Browsing by Author "Wickramaarachchi, N"

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Applicability of Perry’s neighbourhood concept in neighbourhood planning in Sri Lanka
(Taylor and Francis, 2022) Subhashini, M; Wickramaarachchi, N
Perry’s neighbourhood concept has been considered a substantial paradigm shift in neighbourhood planning since 1929 and has now been reaffirmed under new urbanism. Eventhough Sri Lanka has implemented several neighbourhood concepts in housing developments, it lacks proper evaluation. The current study explores the applicability of Perry’s neighbourhood concept in Sri Lanka, employing two case studies in suburban areas in the Colombo district. The study relied on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study highlights that edge-centred arteries and loop layout of neighbourhood paths help walkability. Open space at the centre of the neighbourhood with a well-connected footpath increases residents’ physical and social activities. The establishment of commercial facilities on the outer edge of the neighbourhood helped to reduce traffic in the neighbourhood. However, the study questioned the functionality of the elementary school with the unequal distribution of recourses among schools in Sri Lanka. The results provide guidelines for future neighbourhood planning that combines Perry’s concept but with local settings and future aspirations.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Automation of maintenance scheduling for a fleet of heavy vehicles
(2016-02-20) Sirimanna, CK; Wickramaarachchi, N
Statistically, 8.29% of total number of vehicles seen on the Sri Lankan road network is heavy vehicles [5]. India dominates the Sri Lankan heavy vehicle market with a share of 50% followed by other vehicle manufacturing countries [11]. When compared with its European, Japanese or German counterpart these Indian vehicles are specially designed for developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Most heavy vehicle manufactures do not give adequate consideration to provide an early warning system to help maintain heavy vehicle engines in good condition. Thus this research proposes such an early warning system which include fan belt condition indicator, alarm controlled engine cooling temperature indicator, vehicle loading weight indicator and automated method in keeping records of the engine oil changing period. The study has been carried out over one year period with selected vehicles from the Sri Lanka Navy, which possesses a massive heavy vehicle fleet and operates them frequently all over the Island. The proposals have been made by gathering information and analyzing data obtained from this fleet during its operation. The fan belt condition indicator provides an early warning by measuring the level of wear and tear of the fan belt. The conventional engine temperature indicator has been replaced with an electronic temperature sensor to provide real time engine temperature indicator. It also incorporates an alarm to warn of dangerously high temperatures to the vehicle operator. The weight of cargo loaded to the vehicle is measured through shockabsorber mounted displacement sensors, providing the operator with an accurate indication of the load on the vehicle prior to starting the journey. Further, an engine running hours counter provides an indication of actual engine running period, making it easy to identify proper time for oil changing. All the above features are consolidated in to a single display unit on the dashboard using electronic communication system. This unit called “Engine Quality Monitoring Unit” will greatly help the maintenance crew to prepare a proper maintenance schedule, fine tuned for each vehicle in the fleet.
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Sri Lankan Children’s Independent Mobility
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-12) Rudner, J; Wickramaarachchi, N; Karunasena
Children’s and young people’s independent mobility has decreased significantly in industrialised countries, and these trends could be replicated in Sri Lanka as standards of living increase alongside changes in urban form. This paper presents data from a questionnaire conducted in 2011 with children aged 7-15 years about their mobility behavior which was conducted as part of a larger international study coordinated by the Policy Studies Institute, UK The questionnaire was completed in five different settlement types in Sri Lanka. The research found that children in inner urban and suburban areas had less independent school travel than children in large and small towns and rural areas. In contrast, more urban and suburban children could go more places on their own, but this is likely due to more options than parental permission. Secondary school children have greater independent mobility than primary school children. The dominant mode of transport changed depending on settlement size. The data is interpreted and discussed in the context of increased standard of living as expressed through urbanisation processes as represented through urban form, density, transport networks, and lifestyle preferences.
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Sri Lankan children's independent mobility
(2014-04-09) Rudner, J; Wickramaarachchi, N; Mobility; Sri Lanka;
Children's andyoung people's independent mobility has decreasedsignificant!J in industrialised countries, and these trends could be replicated in Sri Lanka as standards of living increase alongside changes in urban form. This paper presents data from a questionnaire conducted in 2011 natb children aged 7-15 years about their mobility behavior which was conducted as part of a larger international stu4J coordinated f?y the Policy Studies Institute, UK The questionnaire was completed in five different settlement types in Sri Lanka. The researchfound that children in inner urban and suburban areas had less independent school travel than children in large and small towns and rural areas. In contrast, more urban and suburban children couldgo moreplaces on tbeir own, but this is Izke!J due to more options than parental permission. Secondary school children have greater independent mobiliry than primary school children. The dominant mode of transport changed depending on settlement size. The data is interpreted and discussed in the context of increased standard of living as expressed through urbanisation processes as represented through urban form, density, transport netuores, and lifesryleprtferences.
item: Conference-Full-text
Willingness to pay for urban water body recreational facilities: a case study at Diyatha Uyana
(2017) Ratnayake, R; Wickramaarachchi, N; Wattage, P
Revitalization of open water bodies into recreational areas are becoming widely popular in many parts of Sri Lanka. Understanding community perception and expectation on recreational development have important policy and cost-effectiveness implications. This paper explores the public perspectives on development, conservation and value of the open water recreational development at Diyatha Uyana and surrounding area. Contingent Valuation Method has been applied to estimate peoples’ Willingness To Pay for recreational spaces in the selected area. A total of 300 residents from different socioeconomic backgrounds were selected randomly for the study. Enjoying peace and relaxation, taking children to play and breath clean air were mentioned as most important aspects of open water body areas. More frequent visits occur to enjoy peace and relaxation, breath clean air and enjoy the natural landscape. Almost all the participants were agreed upon conserving open water body areas in urban settings. Willingness to pay was significantly associated with income and occupation status. It yielded a monthly average payment of Rs.446.93 per household for another five years’ time. The limited budget was the main reason for not willing to pay. This paper is significant as there is no contingent valuation method study has been carried on water body development in Sri Lanka.