Browsing by Author "Gunathilaka, R. P. D."

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    Adaptation to Climate Change by Up Country Vegetable Farmers
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Samarakoon, P. S. M. K. J.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
    In Sri Lanka, climate change impact is the second most gravely affecting reason for food insecurity and agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate change. Specifically, vegetables, legumes, coarse grains, and potatoes are likely to be adversely affected. Thus, the need for adaptation is pressing for these seasonal cropping systems given the importance of climate change impacts on livelihoods. For successful adaptation policies and recommendations should be formulated based on a robust analysis of factors influencing farmers’ decision to adopt. Based on a cross-sectional survey conducted for upcountry vegetable farmers, the study elucidates farmers' perceptions of climate change, ongoing adaptation measures, factors influencing farmers' decisions to adapt, and constraints. Data were collected from 150 farmers in Nuwaraeliya, Welimada, Badulla, and Bandarawela divisional secretariat areas. Multinomial logit model analyses factors affecting to the adaptation by farmers. Results indicate gender, education level, farming experience, income, willingness to take credit, the extension on the crop, climate change information, farmer to farmer extension, total annual rainfall, and average annual temperature as the significant factors. Further, early or late planting, crop or variety switching and intensive use of inputs are the commonly used current adaptation options. Results explain that farmers lack climate information. Moreover, higher costs to adapt and lack of vigorous seeds impede adaptation. The study suggests educating farmers about potential adaptation options is pivotal. Moreover, policies related to education, adaptation cost, and vegetable seed importation should be amended to promote adaptation. Providing comprehensive climate change information and improved crop extension service are the practices that need governmental support. Furthermore, intensive studies on climate change and networking farmers to initiate an information portal will nurture climate change adaptation. Keywords: Climate change adaptation, Upcountry vegetable farmers, Multinomial logit model
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    Comparison of Integrated Pest Management Strategies in Different Tea Growing Countries with Special Reference to Pesticide Residue Monitoring
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Hewanainbikanda, C.S.; Mohotti, K.M.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
    Tea (Camellia sinensis(L)0.Kuiitze) is an intensively managed perennial monoculture crop cultivated on large and small scale plantations situated between altitudes 4l'N and 16'S. Tea plants are attacked by several pests and diseases and also invaded by numerous species of weeds, which compete with tea plants for moisture and nutrients. Hence to augment the productivity of tea and to protect the plaiits froi i pests and diseases, it is necessary to adopt plant protection measure using synthetic chemicals. Tea is the secondly most consumed beverage in the world. Tea is considered as a ‘health beverage’ due to its antioxidant properties and resultant beneficial effects on human health. Such beverage should be free from toxic elements such as pesticide residues and heavy metals. To obtain a clear idea about pesticide residues in tea, it is imponant to understand the situation about pests, pesticide usage and Integrated Pest management (IPM) strategies in leading tea growing countries. Also it has been recognized as important for all the stakeholders in the tea industry by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) /IntergovernmentaI Group on Tea (IGG).
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    Effect of Brewing Parameters on Tea Tasting to Improve Liquor Characters of Low Grown Tea in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Senanayake, S. R. D. A.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
    Two leaves and bud of the Camellia sinensis undergoes several steps in tea manufacturing process, to extract final product called as tea which is popular refreshment beverage among billions of people all over the world. The process of tea manufacturing, different sizes of leaves are categorized in to different grades. Leafy, Tippy and Dust I grades are differing in sizes of the leaf. The fixed brewing and temperature time in tea tasting for all grades were not effective for the extraction of full liquor characters to the brew. To determine the optimum brewing time and temperature conditions, the Leafy, Tippy and Dust I grades were brewed altering these parameters. Factorial design was used as the research design. Different temperature level/treatments (95"C, 85°C, 75°C) and different brewing time (2 min, 3 min and 5 min) were used for brewing low grown Leafy, Tippy and Dustl grades. According to the response of the seven experienced tea tasters the data were collected by using hedonic scale. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal- Wallis non-parametric ANOVA method. Conover-Inman method was used for the selection of best treatment combination. All low grown grades have significant differences between treatment combinations for the colour, strength and flavor. The average ranks of the treatment combinations and calculated critical value from Conover-Inman method were used for the selection of best treatment. The temperature near boiling point (95°C) is very effective for all low grown grades to extract colour, flavor and strength to the brew. The temperature below 85 C is not effective for the brewing of tea. The extended brewing time (5min) is preferable for the low grown leafy and tippy grades while shorter brewing time (2 min) is preferable for the low grown Dust 1. Brewing temperature is the most significant factor for the brewing tea.
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    Identification of Reasons for Higher Percentage of Tea Off Grades in Tea Processing
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Mowlithas, A.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.; Senanayaka, P. K.
    Sri Lanka is one of the major tea exporting countries in the world. Sri Lankan tea has unique characteristics and reputation as the best tea in the world (Zoysa, 2008). Tea grading is essentially a classification of the product in terms of particle size, shape and cleanliness (byad et al., 2004). Off grades have lower price than main grades. But, its cost of production is higher than main grades. Off grade tea reduces the quality of the end product (Samaraweera et al, 1988). This research was conducted with the aim of identification of reasons for the higher percentage of tea off grades
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    Investigation of Cleaner Production Options in Latex Dipping Industries
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Weerasinghe, K.G.N.H.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
    Cleaner Production technology is a systematic and a planned procedure for identifying, quantifying and finding options to minimize wastes. It is defined as a continuous application of an integrated, preventive, environmental strategy applied to processes, products and services to increase overall efficiency and reduce risks to humans and the environment. Implementation of Cleaner Production options will increase profits and simultaneously reduce the need of the end of pipe pollution controls. Sri Lankan rubber sector plays a vital role among the industries operating in the country as its contribution for the economy is significant. The latex dipping industry consumes large amount of natural rubber latex, hundreds of chemicals and massive water quantity. The efficient use of available resources is very much important to the industry. This assessment was conducted at Lalan Rubber’s (Pvt) Ltd, Seethawaka where manufacture Latex examination gloves. The main objective of the assessment was to identify the major waste causes of manufacturing latex dipped products and generating options to minimize them.