Viability of utilizing urban canal system for socio-economic activities in the city of Colombo

Abstract

Shelter has become one of the three basic needs of the human being. Shelter from natural elements such as rain, sun wind and heat had evolved the concept of the roof. The roof is not a contemporary product, but it is a result of many experiences and experiments of our forefathers. At the primitive stages they lived under trees, in large cavities of tree trunks, or in caves to protect them selves from the natural disasters. They started to build rough shelters when they were unable to find caves, during there rainy seasons. With passage of time and the civilization they felt the need to settle permanently. Under these circumstances their temporary structure was no longer an asset, but liability.