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Under the explorative single case study approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with sixteen key informants. The case organization of this study is Country Holdings (CH), a local group of companies with a history of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. With over 150 years of operation and more than 20,000 employees across various industries, CH has consistently embraced an inclusive culture. The company has formalized anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies, emphasizing equal opportunity, a code of conduct, and zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination.  The findings uncovered different actions the organization took in adopting the LGBTQIA+ inclusive policy and practice despite the strong anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments in the society and legal framework. Consequently, it was revealed how normative and mimetic pressures in the global market sphere create homogeneity. Moreover, this study uncovers how corporate, business, and labor market logics in the institutional fields create heterogeneity in the local market in terms of adopting the LGBTQIA+ inclusive policy and practice. These findings illustrate how several related perspectives of neo-institutionalism aggregately contribute to gaining legitimacy to adopt LGBTQIA+ inclusive policy and practice within the organization irrespective of heteronormative social and legal constraints. Overall, CH’s approach to LGBTQIA+ inclusion offers a comprehensive model for other local organizations seeking to embrace diversity and inclusion. The intersection of supportive institutional logics and isomorphic pressures to adopt LGBTQIA+ friendly policy and practice facilitates a workplace that is competitive, innovative, socially responsible, and inclusive