International Research Conference of UWU-2019

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Pedestrain Crossing Monitoring and Signal Control
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Pirasanthan, A.
Pedestrian Crossing is typically controlled by traffic control lights. If both drivers and pedestrians complied with signals at signal-controlled crossings and junctions, there should be no conflict between the two. However, in countries where they do not have a legal obligation to comply proposing with the signal displayed, pedestrians regularly cross against the red and even though drivers do so much more rarely, their behaviour may lead to conflicts during the intergreen periods. Most research has focussed on investigating pedestrian compliance with the signals rather than collisions. The function of traffic lights requires sophisticated control and coordination to ensure that traffic moves as smoothly and safely as possible. Today, the density of traffic is a major part in the urban areas. As the number of road users constantly increases and resources provided by current infrastructures are limited, to intelligent control of traffic will become a very important issue in the future. Researchers have used either image processing count techniques. The project looks at solving these issues by automatically allows one particular time delay for crossing the people through pedestrian crossing. Therefore, this system provides solution to reduce the accident in urban area. Context and it is based on embedded system. However, no direct evidence was traced that interventions to improve pedestrian compliance, This system is basically its handle signal control with image processing, Analyzing data and embedded System rather than the currently existing system. This system is a complete application that is built to control pedestrians signal. This system is counting of pedestrian using image of pedestrian and sends the amount to microcontroller through the serial port and control the signal. One of the special features of our system is able to change the signal time regarding pedestrian amount.
Effect of Black Cumin Seed Meal (Nigella Sativa) on Performance, Meat Quality and Intestinal Microflora of Broilers
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Himali, S. M. C.; Chathurika, W. V. A. H.; Samarasinghe, K.; Boteju, W.T.N.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of black cumin seed meal (Nigella sativa) included diet on the performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal microbial population of broiler chicken. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated to four dietary treatment groups with five replicates each of 9 chicks and reared for 42 days. Experimental diets were prepared by replacing maize with black cumin seed meal (BCSM) at the rate of 0% (control, C), 10% (T1), 15% (T2), and 20% (T3). The statistically analyzed data revealed that T1 diet increased (P<0.05) the body weight gain of broilers compared to T2, and T3 at day 42. Dietary BCSM did not have a significant effect on the dressing percentage of birds. Birds fed with 10% maize replacement with BCSM recorded the lowest (P <0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) content (3.38 μmol/kg) for Thiobarbituriacid Reactive Substances assay in chicken meat at 7th day of storage and the highest (P <0.05) ceacal lactic acid bacteria population (1.56 log CFU/mL) than other treatments. Further, the present study indicated that 10% replacement of maize with BCSM in the broiler diet has beneficial effects on body weight gain, MDA value and caecal lactic acid bacteria population. Also, it showed a decreased tendency in coliform bacteria population in the caecal content. Moreover, it has significantly affected meat quality attributes where the highest (P <0.05) score (5.93) for taste resulted. In conclusion, replacing maize with up to 10% BSCM in the diets of broilers has positive effects on body weight gain, carcass characteristics and caecal microbial population.
Attitude Assessment of Tea Tourist and the Service Providers to Promote Tea Tourism (Special Reference to Tea Tourism Establishments in Nuwara-Eliya District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Suhindan, R.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Dilshan, N.W.T.
Tourism is one of the economic pillars of Sri Lanka as it is Small Island with more attractive destinations. Many aspects of tourism are being developed with the advancements in knowledge in tourism and technology. Tea tourism is one of the niche tourisms which can be a main profit-making sector when it is promoted. This study is conducted to analyse the attitudes of tea tourists and service providers towards the promotion of tea tourism in Nuwara Eliya district and to analyse the impact of tea tourists and service providers in promoting tea tourism. This was done by the questionnaire survey method. For that, 200 of tea tourists and 21 of service providers were selected and requested to fill the questionnaires. Samples were chosen from seven tea tourism establishments in Nuwara Eliya district. Individual descriptive analysis was done to analyse the demographic factors. Results revealed that, there is a significant relationship between the awareness and tourists’ satisfactory level of the visit (p<0.05), there is a significant relationship between the accessibility and tourists’ satisfactory level of the visit (p<0.05) and there is a significant relationship between the attraction and tourists’ satisfactory level of the visit (p<0.05) also there is a moderate positive linear relationship was observed between the awareness and tourists’ satisfactory level of the visit according to the Pearson correlation value. Therefore, promoting the parameters under each potentiality: Awareness, Accessibility and attraction can directly increase the satisfactory level of tea tourists, thus increase tea tourist arrivals in Nuwara Eliya district.
Assessing the Impact of Marketing Mix Factors to the Development of Gem Tourism in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Buddhika, H.L.C.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Dilshan, N.W.T.
Tourism industry is rapidly growing industry in the world. Also with the global completion of the world, most of countries are considering different tourism sectors. As a result of that niche tourism concept become a most important aspect of tourism industry. In this study focused on gem tourism. It is one of the untapped niche tourism segments in the world. Sri Lanka is country which has a great potential for gem tourism with its resources. In this respect, this study attempted to explore gem tourism develop within a Sri Lanka with special reference to Rathnapura, Colombo and Kandy. Since, marketing mix factors are critical in any form of tourism to develop, the main purpose of this study to identify the impact of the marketing mix factors to develop gem tourism in Sri Lanka .After the extensive literature review, a conceptual framework has been developed based on the 7 P’s in marketing mix. In this study quantitative method used to assessing the marketing mix factors to develop gem tourism from gem tourist’s perspectives and questionnaire based survey used to collect data with the convenience sampling techniques. Also qualitative method used to identify the opportunities and barriers from service provider’s perspectives and structured interview used to collect data. Initially, descriptive analysis was carried out to screen the existing situation of gem tourism. Further, Pearson correlation analysis and the multiple linear regression analysis have been used as analysis techniques. According to the research findings product and place have the strong positive relationship with gem tourism development and product is the most significant element. Also according to the thematic analysis, unique and quality gems were the main opportunity and lack of promotion was the main barriers for the gem tourism development. Also have to keep more attention to develop gem tourism from the service providers and need to focus on different promotional techniques.
Investigation of Potential Allelopathic Shade Tree Species for Controlling Weeds in Tea Lands
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Pathinayake, P.W.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Premathilake, K.G.
Identification of eco-friendly organic weedicides has become a need of the day. There are evidences on some allelochemicals in mature leaves of some shade trees. A study was undertaken to evaluate the bio efficacy of different concentration of mature leaf extracts of shade trees (Gliricidia sepium, Calliandra calothrysus, Acacia pruinosa, Erythrina lithosperma, Gravillea robusta) and the most effective extraction technique. This research was conducted as two studies (bioassay and pot study). Mature leaves of selected shade tree species were first oven dried and milled. Leaf extracts were prepared each in four concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80% w/v) using cold and hot distilled water extraction methods. A bioassay conducted using lettuce seeds as the indicator plant. Distilled water was used as the control. Bioassay results revealed no significant difference between cold and hot distilled water extraction methods (p>0.05). G. sepium at 80% recorded the lowest germination percentage (17.8%) and lowest germination index (0.4) followed by G. robusta at 80% (21.9%, 0.5), E. lithosperma at 80% (29.5%, 0.6), G. sepium at 60% (31.8%, 0.7), G. robusta at 60% (39.8%, 0.9) and E. lithosperma at 60% (51.0%, 1.1), respectively. Lowest hypocotyl (3.0 mm) and radical lengths (1.8 mm) and lowest seedling vigor index (0.1) was recorded in G. sepium at 80%. Based on those results, most phytotoxic extracts (G. sepium, G. robusta and E. lithosperma each at two different concentrations i.e. 60, and 80% w/v) were selected and further tested on three weed species (Cleoma aspera, Bidens pilosa and Ageratum conyzoides) planted on pots in three replicates. According to the pot study G. sepium at 80% recorded significantly highest dead weed count (C. aspera, 100%; B. pilosa, 66.6%; A. conyzoides, 66.6%) 14 days after applications. Thus, G. sepium at 80% can potentially be used to control succulent broad leaf weeds in tea lands. Further investigations are required under field conditions.
Development of Food Colorant Using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis that can Be Used for Beverages
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Kawyangana, D.G.P.; Bandara, G.M.W.R.; Udari, A.H.G.S.
Natural food colorants have been demanded and become increasingly popular among consumers because of their safety, and health benefits. In this study, brilliant red color Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers were used to develop a powder food colorant for beverages. For the development, flower petals were blended with distilled water. The liquid of petals was filtered and dried using an oven to take powder form of colorant. The further study was undertaken to measure the quality of developed colorant and identify the colorant affection for the beverage products. During the measurements, glass bottles, plastic bottles, and polythene bags were used as storing packages and 3 packages from each package were kept at 27, 18, and 4C. Cytotoxicity analysis has resulted as zero death of brine shrimps within 24 hours. pH differences in beverages were not found out after adding the colorant. However, colorant pH was not stable with acid and base solutions. The colorant initial maroon color changed into red with HCl and it changed into dark blue with NaOH. The confirmative test resulted presence of anthocyanin in the colorant. Out of the responses of two sensory evaluations for watermelon juice and lemon juice, responses were in favor of the colorant added juice. The highest solubility of the colorant showed in water at 70C. The freshly made dried powder form of the colorant was almost microbe-free. Shelf life was analyzed with the total plate count with the different packages stored in above-mentioned temperatures. Colorant kept in a glass bottle at 4C displayed the lowest total plate count within three weeks. During a three weeks storage period at 25C, the spectra absorption of the colorant was decreased. The developed colorant (0.6 g) dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water was approximately similar to the synthetic food colorant absorbance. These findings may emphasize that developed colorant can replace the synthetic food colorant.
The Contribution of Public Libraries to Fulfil Information Needs of Rural People (Balangoda Area)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Senevirathne, U.W.R.K.H.; Kumara, A.G.R.P.; Rangani, B.G.
Public library is a main gateway of a country, which renders a great service to urban and rural community in providing information for developing the society and personal development. The main objective of this research is to identify the contribution of public libraries to fulfil rural information needs of people. Other objective of this research is to identify the information needs of rural community, to understand how people utilize the services provided by the public libraries and identify the issues faced by rural community. The population of this study represents the public libraries in Ratnapura district. Only four public libraries located in Balangoda area were selected as study sample. This study used mixed methodology. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaire and qualitative data were collected through in-depth-interviews. Data analysis was done using Excel and presented by using table, graphical notes and percentages. This study identified that the information needs of rural community are extended in a great range and those necessities vary from person to person. There are factors found affecting the peoples’ perception and utilization of information such as age, educational level and occupational status. This study further revealed that rural people face various problems in fulfilling their information needs. Study also revealed that poor mechanism in providing effective services has been a problem in public libraries. On the other hand, lack of information literacy and digital literacy among rural people has also affected them badly to retrieve relevant information from particular information sources. Therefore, this study strongly recommends that proper system to be established in Public libraries of Balangoda area with the support of government authorities for the betterment of the community.
Allelopathic Effect of Weeds Extracts on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicam L.)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Ranaweera, R.A.T.L.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.
The weeds are used as mulch, green manure and in compost production that could favourably or adversely affect on crops due to presence of allelochemicals. Such chemicals can be present in any part of the plant and release to microenvironment by leaching, root exudation, residue decomposition and other processes. This study was undertaken to evaluate the allelopathic effect of four common weed species available in agricultural lands on growth and yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicam L. var. Padma) under plant house conditions. The dried vegetative parts of Kura thampala (Amaranthus viridis), Bubovitiya (Clidemia hirta), Panithora (Cassia occidentalis) and Hulanthala (Ageratum conysoides) were used to extract aqueous solutions at different concentrations i.e. 4%, 8%, and 12%. Aqueous solutions were applied two weeks after transplanting and continued at one-day intervals until harvesting. Three replicates were used for each treatment in Complete Randomized Design with a control (water applied). Vegetative and reproductive characteristics of tomato such as plant height, No of leaves, No of branches, stem girth, total chlorophyll content, No of flowers, No of fruits, and fruit weight were recorded. Total polyphenol content of weed species and variation of soil pH and EC were analyzed in monthly intervals. The application of 4% of Hulanthala was shown the positive performances in vegetative growth, while 12% of Panithora reported the lowest values for both vegetative and reproductive growth of tomato compared to other treatments (p<0.05). Further, the highest total polyphenol content was in Bubovitiya and highest fruit weight was reported in the plants treated with 4% Bubovitiya compared to other weed species (p<0.05) with the highest brix value. It can be concluded that the weeds such as Hulanthala and Bubovitiya could be used in preparation of compost or in other organic applications at lower concentrations to obtain better growth and yield performances of tomato.
The Role of Natural Iron Chelators Incorporated to the Diet on Control of the Dietary Iron Contribution on Iron Overload through in Vitro Analysis
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Liyanapathirana, N.; Ranaweera, K.K.D.S.; Gunathilake, K.D.P.P.
There are many natural iron chelators found in food sources. The natural chelators can either increase or decrease the bio-availability of iron. The present study was carried out to assess the potential of incorporating food sources rich in natural iron chelators into the diets to reduce the dietary iron contribution for iron overload under in vitro conditions. The iron overload is the major cause of death in conditions such as thalassemia. Fifteen diet plans were formulated based on four ingredients namely, red rice, fresh milk, turmeric and black tea against a control diet. The designed diets were subjected to stimulated digestion and their effect on bio-availability of iron was tested using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. The results showed that the bio-availability of the iron had comparatively reduced in all the diet plans except in one diet plan but that increase was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The diet containing combinations of turmeric, black tea and fresh milk showed the highest decrease (69.69%) in the iron bio-availability compared to the control. The results indicated that in the presence of lactoferrin in fresh milk, polyphenols in turmeric and black tea reduced the iron bioavailability in higher extent than when present alone as lactoferrin has a protective effect towards the polyphenols. As the incorporation of natural iron chelators significantly reduced the in vitro iron bioavailability in the diets (p<0.05), it can be concluded that contribution of dietary iron towards the iron overload condition can be controlled by incorporating natural iron chelators to the diet.
Female Related Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Services in Sri Lanka; Case Study on Drug Addicted Female Service Users in Recovery; Colombo District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Wickramasinghe, V.K.
By today substance abuse is recognized as a crucial problem which creates many serious effects on health and social relationships of human beings. Even though many psychoactive substances are known to be commonly spread among men lately a considerable number of women also found in substance abuse. According to the annual hand book of National Dangerous Drugs Control Board on drug abuse information (2016) a considerable number of women were arrested due to drug related crimes such as drug peddling and transporting. The female drug users are a group who need special attention and effective treatment intervention as they are more vulnerable to social hazards associated with drug addiction. The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of institutionalized recovery process on drug addicted female service users in contemporary urban Sri Lanka using a sociological and a social work perspective to understand gender specific needs within the drug addiction recovery process. The research field was a drug rehabilitation center and an outreach programme carried out in the Colombo district. This study mainly provides a discussion on drug abuse treatment and recovery services related to female drug users based on ten services users. Case study method and in-depth interview methods were used for data collection. The main argument discussed in this study is that a complicated issue like drug addiction is not merely an individual fault but a result of many social and economic factors. It is vital that treatment and recovery related to women are designed to cater for the special needs of the female service users. Especially stereo type gender responsibilities of women may prevent service users from entering and maintaining the recovery process. Furthermore, the discrimination and the social stigma within the treatment and recovery itself may prevent service users from entering the treatment and recovery. This study also tries to highlight the fact that there is also a need for Psycho-Social approach within the treatment and recovery.
Application of Geology and GIS in the Exploration of Gem Deposits in Haldumulla Divisional Secretariat Division, Badulla District, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Wijesinghe, W.A.D.T.L.; Jayasundara, J.M.C.K.; Jayasinghe, R.M.N.P.K.; Francis, P.
Sri Lanka has a very long history for gem industry. Geologically, ninety percent of the Sri Lankan rocks are high grade metamorphic type and higher percentage of them has attributed for many of the gem deposits. These gem minerals are found as either primary or secondary deposits. Application of GIS based analysis and predictions of mineral potential areas have attracted huge attention for its versatility of mapping and making predictions of mineral potential areas. Haldumulla Divisional Secretariat in Badulla District was selected as the study area covering 39 GN divisions and 183 villages. This area lies on both Highland and Vijayan complexes and chiefly underlain by Biotite Hornblende Gneiss, Marble, Chanockitic Biotite Gneiss, Charnockitic Gneiss, Garnet Sillimanite Biotite Gneiss and Quartzite. In addition, geological structures like Bintenna Synform, Koslanda Fault and Shear zones were identified within the area. Based on field experience and literature, eight parameters were recognized as causative influences for occurrences of gem deposits, namely; geology, mineralogy, distance to geological structures, distance to internal drainage system, elevation, slope, paddy area, and flood area. Distribution of each factor within the study area was obtained as raster layers (referred to as factor maps). Overlay Method and Weights of Evidence Method (WOE) were used to integrate the factor maps to produce a gem potential map in GIS environment. Kotabakma gem field, Gampha gem field, Weli oya gem field and Nikapotha gem field were identified as high gem potential areas in the area studied. Confirmatory field visits on selected areas of the identified gem fields were made to confirm the information on the map. The final gem potential map will help gem miners to extract gem deposit in Haldumulla DS area and it will upgrade gem industry in Sri Lanka.
Investigating the Presence of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in Murraya koenigii and Citrus spp. from Selected Areas in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Wickramasinghe, G.A.; Subhashini, M.H.A.D.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
Citrus Greening (CG) disease is the most detrimental bacterial disease for citrus and it is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). In Asia, CG is mainly transmitted by Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) which is recognized as a major pest in Murraya koenigii (curry leaves). This study was carried out to investigate the presence of CLas in Murraya koenigii and Citrus spp. in selected locations, where fresh curry leaves are harvested for exporting. Leaf samples of curry leaves and Citrus spp. were collected from Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Badulla areas. The presence of CLas was tested in twenty-seven leaf samples of each plant using DNA extraction by modified CTAB method followed by Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR). CLas presence was detected by amplification of 1160 bp fragment of 16s rRNA coding gene of CLas by using OI1 and OA1 as forward primers and OI2c as common reverse primer and by amplification of 703 bp and 669 bp fragments of rplKAJL-rpoBC operon gene of CLas using forward primer A2 and reverse primer J5. None of the curry leaf samples produced any amplicon indicating zero presence of CLas, while Citrus leaf samples produced amplicons in all three areas indicating the presence of CLas. Citrus in Anuradhapura area displayed the lowest percentage (40%) of presence, while the highest percentage (80%) was observed from Badulla area. Citrus in Puttalam area showed 53% of presence. Results indicated that, within three selected areas, CLas is totally absent in curry leaves, while CLas presence is detected in Citrus spp. in same fields. CG is restricted to Citrus spp. in Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Badulla areas and Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) that is host for ACP is free of CLas.
Impact of Brand Personality on Word of Mouth Communication (Empirical Evidence from Sri Lankan Beer Industry)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Geekiyange, K.R.; Kulathilake, C.J.P.; Yapa, U.A.S.
With the development of the society, people have tended to the consumption of the Tobacco and Alcohol products more than past. This could be as their entertainment activity or as a habit. However, due to reasons like these the beer consumption in the Sri Lanka has been increased in previous years. As a country with full of ethical values it is not allowed by the government to promote these alcohol and tobacco products in public in Sri Lanka. Hence in such cases, alcohol and tobacco produce organization may have no any other remedy to advertise their products, but WOM Communication. Hence, in this study researcher has investigated to accomplish objectives such as find out the relationship between the brand personality and WOM communication As well as to find out the impact of brand personality on WOM communication and to find out the most influential dimension which affect WOM communication in the context of Sri Lankan beer industry where dark marketing conditions are prevailing. The researcher gathered data from 150 respondents from 15 Divisional Secretariats in Badulla district using the convenience sampling technique. Through survey method has analyzed using statistical tools (SPSS). The results of the study indicated that there is positive relationship between brand personality dimensions and WOM communication. The study concluded that Excitement, Sincerity, Ruggedness, Competence, Sophisticate dimensions are significantly impact on WOM communication in the context of Sri Lankan beer industry rather than Competence dimension. Finally, the present study indicated that the positive relationship obtained between the brand personality and WOM communication in the context of Sri Lankan beer industry.
The Role of Food Quality and Safety Certificates of Biscuits on Purchasing Behavior of Consumers in Colombo District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Sameera, H.D.R.; Dissanayaka, R.U.; Kahandage, K.P.M.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Wijesinghe, W.A.J.P.
Food quality and safety certification is a third-party authentication which gives an assurance to its customer that the products, processes or systems meet its accredited food safety and quality standards. But customers would have diverse perspectives regarding the product quality whether these certifications displayed in the products to convince the customer. Therefore, this research was focused to identify the role of food quality and safety certificates on consumer purchasing behavior for a selected brand of biscuit. The study was carried out using 140 supermarket consumers in Colombo district, a known lead market in Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected using convenient sampling technique by administering a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. As per the results, income level of the customer, age and product attributes had positive significant influence while perceived quality of the brand (0.082 level of significance) depicted negative significant influence on seeking product quality certifications at the point of purchase. In addition, customers assured the product quality via the product brand, price of the product, physical appearance and associated quality certifications with the product respectively when purchasing the biscuits. However, customers in any income level had not given the priority for the quality certifications during the purchase. Moreover, the most educated customers (79.5%) and majority of female (86.5%) seek for the quality certification when purchasing biscuits from supermarkets. Further, the awareness of food quality certification increased with the education among biscuit purchasing customers. In addition to the assurance given by the food quality and safety certifications, consumers had their own definitions to declare the quality of the product when making the purchasing decision.
Enhancing Community Involvement in Wildlife Tourism - A Focus on Challenges and Issues (With Special Reference to Wasgamuwa National Park)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Gunawardhane, U.G.S.N.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.; Wijesundara, W.G.S.R.
Tourism is a sector that can contribute to the economic growth of any region. Sri Lanka has proved to be one of the fastest growing tourist destinations for many types of tourism and specially wildlife tourism. This research mainly focuses on the challenges & issues faced by host community leading to limit their involvement in wildlife tourism. The study aims to clarify and enhance community involvement in wildlife tourism in economic, rural livelihood and social cohesion perspectives. The study also identifies the expectations of community members in order to enhance their involvement in wildlife tourism. Research site is Wasgamuwa National Park, one of the famous wildlife park in Sri Lanka, mostly locals and foreigners visit to experience the wildlife tourism activities such as safari, camping, photography. The extensive review of literature on wildlife tourism, protected areas, community involvement in wildlife tourism, hosts perception on wildlife tourism, barrios to satisfactory host engagement with wildlife tourism and the way forwards for hosts and wildlife tourism have enhanced the theoretical background of the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted to collect primary data from the community members. Local service providers, government officials and host community around Wasgamuwa National Park were interviewed and their views and opinions are used as the basis for analysis from which findings are elucidated and recommendations made. Qualitative data have analyzed through thematic analysis using NVivo11 pro software. By using thematic analysis method researcher identified the themes in the data set. The findings show that a huge current involvement of the community in wildlife tourism. Researcher showed Maintaining access to resources, Complimenting and boosting livelihood, Active participation not just involvement, Cooperation with the private sector, Exploiting the market through ecotourism label as the recommendations.
Optimization of the Methanolic Extraction Procedure for Chemical Preservatives in Ready to Serve Jelly Drinks by Response Surface Methodology
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Wijelath, W.A.G.E.; Jayanath, N.Y.; Senevirathne, D.; Guruge, K.P.G.K.T.; Madhujith, W.M.T.
Ready to serve (RTS) jelly drinks which are widely consumed by school children in Sri Lanka contain Benzoic acid and Sorbic acid as chemical preservatives. This research was aimed to optimize the methanolic extraction procedure for rapid analysis of these two preservatives in RTS jelly drinks using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) adopting Box Behnken design was used to determine the effects of 03 independent variables namely, ammonium acetate/acetic acid: methanol ratio (v/v), ultrasonic extraction time and ultrasonication temperature on recovery percentages of benzoic and sorbic acids. Independent variables were used at 03 levels with a center point. A negative matrix having similar chemical and physical properties to jelly drinks, spiked with 100 ppm of each benzoic and sorbic acids was used. These matrices were extracted using the 15 experimental conditions suggested by the Box Behnken design. Regression analysis was carried out for fitting the response surface model for all the responses and all linear and quadratic terms of the independent variables. The predicted optimum extraction conditions for ammonium acetate/acetic acid: methanol ratio, ultrasonic extraction time and temperature were 60:40 (v/v), 15 min. and 30 oC, respectively, at desirability level of 0.95. The benzoic acid and sorbic acid recovery percentages at optimum extraction conditions were 98.36±0.90% and 97.82±0.90% respectively. It showed no significant difference (p>0.05) to the predicted values of 97.86 and 96.43 for benzoic and sorbic recovery percentages, respectively.
Synthetic Dyes as Photosensitizers for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells: A Comparative Study
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Sarangika, H.N.M.; Ruveshana, J.P.I.B.R.; Dissanayake, M.A.K.L.; Senadeera, G.K.R.
The dye is an essential component of the Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) and methods to improve the efficiency of DSSCs have been investigated over the last two decades. The most successful synthetic dyes are based on ruthenium complexes. However, ruthenium based compounds are relatively expensive. Finding more economical synthetic organic dyes with comparable characteristics of ruthenium is therefore beneficial. In the present study, six different organic dyes namely 1,10-Phenonthroline, Dimethyl yellow, Bromocresol purple, Alizarin red, Chlorophenol red and Cresol red were selected as sensitizers. Nanostructured TiO2 films were dipped in ethanolic solutions of each dye for 24 hours and DSSCs were assembled with the configuration of FTO/TiO2/electrolyte/Pt counter electrode. A liquid electrolyte composed of Tetrapropylammonium iodide (Pr4N+I-), Iodine (I2), Ethylene carbonate and acetonitrile with optimized composition was employed as the electrolyte. Conversion efficiency of the fabricated DSSCs was tested under the illumination of 100 mW cm-2. The highest overall conversion efficiency of 0.421% with 60% of fill factor was obtained for the dye sensitized solar cells sensitized with Alizarin red. Further investigations on structural modifications of Alizarin red will be studied in order to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs.
Extending Shelf Life of Tomatoes Using Microbial Antagonists
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Thivijan, S.; Premetilake, M.M.S.N.
The current methods used to extend the shelf life of tomatoes are expensive and toxic, thus inexpensive and nontoxic methods are required to extend their shelf life. Objective of this study was to extend the shelf life of tomatoes using fruit peel extracts. Peel extracts were prepared from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and sour orange (Citrus aurantium) peel using a rotary evaporator. From the extracts 2.5 mg mL-1, 1.25 mg mL-1 and 0.625 mg mL-1 concentration series were prepared. Most abundant microbial species were isolated from rotten tomatoes and tentatively identified as Bacillus sp. and Penicillium sp. The antimicrobial activities of three peel extracts were tested by using agar well diffusion assay. Positive controls for bacteria and fungi were Amoxicillin and Fluconazole, respectively, and 50% ethanol was the negative control. There were significant differences between Mean Inhibition Zone Diameters (MID) of different concentrations (P<0.05). Both concentration and type of extract significantly affected for MID (P<0.05). Although the highest MID was resulted from positive controls (2.6±0.3 cm, 3.4±0.4 cm for Amoxicillin and Fluconazole, respectively), sweet orange peel extracts had shown highest MID of 2.5±0.8 cm and 2.1±0.3 cm (at 2.5 mg mL-1) for both bacteria and fungi, respectively, compared to other peel extracts. A solution of sweet orange peel extracts (2.5 mg mL-1) was then prepared and sprayed on a batch of tomatoes (ripen) belonging to same variety and same size, while Amoxicillin and Fluconazole solution and distilled water were sprayed on another three batches of tomatoes. The shelf life of sweet orange peel extract solution sprayed batch was 26 days in average while that of batches sprayed with Amoxicillin, Fluconazole and water were 19, 20 and 5 days in average, respectively. Therefore, sweet orange peel extracts could be used to prepare antimicrobial solutions to extend the shelf life of tomatoes.
A Study to Assess the Relationship of Brand Image and Brand Loyalty of Ceylon Tea Brand (With Special Reference to Southern Province)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Gayathri, K.H.M.T.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Danthanarayana, C.P.
Ancient Sri Lanka is also known as Ceylon. The name “Ceylon” is still famous all over the world. Most of Sri Lankan products use the name Ceylon, as their brand for reach to the international market and make a strong recognition. Ceylon tea is one of them. Ceylon tea is world’s most popular tea brand with 150 years of history. The true taste of Ceylon tea always stays in the heart of the tea lovers. Brand image is an important factor in any product, service or organization. Strong brand image assist to attract more new customers and to retain exist customers by making a loyalty to the brand. Customer buying behaviour is directly depends on the brand image. Therefore, brand image is highly valuable for any kind of product. This research is mainly focus to find out the relationship between brand image and brand loyalty of Ceylon tea brand. The conceptual framework has been developed based on the brand image attributes. The data for the study is mainly collected by the primary data through questionnaire survey. The data was collected from 245 international tourists who interested in Ceylon tea with special reference to the southern province. Multistage sampling technique has been used for the study and researcher has used seven destinations including, Hikkaduwa, Galle Fort, Unawatuna, Ahangama ,Mirissa, Weligama and Tangalle. Further, the data was tested by using the SPSS software by applying the techniques of descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The results revealed that all four brand image attributes, as awareness, proper position, credibility and uniqueness have individual positive impact on the brand loyalty of the Ceylon tea brand. Among these attributes uniqueness is mostly impact on brand loyalty. In order to develop the Ceylon tea brand in all over the world, brand image concepts can be recommended based on the brand loyalty of another province or country as whole with a proper strategic framework.
Cost and Benefits Analysis for the Expansion of Water Supply Scheme in Bibile
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Sabri, I.L.M.
The existing Bibile water supply schemes are insufficient to serve entire public living in Bibile. Therefore, it is essential to expand the existing scheme to serve about 40,000 public lives in Bibile. This study area consists of 31 out of 40 Grama Niladari Divisions of Bibile Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD). The main objective of this study is to analysis cost and benefits form the expansion of water supply scheme in Bibile to find the financial source for implementation. The primary data for this study were collected by the Interviews, questionnaire and provided information by National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Divisional Medical officer of Health, DSD office and GN’s of relevant GND’s. Initially the detailed design was done and the total cost estimate (TCE) for the expansion of existing scheme was estimated according to the year 2017 rates of NWSDB. The construction period was decided as three years. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) cost of project was estimated for the period of design life of scheme. Finally, Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were calculated separately for the discounting rate from 5% to 10%. The TCE amount was estimated as 2, 749.8 million Sri Lankan Rupees for expansions. During the design life of the scheme, the annual O&M cost is in year 2020 is 28.8 million and in year 2040 is 133.8 million and Annual revenue and benefits due to the expansion of scheme in year 2020 is 207.9 million and in year 2040 is 697.6 million respectively. As per the cost benefit analysis for loan payback period of 20 years with the Grace period of 3 years, the project is operationally viable financial to obtain a loan or any other financial assistance to implement the proposed scheme since the NPV is positive up to 8% of discounting rate. It is proposed to obtain 2,750 million of financial assistance within the 8 % of discounting rate from suitable donor agency to implement the project. The coverage of water supply will be increased due to the expansion of existing scheme from 22.5 % to 84 % in this study area.

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