Browsing by Author "Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M."

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    Application of GIS to Identify Potential Areas for Aquaculture in Badulla District in Uva Province
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Sandamali, M.A.N.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.
    Aquaculture is farming aquatic organisms including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants (FAO, 1990). The main intent of the present study is to highlight the role Geographic Information System (GIS) in identifying potential areas for aquaculture in Badulla district. The study was carried out in Badulla district in Sri Lanka by the geographical coordinates of longitude 80 .45 to 81 .15. Latitude 6 .34 to 7 .18. Data have been collected from secondary sources and used to generate maps to identify fresh water bodies in Badulla district. Map of seasonal tanks, reservoirs and tanks, stream network and rivers of Badulla district were developed. Water availability (proximity to rivers), soil texture, soil pH, rainfall, temperature and topography (slope, elevation) and land use factors were considered to identify potential areas for aquaculture (pond culture). Protected areas are considered as constraints. Water availability, soil texture, soil pH, slope, elevation, rainfall, temperature, land use/ land cover thematic layers were created using ArcGIS 10.1 software. All these thematic layers have been assigned the weights according to their relative influence on pond construction using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS approach. Finally, all thematic layers have been integrated in a ArcGIS 10.1 environment to generate an aquaculture potential map. Thus, four aquaculture potential areas have been Identified, viz. “Most suitable”, “Suitable”, “Fairly suitable”, “Unsuitable”. The north part of the Badulla district is identified as most suitable and the southern part of the Badulla district is identified fairly and unsuitable for aquaculture in Badulla district. Methodology Data collection: Secondary data were collected from secondary sources. GIS analysis: reservoirs and tanks, Rivers, Stream network of Badulla district were digitized using Arc View 3.1 software. GPS coordinates of seasonal tanks were stored & developed a map using ArcGIS 10.1 software to identify fresh water resources in Badulla district and all data were stored in ArcGIS 10.1 environment and factor thematic layers were generated to identify potential areas for aquaculture. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) - AHP is a multi-objective, multi criteria decision making approach that employs a pair wise comparison procedure to arrive at a scale of preference among a set of alternatives (Dai et al., 2001). Thematic layers were evaluated using scores and each weighted according to their relative importance on the aquaculture using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS approach. Map Generation -Each thematic layer was evaluated using the scores that were obtained according to the weighted linear combination in ArcGIS 10.1 environment. Vector format was converted to raster format. To reject the constraints the final result was multiplied by absolute constraints. The protected areas were allocated a zero score. Finally, the potential areas for aquaculture map was created and categorized into four levels: Most suitable, Suitable, Fairly suitable, Unsuitable based on the total scores obtained from the weighted linear combination.
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    Determination of Optimal Grid Size for Mapping Soil Property Distribution for Paddy Cultivation
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Dilrukshi, V.P.A.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Rathnayake, W.M.U.K.; Herath, H.M.S.K.
    The importance of understanding spatial variability of soil properties is connected to crop management and planning. This understanding makes it possible to treat soil not as a uniform, but a variable entity to increase the production in paddy cultivation. This study was conducted to propose an optimum grid size for selected soil properties in Bakamuna area in Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. The study area consisted with 6.25 km2 and 96 soil samples were collected within the plough depth of 0-15 cm. The number of samples distribute as 96 samples in 200 m grid size, 37 samples in 400 m grid size, 16 samples in 800 m grid size, 8 samples in 1 km and 2 samples in 2.5 km grid size. The variability of soil pH, electrical conductivity, available P, exchangeable K, available Zn and soil texture were subjected to descriptive analysis and Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation (IDW) technique. Soil pH showed Coefficient of Variation (CV) range from 1 - 7% in different grid sizes, which could be categorized as properties with low variation where CV was less than 10%. Electrical conductivity showed CV range from 30 — 60% in different grid sizes. Exchangeable K range from 10 — 80% and available Zn range from 20 — 60% of CV values indicating medium variability, (CV 10 —100%). Soil available P showed higher CV (>100%) values for 200 m, 400 m and 1 km grid sizes and rest of grid sizes showed medium CV values. Soil texture showed low variability distribution in paddy soil. This study shows the intensity of sampling is related to variability of soil properties. Sandy clay and sandy clay loam soil texture were observed in study area. Sandy clay loam soil texture was found only for two soil samples out of 96 in 200 m grid size. These results indicate 2.5 x 2.5 km grid size is optimum for determine the soil texture. Electrical conductivity and available Zn represent higher spatial variability in 800 x 800 m grid size indicating optimum grid size for mapping of those soil properties. 1 km grid size is optimum grid size for exchangeable K, available P and soil pH. Keywords: Rice, Grid sampling, Soil properties, Coefficient of variation
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    Developing Marketing Information System for Fruit Marketing
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Aphinaya, M.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Sivakumar, S.
    Concerning the fruit production in Sri Lanka, Jaffna District plays a major role by cultivating fruit types like Banana, Mango, Jack fruit, Papaya and Grapes. These fruits are demanded by buyers, especially for the export market. The marketing information linkage between fruit growers and buyers is not available in fruit marketing. Therefore, the requirement of developing Marketing Information System was initially identified in order to reduce the limitations in providing information regarding fruit growers. This study was mainly aimed to develop Marketing Information System for fruit marketing in Jaffna. A questionnaire based survey was carried out to collect the data from 113 stratified sample of fruit growers. Descriptive analysis was performed to select the fruit growers who are able to market fruits with quality and adequate quantity. With the information gathered about fruit growers, database was developed by using 'My SQL' software. Database carries information regarding name of grower, cultivated fruits and varieties, selling quantity, quality of fruit, price of fruit and contact details of grower. Subsequently, the application with user interface was created. Eventually, Marketing Information System was designed to easy access by users. Major findings of the study revealed that the selected fruit growers have adopted to quality practices and are with higher production quantities. The Marketing Information System was successfully developed with the information about fruit growers. With the use of this Marketing Information System, the buyers who are scattered in farther locations in the country can easily access the information regarding the fruits that they require. It will facilitate accurate purchasing decisions by the buyers even without physically checking the produce. Moreover, with that, the producer-fanners will find a better market for their produce by identifying more potential customers, while receiving fair prices according to the quality characteristics of their fruits. Keywords: Adoption to quality practices, Database Management System, Marketing Information System, User Interface
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    Development of a Tea Incorporated Instant Soup Cube
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Konara, P.C.; Bandara, S. M. I. P. G.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Samaranayaka, H.
    Instant soups are a new group of dried foods which play an important role in the nutrition of people because theyfulfill present and future social consumer requirements (Ayto, 2002). Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world (Macfarlane, 2004). Tea contains many chemical compounds that are good for health (Owen et al., 2008). This research was an effort to develop a tea incorporated instant soup cube as a tea based new value added product to compatible with the modern consumer needs. Specific objectives are to determine the appropriate amount and type of tea powder to be incorporated into the soup mixture, to determine some important physicochemical parameters of the newly developed product and microbial analysis and to compare the different aspects of the tea soup cube and a tea cup made with dust. Methodology Referring to the literature and the earlier trials on different ingredients ratios, six basic recipes were developed for the instant soup mixture. Among those, the best recipe was selected based on the consumer preference on overall acceptability of fifty individuals. Two tea standards wer e developed for Green Tea and Black Tea separately using dust grades to incorporate into the soup mixture. The range of quantity to be incorporated into the soup mixture was determined thorough preliminary trials. Five treatments were prepared by incorporating various quantities of tea and soup mixture as shown in Table 1.A mould was prepared to produce homogeneous soup cubes of equal weight (4 g).
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    Development of Soil Fertility Map for Paddy Cultivating Areas of Mahaweli System B in Polonnaruwa District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Chathuranga, R.P.G.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Rathnayake, W.M.U.K.; Herath, H.M.S.K.
    Paddy is a major cultivation crop in Polonnarwa District. In recent time a considerable gap has appeared between the potential yield and the real yield. Though several factors contribute to this effect, imbalanced soil fertility is one of the major factors. Therefore, survey of soil fertility was carried out in the area of Mahaweli system B in Polonnaruwa district to identify the status and spatial variability of plant nutrients in paddy cultivating areas to recommend management practices to enhance productivity. Sampling points were identify using 1:50000 topographic maps of Polonnaruwa, Wakaneri, Elahera and Aralaganwila. Geographical Position Systems (GPS) coordinates were used to record the geographic position. Sampling area was divided in to 2.5 x 2.5 km grid sizes and two samples were taken from one grid and 110 samples covering the total land area. In each sampling point, soils were augured up to 15 cm and composited. Soil samples were air dried and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, available P and Zn, exchangeable K and Na. The pH value varied from place to place but most of the area covering the irrigation scheme had pH below 5.5. All the area had low EC value (<0.125 dS/m). It indicates the low level of salinity. Soil available P content was considerably lower (<10 ppm) than the recommended value in almost of sampling the area. Available Zn concentration was between 1-5 ppm in all the area while the soil exchangeable Na value was above the recommended value (>100 ppm). There was a low concentration of exchangeable K value (<78 ppm) in most of the area. It is concluded that inverse distant weighted is the most suitable interpolation technique for mapping soil pH, EC, available P, Zn and exchangeable Na and K as regard to the lowest Root Mean Squire Error (RMSE) and Mean Error (ME) values. The soil fertility characteristics of the Mahaweli system B in Polonnaruwa district are not at optimal level to achieve maximum potential of rice yields. Therefore, development and adoption of suitable management practices are needed to enhance and sustain the rice production in this area. Keywords: Soil suitability,Soil fertility, Interpolation, Geographical position system, Mahaweli B
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    Evaluating the Impacts of Land Use Land Cover Changes on Agro-biodiversity of Kandyan Home Gardens
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Abeysinghe, A.M.N.S.K.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; Kadupitiya, H.K.
    Kandyan Home Gardens are multi-species traditional agro-forestry systems which conserve biodiversity. Land Use / Land Cover changes adversely affect on biodiversity in Kandyan Home Gardens. Land Use / Land Cover changes in the Kandy district were analyzed using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. Landsat images of year 2000 and 2015 were used for the study. Supervised classification technique was used to identify different Land Use / Land Cover classes and Land Use / Land Cover change maps for year 2000 and 2015 were prepared. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps were prepared for year 2000 and 2015. Least square regression technique was used to rectify the climatic influences in satellite images. By obtaining the percentage NDVI change between 2000 and 2015, three Land Use / Land Cover change categories were identified; less changed, moderately changed and highly changed. Agro-biodiversity in Kandyan Home Gardens was evaluated through field investigations in 90 home gardens in Ambathenna, Pilimathalawa, and Gampola. The Land Use / Land Cover change category which each Kandyan Home Garden belonged to was identified using Global Positioning System. Species Richness, Shannon-Weiner index and Simpson Diversity Index were used to assess the agro-biodiversity. Land holding size in majority of home gardens was between 0.01 to 0.758 ha. Trees and root and tuber crops consisted of 88 species and 45 plant families were identified. Less changed area and moderately changed area had similar Species Richness and Shannon-Weiner values for diversity, but evenness of abundant species was higher in moderately changed area. Thus, agro-biodiversity in moderately changed area was high. Twenty seven species were perceived as threatened or lost from Kandyan Home Gardens. The study suggests the need of linking tree conservation programme with home gardens. A proper investigation has to be carried out to identify the threatened varieties. Keywords: Agra-biodiversity, Kandyan Home Gardens, Land Use / Land Cover change, GIS and Remote Sensing
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    A Geographic Information System (GIS) approach in identification of the potential reservoirs for Giant Freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) culture: A case study in Moneragala district, Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Nisansala, R.A.C.; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.
    Culture Based Fishery (CBF) is a better approach to overcome poverty and malnutrition in Moneragala District since the district is enriched with large number of village reservoirs and minor perennial reservoirs. Introducing a valuable, high demanding and protein rich species such as Giant Fresh Water Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) through CBF is the best way to get the maximum utilization of these natural resources. Current practice of stock enhancement of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in reservoirs has resulted a heavy loss of stock and low returns. Therefore it needs a careful selection of potential reservoirs prior to stocking of post larvae. As a tool in decision making, Geographic Information System (GIS) is still a new concept for CBF in Sri Lanka for aquaculture planning. The main intent of this study was to highlight the role of GIS in identifying potential reservoirs for stock enhancement of Macrobrachium rosenbergii under inland CBF in Moneragala District, Sri Lanka by developing a map. Methodology Nineteen minor perennial reservoirs distributed over nine divisional secretariat divisions in Moneragala District were visited during the dry season as the sample. Climate (Rainfall, Temperature), Bio-physical (Elevation) and Water quality (pH, Temperature, Hardness, Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen, transparency) and Socio-economic factors (proximity to roads and village, land use, poverty and population) were identified as influential factors for Macrobrachium rosenbergii culture based fishery. Data were collected from field surveys and responsible government institutes. Water quality parameters were tested on site and the university laboratory. In order to generate thematic layers for above each factors Interpolation techniques were applied for climate, elevation and water quality data; Population and poverty were considered in respective to DS divisions; multiple ring buffers were created for the proximity factors. Each factor was classified according to four suitability scales; very suitable, suitable, moderately suitable and unsuitable. Land use types in the district land use map were classified according to their suitability. Factors were ranked according to their relative influence on Macrobrachium rosenbergii fishery and weights were assigned according to their relative influence using the method of “Rank Sum”. Finally, all thematic layers were integrated in ArcGIS 10.1 (Esri, 2012) environment to generate the potential map. Results According to the resulted map (Figure 1) unsuitable areas occupy about half of the extent of the district. If potential reservoirs for Macrobrachium rosenbergii culture were indicated in respective to DS divisions, Badalkumbura, Moneragala, Wellawaya, Medagama and Sevanagala divisions were resulted as highest potential areas. Thanamalwila, Bibile, Madulla, Buttalaand Siyambalanduwa divisions were resulted as Suitable areas and Latter part of Madulla was indicated as Moderately suitable area.The district can gain more benefits by stocking M. rosenbergii in reservoirs that fall in most suitable areas.Since the water quality parameters were given the highest weight final result has high influence by water quality factor. Results are basically applicable to the dry season which is the period that water quality data were collected. According to the field observations dry season is not favorable for CBF. Application of CBF at present is not in a satisfactory level with compared to the existing number of reservoirs.Potential areas resulting from multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) are mostly associated around the reservoirs where the optimum water quality for M. rosenbergii culture exists. Results could be advanced by tallying the obtained results with catch data of Giant Prawn as some reservoirs are already practicing prawn culture, but lacking of accurate catch data was a limitation for the research.
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    Identifying and Mapping the Distribution of Selected Medicinal Plants in Jaffna District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Sivarajah, K.; Alwis, L.M.H.R; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; De Silva, W. A.H.T.
    Medicinal plants have significant roles in human livelihood and are medically, culturally and economically important resources for the local people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 percent of the population in developing countries relies on traditional medicine, mostly in the form of plant drugs for their health care needs. Additionally, about 25 percent of plant derivatives are used in the n1odem medicines. As Sri Lanka’s Northern part is very close to India, herbs which are found in India are found in Sri Lanka too (Sathiyaseelan, 2008). Large numbers of moderate to high value medicinal plants, herbs and vines naturally exist in Jaffna district. However of the existing medicinal plants only very small percentage is traded due to unawareness of medicinal plants distribution within the Jaffna peninsula. This study examined the current situation of selected important medicinal plants naturally grown in and mapped their distribution in Jaffna district in order to conserve and promote their cultivation.