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: Conference-Full-text
Framework for adaptive reuse of expressway leftover landscapes in Sri Lanka: a landscape architectural perspective
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Wijesinghe, WAMO
In the wake of rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, the landscape architectural realm faces a pressing challenge, which is how to repurpose and revitalize the leftover landscapes generated by expressway construction projects. This case study project explores the transformative potential of repurposing these residual spaces, reimagining them as vibrant, functional, and sustainable elements within the selected context. The case study was based on the central expressway of Sri Lanka, specifically the Nakalagamuwa Interchange of Section 02 of the expressway project. The case study aims to create a framework for repurposing Sri Lankan expressways’ leftover landscapes that mitigates the negative impacts of mass linear developments while promoting ecological regeneration and strengthening social bonds. This research for conceptualizing, designing, planning, and maintenance will be guided using the concluded framework, within the context of Sri Lankan expressway residual landscapes. Through adaptive reuse, community-centered design, multifunctional spaces, and sustainable practices. The research project seeks to create a conceptual framework that transforms infrastructure into community assets that enhance quality of life, celebrate local heritage, and promote environmental sustainability. The analysis was done under categories of geo-spatial formations with soil profile, natural hydrological systems, socio-cultural landscapes, and ecosystems. The research will address the natural land disturbances, deforestation, hydrological changes, habitat disruption, and sustainable use of natural resources while resulting in a conceptual framework to mitigate the above consequences. Research formulation was based on the 15th goal (Life on Land) of the UN’s sustainable development goals and the theoretical framework was based on the golden circle theory. For the case study location selection, land resources were categorized under 3 categories: leftover lands after earth resource extraction, unfunctional spaces created by newly constructed structures, and left behind land after the project completion.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Usage and tourist satisfaction of smart technologies : a case study in Sri Lanka
(2025) Jayathisse, LGESK; Abenayake, C
The tourist industry has been greatly impacted by the quick global shift to smart cities, which uses cutting-edge technology to improve visitor experiences. This study investigates the fundamental elements driving the uptake of smart technologies, including e-payment systems, real-time information applications, and Internet of Things (IoT) mobility, and looks at how these technologies affect Sri Lankan tourists' pleasure. Since tourism is one of the main drivers of the national economy, it is important and timely to comprehend how smart technologies can be integrated into the tourism framework. Targeting both domestic and foreign travellers in smart-enabled locations such as Galle, Kandy, and Colombo, the study uses a quantitative methodology using structured surveys. Six important factors; information availability, accessibility, interactivity, personalization, security, and convenience were found by consulting both domestic and international literature.
The results are intended to demonstrate how these factors affect the degree of satisfaction among travelers who are tech-savvy and those who have different levels of digital literacy. In order to provide insight on their role in influencing visitors' perceptions of smart technology, the study also takes into account moderating elements like cultural, environmental, and economic contexts. It is expected that the findings of this study would help technology developers, hotel providers, urban planners, and tourism authorities create more intelligent and inclusive travel experiences. This study fills in the gaps in localized research and offers insights for boosting sustainable travel, expanding digital infrastructure, and making Sri Lanka a more competitive smart tourist destination in the global market
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Study on the transformation of recreational spaces into anti-social urban pockets in Sri lankan post war context : a case study in Jaffna city
(2025) Kamalatheepan, S; Noordeen, R
Recreational spaces are essential components of urban life, contributing to social interaction, mental well-being, and spatial inclusivity. However, in the post-war context of Sri Lanka, particularly in Jaffna City, several recreational areas have undergone a critical transformation, emerging as underutilized and, in some cases, anti-social urban pockets. This research investigates the underlying socio-spatial dynamics that have contributed to this transformation, using a case study approach focused on three key locations: The Fort surrounding area and Pannai Beach, Sangiliyan Poonga, and the Gurunagar recreational spaces.
The study adopts a mixed-method research methodology, integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques, including spatial mapping, observational surveys, and semi- structured interviews with local stakeholders. The analysis is structured around four principal socio-spatial variables: location, connectivity, shape and size, and physical infrastructure. These are examined alongside the region’s unique post-war conditions—marked by rapid exposure to technology, sudden inflows of money and cultural influences, enduring trauma (both physical and psychological), disrupted family dynamics, and shifts in mobility and surveillance practices.
Findings reveal a complex interplay between spatial neglect, insufficient infrastructure, and socio-cultural fragmentation that has led to the marginalization and informal re-appropriation of public recreational spaces. The study identifies how these spaces, once designed for communal benefit, have become zones of social exclusion, informal activities, and at times, unsafe environments. Furthermore, it demonstrates how post-conflict urban governance has struggled to respond effectively to these evolving challenges.
This research contributes to the discourse on post-conflict urbanism and spatial justice by highlighting the urgent need for inclusive, context-sensitive planning strategies that address both the spatial and social dimensions of urban recovery. The insights derived from the Jaffna case study offer a framework for rethinking the rehabilitation and sustainable management of public spaces in other post-war urban settings.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Study on community involvement in the development of tourism in coastal regions of Passikudah and Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
(2025) Surenthira, P; Herath, HMM
This research explores the relationship between community empowerment, community support, and the development of coastal tourism in the Passikudah–Kalkudah region of Sri Lanka. Recognized as one of the nation’s emerging marine tourism zones, the area has undergone rapid transformation following the end of the civil conflict and post- tsunami recovery initiatives.
The study examines how empowering local communities and fostering their participation in tourism planning and management can lead to more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable tourism development. It aims to identify the extent to which community empowerment influences community support for tourism and how this, in turn, affects tourism growth within the coastal zone.
A quantitative research design with a positivist approach was adopted, using structured questionnaires distributed to 384 respondents comprising local residents, tourism workers, and industry professionals. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), applying descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation, regression, and mediation analyses. The findings revealed strong positive correlations between community empowerment, community support, and tourism development (r > 0.85). Regression results confirmed that community empowerment significantly influences both community support (β = 0.854) and tourism development (β = 0.869). Mediation analysis further indicated that community support significantly mediates the relationship between community empowerment and tourism development (indirect effect = 0.4323, p < 0.05).
The study concludes that sustainable coastal tourism depends on empowering local communities to actively participate in decision-making and ensuring that tourism benefits are equitably distributed. It highlights that empowered communities not only strengthen their support for tourism initiatives but also contribute to improved environmental management, cultural preservation, and socio-economic growth. The research
recommends the establishment of a formal stakeholder engagement platform, targeted capacity-building programs, and inclusive policy frameworks to enhance community- driven tourism. The outcomes contribute to the body of knowledge on community-based tourism (CBT) and offer policy insights for developing sustainable coastal tourism models applicable to other regions in Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Study to develop a framework to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of urban management in Jaffna urban areas
(2025) Jeyabalan, S; Ranasinghe, G
This study analyses the key criteria influencing the effectiveness and efficiency of urban management systems within three urban areas: Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC), Chavakachcheri Urban Council (CUC), and Point Pedro Urban Council (PPUC). Effective and efficient urban management is achieved through the implementation of good governance practices and the assessment of key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the functionality of urban systems.
A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. The Full Permutation Polygon Synthetic Indicator (FPPSI) method was applied to evaluate and compare the identified criteria influencing urban management performance. The analysis revealed five key dimensions critical to effective urban management: urban planning and development, service delivery, economic development, environmental management, and governance and participation.
The FPPSI results indicated that JMC exhibited the highest performance (FPPSI values: 0.90– 1.25), demonstrating strong planning and service delivery mechanisms. CUC achieved moderate scores (0.80–0.95), with notable gaps in infrastructure and economic reinvestment. PPUC showed lower values (0.70–0.85), reflecting weaknesses in environmental management and governance.
The findings confirm that the FPPSI framework offers a data-driven and visual approach to assess urban management effectiveness, enabling policymakers to identify strengths, gaps, and improvement areas. The proposed framework can be adapted for other Sri Lankan municipalities to enhance decision-making, transparency, and sustainable urban governance.