GIS INTEGRATED SMART MEASURES FOR PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS REFERENCE TO UNIVERSITY OF SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA

Accommodations are the basic need for university undergraduates to carry out their studies. Universities of all over the world responsible to provide accommodation within the campus or off campus to university students. According to the statistics of the Student Council of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, about 40% of undergraduates are selected for university hostel accommodations and 60% of students must find a private accommodation. So, there can spring up a demand for student private accommodation by undergraduates. Hence, private accommodation providers are entering to the current market and automatically fulfill the demand of student accommodation. Student private accommodation can be simply defined as a room or space where the students live in or stay at there by paying a rental fee. This study mainly focuses on digitizing student private accommodation in Sri Lanka reference to the university of Sri Jayewardenepura. It attempted to develop some specific model regarding that. The objectives of the research are analyzed the nature of the existing student private accommodations, analyze the factors that affect to choose private accommodations by university students and develop a smart measure to identify student private accommodations surrounding area of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.The primary data were collected through the google forms and questionnaires. The questionnaire and google form consisted with open ended questions, close ended questions, five-point Likert scale questions and checklists. Piolet test is done to verify the accuracy of the questionnaire. The secondary data were collected through the journal articles, reports and websites. The research was carried out by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and developed a smart measure by using google my maps. 100 student private accommodations were selected as the sample within the 800m buffer zone from the University. Four sets of zones (100m, 250m, 500m and 800m) around the university was used to stratify the data. The results summarize that the nature of the existing private accommodations indicating type of occupants, type of private accommodations, type of rented rooms and other physical differences of the student private accommodations. Also, summarize that the factors that affect to choose private accommodations by university students such as location, cost, security and facilities of the accommodations. Also, the smart measure helps to find suitable private accommodation by university students. Keywords: Student Private Accommodations, Location, Cost, Security, Smart Measur

URBAN RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT

A waterfront development is a worldwide well-established phenomenon, and Sri Lanka has recently been involved in waterfront development projects, notably recreational waterfront development projects. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of urban recreational waterfront development projects in the Colombo metropolitan area. The qualitative research methodology is used, and primary data is gathered through observations and interviews. The structured interviews were conducted using the judgmental sampling technique with nine experts involved in Urban Recreational Water front Development projects in Sri Lanka. The content analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. The study presented six environmental aspects, three economic aspects, and seven social features that contribute to the long-term viability of urban recreational waterfront development projects in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the study addresses a vacuum in the literature by outlining the social, economic, and environmental factors specific to urban recreational waterfront development projects in Sri Lanka for which there are no prior evidences. Keywords: Urban Recreation, Waterfront Developmen

An Empirical Study on Ambient Conditions and Learning Effectiveness of State Universities in Sri Lanka: A Case Study in Selected Faculties of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

This study examined the relationship between the ambient conditions and the learning effectiveness of undergraduates at state universities in Sri Lanka based on a case study conducted at University of Sri Jayewardenepura. A The general objective of this research is to identify the relationship between ambient conditions in the physical environment to enhance the learning effectiveness of state university undergraduates. Ambient conditions: temperature, Lighting, Seat Arrangements, Ambient Intelligence, and Color were the independent variables of the research whereas Learning effectiveness was the dependent variable. A hundred undergraduates from two faculties of the university were selected through a random sampling method and collected data through a structured questionnaire. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilized in the analysis. The correlation analysis has been employed to identify the relationship between ambient conditions and learning effectiveness. Ten hypotheses were tested using the Pearson correlation test and all the hypotheses were rejected. Further, the study employed another four tests named Mean analysis, Demographic profile, Existing facilities, and Ambient preferences. As per the findings of the study all the tested ambient conditions create a positive relationship with the learning effectiveness of the undergraduates in both faculties. However, due to the multiple regression results, only the Temperature and Lighting create an impact on learning effectiveness. Most of the architects and educational administers were faced with difficulties in creating comfortable environments to develop learning effectiveness. Therefore, these findings can suggest the best solutions for a better learning environment. Moreover, developers can add some features to the learning environment based on student’s feedback.   © 2022 The Authors. Published by Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Keywords: Learning Effectiveness, Undergraduates, Education, Ambient Condition

Creating a Smart Web Application for Sri Lankan Universities: A Case Study of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Access to education is a fundamental right, and the pursuit of higher education often prompts students to relocate, even across borders. In Sri Lanka, a considerable number of students from rural areas migrate to urban centers for university education, resulting in a higher education gross enrollment rate of 19.8%. However, universities in Sri Lanka face challenges in providing sufficient on-campus housing for the growing student population. Consequently, there is a surging demand for private student housing, primarily driven by students themselves. Presently, private housing providers are stepping in to meet this demand. This study endeavours to explore available options for private housing in close proximity to universities, employing SMART online application techniques. Its primary aim is to assist students in identifying suitable private accommodations, taking into account a myriad of factors. A significant proportion of students attending Sri Jayewardenepura University hail from rural areas situated more than 30 kilometers away from the campus, rendering daily commuting impractical. Moreover, approximately sixty percent of undergraduate students at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura lack access to on-campus hostel facilities, necessitating their search for private lodgings. However, several crucial factors need consideration when selecting private housing. While regulations govern university dormitories, there is presently no legislation overseeing or standardizing private housing options for students. Consequently, nearly 90% of undergraduates encounter multiple challenges when seeking suitable private accommodations within tight timeframes. Given that many students are unfamiliar with the area, institutional guidance in selecting private housing would prove invaluable

Enhancing Student Housing Accessibility and Affordability: A Comprehensive Analysis of Private Accommodations at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

The fundamental right to education drives students across the globe to seek higher education opportunities, often necessitating relocations within their own country or abroad. In the context of Sri Lanka, the higher education gross enrolment rate has steadily increased, currently standing at 19.8%. However, the capacity of the nation's universities to offer on-campus housing falls short in accommodating the surging student population. Consequently, there has been a growing demand for private student housing, met primarily by private housing providers. At the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a significant proportion, approximately 60% of undergraduate students, face the challenge of lacking access to on-campus dormitory facilities, making private housing companies a potentially pivotal solution. However, a critical gap exists in the legal framework regulating student private housing, forcing students to seek accommodation in hotels.When selecting private housing, students take into account multifaceted factors including location, proximity to the educational institution, safety, amenities, and the degree of personal autonomy they can enjoy. This research endeavours to develop an invaluable decision-making tool to empower students in making informed choices regarding private accommodations. Given that a substantial portion of students originates from rural areas where daily commutes to the university are impractical, student housing assumes paramount significance in their pursuit of higher education. This research project advocates for institutional guidance in the selection of private housing, a move that would substantially benefit students grappling with the challenge of securing suitable accommodations within limited timeframes. The study's findings hold the potential to significantly improve the educational journey for aspiring students in Sri Lanka, thereby enhancing accessibility and equity in higher education

Tenants’ Perception on Housing Maintenance Culture in Public Housing in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka

Public housing is one of the facilities for public servants in Sri Lanka. Maintenance of those housing are problematic due to lack of maintenance culture. Lack of studies focused on the issue and significant research gap existed in this area. The aim of this study is to investigate the tenants’ perceptions of the housing maintenance culture in the public housing of Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka. The study data focused on public tenants living in schedule and general service quarters, and officials from 11 institutions' state departments. The study focused on mainly socio-cultural perception, proxemics, and motivation. The results indicated that socio-cultural perception, proxemics, and motivation variables highly influence the enhancement of the housing maintenance culture in public housing. The study suggests that the state should revisit its housing maintenance institutional policies and practises to ensure that bureaucratic aspects are lowered, that the housing maintenance regulatory framework be inspected toconfirm effective housing maintenance, and that acceptable and satisfactory personnel be deployed within the servicing docket. © 2022 The Authors. Published by Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of SriJayewardenepura Keywords: Housing Maintenance Culture, Public Housing, Tenants Perceptio

Sustainable Housing for Middle-Income Society in Sri Lanka

Housing is a fundamental human necessity and affects how society interacts with the environment. In the modern era, housing expansions all over the world have significantly increased the number of economic, social, and environmental issues. Making housing constructions in places that are quickly urbanizing more sustainable is a top objective for government agencies, business experts, and research organizations. Managing economic, environmental, and social sustainability factors is referred to as sustainable housing. Major natural resources used in the construction of housing include land, energy, water, and building materials. Minor natural resources used in the process include waste production and air and water pollution. In the community's fight for affordable housing, educated middle-income inhabitants are predicted to be the most susceptible group given expected living standards and monthly income-generating levels. The goals are to explain how the framework for evaluating laws was developed and proven to be valid in order to achieve sustainability in middle-income housing. In order to offer the essential background for developing an interim assessment framework for affordable and sustainable middle-income housing, the research begins by analyzing the current local assessment frameworks and regulations. To evaluate the interim assessment framework, a semi-structured questionnaire survey of business professionals and other stakeholders will serve as the foundation for the secondary study. This intermediate evaluation framework will receive the necessary fine-tuning and industry feedback through discussion and opinions. The interim framework must be transformed into a robust and progressive regulatory structure that enables future success in SH for the majority of middle-class citizens in the nation. The results will next be evaluated in light of Sri Lanka's existing regulatory framework for sustainable middle-income housing. © 2022 The Authors. Published by Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura   Keywords: Sustainable Housing, Middle-income Society, Housing Crisi

Spatial Variation of Land Values in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka Using Geographic Information System

Land value mapping is crucial for urban planning and decision-making, particularly as Sri Lanka undergoes rapid urbanisation. This study focuses on the Colombo district and aims to accurately interpret land values and identify their patterns for effective planning. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research investigates the spatial variation of land values and the factors influencing them and categorises land value bands. Through geospatial analysis, employing inverse distance-weighted analysis and the geometric interval method, the study gathers land value data and analyses spatial patterns. The research outcomes are expected to offer valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in land management and development in Colombo. The findings will contribute to an improved land evaluation system, enabling informed planning decisions and sustainable regional urban development

THE ROLE OF ELEPHANT (Elephas maxim us) AS A SEED DISPERSAL AGENT

The Sri Lankan elephant can be classified as a generalist herbivore as it feeds on alarge number of plant species. Although, leaves and bark makeup bulk of theplant matter consumed by elephants, fruits are also eaten by elephants whenavailable. Therefore, they may be playa role in seed dispersal of such plantspecies. Aim of this investigation was to ascertain the role of elephants as a seeddispersal agent.This investigation was conducted from January 1998 to December 1999 in theNorth Western region of Sri Lanka. A total of 500 dung samples were collectedfrom different areas within the region. Dung boli were separated by hand andseeds present were identified by comparing with a reference seed collection. Thenumber of seeds present were also recorded. Part of the seeds were removed fromdung and their germination potential was determined while the remaining seedswere left in the dung. These dung piles were monitored and the number of seedsgerminated were recorded.Analysis of dung revealed 36 species of wild plants and 17 species of cultivatedplants. Of the Wild plants most commonly found plant species were Mimosapudica, Panicum maximum and Tamarindus indica. Among the cultivatedvarieties, Eleusine coracana, cucurbita maxima, Cucumis melo and Oryza sativawere commonest species observed. The seeds found in the dung boli germinatedwell after removal. However, when left in dung the germination potential wasvery low. This indicates that elephants do not playa key role in seed dispersal ofwild plants.