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
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The Contribution of natural environment related activies to reducing stress among visitors: a study related To Diyasaru Wetland Park, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Wijerathne, DAMYR; Dharmasena, SR
Urbanization has led to a significant increase in stress and a decline in mental well-being among city residents. Urban wetland parks, such as Diyasaru Park, are increasingly recognized as vital restorative environments that can mitigate these negative effects. This research aims to evaluate the contribution of natural environment-related activities to stress reduction and emotional restoration among urban residents. The study is grounded in key environmental psychology theories, including Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Perceived Naturalness and Wilderness. Using a quantitative method, quasi-experimental design, the research will collect pre- and post-visit data using standardized questionnaires (PSS) and site observations. The findings are expected to demonstrate that exposure to and interaction with the park's features, particularly its hard landscape elements, significantly improves visitors' psychological well-being. The study's conclusion provide evidence-based recommendations for urban planners and park managers to enhance the restorative potential of urban green and blue spaces.
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Dual mobility networks: assessing the effectiveness of the strategies to mitigate elephant- train collisions in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Wijekoon, WMSS; Dissanayake, C
Elephant-Train collisions constitute a major conservation threat in Sri Lanka, where railway infrastructure traverses traditional migratory routes of the elephants. This study assesses the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies using a mixed-methods approach, which includes field observations, interviews with railway officers, wildlife officers, police officers, and village people, and statistical analysis of historical collision records from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Sri Lanka Railway Department. Two significant hotspots are selected for the study: Galgamuwa on the Northern line and Hinguraggoda on the Eastern corridor (Habarana- Galoya- Minneriya). The study found evidence of elephant injuries and deaths in both areas linked to seasonal resource availability and traditional movement routes. According to the site observations, the existing mitigation strategies can be categorized into two main groups: elephant-focused strategies, such as electric fencing, bio-fencing, and underpass tunnels; and train driver–focused strategies, such as clearing vegetation along the railway line and installing signboards to improve visibility. According to the data analysis, the clearing of vegetation has contributed to a reduction in elephant-related train accidents. The discussion emphasizes that elephant-train collisions are not random incidents but rather are the result of spatial disconnection, behavioral adjustment, and infrastructure management that have developed over time.
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Evaluating the influence of planting density on user perceived safety and negative behaviours in urban public spaces: a case study of Beira Lake, Colombo, Sri lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Sathujan, K; Botejue, P
Urban public spaces in Colombo play a critical role in shaping social interaction, recreation, and the overall well-being of city dwellers, yet many of these spaces face persistent challenges related to safety and misuse. While landscape research has examined planting and perceived safety in residential areas, little literature addresses this link in urban parks. Beira Lake, a major urban space, is increasingly associated with safety concerns influenced by its vegetation patterns. This study evaluates the influence of planting density on user perceived safety and negative behaviors in Beira Lake (South-West), Colombo. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining site observation, photo-questionnaire survey, and user questionnaires based on a Likert scale, alongside correlation analysis to identify relations between planting density, safety perception, and behavioral outcomes. The results indicate that among the examined factors, visibility exerts the strongest influence on perceived safety within urban public spaces, surpassing the effects of social interaction and physical accessibility. Dense planting often reduces visibility and perceived safety while correlating with higher levels of undesirable behaviors, whereas open planting patterns enhance accessibility, interaction, and security. The findings underscore the importance of vegetation density as a key design factor for balancing ecological, aesthetic, and safety outcomes in Colombo’s public spaces.
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Influence of invasive vegetation on salinity in southern coast wetlands, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Sandaruwan, KDI; Hirudini, SM
Invasive plants affect overall wetland quality. This study investigates how invasive species influence soil salinity processes in lagoon-based wetlands along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review identified soil salinity, water contamination, & distance from contamination points, including proximity to the sea & to irrigation inlet connection points, as key parameters affecting wetland water quality. Invasive plant types & invasive plant density were identified as parameters influencing invasive vegetation patterns. Wetland water-quality data were collected through soil & water sampling at selected nodes, as well as distance measurements to the nearest sea-connecting point & irrigation inlet. Invasive-plant data were gathered through field observations, interviews, & recorded data sources. The data were analysed using soil & water quality assessments, spatial distance analysis, & vegetation–spatial analysis. The wetland water-quality analysis revealed that distance from the sea-connecting point & the irrigation inlet affects wetland salinity levels. The invasive-plant analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between soil salinity levels & invasive plant type & density, indicating that specific invasive plant species & higher plant densities correlate with increased salinity concentrations. Overall, the study confirms that invasive vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating salinity levels in wetlands.
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Analysis of the adverse pedestrian behavior in Dhaka city
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Ta-Sin, LM
In the era of rapid urbanization, motorized traffic dominates the streets in the cities, and streets, instead of being the spatial nexus of urban life, social interaction, and vibrant public performance, eventually turned into apathetic and overloaded corridors for transportation. In this shift, the significance of pedestrians, one of the primary stakeholders of streets, has been largely forgotten, despite the fact that they are the most vulnerable victims in terms of crash involvement. Generally, these walkways are constructed in accordance with city ordinances and rules without taking into account the reasons why commuters are reluctant to use them. Given the situation, it is critical to discuss the importance of the usage and understand the psychology of the ignorant conduct with regard to the use of designated walking areas. By evaluating verbal data from pedestrians who opted not to utilize footpaths and an online poll to gather public opinion on the matter, this article attempts to address and comprehend the negative attitude surrounding avoiding walkways in Dhaka city. Based on data collection and analysis, this research shows that ignoring public interest design practice is the root cause of the negative sentiments that underlie the reluctance to use footpaths in urban settings.