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
Urban acupuncture as a strategy for revitalizing urban voids in Colombo: a framework for sustainable urban integration
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Kalubowila, C
Rapid urbanization and large-scale development in Colombo, Sri Lanka, have produced fragmented urban spaces and underutilized voids that disrupt connectivity, social interaction, and ecological balance. Conventional large-scale planning often overlooks the potential of these smaller, neglected spaces to contribute to sustainable urban regeneration. This study employs a qualitative case study methodology to examine the applicability of Urban Acupuncture (UA) as a targeted, context-sensitive strategy for revitalizing urban voids. Colombo was selected due to its spatial fragmentation, high-density commercial activity, and prevalence of underused sites, with the railway corridor between Pettah and Beira Lake serving as the focus area. Morphological analysis, historical review, site observation, and functional mapping were used to identify critical voids, within which a site was chosen for detailed study based on its strategic location, accessibility, and latent social, economic, and ecological potential. Findings indicate that small, carefully planned interventions guided by UA principles, such as citizen participation, ecological enhancement, and flexible open-space design, can transform these isolated voids into active urban nodes that reconnect fragmented sectors, support informal economies, and integrate heritage and ecological assets. While the study does not assess long-term impacts, it provides a practical framework for applying UA in Colombo and similar contexts, demonstrating that precise, small-scale interventions can catalyze inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban development.
item: Conference-Abstract
Empowering smart cities through disruptive technology: evidence from local governments in Slovenia
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Aristovnik, A; Ravšelj, D; Murko,E
As cities advance toward smarter and more responsive governance, integrating disruptive technologies into urban systems has become a strategic imperative. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things hold transformative potential for urban management by enhancing service delivery, promoting transparency, and fostering sustainable innovation. Yet, many local governments face significant institutional, technical, and resource-based challenges in building the capabilities needed for effective adoption. This study investigates how Slovenian municipalities, key agents in the governance of urban areas, develop and strengthen their capacity for adopting disruptive technologies. Building on the Technology Organization Environment framework and adapting it to the complexity of urban ecosystems, we conducted a nationwide survey of 143 public managers across local governments. The analysis, based on structural equation modelling, provides a nuanced understanding of the organisational, technological, and contextual factors that shape digital readiness at the municipal level. The results show that organisational innovativeness and government support are critical enablers of both digital and human capacities essential for smart city transformation. While financial constraints and citizen expectations influence readiness in varied and sometimes unexpected ways, targeted government incentives and clear strategic direction significantly enhance local governments’ ability to adopt and integrate disruptive technologies. Notably, rural municipalities face distinct challenges due to resource limitations and varying levels of digital engagement among citizens.This research contributes to the discourse on smart city development by offering a validated framework for assessing municipal readiness for digital innovation. It provides actionable insights for urban policymakers and public managers seeking to align technological strategies with institutional capacities and community needs. Ultimately, the study highlights the vital role of empowered and adaptive local governments in leading inclusive and sustainable digital transformation across urban settings.
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.