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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Regional identity and regenerative architecture: reinterpreting Buddhist philosophy in contemporary built environments
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Menike, GRKAG; Perera, K; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The contemporary architectural discourse increasingly emphasizes the need for regenerative approaches that reconnect the built environment with cultural identity, environmental responsibility, and social wellbeing. However, many modern architectural developments continue to prioritize visual image and symbolic representation over philosophical and contextual meaning. This tendency is particularly visible in contemporary Buddhist architecture, where monumental and visually grand structures often contradict the philosophical teachings of Buddhism that emphasize humility, simplicity, and non-attachment to material possessions. This research investigates how Buddhist philosophical principles can inform regenerative architectural thinking within the Sri Lankan context. Drawing from the concept of regionalizing modernism, the study explores how philosophical interpretations of Buddhist teachings can contribute to contemporary architectural design strategies that move beyond purely aesthetic expression. The research adopts a design-based methodology and examines the conceptual development of a proposed Centre for Buddhist Philosophy located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The project proposes two architectural components a Promotional Centre located near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a Knowledge Centre within the Malwatta Temple complex. The design intentionally challenges image driven religious architecture by emphasizing flexible spatial organization, reuse of materials, and the philosophical interpretation of Buddhist values such as impermanence, simplicity, and sustainability. The findings suggest that regional philosophical frameworks can contribute to regenerative architectural strategies that extend beyond conventional sustainability practices. By integrating cultural philosophy, environmental responsiveness, and adaptable construction systems, architecture can promote intellectual engagement, spiritual reflection, and resilient built environments.
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Reimagining procurement for domestic construction clients
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Gamage, PJ; Chandanie, H; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
This study critically examines the impact of procurement systems utilised in domestic housing projects in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to establish the theoretical foundation of standard procurement systems, with particular emphasis on the Traditional and Design and Build (D&B) approaches. Their respective strengths and limitations were analysed in relation to the achievement of time, cost, and quality objectives. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, examining three domestic housing projects across the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key project stakeholders to identify challenges associated with existing procurement practices. The findings reveal significant weaknesses in informal procurement approaches, including inadequate cost planning at the design stage, an over-reliance on architectural drawings for construction execution, and the limited application of competitive tendering. These shortcomings adversely affect cost control, scheduling, and overall project performance. The study concludes that the adoption of a modified procurement framework could enhance the achievement of time, cost, and quality objectives in domestic housing construction projects in Sri Lanka.
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Relationship model of mindfulness practice and construction workers’ performance: an exploratory study in Indonesia
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Hasen, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Humans are the main resource in construction work. Therefore, attention to human well-being, including aspects of mental health, is key to the success of the construction industry. On the other hand, there is a close connection between mental health and mindfulness practice. However, mindfulness practices have not received proper attention in the construction project environment, especially in Indonesia. This research aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between mindfulness practice and construction workers' performance. With a quantitative approach, this research presents a questionnaire survey to measure the perceptions of Indonesian construction workers. The data obtained were analysed using the Multiple Linear Regression technique, which established a relationship model between mindfulness practice and construction worker performance. This research highlights the positive influence of mindfulness practice on construction workers. Thus, construction organisations can utilise the results of this research to better understand how mindfulness practices can improve worker performance and, thereby, encourage sustainable implementation of mindfulness practices among their workers.
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Remote work for female professionals in Sri Lankan construction industry: challenges and expectations
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Kumarihami, YBMCS; Thiruchelvam, K; Uduwage, DNLS; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The construction industry is still male-dominated, and female professionals have to face challenges related to work–life balance, organizational culture, and flexibility in work arrangements. The necessity of remote working was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating the opportunities to address these challenges. However, the adoption of remote working in Sri Lankan construction is still limited and underexplored. This study examines the challenges faced by female professionals in remote work and evaluates their expectations regarding organizational support to facilitate effective and sustainable remote working arrangements. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and a questionnaire was administered to collect the data from female architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors who are working in Sri Lankan construction industry. In data analysis, one sample t test was utilized to identify the critical challenges and expectations. The results revealed that workload increases and expectations to be “always available online” and “Lack of resources and facilities (Proper technical tools, network, etc.)” are the critical challenges, and “create scheduled virtual “check-ins” for all team members to share updates” and “Promote digital wellness practices (scheduled break times, no-meeting hours)” are the most critical expectations of female professionals in the Sri Lankan construction industry regarding remote working.. These study findings provide a better understanding for the top-level managers in Sri Lankan construction industry to implement effective remote working facilities for the professionals.
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Resilient and culturally responsive plantation housing: socio-spatial adaptation in Dunsinane estate, Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Krishanth, K; Vidhushan, V; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The tea plantation housing originated in the colonial era, shaped by standardisation, efficiency and minimised cost, resulting in home spaces that are insufficient to support sociocultural practices, climatic comfort and long-term resilience. Although state and donor-led initiatives (e.g., India-funded programmes) have substituted communal line rooms with separate units, formal provision remains inadequate to lived spatial, cultural and infrastructural realities of marginalized plantation communities. This results in informal retrofitting and spatial change by residents, raising concern about the sustainability and responsive housing development. This paper analyses the socio-spatial factors of housing adaptation in Dunsinane Estate, Nuwara-Eliya, with reference to the interplay between cultural and physical limitations. The methodology comprised semi-structured interviews and household surveys (n = 40), field observations, and spatial documentation of domestic modifications. The results show that adaptation is affected by the embedded needs for privacy, social boundaries, hospitality rituals, and religious practices, including layout changes, veranda enclosures, and prayer-oriented spaces. At the same time, physical limitations, including limited floor area, inadequate sanitation, poor thermal performance in upcountry climates, and construction defects also drive housing adaptation. These transformations show the resourcefulness and resilience of plantation communities, exposing the shortcomings of standardized housing plans that treat homes as static rather than adaptable. This study suggests that sustainable housing should allow flexibility, climate-responsive design, participatory planning, and incremental frameworks to reduce unsafe construction and support long-term liveability. The findings contribute to socio-spatial theory while offering practical guidance for culturally responsive and adaptable housing design in plantation communities.