Browsing by Author "Wedawatta, G"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10

item: Article-Abstract
Business sustainability of small and medium scale enterprises : a case study based on Bottled Water Industry in Sri Lanka
Dasanayaka, SWSB; Sardana, GD; Wedawatta, G
The main objective of this paper is identification of factors affecting development of bottled water industry as a Small and Medium Scale (SME) economic activity in Sri Lanka. Having the world best clean water sources, this industry' has been identified as one of the high potential industryr for foreign exchange earnings in Sri Lanka. The methodology employed is a structured questionnaire based on field survey of fifty five bottled water SMEs. Afield survey confirmed that the main operational challenges are related with finance, marketing, products and process technological problems, environmental, social, health, business management deficiencies and human resource related problems. The major growth obstacles are lack of business relationship and informational support, product and process technology/ issues and the business management deficiencies. The main policyr recommendations are developing training programs on business management, introducing information supports and awareness programs on latest development on product and process technologyr, provision of an appropriate regulatoryr and legislative framework for the industryBy identifying the core issues affecting the operation of bottled water industry, this l'esearch study will contribute to the understanding of ground situation of this subtle industry' in Sri Lankan context. The methodology/ employed and the policies derived can be used as guides to similar types of research in other countries as well. It is an exploratory? case study'.
item: Article-Abstract
Culture and the psychological impacts of natural disasters: Implications for disaster management and disaster mental health
Jogia, J; Kulatunga, U; Yates, GP; Wedawatta, G
In recent decades, natural disasters have caused extensive losses and damages to human psychological wellbeing, economy, and society. It has been argued that cultural factors such as social values, traditions, and attachment to a location influence communities facing and responding to natural disasters. However, the issue of culture in disaster mental health seems to have received limited attention in policy and practice. This review highlights the importance of cultural background in the assessment of vulnerability to the psychological impacts of disasters, disaster preparedness, and provision of disaster mental health services. In particular, this paper suggests the importance of cultural competence in the planning and delivery of effective disaster mental health services. In order to address the varying circumstances of people with different cultural backgrounds, disaster mental health services must be developed in a culturally sensitive manner. Development of culturally competent disaster mental health services requires significant changes in policy making, administration, and direct service provision.
item: Article-Abstract
Disaster risk reduction infrastructure requirements for South-Western Bangladesh
Wedawatta, G; Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; Parvez, A
Purpose Development of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for communities at risk of being affected by natural disasters is considered essential, especially in the wake of devastating disaster events reported worldwide. As part of a wider research study investigating community perspectives on existing and potential strategies for enhancing resilience to natural disasters, community perspectives on infrastructure and structural protection requirements were investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Patuakhali region in South-Western Bangladesh is a region significantly at risk of multiple natural hazards. In order to engage local communities and obtain their perspectives, focus group discussions were held with local community leaders and policy makers of at-risk communities in Patuakhali region, South-Western Bangladesh. Findings Infrastructure and structural protection requirements highlighted included multi-purpose cyclone shelters, permanent embankments and improved transport infrastructure. Much of the discussions of focus group interviews were focused on cyclone shelters and embankments, suggesting their critical importance in reducing disaster risk and also dependence of coastal communities on those two measures. Originality/value The research design adopted sought to answer the research questions raised and also to inform local policy makers on community perspectives. Local policy makers involved in DRR initiatives in the region were informed of community perspectives and requirements, thus contributing to community engagement in implementing DRR activities.
item: Conference-Full-text
Disaster risk reduction measures in Bangladesh
(2012-06) Kulatunga, U; Wedawatta, G; Amaratunga, D; Ahmed, P.; Biswas, R; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Disasters damage the entire economy of the country when they predominantly take place in developing countries. While no country in the world is entirely safe, lack of capacity to limit the impact of hazards has made developing countries being the most vulnerable nations to natural disasters. Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters every year. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh in disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of impact from disasters. Owing to geographical settings, Bangladesh is currently ranked as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries in the world. The frequent natural hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, floods, droughts, tornados, riverbank erosions, earthquakes, arsenic contamination of groundwater and landslides account for significant losses in human lives and physical assets while effects are further reflected in social settings, ecosystems and the economic well-being of the country. This paper evaluates the types of natural disasters Bangladesh is subjecting to, how they have affected the Bangladesh community and existing disaster risk reduction strategies. Paper also evaluates four main domains of disaster vulnerability reduction measures namely physical, engineering, structural and organisational. Existing disaster risk reduction strategies adopted in Bangladesh are linked with the aforementioned four domains of disaster vulnerability reduction measures. A comprehensive literature review is used as the research method. Literature synthesis suggests that Bangladesh is being using a combination of disaster risk reduction measures ranging from technical to social measures.
item: Article-Abstract
Economic and financial feasibility risks of power generation through municipal solid wastes to reduce environmental impacts, a case study based on Western Province in Sri Lanka
(2015-09-01) Dasanayaka, SWSB; Wedawatta, G
The main objective of this paper is to explore the economic and financial feasibility risks of power generation through Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Western Province of Sri Lanka to minimize environmental impacts of both MSW and burning of fossil fuel for electricity generation. This research recommends the use of thermal technologies such as gasification or pyrolysis even though it associates with high capital costs and sophisticated process technology. Combination of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) based incineration/gasification and bio-gas based power plants are also feasible for Sri Lankan applications. Two scenarios have been analyzed and baseline financial analysis shows that both scenarios are feasible. However, sensitivity analysis shows that increase of cost and reduced project benefits by 10% will cause negative NPV value with 12% discount rate and IRR goes below cost of capital. Therefore project is associated with high risk but if implemented, it will resolve disposal issues of MSW in urban Sri Lanka with many other environmental and health benefits. The methodology used, findings and policy recommendations derived from this research can be used to analyze similar cases in other countries.
item: Article-Abstract
Evaluation of vulnerability factors for cyclones: The case of Patuakhali, Bangladesh
Kulatunga, U; Wedawatta, G; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Tropical cyclones are considered as the most severe natural disasters in Bangladesh; they cause extensive damage, create losses in the country׳s economy, and affect social settings. The impact of natural disasters has been further intensified due to various vulnerability factors within the Bangladeshi community such as low income; shortages of food; lack of assets such as land and permanent housing; dense population, illiteracy. This study evaluates the vulnerability factors for cyclones in the community based in the Patuakhali region of south western Bangladesh. The bottom-up research approach was adopted for the study, whereby the local community was consulted for their viewpoints by using focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews. Different community groups and social categories including both men and women, from different age groups and livelihoods, participated in the study. The study revealed how the community׳s vulnerability to cyclones has been further aggravated by socio-economic factors such as social status, political influences and economic conditions. The majority of the community in Patuakhali has been “knowingly” vulnerable to cyclone disaster as a result of the lack of alternatives especially in terms of their livelihood patterns. The vulnerability of women, due to their lack of authority, domestic work, and fear of exposure within the society was also highlighted. The study revealed how vulnerability factors are interlinked with each other making them further difficult to manage. This calls for multi-faceted disaster risk reduction strategies that targets vulnerability factors deriving from different origins and root causes.
item: Conference-Full-text
Involvement of construction management professionals in property level flood adaptation
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Uddin, A; Wedawatta, G; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
Flooding is a significant concern across the UK that has caused property damage, economic impact and health and safety concerns. The national climate change risk assessment for the UK projects the risk of flooding to increase in the future, and thus flood risk management is identified as an area that requires serious action. Whilst community level flood protection measures have been and are being put in places where there is an economic case for such intervention, the need for implementing property level flood adaptation (PLFA) is increasingly highlighted. This industry is worth £2.1 billion globally; with a forecasted UK growth at a rate of 7.1% by 2017-18. The aim of this research is to identify the ability of construction managers to provide PLFA advice to homeowners. Interviews were conducted with 10 professionals currently involved in flood adaptation product/service provision to gather their views on construction manager involvement within this niche area. Majority of participants interviewed accepted that construction managers could enter the PLFA industry. However, there has been a lack of evidence that suggest that construction managers have played a key role in this field. The paper suggests that there are several barriers that have resulted in the lack of involvement of construction managers in the PLFA industry. Previous research recognises lack of relevant skills and knowledge required to provide PLFA advice as a key barrier, this is supported by participants interviewed mentioning that the qualification, knowledge and training required were a barrier for construction managers to enter into the PLFA industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
INVOLVEMENT OF CONSTRUCTIONMANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS IN PROPERTY LEVEL FLOOD ADAPTATION
(2016-09-07) Uddin, A; Wedawatta, G
Flooding is a significant concern across the UK that has caused property damage, economic impact and health and safety concerns. The national climate change risk assessment for the UK projects the risk of flooding to increase in the future, and thus flood risk management is identified as an area that requires serious action. Whilst community level flood protection measures have been and are being put in places where there is an economic case for such intervention, the need for implementing property level flood adaptation (PLFA) is increasingly highlighted. This industry is worth £2.1 billion globally; with a forecasted UK growth at a rate of 7.1% by 2017-18. The aim of this research is to identify the ability of construction managers to provide PLFA advice to homeowners. Interviews were conducted with 10 professionals currently involved in flood adaptation product/service provision to gather their views on construction manager involvement within this niche area. Majority of participants interviewed accepted that construction managers could enter the PLFA industry. However, there has been a lack of evidence that suggest that construction managers have played a key role in this field. The paper suggests that there are several barriers that have resulted in the lack of involvement of construction managers in the PLFA industry. Previous research recognises lack of relevant skills and knowledge required to provide PLFA advice as a key barrier, this is supported by participants interviewed mentioning that the qualification, knowledge and training required were a barrier for construction managers to enter into the PLFA industry.
item: Article-Abstract
Lessons from natural disasters, a case study based on rehabilitation and re-establishment of Tsunami affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka
Dasanayaka, SWSB; Wedawatta, G
The main objective of this paper is to identify some of key issues encountered by Tsunami affected I SMEs in the process of rehabilitation and re-establishment in Sri Lanka. Second objective is to assess how far these affected industries are received various benefits and supports from various bodies such as government, private sector, donors and NGOs to get back into business. Final objective is to recommend some policies and strategies to develop this Tsunami affected SMEs in self-sustaining manner within a certain time period. The main data base for this research is obtained from the Industrial Development Board conducted survey covering 4,389 Tsunami affected Micro and SMEs. In addition to this various state organizations and NGOs based information sources used. This paper identify main issues related to Tsunami affected SMEs ranging from basic infrastructure provision up to finance, marketing, machinery, technology, training, product identification/development and etc. Actually this shows no any significant difference from issues faced by normal SMEs and Tsunami affected SMEs in addition to a sudden disaster (tidal wave). Therefore these issues can be generalized as issues relevant to SMEs in Sri Lanka as a whole. However, under the flood and rain of local and foreign assistance, most are pledges and promises, still Tsunami affected SMEs got a little support and assistance to recover and no any records can be found where these colossal amount of foreign assistance received gone. Finally this paper recommends various types of business incubator centers and entrepreneurial enhancing skill programmes for the revamping of Tsunami affected SMEs in addition to normal disaster risk management plan.
item: Conference-Abstract
Tsunami disaster recovery experience : a case study on micro, small and medium scale enterprises in southern Sri Lanka
(2016-08-26) Dasanayaka, SWSB; Wedawatta, G
Post-disaster recovery of Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) remains an issue of interest for policy and practice given the wide scale occurrences of natural disasters around the globe and their significant impacts on local economies and SMEs. Asian Tsunami of December 2004 affected many SMEs in southern Sri Lanka. The study was developed to identify the main issues encountered by the Tsunami affected SMEs in Southern Sri Lanka in the process of their post-tsunami recovery. The study: a) identifies tsunami damage and loss in micro and SMEs in the Galle district; b) ascertains the type of benefits received from various parties by the affected micro and SMEs; c) evaluates the problems and difficulties faced by the beneficiary organizations in the benefit distribution process; and d) recommends strategies and policies for the tsunami-affected micro and SMEs for them to become self sustaining within a reasonable time frame. Fifty randomly selected tsunami-affected micro and SMEs were surveyed for this study. Interviews were conducted in person with the business owners in order to identify the damages, recovery, rehabilitation, re-establishment and difficulties faced in the benefit distribution process. The analysis identifies that the benefits were given the wrong priorities and that they were not sufficient for the recovery process. In addition, the many governance-related problems that arose while distributing benefits are discussed. Overall, the business recovery rate was approximately 65%, and approximately 88% of business organizations were sole proprietorships. Therefore, the policies of the tsunami relief agencies should adequately address the needs of sole proprietorship business requirements. Consideration should also be given to strengthen the capacity and skills of the entrepreneurs by improving operational, technological, management and marketing skills and capabilities.