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
Risk management to minimize disputes in construction project in Sri Lanka
(2026) Wijesinghe, EDAT; Thayaparan, M
The study aims to bring out the management and mitigating factors of risks that can lead to disputes in construction projects. The study starts by outlining the theories of risk management asserting that risks may be both opportunities and threats based on their influence on project objectives. The risks theories highlighted here are the risk management theory, the prospect theory, the agency theory, the systems theory, and the real option theory since all of them help in giving an overall understanding of the risks with aims at minimizing. The study presents the major causes of conflict in construction, which include financial risk, quality risk, environmental risk, schedule risk, design risk, supply chain risk, stakeholder risk, safety risk, and legal and regulatory risk. The research adopted a qualitative approach using qualitative research techniques. The high-risk areas are reflected as design variations, cost overruns and modifications of projects’ scope, while the areas of low risk are identified as underground assets together with contaminated land. Consequently, several key risk mitigation strategies are proposed after data analysis. The key strategies are efficient contract administration coupled with improved communication, provision for contingency, use of modern systems such as BIM & IoT, feasibility analyses, training sessions, and precaution. Such strategies concern the enhancement of strategic thinking and of the proactive planning, as fundamental for diminishing the tendency toward conflict and for guaranteeing the project success. A comprehensive risk management framework has been developed by comprehensively identifying the risks systematically, categorizing them, and adopting effective ways of remediating the identified risks. Thus, the application of the mentioned multifaceted approach can help construction organizations manage risks, avoid conflicts, and reach favourable outcomes. Thus, the study highlights the need to enhance the organizational learning culture, engage with the key stakeholders, and adhere to the legal and regulatory requirements to improve risk management within the construction sector.
item: Thesis-Abstract
An Analysis of factors influencing the success of Extension of Time (EOT) claims in the UAE construction industry
(2026) Samarasekara, AGKDZ; Disaratna, V
The UAE construction sector is distinguished by large-scale, complicated projects that are subject to schedule overruns, with regional surveys indicating average delays of around 80.9%. Extension of Time (EOT) claims are the principal contractual method by which contractors seek relief from liquidated damages resulting from such delays. Despite the high frequency of EOT claims in the UAE, empirical research into the elements influencing their success or failure is limited.
This study aims to analyse the factors influencing the success of EOT claims in the UAE construction industry. The research objectives include Identify the contractual basis of EOT claims, Investigate the relevance of documentary evidence on the success rate of EOT claims, Examine the impact of stakeholder behaviour on decision making in EOT evaluation and identify critical success factors relevant to EOT claims in the UAE construction industry.
The quantitative research approach was used, with a structured questionnaire survey distributed to construction professionals with direct experience in preparation or assessing EOT claims, such as planning engineers, project managers and contract administrators. The data were examined using IBM SPSS, which included descriptive statistics and reliability analysis.
The findings reveal that late authority /NOC approval is the most common contractual basis for delay events in UAE EOT claims, emphasising the importance of regulatory processes on project timelines. The baseline programme was recognised as the most essential documentation proof necessary to support an EOT claim. In terms of stakeholder behaviour, assessors delivering transparent and well-explained decisions were deemed the most essential conduct in EOT evaluation. Key considerations for EOT claim success include a clear identification of the delay event, its critical path impact, and contractual basis, as well as contemporaneous documents and a logical narrative explaining the delay from start to end. The study concludes by recommending that practitioners improve their contractual knowledge and entitlement literacy, which would lead to fairer and more consistent EOT assessment in the UAE construction sector.
item: Conference-Abstract
Assessment of trace metal distribution and drinking water suitability of dug wells across urban, suburban and rural areas in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka
(2026) Farween, TA; Harris, AJM; Rajapakse, RLHL; Prasath, RA
Dug wells serve as a primary drinking water source in Batticaloa, where increasing anthropogenic activities may influence groundwater quality. This study assessed trace metal distribution along with physicochemical and microbiological parameters from 18 dug wells across urban (W1–W6), suburban (W7–W12) and rural (W13–W18) areas to evaluate their suitability for drinking. A total of 12 sampling rounds were conducted, yielding 432 samples which were collected at two-week intervals between February and August 2025 and analyzed using standard methods, including inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for elemental analysis and membrane filtration for microbiological assessment. Water quality was evaluated using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI), compared with Sri Lankan (SLS 614:2013) and World Health Organization drinking water standards. Trace metal concentrations exhibited spatial variation, with Ni detected only in urban wells and Cd exclusively in suburban wells, while Pb, Cr, Co, and Be were not detected in any samples. Metal pollution indices, including the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HMEI), Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Degree of Contamination (Cdeg), and individual Pollution Index (Pi), further confirmed that there is no significant trace metal contamination (HMEI = 0.86–0.94; HPI = 0.85–1.62; Cdeg =−14.06 to −14.13; Pi = 0–0.37). Significant differences among land-use categories were observed (p < 0.05) for Ca (0.00–52.55 ppb), Mg (1591.87–18837.16 ppb), K (0.83–32.50 ppm), Cu (0.00–4.74 ppb), Zn (0–115.13 ppb), Ag (0.00–2.44 ppb), and Li (0.55–15.12 ppb), indicating the spatial variability in distribution of trace metals. However, all detected trace metals remained well below drinking water permissible limits. Microbiological contamination was widespread, with total coliforms and Escherichia coli detected in all wells except W18. The CCME-WQI classified water quality ranging from excellent (W14) to fair (W2), with rural wells scoring comparatively better overall water quality (WQI > 80). Although trace metal contamination was not a concern, the widespread coliform contamination indicates that dug well water is unsuitable for direct consumption without appropriate treatment. Continuous monitoring, improved sanitation practices, and proper household water treatment are therefore recommended to ensure drinking water safety in Batticaloa District.
item: Conference-Abstract
Assessment of crop water requirement of capsicum chinense grown in a protected house: a stable water isotope based method
(2026) Tharundya, SAS; Perera, RRUR; Edirisinghe, EANV; Withanage, NS; Abhiram, G; Priyadarshanee, S; Kalpage, M; Liyanage, HPK; Rajapakse, RLHL; Prasath, RA
Sri Lanka is an agricultural country facing several challenges. One of them is that available accessible fresh water is limited for the crop fields. This study aimed to enhance the agronomic performance and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) of Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense) under different irrigation levels in a protected house. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with three irrigation treatments and 12 replicates per treatment. Three irrigation treatments were implemented based on Total Available Water (TAW) and Allowable Depletion Levels of the potting mixture. Treatment 01 plot was maintained at 60% moisture of TAW, Treatment 02 at 40% and Treatment 03 at 25%. Once the specified depletion level was reached, each pot was irrigated according to the estimated Net Irrigation Requirement to reinstate soil moisture to Field Capacity. Growth parameters were measured weekly. Stable Water Isotopes were analyzed using water extracted from soil and leaf samples by Vacuum Cryogenic Extraction. WUE is calculated as the yield produced per unit of water used through evapotranspiration. The results revealed that, during transpiration, lighter isotopes (1H and 16O) leave the leaves more easily, while heavier isotopes (2H and 18O) became relatively enriched in leaves. Stable water isotopes extracted from leaf, soil, and atmospheric moisture samples formed three separate clusters around the Local Meteoric Water Line. Isotope data showed distinct signals from evaporation, transpiration, and evapotranspiration. WUE values for T1, T2, and T3 were 0.00058, 0.0017, and 0.0050 kg L⁻1, respectively. Overall T3 showed the best growth, yield, and WUE. These isotope differences helped distinguish evaporation from transpiration and
explain water movement through the soil–plant–atmosphere system.
item: Conference-Abstract
A Remote sensing-based geospatial framework for assessing crop water dynamics
(2026) Jayathissa, BHIA; Leh, M; Rajapakse, RLHL; Prasath, RA
Food security depends on reliable agricultural production, and effective water management is essential for achieving good crop yields. Irrigated agriculture covers approximately 20% of cultivated land and produces about 40% of global food, while agriculture accounts for approximately 69% of global freshwater withdrawals (FAO AQUASTAT). Crop water requirements are commonly estimated using the FAO-56 approach, which uses crop coefficients (Kc) for different growth stages. However, applying this approach across large agricultural areas requires detailed information on crop type and development. This study combines a maize crop map with satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data to estimate maize water requirements. The crop map identified maize fields; monthly NDVI described their development. A linear relationship between NDVI and Kc was used to estimate monthly Kc values. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was then calculated using Kc and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and compared with satellite-derived actual evapotranspiration (ETa). The approach was applied to maizegrowing areas in Guanajuato, Mexico, from 2021 to 2024 at 30-m spatial resolution. Seasonal Kc patterns identified growing periods. Areas where ETa was lower than ETc were identified as potential crop water deficit areas. Seasonal ETc of 658-792 mm against ETa of 514-567 mm gave mean deficits of 110-226 mm over 91-97% of the maize area. These differences may indicate water stress but do not directly confirm stress because of uncertainties in the input data and water-use estimates. The approach provides spatially detailed information on maize water requirements and potential deficits, supporting improved crop water
monitoring and irrigation management.