Browsing by Author "Shehara, PLAI"

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item: Conference-Abstract
Application of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to identify communication network associated with Multi-Hazard Early Warning (MHEW) in Sri Lanka
Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, A; Haigh, R
In Sri Lanka, there are many recurring natural hazards like floods and landslides, which often turn into crucial disasters. Therefore, there is a worldwide necessity to initiate measures to reduce disaster risk as emphasized on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In this process, Multi-Hazard Early Warnings play a vital role in which clearly defines the communication networks and enhances effective communication mechanisms. To identify the behavior of the communication network, identification of stakeholders and visualization of the network is essential. Under this study, communication networks were modelled for five frequently occurring and most critical natural hazards namely; droughts, floods, landslides, tsunami and cyclones. The stakeholder identification was done by reviewing Emergency Operation Procedures assigned for the institutions under each hazard situation. Social Network Analysis approach was used as the basis for network visualization and modelling was done using Gephi open-source software. The analyzed results were ranked based on the categories of the centrality parameter, which highlights the key stakeholders in the network. Further, the developed models were compared with the Standard Operation Procedures developed for Tsunami. The key findings of the research study can be further developed to identify and bridge the communication gap in the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Mechanism.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Conceptual framework to understand the multi-hazard early warning mechanism in communication management
(IEEE, 2022-07) Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Rathnayake, M; Adhikariwatte, V; Hemachandra, K
A conceptual model development is a primary mechanism for defining dependencies among parameters. Here, the integration of concepts linked with Multi-Hazard Early Warning mechanism is captured. This became more significant when implementing Disaster Risk Reduction strategies emphasized by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Such a warning mechanism is required to ensure that the public at risk is timely alerted and adequately informed. In proper understanding of this mechanism, the conceptual model development is a significant approach. Here, the activity level sequencing was determined with the analytical illustration of the activity concentration and stakeholder level. Recent studies were considered in conceptual model development. For further verification, the reviews obtained from the pilot expert survey were considered. The developed model was checked for applicability considering disaster situations such as Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, Cyclone Fani in 2019 and Meethotamulla garbage dump failure in 2017. Here, the activity level concentration variation is categorized based on stakeholder levels which define on the international to community level are captured along with time change. Based on the idealized conceptual framework, the policymakers and associated stakeholders can use this in integrating the guidelines and policy framework which are targeted at Disaster Risk Reduction.
item: Conference-Full-text
Examining the community perception towards communication modes of issuing multi-hazard early warning (mhew) in Sri Lanka
(IEEE, 2020-07) Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Weeraddana, C; Edussooriya, CUS; Abeysooriya, RP
Communication modes are considered important in the effective delivery of Multi-Hazard Early Warnings (MHEW) to the downstream community level. More significantly, in the global context, the lack of having proper communication modes and resistance of the community to adapt to novel technologically based communication modes have identified. Indian Ocean Tsunami which hit in 2004 is a crucial disaster incident where the lack of having effective communication modes for the warning dissemination emerged in many of the affected countries. To identify the community level perception on the existing communication modes in Sri Lanka, a field questionnaire survey was developed and conducted among 10 Grama Niladari divisions in the country and overall 323 community responses were obtained. As per the results obtained under the response analysis, traditional modes of communication were highlighted as the most effective communication mode both in urban and rural levels, among both males and females, and among each of the age category distribution. Further, the community perception level was indicated based on the mean perception score and sentimental perception score on the mobile-based communication platforms. This denoted that the community perception level is at a lower level over the warning dissemination through mobile-based platforms.
item: Conference-Abstract
Inadequacies of analysis of pre-construction activities on cost overruns in construction projects
Shehara, PLAI; Ranasinghe, M
Cost overrun is considered as one of the critical issues in the construction sector projects in many of the developing countries. It has been identified that preconstruction factors affect mainly on time and cost overruns in construction projects. The focus here is on mainly four preconstruction factors which are selected from review of literature. They are conducting geotechnical site investigations, identification of availability of sufficient knowledge to do the project, identification of availability of skilled labour, identification of required material, machinery and equipment. This research study attempts on identifying the severity of the adequacy of these four pre-construction factors on cost overruns and to develop a relationship between cost overrun variation with the adequacy level of analysis of those pre-construction factors. A thorough review of literature was done to identify the four pre-construction factors and then a questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain the responses from industry experts regarding construction cost overruns related with the adequacy levels of analysis of four factors for a selected project. The survey data obtained were analysed by determining Relative Importance Index, Regression Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis techniques. The results obtained from the analysis techniques are interpreted under this research study based on the limitations.