Publications
A novel CRITIC-driven framework for fine-scale urban sprawl typology classification: evidence from Colombo, Kandy, and Hong Kong
A novel framework for classifying urban sprawl types, combining high-resolution spatial analysis and machine learning, reveals that transport infrastructure—particularly road density and proximity to main roads—is the dominant driver of urban expansion patterns. The study identifies five distinct sprawl typologies (infill, extension, linear, clustered, and leapfrog) across Colombo, Kandy (Sri Lanka), and Hong Kong using a CRITIC-driven approach that prioritizes metrics based on discriminative power and independence. Validated against morphological elements and building density, this method offers precise, locally adaptive classification with robust predictive performance, supporting evidence-based urban planning for sustainable development.
PM2.5 air pollution trends and patterns in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Air pollution levels in Kandy, Sri Lanka, exhibit distinct temporal patterns, with PM2.5 concentrations peaking during early mornings and evenings while dipping to their lowest in afternoons. The study, conducted from January to December 2019 using low-cost sensors, identified Wednesdays and Thursdays as the worst days for air quality, whereas Sundays showed the least pollution. Monthly analysis revealed December as the month with the lowest PM2.5 levels, influenced significantly by wind speed, direction, and rainfall patterns. This research underscores the need for consistent long-term monitoring and management of air pollution to mitigate its adverse health effects in low- and middle-income countries.
Sustainability practices in the Hospitality Industry: Evidence from Chain Hotels in Kandy
Hotels in Kandy, Sri Lanka, have significantly adopted sustainability practices, particularly focusing on environmental and socio-cultural aspects. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how economic indicators relate to these sustainability commitments. Larger hotel chains demonstrate a more consistent implementation of sustainable practices compared to smaller ones. This research provides valuable insights for both future researchers and local hospitality practitioners by offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainability practice adoption in Kandy.
Chemical composition of rainwater at three sites in Kandy/Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and its effect on air pollution
A study analyzing rainwater composition at three sites in Kandy, Sri Lanka, revealed that the city center exhibited the highest levels of air pollution, with chloride (Cl−) and sulfate (SO4²⁻) being dominant anions. No acid rain was detected during the 11-month sampling period from February to December 2019. Trace metals followed a consistent sequence across sites: zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). Significant correlations were observed between conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in all sites, while specific metal correlations varied by location. The research highlights the need for continuous rainwater monitoring to assess air pollution in Sri Lanka.
Investigating ground deformation due to a series of collapse earthquakes by means of the PS-InSAR technique and Sentinel 1 data in Kandy, Sri Lanka
A series of collapse earthquakes in Kandy, Sri Lanka, has been linked to significant ground deformation, with uplift rates reaching +20 mm/year over urban areas and subsidence of up to -40 mm/year near Victoria Dam. This finding emerges from a study employing PS-InSAR (Permanent Scatterer Interferometry) and D-InSAR (Differential InSAR) techniques using Sentinel 1A satellite data from 2019 to 2021. The research also identified subsidence along the Mahaweli river lineament, ranging from -29 to -36 mm/year, and correlated deformation areas with landslide risk. Additionally, irregularities in terrestrial and groundwater levels were detected using GRACE-Follow-On data, suggesting dynamic geological activity. This study serves as a prototype for investigating low-magnitude incomplete collapse earthquakes in diverse geotechnical settings.
Exploring home-to-school trip mode choices in Kandy, Sri Lanka
School trip modes in Kandy, Sri Lanka, are significantly influenced by gender, age, household income, school type, and distance. Male students tend to prefer public buses, walking, or private vehicles over three-wheelers or motorcycles, while older students favor walking, school buses, and public buses compared to younger ones. Distance to school impacts all transport modes, with national or provincial school students more likely to use school buses and less likely to opt for private vehicles. These findings offer critical insights for congestion management in urban centers during peak hours and suggest potential regulations for safer, reliable private transport services like school vans.
Ambient PM2.5 and PM10 Exposure and Respiratory Disease Hospitalization in Kandy, Sri Lanka
A 10 μg/m³ increase in same-day exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with a 1.95% and 1.63% rise, respectively, in respiratory disease hospitalizations in Kandy, Sri Lanka, while asthma hospitalizations increased by 4.67% and 4.04%. The study, using Generalized Additive Models (GAM), found that older adults (65+) were particularly vulnerable, with higher risks during high air pollution periods for COPD and pneumonia admissions. These findings underscore the need for active measures to improve ambient air quality in the region to mitigate health impacts.
An analysis of daylighting performance of learning spaces in local government sector schools in Kandy
Excessive or inadequate natural light in classrooms can significantly hinder learning and visual comfort, according to a study analyzing daylighting performance in schools within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The research found that east-facing upper-level classrooms suffer from uneven light distribution, excessive shadows, and color distortion due to poor integration of daylight with design, impairing students' ability to perceive objects and text. Similarly, ground-floor south-facing classrooms experience non-uniform lighting, leading to reading difficulties. The study combined field measurements, questionnaires, and simulations using Autodesk Ecotect 2011 & Revit to assess illuminance levels and daylight performance, revealing a critical gap in awareness regarding optimal daylight integration in educational spaces.
The correlation between three teleconnections and leptospirosis incidence in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka, 2004–2019
A significant correlation between three major teleconnections—El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), ENSO Modoki, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)—and leptospirosis incidence (LI) in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka has been identified. The study, spanning 2004 to 2019, found that these teleconnections modulate LI with lag periods ranging from 1.9 to 11.5 months, likely through their influence on local rainfall and other weather parameters. Using wavelet time series analysis and time-lagged detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA), researchers confirmed strong correlations between ENSO, IOD indices, and LI, with lag periods of 2-5 months. The findings suggest that monitoring extreme teleconnection events could help mitigate leptospirosis outbreaks by implementing preventive measures during critical lag periods.
Analysis of Life Quality in a Tropical Mountain City Using a Multi-Criteria Geospatial Technique: A Case Study of Kandy City, Sri Lanka
Socioeconomic factors, particularly transportation, significantly impact life quality more than environmental ones in Kandy City, Sri Lanka. A multi-criteria geospatial analysis revealed that 26% of the city's area falls within high-life-quality zones, concentrated around the city center, with over half of the land within five kilometers from the center exhibiting the highest quality. The study developed a life quality index (LQI) using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and gradient analysis to assess spatial distribution patterns, providing actionable insights for urban planning and policy-making to enhance livability in Kandy.
Breeding Habitat Distribution of Medically Important Mosquitoes in Kurunegala, Gampaha, Kegalle, and Kandy Districts of Sri Lanka and Potential Risk for Disease Transmission: A Cross-Sectional Study
A significant variation in the distribution and diversity of medically important mosquito species was observed across four districts in Sri Lanka, including Kandy. The study, conducted from 2017 to 2018, identified 4663 mosquito larvae belonging to seven genera and fifteen species, with paddy fields showing the highest species richness. Negative interspecific association coefficients among vector mosquitoes suggest limited co-occurrence, which could influence disease transmission dynamics. These findings provide critical insights for targeted vector control interventions in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kandy, potentially improving public health strategies by expanding beyond traditional disease-specific approaches.
Climate change induced vulnerability and adaption for dengue incidence in Colombo and Kandy districts: the detailed investigation in Sri Lanka
A higher vulnerability to dengue, driven by climate change, is observed in Colombo compared to Kandy, with the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area exhibiting exceptionally high exposure and sensitivity. The study used a composite index approach, incorporating 23 key indicators—such as entomological, epidemiological, meteorological, land-use, and socio-demographic factors—to assess vulnerability across 38 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in both districts. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to weight these variables. While Colombo showed moderate to high vulnerability, Kandy’s Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) also displayed notable susceptibility, though generally lower than Colombo. Adaptive capacity varied, with Piliyandala and Menikhinna areas demonstrating stronger resilience. The findings underscore the need for targeted resource allocation in dengue epidemic management, particularly in highly vulnerable urban regions.
COVID-19 Outbreak and Urban Green Space, Food Security, and Quality of Life: Case of Urban Home Gardens in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Urban home gardening significantly enhanced social well-being and mental health during Sri Lanka's COVID-19 curfew, benefiting over 50% of participants. This practice also improved environmental quality through greening and waste management while ensuring food security by supplementing diets with homemade vegetables. Despite challenges in achieving desired harvests, the study highlights the potential for urban home gardening to mitigate the impacts of disasters like pandemics. The research used questionnaire surveys and field observations in Kandy's municipal area, analyzing data before and during curfew periods. Findings suggest that promoting crop specifications for healthy diets could sustain this trend without compromising large-scale farming livelihoods.
Local Knowledge and Perspectives of Change in Homegardens: A Photovoice Study in Kandy District, Sri Lanka
A photovoice study in Kandy District, Sri Lanka, reveals that local farmers' perspectives on socio-ecological change in homegardens are critical for sustainable conservation. The research highlights key challenges such as wildlife conflict, crop damage, land scarcity, and a decline in agricultural interest among younger generations. Photovoice emerged as an effective method to capture rich, participant-driven narratives that provide deep insights into the human-ecological relationship within these traditional agroforestry systems. These findings underscore the importance of integrating local knowledge and community engagement for understanding and addressing socio-ecological changes in homegardens.
Sustainable City Geometries: Sacred Geometry of Ritual Space, Architecture and City Landscape in Kandy, Sri Lanka
A groundbreaking analysis of Kandy's Esala Perahera rituals reveals that the sacred city's geometry and architecture embody sustainable urban principles through intricate spatial relationships. The study demonstrates how 15-day ritual performances establish deeper dimensions of sacred geometries, linking people, temples, rivers, valleys, and mountains in a spiritually resonant landscape. By employing multidimensional geometrical analysis—spanning two, three, and higher dimensions—the research uncovers the spiritual and physical layers of Kandy's cityscape, contrasting traditional sacred geographies with modern developments. This approach strengthens phenomenological, anthropological, and ethnographical insights, offering new perspectives on how ritual spaces can inform sustainable urban design.
Preservation of Archeological Sites Using 3D-Scanning Documentation Case Study: Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka
A comprehensive 3D-scanning documentation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage center, reveals critical vulnerabilities to environmental threats such as earthquakes and monsoon rains, as well as human-induced risks like terrorist attacks. The study employed Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS) to create high-resolution CAD plans, point cloud visualizations, orthoimages, and virtual walkthroughs, addressing the lack of accurate documentation for this culturally significant temple. This approach not only preserves architectural details but also enables detailed analysis for conservation strategies, leveraging noninvasive digital technologies to safeguard cultural heritage against degradation.
Sri Dalada Maligawa – 3D-Scanning and Documentation of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy, Sri Lanka
A comprehensive 3D documentation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage destination, has been successfully achieved through advanced scanning techniques. This research utilized Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS) to capture detailed architectural data, including high-resolution details of the temple's rich decorations. The digital archive created from this project not only serves as a vital resource for preserving cultural heritage but also facilitates site monitoring, particularly for detecting structural issues such as cracks. Additionally, the study emphasizes knowledge transfer, aiming to empower local specialists with the skills needed for future analysis of scan data.
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