Post war prospects of Sri Lankan tourism

The Eastern province has traditionally suffered economically and in development in more recent decades due to the conflict which has caused major socioeconomic problems. As a result, many business sectors virtually vanished from its yield. Tourism industry started in Sri Lanka in 1960 and it was growing till the year 1981 consequently due to the terrorism the tourism sector was severely affected and the number of tourists* arrival declined. Travel and tourism has become global and is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Hence, the tourism sectors of nations provide economic development through generation of income and increased employment. Although tourism industry is experiencing the fabulous upward trend in the global tourism market, according to the statistics of SLTDA (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority), the tourism sector declined in Sri Lanka before the civil war was brought to an end from the country but still the growth of Sri Lankan tourism is far behind the other tourists' destinations in the world. After the civil war in Sri Lanka, demand for Sri Lankan destinations is escalating in the international market. It is, therefore, indispensable for Sri Lankan tourism industry to formulate effective marketing strategies for potential growth of the industry. Hence, the objective of the paper is to investigate the present opportunities and strategically match the tourism products and services in the Eastern region, and to suggest some specific strategies for rejuvenating the tourism industry in coming years in Sri Lankan. Secondary data and past researches have been used for this paper. Data are analyzed using statistical software. The analysis shows that the future trend of the number of tourist arrivals will be rising sharply but Sri Lanka's tourism industry and specifically Eastern regions facing problems like mfrastructure, market driven tourism strategy, developing human resources, and problems derived from cultural diversity of tourists in matching the tourism products and services in the region. Finally, some specific marketing strategies are recommended to exploit opportunities especially in the Eastern Province under this post-war situation to improve the performance in the sector for making Sri Lanka and this region as the best destination in Asia

Hierarchical control strategies for heaving wave Energy converters

This thesis concerned with developing control strategies for a heaving sea wave Energy converter. The objective of this study is to improve captured and converted. Power. In heaving wave energy converters using a robust hierarchical control strategy. This strategy consists of higher and lower hierarchical controller. The higher controller provide a reference velocity signal, whereas the lower one follows the reference despite the uncertainties in the model. In this thesis, two novel methods for the higher controller are proposed. The objective of the first method is to design the intrinsic resistance that maximizes the captured power while considering the constraint on the elevation of the buoy. For this purpose, a constrained optimization quadratic problem is formulated as a function of the wave\u27s significant height and peak frequency. The objective of the second method is to maximize the captured power without exceeding the allowable Level of the control force and a power take-off utilization index. Similarly, three novel lower hierarchical controller are proposed. The first method contain the P I D (proportional -integral-derivative) augmentation with sliding mode control. This method has an interesting feature in which the dynamic model in the lower level not needed. Hence, it can be categorized as a model-free controller. The PID handles the stability and speed of the convergence error, while the robustness and tracking properties are conducted by the sliding mode control. The second method proposes a robust PID controller, which is designed using complex polynomial stabilization. The last method proposes a novel lead-lag compensator, which is designed using Hoo theory with the objectives of maximizing the robustness and tracking properties while minimizing the control force of the power take-off device. The proposed method are methods using nominal and perturbation cases in regular and irregular sea states. The resultant performance under different perturbation scenarios is compared with existing control technique

Electronics and control system for Laser cutter

Tato diplomová práce se zabývá přeměnou starého PCB plotru na automatizovaný laserový řezací stroj. Hlavním úkolem bude modernizace mechaniky, konfigurace, a také instalace u elektroniky a řídícího systému. Pohyb os je zajištěn krokovými motory, kde ovládání je zajištěno díky smoothie-board. Instrukce/souřadnice pro smoothie-board budou ve formě G-kódu, který bude generován za pomoci CAM softwaru.This thesis deals with the conversion of an old PCB plotter into an automated Laser Cutting machine. The main tasks involved will be to upgrade the mechanics and install and configure the electronics and control system for the machine. The movement of the axes has be done by the use of stepper motors and the control has been acheived by using a smoothieboard. Instructions to the smoothieboard will be in the form of G-code which will be generated by using a CAM software

Hierarchical control strategies for heaving wave Energy converters

This thesis concerned with developing control strategies for a heaving sea wave Energy converter. The objective of this study is to improve captured and converted. Power. In heaving wave energy converters using a robust hierarchical control strategy. This strategy consists of higher and lower hierarchical controller. The higher controller provide a reference velocity signal, whereas the lower one follows the reference despite the uncertainties in the model. In this thesis, two novel methods for the higher controller are proposed. The objective of the first method is to design the intrinsic resistance that maximizes the captured power while considering the constraint on the elevation of the buoy. For this purpose, a constrained optimization quadratic problem is formulated as a function of the wave\u27s significant height and peak frequency. The objective of the second method is to maximize the captured power without exceeding the allowable Level of the control force and a power take-off utilization index. Similarly, three novel lower hierarchical controller are proposed. The first method contain the P I D (proportional -integral-derivative) augmentation with sliding mode control. This method has an interesting feature in which the dynamic model in the lower level not needed. Hence, it can be categorized as a model-free controller. The PID handles the stability and speed of the convergence error, while the robustness and tracking properties are conducted by the sliding mode control. The second method proposes a robust PID controller, which is designed using complex polynomial stabilization. The last method proposes a novel lead-lag compensator, which is designed using Hoo theory with the objectives of maximizing the robustness and tracking properties while minimizing the control force of the power take-off device. The proposed method are methods using nominal and perturbation cases in regular and irregular sea states. The resultant performance under different perturbation scenarios is compared with existing control technique

Exploring customer based brand equity: a study among the tourist hotels in the East coast of Sri Lanka

Industries face with issues in managing brand equity and its significant is that it helps firms to enhance their cash flow and service differentiation to enjoy and obtain benefits out of competitive advantage. Thus, brand equity is treated as the most valuable intangible asset according to literatures. Brand creates the most powerful point of difference among service suppliers. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the dimensions of brand equity such as brand awareness, brand association, brand perceived quality and brand loyalty. There has been a boom in the tourism industry after the prolong war in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. This helps hoteliers create innovative marketing strategies and enjoy competitive advantage in the industry. Hence, the objective of the research was to explore the customer based brand equity among the tourist hotels in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. In order to explore the elements of customer based brand equity of the hotel industry, researcher obtained filled questionnaires from 115 respondents who enjoyed the services of hotels in the Eastern province. Multivariate analysis was carried out to explore the elements of the customer based brand equity. Findings suggest that all dimensions of the customer based brand equity significantly contribute to the brand equity of the tourist hotels in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. Further, the extent to which the dimensions create the brand equity is also investigated in this research

Market orientation adoption strategies for small restaurants : a study in the Eastern Sri Lanka

The main aim of the study is to investigate the adoption and application of market orientation by small restaurants in the Eastern Sri Lanka. In order to achieve this aim, 21 small restaurants were drawn from the Eastern part of Sri Lanka. Findings suggest that small restaurants are unable to adopt market orientation strategies. Components of market orientation such as customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter functional coordination are with insignificant correlation and hence, the components of market orientation are not adopted by small restaurants. Monitoring the changes in the customer needs is essential for the success of these firms in the industry. Though these firms are small, competitors’ analysis has to be done and the results should be used as input for the development of competitive strategy. Inter functional coordination is also playing major role in this business to become market oriente

Developing regional tourism: business networks for competitive advantage

Tourism is regarded as one means of fostering regional economic development and ameliorating these inequalities. Many destinations possess natural advantages that could form the basis for regional competitive advantage through local and global networking, but have experienced difficulty in drawing both domestic and international visitors away from the popular destinations. The development of local and global networking for tourism firms is a way of fostering competitive advantage in regional Sri Lanka. Tourism sector requires network linkages due to having strong complementarities due to the characteristics it include. This paper considers the potential for activating regional tourism networks and gaining competitive advantage over other regions in the country. This is especially relevant with recent development initiatives in the eastern province. There is much work to be done at a micro-business level in fostering network development between tourism institutions such as hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, tourism associations, and supportive tourism activities. It was proposed that activating business networking is a suitable means of fostering a structure within which related and supporting industries can interact. Through business network initiatives local communities can be enabled to contribute to their own development. A more self-sufficient ‗bottom-up‘ approach to regional development with horizontal linkages incorporating private/public sector partnerships and partnerships between international, national and locally owned businesses seems desirable in developing regional tourism. The activation of business networks could support linkages between related and supporting industries in gaining competitive advantages. In recommending networking strategies the attitudes towards competitive advantage, competitive behavior and intention of networking between tourism firms were measured among the main and supportive actors of tourism in the region. Therefore, the successful tourism firms are the one which have strong innovative local and global networks

Rice marketing : lesson and driver for Sri Lankan producers

The major objective of this research is to study rice marketing environment and suggest mechanisms for marketing Sri Lankan rice locally and internationally. Secondary data collected from various authenticated sources has been used for the study. A qualitative study also was carried out among farmers. Sri Lanka achieved self sufficiency in rice production and it has surplus of rice. While increasing production and export of rice in international market, Sri Lanka has to find a way to market excess production of paddy. As an ultimate way of making farmers more profitable Sri Lanka has to enter into foreign markets and market rice products in Sri Lanka. For that, farmers and millers have to obtain assistance from the government in order to produce rice varieties and rice products which have growing demand locally and globall

ANTIFUNGAL AND AUXIN-LIKE ACTIVITY OF CARBENDAZIM IN MICROPROPAGATION AND ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS DEHNH

An investigation on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. was carried out using samples from matured field grown trees in Malaysia. Surface sterilization and callus induction protocols have been described intended for in vitro plant regeneration using leaf and stem explants. A multi-option surface sterilization protocol has been established using three common sterilizing agents such as Mercuric Chloride (HgCl2), Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethanol which were tested by varying their combinations and their time of exposure. Combined treatments with two and three of sterilizing agents proved efficient in getting higher rates of clean, especially, when 70% alcohol was included. Using of 2.63% NaOCl for 10 min, 0.1% HgCl2 for 2.0 min and 70% ethanol for 1.0 min was the most effective sterilizing method for E. camaldulensis leaf explants and could obtain low contamination and damage rates, which can be applied to other plants with the same rigidity. Callus induction was successfully obtained on MS medium from leaf and stem explants using different auxins and cytokinins i.e. 6-Benzylaminopurine (BA), Kinetin (Kn), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in the concentration range of 0.5 - 3.0 mg/l. IBA and 2, 4-D were shown to be the best hormones for callus induction in leaves and stems, respectively. Combination of BA and NAA showed a better callus induction response, than individual hormones. Embryogenic callus was produced in leaf explants using IBA and the globular and heart stages were observed. The effects of the potent fungicide Carbendazim (MBC) were evaluated in in vitro cultures of E. camaldulensis. It showed significant reduction in fungal contamination, especially at ≥25 mg/l and low phytotoxic effects. Callus induced by NAA and BA from leaf and stem explants were not highly sensitive to MBC at low and moderate concentrations (≤15 and <50 mg/l, respectively). At higher MBC concentrations, callus iv induction and organogenesis were decreased. The highest MBC concentrations (200 and 300 mg/l), inhibited callus induction in leaf and callus development in stem. In addition to its cytokinin-like effect, the compound showed auxin-like effect by enhancement of callus induction in stem explants. The remarkable callus induction increment was observed when 3 mg/l MBC was combined with 3 mg/l 2,4-D or 0.1 mg/l BA and 3.0 mg/l NAA. Stem callus derived from MBC grown cultures could be efficient, regenerated into complete plants and established in field conditions. Direct shoot formation using plant nodal segments was also not sensitive to the fungicide concentrations (≥50 mg/l). Increasing concentrations of MBC in media caused some ultrastructural and anatomical alterations. Thus, these findings may have significance towards the understanding of the roles of the fungicide in plants. The essential oils compositions of E. camaldulensis various organs were investigated. Fifteen (15) is major compounds were identified represented 98.8, 97.5 and 99.5% of the compounds in the leaves, stems and immature flowers, respectively. Monoterpenes hydrocarbons were predominant in the three oil samples. The flower oil had the highest oxygenated monoterpenes content (19.6%). The most abundant compound in the three essential oils was γ-terpinene, as a principal oil component (57.4–72.5%) followed by o-cymene (14.6–26.3%) and terpinen-4-ol (6.6–16.2%). The regenerated plants from callus induced in stem using 3.0 mg/l NAA and 0.1 mg/l BA and 3.0 mg/l MBC, rooted on MS half strength medium fortified with 1.0 mg/l IBA and successively established under the field environment. They showed the same essential oil major components as those of the field-grown plants. In addition, E. camaldulensis leaf oils demonstrated cytotoxic effects in four cell lines; WEHI-3, HT-29, HL-60 and RAW 264.7 with WEHI-3 was the most sensitive to the essential oils with IC50 16.1