Research Symposium-2012
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Item Quality of Sea Sand vs. River Sand(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Sripranavan, S.; Attanayake, A.N.B.; Cooray, J.T.Over the years, with increasing development activities of the country, demand for sand has reached to an exceptionally high level. Yet river sands and sea sands are virtually the main industry raw material source. Indiscriminate mining and extraction of river sand has led to severe environmental degradation. Therefore it is necessary to explore for alternative sources. The collected river and sea sand samples were tested for moisture content, organic matter content, pH value (acid demand), mechanical grain size analysis and specific gravity value. Comparison was made between the properties of the two sand varieties. The result that Specific gravity determination of samples value are between 2.62 — 2.74. This indicates that the Specific gravity determination of the tested dune sand sample is within that oft normal sands and therefore sands are suitable for construction purposes. From the Sieve analysis test, over 90% of the sand samples are between 1.18 mm to 0.15 mm sieve size, while some 1% is coarse particles, and 3% is very fines (silt and clay). With the majority sand samples consisting of sandy particles. Therefore sands are for suitable for construction purpose. All the engineering properties of the sea sand closely match with river sand used in construction. Therefore use of sea sand will help mitigate the environmental degradation caused by excessive river sand extraction.Item Study the Effects of Particle Size and Other Engineering Properties of Granular Soils on Compaction(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Anushka, M.D.; Gunathilake, .A.J.K.G.Granular soil is mostly used in construction field as a filling material. Soil is compacted by removing air and water from its pore spaces. Particle size is the important parameter that varies during the experiment. Mainly, influence of gravel size particles on compaction has been determined. Present study was intended to fulfill certain objectives such as to develop a relevant grain size mixture of granular soil, for better filling purposes in construction field. Ten samples were selected from one soil type. All these samples were tested under the Standard proctor compaction test. Samples were sieved and separated into different particle sizes using American standard sieve set with sieve shaker. Weight of each separation fractions were measured and recorded. Then measured gravel size fraction of each sample was mixed thoroughly with fraction of particle size that less than 2mm (particle size below the gravel size) with various percentages by using sample splitter (10% of gravel size with 90% of fines, 20% of gravels with 80% of fines etc.) are tested for proctor compaction tests were carried out for mixed samples. Maximum dry density was calculated. Considerably gradual increasing of dry density with increasing percentage of gravel size particles could be observed. The sample which has the highest dry density has 80% of gavel size particles. The sample which has lowest dry density has 10% of gravel size particles. Dry density values of other samples were spreaded out among the highest and lowest values of dry density.This study showed that the maximum dry density is increased with increasing of percentage of gravel size particles in granular soil sample. Therefore it can be concluded that the compaction of granular soil will be intensified with increasing of gravel size particles as the compaction is expressed by dry density.Item Water Safety Plan for Dehigolla Water Supply System(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Caranniya, S.; Udagedar, , D.T.; Liyanage, R.Absolutely pure water does not exist in nature. Organizations such as NWS&DB provide safe water from natural sources with proper treatments. To ensure the satisfaction of consumers they are doing operational and maintenance projects of water supply schemes through Water Safety Plans. Dehigolla is a small supply scheme which is monitored by NWS&DB. This site was selected for the research and safety plan was developed. Research has been started based on the guidelines given by WHO for Water Safety Plan. Two field visits were conducted for sample collection, data collection and sanitary survey. Sample points were selected in between the catchment and consumer which is divided into three locations (i) Raw water at intake, (ii) Treated water at collecting chamber, (iii) Distributed water at household. Information gathered was used in the systems assessment part of the water safety plans. Walk through survey was carried out in the concerned area and discussions with the stake holders were held regarding the history of intake, distribution and health risks. Water quality data, sanitary survey data and walk through survey data were assessed and interpreted for hazard identification and risk management.Six component water safety frame work was Prepared. The components include (i) Description of the existing water supply (ii)Hazard analysis via water quality monitoring (iii) Hazard identification (iv)Establishment of corrective actions (v) Establishment of record keeping and (iv) Verify the effectiveness of the water safety plan. Investigating the water Quality of supply system at each sampling points formed a major part of the systems' hazard identification. The investigation was coupled with Complementary sanitary surveys of the supply and storage tanks at household. As a result of water quality analysis problems are encountered with higher Turbidity, coliform content and iron content. According to the results, major outcomes of the survey demonstrate that existing scheme was providing unsafe water because of poor construction of intake and distribution network, absence of protection for supply system and unawareness on the water quality. Therefore, construction developments and future maintenance is needed for Dehigolla water supply system.Item Usability of Harvested Rain Water in Drinking Purposes(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Weerasinghe, W.M.T.D.; Udagedara, D.TProper management of rain water is a solution for the water scarcity in dry zone. Rainwater is one of the purest sources of water available, as it does not come into contact with many of the pollutants often discharged into local surface waters. It comes free and can be used to supply both potable water and non-potable water. However, it has tendency to contact with pollutants depending on the mode of collection. This research investigates the usability of harvested rain water for drinking purposes.Twenty samples from Uva province and twenty samples from South-West coastal area were collected. Chemical analysis of collectedwater samples was conducted. Sixteen standard water quality parameters which are most considered in drinking, were determined.ln Badulla district water samples 65% are suitable for drinking. 35% are not in permissible level for some parameters. About 69% of the water samples collected from South-West coastal area aresuitable for drinking, according to Sri Lanka drinking water quality standard. Therefore 31% water samples are not recommended for drinking as some tested parameters exceeding permissible level. Around 66% of total water samples satisfy the standards imposed by SLSI. Therefore, they can be recommended for drinking purposes. Even about 34% of water samples are not in permissible level, they can be used after preliminary water treatments in domestic level.Item An Investigation on Iron Enrichment in Groundwater in Ampara District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Litheepan, G.; Udagedara, D.T.; Attanayake, A.N.B.Ground water is the major source to drinking purpose in the world, because usually its quality is good. Public of Sri Lanka also rely on groundwater as a drinking water source and also for other purpose. Naturally occurring groundwater quality problems are typically associated with high hardness, high salinity and elevated concentrations of iron, manganese, ammonium, fluoride, and occasionally methane, hydrogen supplied, nitrate, and arsenic. A high concentration of iron is by far the most common water quality problem associated with groundwater Excess iron problems have been reported from two villages in Ampara district of Sri Lanka, namely, Naavithanvely and Savalakadai. As per the previous studies above locations are containing more than 0.3mg/L iron in ground water. This research intends to investigate the distribution of iron in groundwater of this particular area. First the location in Ampara district was investigated based on the information from previously published data. The groundwater quality was analyzed from different sources like lake, ponds, dug wells, tube wells and holes in the two villages.50 water samples were collected into glass bottles in linear pattern from land to river based on groundwater flow in selected areas. The temperature and pH were also measured at the site. GPS coordinates were recorded. Standard sampling methods were followed. Iron concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrometric method. It is apparent that high iron concentrations are reported in groundwater samples close the river. The land use patterns in the area are paddy fields on the west, lagoon on the east and forest area on the northwest corner of the map. Highest concentrations are observed in the middle of the map, while most other concentrations are higher than the maximum permissible levels.lt was observed that the total iron concentration is decreasing from land toward the river. There are two areas where high total iron concentrations are recorded. Most of these locations have iron concentrations which exceed maximum permissible levels imposed by the WHO. The actual source for these high iron concentrations is yet to be identified.Item Water Quality Index Calculation and Management System(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Jayasinghe, H.M.B.N.; Attanayake, A.N.B.; Udagedara, D.T.Water quality data recording and manipulation has always been a manual procedure in local water resource management agencies. The Water Quality Index Calculation and Management System was developed as a partial solution for these shortcomings. It calculates water quality index automatically after entering the basic data into the system. It can accurately generate necessary reports daily, monthly and yearly. Web- based online system has been chosen to facilitate the Water Quality Index Calculation and Management System. Open source PHP and SQL were used to develop a comprehensive design program for a waste water treatment plant.With the use of powerful problem solving feature of the HTML this system was developed. The program can also be used to check the design details of an existing plant to know the expansion works needed for increased hydraulic and organic loadings occurring in future.The purpose of this study is to present the development of a modular online system package for simulating the performance of the selected treatment.The computer program for the design of water treatment plant was test-run and the results were compared with those of the existing plant. The program is interactive. The program has been fed with relevant input data for each unit of treatment plant and executed. Data are entered as and when necessary as per the guidance obtained from the program.Major output of this system is giving a final conclusion about the treated water in a water treatment plant. Also it calculates values for the water quality parameters like turbidity and total water hardness etc. Different user can get customized details and information from the system.The proposed system benefits to all the people who use water quality reports by increasing the efficiency and mobility in an effective manner. Also waste water treatment plants play a major role in the system. The main goal of the Water Quality Index Calculation and Management System is to popularize it among water professionals.Item Impact of Social Dialogue on Employee Job Satisfaction in Banking Sector in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Peirisand, M.C.K.; Siyambalapitiya, J.Social dialogue consist of all types of formal dialogue, involving discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions undertaken by employer representatives and employee representatives on working conditions in the workplace (Eurofound's European Industrial Relations Dictionary, 2007). Employee job satisfaction is the positive feeling the employees have regarding the job. This study mainly focused on determining the impact of Social Dialogue on employee job satisfaction in banking sector in Sri Lanka. The banking industry is consisting of 32 commercial banks which consist of 23 licensed commercial banks and 9 licensed specialized banks. The study used proportionate random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used as the main tool of data collection. Likert Scale questions were used to obtain necessary information. The study was based on the survey method of Job Satisfaction by Spector (1997) in measuring the job satisfaction. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were used to analyze data. The study found that there is a strong positive relationship between social dialogue and employee job satisfaction in banking sector in Sri Lanka ( r = 0.825 and the p-value is 0.000). Furthermore, all four dimensions of social dialogue showed positive correlations with the job satisfaction. Based on the results, the study concluded that improving social dialogues among employees is a major dimension that should be promoted as a tool of increasing job satisfaction.Item Software Package for Issuing and Analyzing Traffic Spot Fines(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Thilangeand, V.P.I.; Gladkikh, V.This project is focused on creating software package forwhich will reduce the time of currenttraffic spot fine issuing and payment process by providing softwarepackage for police officers and post officers,do their current processwith less time period and to reduce the time wastage of the offender.The main concept of this technology is to use a mobile phone for police man instead of a traditional walky-talky. The android mobile application is able to insert the offence information done by the driver as the input of the system. Web application can access the database and using that offender can pay the fine. This will effectively reduce the usage of time and resources in the phases of, issuing, paying, analyze traffic fine records, maintenance records. Sun Java SDK 1.6, Wamp Server 2. I ,NetBeans IDE 7.0,ZendSudio 8.0,Eclipse indigo IDE 7.0,Android SDK, Jasper reports library 3.7, JFreecharts library I .0.12and Hibernate ORM tool • Driver's offence information transfer to the database through a web service mobile phone, which has android operating system. • Through the web application drivers can pay the fine. The web site access only allowed for post offices. • Using the Java application analyze the server database data records Using this tool; • Issue traffic spot fine to the offender; insert the offence records to the database through the android mobile application. • Pay issued traffic spot fines; by updating the records of the database by using the web application • Able to analyze traffic law violations records using Java application and generate the reports which required to the user. • Able to manage the traffic fine information, police station information and user accounts. Traffic spot fine issuing and analyzing software package is effectively support for current traffic spot fine issuing process. It helps to facilitates all these activities in levying fines and analyzes and scrutinizes the recordsItem Impact of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction: A Study Based On Hotels and Guest Houses Not Registered with Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Hendahewa, P.I.D.S.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.Sri Lanka, called as the Pearl of the Indian Oceanbecause of its amazing natural beauty and an island with its own cultural heritage. Sri Lankan vacations are full of adventure because of its bio diversity and holidays so Sri Lanka is a life long experience for all who visit. The service sector in Sri Lankan economy has contributed 60 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 increased and developed by 64.6percent (Central bank report, 2010). It has been a major driving force to the Sri Lankan economy. Primary purpose of this research was a comprehensive analysis to identify to identify the demographic background of the tourist who visits the Galle district. andto examine the customers perceived service quality in the unregistered hotel industry. Secondary purpose was whether there is a relationship between Service Quality and customer Satisfaction in hotel industry. Service quality deliver to guests & it measure under several stages such as tangibles, reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, Empathy, professionalism and skills, convenience, speed and innovation, subsequently the Customer satisfaction also Each of these stages deeply analyzed based on these dimensions.20 unregistered hotels from Galle district & 100 guests were considered as the sample. Primary data from the respondent through the prepared questionnaire, & Secondary data are collected from the internet, research articles, booklets magazines and the relevant institutions. Data was analysed using a descriptive statistics, Multi Variant analysis method. Using the mean and standard deviation calculations of each variable according to the nine dimensions, relationship between service quality & customer satisfaction was identified & it get vary in stages of service quality and overall satisfaction vs expectation.Further empirical research should be done on the multicultural service behaviors and its effects on service encounters.This research was mainly based on the objective of identify whether there is a relationship between customer satisfaction service quality. Based on the regression analysis it can be conclude that when all the other dimensions of service quality were remaining constant at the time there was an impact to customer satisfaction. The regression coefficient for the tangibles was the least value showed dimensions that has had an impact on consumers for customer satisfaction. It revealed researcher has utilized that explained variation was higher than the unexplained variation. And It is insignificance since P value" was greater than 0.05. Therefore it has been dropped from the model. Others consist with positive relationship.Item Identification of Influencing Factors of Consumer Choice of Purchasing a Full Insurance Policy(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Himali, L. P.; Priyanganie, R.A.C.Every risk involves loss which may be monetary or physical. Even the physical loss may cause monetary loss. Thus a person subject to a particular risk incurs a loss. If it is small, he can bear it. However, if it is heavy and unforeseen, he cannot bear the loss himself (Smith, 2003). Hence, vehicle owners have demanded for a full insurance policy. However, consumer choice for the insurance policy is a physiological phenomenon, varies for each consumer. Before purchasing a full insurance policy general public consider about several factors. In such a situation, it is important to identify which factors play major roll for the choice of purchasing an insurance policy. The main objective of the study was to identify the association between some selected socio-demographic and economic factors of consumer choice of purchasing a full insurance policy. Primary data was mainly collected for the study through a questionnaire. Hundred respondents including 70 full insurance policy holders and 30 non full insurance policy holders, in Balangodatown area, were selected to the study using a convenience sampling method. Chi-square test of association was used to identify the associated factors while using dependent variable as choice of purchasing the policy. Study found that vehicle type (Car, van lorry, bus), brand name of the vehicle (Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Mitsubishi), religion and monthly income of the person, value of the vehicle, manner of buying the vehicle, use the vehicle for risky activities or not are the influencing factors of consumer choice of purchasing a full insurance policy.The most significant fact revealed by the study was that gender, age, education level, civil status, occupation and residential sector of the person are not associated with the choice of purchasing a full insurance policy. Hence, insurance companies should realize customers' needs and to find effective ways to satisfy the needs irrespective of the demograpic factors. Majority of the sample used Celinco insurance company for their insurance activities. The reasons for this is because the technology that company currently used, efficiency, the number of benefits provide by that company and good reception and customer friendly service.Item Movement Patterns of Tourists in Sri Lanka: Analyzing the Differences between Package Travelers and Backpackers(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Wijesundara, C.N.RThe Tourism industry of Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly important in terms of its contribution to the GDP, employment generation and related economic consequences. Identifying movement patterns of tourists is great advancement for any destination or a country. Understanding the needs of tourists and their activity patterns could facilitate to policy design, development of new tourism products and better management of visitors. By identifying tourists movement patterns, destination management companies and relevant government authorities can have better understanding about the route plans of the package tourists and backpackers. There is a shortage of research looking specifically at movement patterns of tourists in Sri Lanka and the differences between package travelers and backpackers. Hence, this study focused on observing the movement patterns of tourists in Sri Lanka and analyzing the differences between package travelers and backpackers. The study was conducted by focusing package travelers and backpackers, and required information was gathered through questionnaires filled by both packagetravelers and backpackers at departure terminal at Bandaranayake international airport. Tourists were asked there to mention their route plan during the tour in Sri Lanka. The simple random sampling method was employed to select the sample and extracted route plans were plotted on the Sri Lanka map to get clear idea about the variances of movement patterns of package travelers and backpackers. The findings showed the package travelers were restricted to limited number of destinations and tourist sites by tour organizers. By evaluating the backpacker’s route map, it was revealed that tourists are willing to visit distinct part of the country without limiting to the certain areas. Finally, it can be concluded that there is an urgent need of revising the tour packages offered by travel agents and tour operators. They have great potentials to promote more diverse range of tourist destinations and tourist sites with the prevailing condition of Sri Lanka tourism.Item Impact of Extension Service of CIC Agribusiness on Promoting CIC Tea Fertilizer Usage(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Roshanth, V.; Mahindarathne, P.; Thalagoda, U.Tea is a major Agricultural income source to Sri Lankan economy. Sri Lankan Tea (better known as Ceylon Tea) is world famous for its unique quality, even though our supply is not enough to compete in the market. One of the main reasons for the low production of tea is the poor soil fertility levels in our Tea lands. So, proper fertilizer application helps to maintain the productivity of the tea lands. Objective of the study is to identify the impact of Extension Service on Tea Fertilizer market of CIC Agribusiness with reference to Tea Small Holder Sector Data was collected through a standard Questionnaire with interview method. Data was analyzed with Minitab 14 and Stata Software. Finally problems were identified to this fluctuation. Income and the decision making factors were identified as significant factors for extension beneficiaries. Both factors are positively related to the amount of fertilizer applied. Farmers with a better income have applied more fertilizer to their fields. And farmers who take their own decision on fertilizer application use more CIC fertilizer. Income is the only significant factor which is positively related to the amount of fertilizer applied for non beneficiaries. Proper fertilizer application is vital for the land productivity of tea. Therefore application of the recommended dosage of fertilizer is very important.Item Evaluation of the Performance of a Tea Broker Ware House(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Bodikotuwa, P.P.B.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Mathangaweere, S.Tea auction system is an integral element of Tea supply chain where the Tea broker also plays a major role as the arbitrator between the buyers of Ceylon tea and manufacturers of Ceylon tea. Tea broker warehouse is an essential element for a broker as major operations of unloading of teas, sample drawing of tea, storage of teas and delivery of teas are done in the warehouse. Hence, the efficiency and quality of warehousing service are directly affecting to the performance of a broker. The study was intended to search for the major problems prevail in the Tea Broker warehouse with respect to its performance and quality of service. Identification of problems prevailing in the warehouse through continuous Observation and practical involvement in warehouse operations was done. Out of the identified problems the Major problems were identified through a Pareto analysis, which was conducted regarding the responses for the structured questionnaire provided to the employees of the warehouse. The identified Major problems were then analyzed for the Root causes using several Root cause analytical tools and techniques namely Casual factor charting, Ishikawa/ Fish bone diagram and Five why analysis. The major problems in the warehouse according to the Pareto analysis were, time taken for delivery of tea lots is very long , frequent claims for short weighed tea sacks, high relative humidity and high temperature inside the warehouse, Waste of teas during sample drawing. The major root causes identified for each problem were, the current procedure of directing the lorries to loading ends, The double deep racking system of the warehouse, The Make, Life time, lifting capacity and the rotational speed of the forklifts. The incapability of the digital scale to measure the sacks continuously, Scarcity of labour; lack of unloading points compared to the quantity of unloaded sacks per day, negligence and carelessness of the workers, Congested storage environment with tea lots stacked up to the ceiling level, Poor ventilation system, direct heavy sun light incidence onto walls from the morning till evening with no proper insulation system. Lack of proper supervision, lack of proper technical training for sample drawing and negligence of the sample drawer.Item Constraints for Promotion of Tea Tourism in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Koththagoda, K.C.; Gunathilakaand, R.P.D.; Rathnayaka, R.M.S.D.Tea tourism is novel concept to the Sri Lanka, which is operating at infancy stage far below than it real capacity. Tea tourism is the most significant industrial diversification opportunity for this both product and service industries to insure the sustainable development of the Sri Lanka economy. But stakeholders, specially Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) do not give much interest on this divestment strategy. Tea plantation sector in Sri Lanka at present struggles to earn profit and sustainability of the sector with managing high cost of production and other unique problems of the sector, while increasing land efficiency and labour productivity. Although industry has given attention for value addition to final product and marketing process, but it may not address the problem faced by tea plantation sector. Because the revenue from value additions generally accrue to the value adding party, is often a third party and it is not to the producer. Under this situation tea tourism is significant diversification option for plantation sector. This study has been conducted to identify the constraints behind tea tourism promotion in Sri Lanka. Primary and secondary data were collected from the relevant parties and 21 RPCs were taken as the sample. Data were analyzed by using Descriptive statistic model, Results were emphasized poor financial position, lack of product variation, lack of infrastructure facility and lack security and minimum standard to be provided in tourism as major constraints. Other than that inherent attitudinal condition has been severely affected to undermine this diversification strategy. The outcome of this investigation clearly has been stressed out the necessity of government intervention and national policy for such type of industrial diversification to make sure the industrial sustainability and ultimately to achieve the sustainable development in Sri Lanka through economic growth.Item 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.Item Identifying Pattern of Worker Absenteeism in Tea Plantations(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Rathnayaka, R.M.P.S.; Gunathilake, R.P.D.One of the key economic indicators of the Sri Lankan tea industry, namely the privatized large-scale plantation or estate is afflicted with low productivity and high cost of production which resulted for continuous low profit margins. Chronic absenteeism has major impact on labor productivity and cost, while workforce continuity and industry viability are threatened by out-migration for better conditions and a more fulfilling life outside the tea sector. Measuring the pattern of absenteeism is important for planning manpower requirements for production scheduling and to identify the productivity loss due to absenteeism, extent of absenteeism, frequency of absenteeism and concentration of absenteeism in Tea plantations. This has been based to conduct the research. Telbedde estate of Balangoda Plantations was selected to conduct the research. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was employed to determine the productivity loss due to absenteeism, extent of absenteeism, frequency of absenteeism and concentration of absenteeism. Productivity loss due to absenteeism per worker was calculated as 3.44. Participation index explains the extent of absenteeism and it was 0.3827 for the three months period of study. Frequency of absenteeism was 118.5 per 100 employees per year. Largest divisions with high number of workers recorded higher rates of absenteeism Most of the workers in the estate were absent for more than seven working days per month.Item A Comparative Study on Culture of Kappaphycusalvarezii Using Cage Culture and Monocline Culture in Kiranchi Bay, Kilinochi.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Ganesalingam, Z.; Jayamanne, , S.C.; Pahalawattaarachchi, V.Kappaphycusalvarezii is economically important red tropical seaweed with a high demand due to containing polysaccharides in its cell wall and being the most important source of n-carrageenan in the world. The market for carrageenan grows rapidly since current sources of cultivated eucheumatoids seems incapable of meeting the high demand, at least in quality, price and volume for the requirements of the processing industry. Commercial cultivation of K. alvarezii was developed in the Philippines during the latter half of the 1960s using local varieties selected from the wild in comparison to different culture method practices of Kappaphycusalvarezii. The present study was conducted to find out the method more suitable for culturing K. alvarezii in Sri Lanka. Two culture systems, cage culture and monocline culture was conducted at Kiranchi Bay, Kilinochchi for a period of two months using cage culture and monocline method. Healthy seeds were collected from an existing cage culture and propagates approximately 100 g in weight were chosen. In monocline culture, the propagates were tied into nylon lines about 4 meters apart and anchored to the substratum at 25 cm intervals. In total, 75 kg were tied to monocline. In cage culture, cages of 1.5 m long x 1 m wide x 0.5 m height were placed in the bay. The cage frame was covered with mesh and K. alvarezii were tied in parallel lines. Data on initial weight, and weekly weights were taken every week and their growth was measured. The results showed that K. alvarazii gained 58% of initial weight within 2 months in monocline culture while 68% in cage culture. It was noted that the nutrients (Nitrite, Nitrate and unionized Ammonia did not show a significant difference (P>0.05) during the study period in the two culture sites. The growth rate of K. alvarezii is good in Kiranchi bay using both methods are encouraging and further studies may be required to establish culture.Item Development of Value Added Yoghurt with Rice (Oryza saliva) Flour and Sesame (Sesamum indicum(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Ishanka; Ranasinghe, M.K.; Jayarathne, M.P.K.Brown rice (Otyza saliva) is an abundant cereal which possesses high levels of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (B2, B3 and B1) and minerals like Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium and Calcium and protein lesser cholesterol (HARTI, 2011).Yoghurt is a highly consumed fermented product in the market. This study was carried out to develop a set type yoghurt by incorporating brown rice flour and sesame seeds to assess the effect of brown rice flour and sesame seeds on the physicochemical and sensory properties of yoghurt.Best gelatin percentage was selected by sensory evaluation using 07 trained panelistswith varying the gelatin percentage as 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6% (% by weight). There were three treatments varying the levels of brown rice flour percentages as 3%, 4% and 5% (% by weight) and evaluated using 30 untrained panelists. Titratable acidity, pH, Total Colony Count (TCC), Coliform,yeast and molds were determined for 15 days of storage for selected yoghurt samples based on sensory evaluation. Fat %, Protein content, Total Solids and Carbohydrates were analyzed. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Friedman non parametric test.According to sensory evaluation I, yoghurts prepared by incorporating 0.4% (w/v) gelatin and according to sensory evaluation II, yoghurts prepared by incorporating 4% (w/v) brown rice flour and 2%(w/v) sesame seeds have shown significantly higher preference (P<0.05) with all sensory attributes. There was a significant (P< 0.05) difference in Titratable acidity, pH, TCC, Coliform,yeast and molds value during refrigerated storage of control and selected sample. Proximate composition of the final product is 73.32% Moisture, 3.75 % protein, 3.95% fat, 17.23% carbohydrates, 0.33% fiber and 1.42 % ash.Best incorporation level of brown rice flour, sesame seed and gelatins 4% and 2% and 0.4% respectively. The shelf life of selected sample is 11 days at 4±I °C.Item Assessing the Effect of Incorporating Kithul(Caryotaurens) Flour on Stabilizing Ability and Sensory Properties of Set-type Yoghurt(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Wijayasekara, K.N.; Abesinghe, A.M.N.L.; Samarasekara, S. C.Kithul flour is the water soluble carbohydrates extracted from the pith of Kithul tree (Caryota urens). It has high level of polysaccharides which may possess stabilizing ability and may be useful to replace the existing stabilizers (gelatin) in set-yoghurt manufacturing. Presently, adding stabilizers as a blend is more widely used in the dairy industry and it leads to overcome limiting properties associated with a specific compound. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the effect of incorporating water-soluble carbohydrates of Kithul on stabilizing ability and sensory properties of yoghurt. Fresh cow milk, Sugar, Kithul flour, gelatin, skim milk powder, starter culture (VC 350 CHR Hansen) and Kithul flavor were used to prepare the yoghurt. Kithul flour levels changed as 0.9%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.8%. Each treatment was replicated three times and evaluated for sensory properties such as mouth feel, taste, texture, colour, odor and overall acceptability using trained sensory panel. Then, the selected level was used to find the best ratio of kithul flour: gelatin. The gelatin level was changed as 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% with the selected level of kithul flour. Tests were carried out to find out the fat content, total solid content, titratable acidity and pH, yeast &mould and coliform count and compared with existing yoghurt. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA (CAD) and Friedman non-parametric test in MINITAB 14. Results of this study support that the use of 1.5% (w/v) kithul flour was able to replace 0.7% (w/v) gelatin without affecting the texture, colour, taste and odour of yoghurt having 27.7% of total solids. By that, the recommended percentage of gelatin was reduced from 1% to 0.3% .In addition to that, incorporation of kithul flour in to yoghurt reduced post fermentation acidification compared to the control during refrigerated storage. As the specifications of final product (titratable acidity and microbial population) were within the prescribed SLS standards, the product had storage life of thirty days at 4 *1 °C without any quality deterioration.Item Quality Improvement of Stuffed Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Shageetha, B.; Tharangani, R.M.H.; Nambapana, , N.M.N.; Delpachitra, N.; Hettiarachchi, , D.C.The stuffed chicken is a very unique kind of value added chicken meat product produced by the Maxies and Company (Pvt) Ltd, Wennappuwa, Sri Lanka. This product is center deboned and it consists of the wing and the drumstick bones only. It is stuffed using chicken meat gizzard with locally grounded spices and it can directly go in to the oven. Even though its flavor and nutritive value are there, thawing time is long and flavor penetration of stuffing materials inside the stuffed chicken is less when using an oven for cooking. The present study was conducted with an aim of improving quality by modifying the existing stuffed chicken preparation procedure. The controlled batch of stuffed chicken was prepared according to the existing stuffed chicken preparation procedure that is center deboning, sewing the neck part of chicken with twine, preparation of stuffing mixture, application of the stuff in to the carcass, sewing the tail part of the chicken, steam the chicken carcass at 90 °C for 20 seconds and storing at blast freezer at -18 °C which was adopted at the Maxies and Company (Pvt) Ltd. The product was oven cooked and sensory evaluation was done to check the organoleptic qualities of the existing stuffed chicken. At the same time, SWOT analysis and a market survey was done at Maxies farm shops. The experiment was done following the results of the market survey. in the experiment; few modifications were made to the existing stuffed chicken production procedure. According to the results, vacuuming and tumbling before stuffing chicken in the process of stuffed chicken production followed by cooking using micro wave oven has given better organoleptic characters such as appearance, aroma/ smell, taste/ flavor, texture/ consistency and overall acceptability compared to the previously marketed product.