Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
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Recent Submissions
item: Thesis-Abstract
Feasibility of integrating bituminous coal steam pre-drying : case of Lakvijaya coal power plant, Sri Lanka
(2023) Sudasingha, AN; Attalage, RA
Bituminous coal is considered less in inherent moisture. However, significant water quantity is added during handling and dust suppressing activities resulting an elevated total moisture level. This causes various O&M issues in power generation plants that are designed to accept lower coal moisture variations. Although Lignite pre-drying technology has been a popular study, information on integration of steam driven bituminous coal pre-drying system into sub-critical power plant is limited. In this study, Rotary Steam-Tube Dryer is selected as a viable drying technology. Then, potential of utilizing waste heat extracted from Continuous Blow Down (CBD) to operate the Dryer was theoretically modelled and benefits were evaluated. A case analysis was performed on the 3x300MWe coal fired power plant in Sri Lanka. All three identical generation units were combined with minimal physical modifications to the existing system and extractable steam flow within desired parameters was calculated by varying the CBD rate along 1% to 1.5% of BMCR of a single unit. Up to 0.025 kg/kg degree of pre-drying could be achieved in typical operating total coal moisture range from 6% to 15%. By considering only the major contributor, moisture evaporation heat in flue gas, system input energy reduction model was developed. Resultant generation efficiency gain was 0.25% when 1.5% boiler blow down rate is used. Capital Cost analysis is performed with CECPI escalation. 8 months of Payback period was calculated for 1.5% boiler blow down rate. Sensitivity analysis was performed on major parameters. Actual financial benefit would be much higher when considering auxiliary power reduction and reduced unplanned outages due to O&M emergencies that is frequently caused by elevated coal moisture levels
item: Thesis-Abstract
Analyze whether the challenges made against arbitrators in arbitrations conducted in Sri Lanka are used to delay or disrupt the arbitrations
(2024) Kathriarachchi, KADAS; Seneviratne, I
Arbitration has become the preferred method of dispute resolution in international business transactions due to its flexibility, neutrality, and the ability to appoint subject matter experts as arbitrators. Arbitrators' independence and impartiality are fundamental to ensuring fair and equitable arbitration proceedings. Challenges against arbitrators are necessary when legitimate doubts arise about an arbitrator's impartiality, independence, or qualifications. Institutional arbitration rules and national laws provide mechanisms for challenging arbitrators who do not comply with their duty of independence and impartiality, ensuring the integrity of the arbitration process. Challenges against arbitrators can potentially cause delays and disruptions in the arbitration process, affecting its efficiency and effectiveness. While challenges are essential to preserving the independence and impartiality of arbitrators, their misuse can undermine the arbitration process. This research aims to analyze whether challenges made against arbitrators in arbitrations conducted in Sri Lanka are used to delay or disrupt the proceedings. The study further examines the mechanisms available for challenging arbitrators and the global trend in misusing challenges. A comprehensive literature review was conducted alongside a structured survey among stakeholders in Sri Lankan arbitrations, with data analyzed using frequency analysis to summarize participants' opinions on arbitrator challenges. The literature review indicates that in the global context, most challenges against arbitrators across various legal systems and arbitration rules do not favor the initiating party. Despite a low success rate, the number of challenges is increasing alongside the growth of arbitrations. When faced with a challenge, arbitrators often choose to resign without verifying or substantiating the accusations. This trend encourages parties to make tactical challenges against arbitrators they perceive as unfavorable to their interests. The analysis findings reveal that participants in Sri Lankan arbitrations strongly believe that challenges or potential challenges substantially impact causing delays and disruptions in the arbitration proceedings. Additionally, participants perceive these challenges as a strategic tool to buy time, delay proceedings, tactical tool to frustrate the opposing party, pressure arbitrators to resign and to influence arbitrators conduct in arbitrations to some extent.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Analysis of the relationship between urban morphology and urban vitality in small cities Sri Lanka - special reference to Kaluthara town
(2024) Jayampath, SDU; Dharmasena, J
Urban vitality refers to the quality of an urban area that can attract a diverse range of people due to the presence of numerous activities and opportunities. Jane Jacobs, in her seminal work from 1961, emphasized the importance of diverse and interconnected human activities and public spaces in creating a vibrant city life. In summary, urban morphology is a complex and interdisciplinary field that investigates the physical shape of cities and how they evolve over time. Different scholars emphasize various key elements, such as streets, blocks, plots, building types, and plan units, as essential components for analyzing urban form. The interdisciplinary nature of urban morphology allows researchers to approach the study of cities from multiple perspectives and contribute to a deeper understanding of their development and characteristics. There are many research on how urban morphology impact the urban vitality of urban areas. It's evident that a well-designed built environment, with attention to factors like land use, accessibility, density, and public spaces, can enhance the vitality and quality of urban life. The research is aims to investigate the relationship between urban morphology and urban vitality in small cities in the Sri Lankan context. This is an important endeavor, as small and medium-size cities often make up a significant portion of the urban population worldwide and play a crucial role in urbanization and service production in specific countries, such as Sri Lanka.
The research shows that how density, land use diversity, pedestrian movements, and the availability of open / cultural spaces and transit stops collectively shape the vitality of small cities in Sri Lanka. To enhance urban vitality, it might be important to explore ways to encourage a broader range of activities, both during the daytime and at night, and to create environments that facilitate urban vitality.
item: Thesis-Abstract
An Analysis on the relationship between streetscapes and crimes in Nugegoda township
(2024) Pramod, RMS; Dharmasena, J
Urban environments play a crucial role in shaping human behaviour and influencing social interactions, including criminal activities. This dissertation explores the intricate relationship between streetscapes and crimes to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behaviour in urban settings. By analysing the elements and characteristics of streetscapes and their impact on crime patterns, this research aims to shed light on the significance of designing safer urban streetscapes.
The first chapter of the dissertation act as the introduction of the dissertation. It basically contains the background information related to research formulation. The notion of crime has been defined in the second chapter using a range of theories and interpretations. The third chapter examines the literature on urban streets. Here, the chapter specifically consists of previously introduced theories and findings which discuss the relationship between streetscapes and crimes. The third chapter provides the theoretical framework of the research and a full discussion of the methodology. In the theoretical framework, two develop theories and two adopted theories have been established using the literature mentioned in the previous chapters. The first developed theory provides a theoretical base for the relationship between street locations and crime, and the second developed theory introduces a theoretical base for the relationship between street characteristics and crimes. Moreover, the first adopted theory presents the theoretical base for the relationship between urban form & morphology of the streetscapes and crimes and the second adopted theory presents a theoretical base for the relationship between spatial configuration & connectivity of the streetscapes and crimes. The case study analysis can be identified as the fifth chapter of the dissertation. In the case study, the collected data has been statistically and theoretically analysed.
The research findings show there is a clear relationship between streetscape and crimes. Specially, certain street locations, including street nodes, pathways, and areas adjacent to escape routes, along with specific street characteristics such as inadequate lighting, narrow sidewalks, increased pedestrian activity, heavy traffic, wider roads, and poorly maintained streets, demonstrate a discernible association with specific types of crime. Further, there is a positive correlation between crimes and streetscapes characterized by compact urban forms, integration, and connectivity. In that sense, such findings of this dissertation have significant implications for urban designers, urban planners, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies. By understanding the relationship between streetscapes and crimes, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to create more secure and crime-resistant urban environments. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader goal of fostering safer cities and enhancing the quality of life
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Study on the aspects of walkability of differently abled people within the public transport district in a city : the case of Colombo Pettah, Sri Lanka
(2023) Saubhagya, MKS; Dharmasena, J
This evidence-based research investigates the aspects of walkability within public transport districts, with a specific focus on the needs of differently abled individuals. Drawing insights from the universal design theory, the study underscores the importance of ensuring easy and safe access for often disadvantaged populations in urban environments. The research centers on the public transport district of Pettah in Colombo, Sri Lanka—a critical hub integrating railway transportation, public and private bus services, and a bustling economic center. The main research question revolves around the walkability aspects in existing public transport districts, with two main objectives: understanding the current level of walkability (Objective 01) and the pedestrian environment's quality (Objective 02) for differently abled people within this district. To achieve the first objective, the study employs a walkability checklist, examining six key factors: Sidewalks and Pathways, Crosswalks and Pedestrian Crossings, Pedestrian Safety, Accessibility, Amenities and Comfort, and Land Use and Destination. The checklists cover five zones in the public transport district, revealing that the existing walkability conditions fall short of meeting the needs of differently abled pedestrians, highlighting the need for urgent improvements. For the second objective, the Pedestrian Environmental Quality Index (PEQI) serves as a comprehensive evaluation tool. The PEQI analysis covers 34 intersections and 57 street segments, revealing that 64.7% of intersections were not suitable for pedestrians, and 57.7% of street segments had poor environmental conditions for differently abled individuals. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) represent PEQI attributes and scores, facilitating informed decision-making for pedestrian system improvements. A Walkability Survey with 20 differently abled pedestrians further reinforces the study's findings, highlighting their perceptions of the pedestrian environment within the district. The respondents' overall perception rates the walkability as 'very poor' by 60% and 'poor' by 35%, underlining the pressing need for improvements. Aligning with the case study findings, the research offers recommendations for integrating urban land use and activity networks with walkable planning considerations. Special attention is advised for providing lacking pedestrian infrastructure while maintaining existing facilities properly. By addressing the challenges faced by differently abled individuals, this research provides valuable insights for urban designers and policymakers, enabling them to comprehend the current state of walkability and foster inclusive and enriching urban spaces that enhance the overall well-being of our communities. The findings and recommendations contribute to creating more accessible and equitable urban environments, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can move freely and safely within public transport districts.