Publications
A reservoir induced earthquake swarm in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
A previously undetected reservoir-induced earthquake swarm was identified beneath the Victoria Reservoir in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, marking the first recorded instance of induced seismicity in the country. The swarm consisted of five small (M W < 3) felt earthquakes and 23 microseismic events, occurring between August and December 2020. A newly developed single-station earthquake location method, combined with seismic waveform template-matching, revealed a seismogenic zone at depths of 1.5 to 3 km beneath the reservoir's western flank. Poroelastic theory predicted peak stresses of ~15 kPa on E-W striking faults, providing a causal link between reservoir-induced stresses and the seismic activity. This study not only establishes a significant finding for Sri Lanka but also introduces efficient computational workflows for monitoring induced seismicity in resource-limited settings.
Assessment of physical vulnerability of buildings and socio-economic vulnerability of residents to rainfall induced cut slope failures: A case study in central highlands, Sri Lanka
A significant portion, 82%, of houses in landslide-prone areas of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands exhibit moderate vulnerability to rainfall-induced cut slope failures. This study reveals that the choice to reside in such high-risk zones is influenced by diverse community priorities and highlights a strong correlation between household per capita income and education level of the household head with increased vulnerability. The research employs a novel semi-quantitative methodology combining landslide intensity and building resistance capacity, assessed through extensive fieldwork and questionnaire surveys involving 322 households in Ambagamuwa. Regression analysis further explores this relationship, providing critical insights for disaster risk reduction strategies that consider both structural resilience and socio-economic factors to mitigate risks effectively.
Density of leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) in Horton Plains National Park in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Researchers have determined that the density of leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka, is approximately 11.7 adult individuals per 100 km², marking the first robust estimate for this species in Sri Lanka's montane zone. This finding provides critical baseline data for managing the endangered, endemic Sri Lankan leopard population. The study employed remote cameras within a spatially explicit capture-recapture framework to estimate leopard density and distance sampling to assess prey availability. Notably, sambar density was found to be 178 individuals per km² in central grasslands, highlighting these areas as key resources for both sambar and leopards.
Children affected by severe drought in a rural community in the central highlands of Sri Lanka
Severe drought in rural Sri Lanka significantly impacts children's health, with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) being the most critical issue. A study in Serupitiya, a drought-affected village, found that 12% of school-aged children and 5% of preschoolers suffered from severe acute PEM, with malnutrition increasing significantly with age. Other prevalent health issues included respiratory infections, skin sepsis, poor oral hygiene, and disturbed sleep. Despite these challenges, preventive healthcare strategies effectively prevented PEM and micronutrient deficiencies in under-fives. The study also highlighted increased household stress levels and economic hardships, but noted no mortality among infants or under-fives and a zero drop-out rate for children under 12 years. The research used a community-based cross-sectional approach, including medical examinations, nutritional assessments, and focus group discussions to gather data from 68 households.
Notes on the diet and habitat selection of the Sri Lankan Leopard Panthera pardus kotiya (Mammalia: Felidae) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) exhibit flexible hunting strategies and habitat preferences in the fragmented central highlands, where they target a diverse range of prey—from large species like sambar deer to specialized smaller ones such as porcupines—without relying on domestic animals despite human proximity. Fecal analysis revealed no predation on dogs, suggesting atypical behavior compared to other regions. Leopards favor dense undergrowth and tall grasslands over open forests or pine plantations, likely due to avoidance of human activity. This study highlights the need for landscape-level conservation strategies beyond protected areas, addressing critical knowledge gaps in one of the world's most endangered leopard populations.
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