http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/234 2026-07-30T17:38:49Z 2026-07-30T17:38:49Z Nanthakumaran, A. Maheshwari, B. http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2142 2026-07-27T02:25:54Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Revitalizing Traditional Tank Systems: Case Study Insights From Sri Lanka's Village Tank Cascade Systems for Climate Resilience and Water Governance Nanthakumaran, A.; Maheshwari, B. Village tank cascade systems (VTCS) are a long-established form of water management in Sri Lanka's dry zone. However, their role in groundwater recharge, climate adaptation, and water governance remains insufficiently recognized in policy and planning. In this study, we examine the hydrological and institutional functions of VTCS in Sri Lanka's dry zone, with a focus on Vavuniya District. Using field validation, GIS-based cascade mapping, tank status assessment, and correlation analysis between tank water levels and nearby wells, the study identifies a strong hydrological relationship, most notably at Vavuniyakulam, where a correlation coefficient of 0.88 was observed. These findings highlight the significance of tanks in sustaining groundwater availability, especially during dry periods. However, decades of neglect, socio-political conflict, and fragmented institutional mandates have led to widespread degradation of tank systems and erosion of community-based governance structures. The study shows that VTCS offer critical ecosystem services beyond irrigation, including groundwater recharge, domestic water supply, climate buffering, and livelihood support. Drawing from the Vavuniya case, the paper argues for repositioning village tanks within national water policy and climate resilience frameworks. Revitalization efforts need to combine scientific assessment, participatory governance, local ecological knowledge, and institutional coordination to restore the multifunctional role of VTCS. The Vavuniya case offers wider lessons for dryland and postconflict regions where small-scale water systems remain central to groundwater security, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient water governance.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Keerthanaram, T. Priyanchanaa, S. http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2118 2026-06-23T08:21:24Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Anthropogenic Disturbances to Enhalus acoroides Meadows along the Mannar Causeway, Sri Lanka Keerthanaram, T.; Priyanchanaa, S. Seagrass ecosystems provide essential ecological services, including habitat provision, coastal stabilization, and fisheries support; however, they are increasingly threatened by localized anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluates the condition of Enhalus acoroides meadows along the western coastal margin of the Mannar Causeway, Sri Lanka, with emphasis on mechanical disturbance, pollution stress, and community awareness. A quantitative assessment of seagrass leaf condition (n=500) revealed that freshly cut leaves constituted , significantly exceeding naturally senescent leaves 17.6% Although no comparative control site was available during this preliminary survey, the unusually high occurrence of fresh leaf cuts observed near heavily used anchoring locations suggests a possible association with intense boat activity and propeller disturbance. Field observations further identified severe disturbance levels, with frequent propeller scarring and anchoring-induced sediment disruption. Oil pollution was also evident, with visible films observed on seagrass leaf surfaces during the field survey, suggesting direct disposal of engine waste and contributing to localized water quality degradation. A preliminary socio-ecological survey of 30 fishermen selected, through convenience sampling, indicated that while all respondents (100%) were aware of seagrass presence and its importance for fisheries, only 30% understood the impacts of mechanical damage, and 23.3% recognized pollution-related effects. Notably, 60% of respondents admitted to disposing of oil waste directly into coastal waters. Despite this, 80% expressed willingness to adopt conservation practices if appropriate guidance were provided. The findings demonstrate that E. acoroides meadows in the Mannar region are under significant anthropogenic stress, driven by both physical disturbance and behavioral factors. As a future recommendation to improve the study of seagrass leaf condition, additional ecological indicators such as shoot density, percentage cover, biomass, and leaf area index would further strengthen ecosystem health evaluations. This study highlights the urgent need for integrated management strategies combining regulatory measures, pollution control, and targeted awareness programs to ensure the long-term sustainability of seagrass ecosystems and associated fisheries.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Ekanayaka, D.M.L.E. Kayanan, S. http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2066 2026-04-27T11:23:48Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Towards Sustainable Organic Waste Management at the Institutional Canteens in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka Ekanayaka, D.M.L.E.; Kayanan, S. Organic waste generated in institutional settings poses a major environmental challenge due to improper management practices that lead to odour nuisance, pest infestation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study focuses on assessing organic waste management practices in five institutional canteens in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, aiming to propose sustainable strategies for organic waste valorization. The research was conducted from June to September 2024. The methodology integrated waste audits, on-site field observations, and semi-structured interviews with canteen operators and relevant stakeholders to evaluate existing practices and challenges. The collected data were analyzed using quantitative analysis of waste generation, collection, recycling and disposal rates, supported by qualitative thematic analysis of interview responses to identify behavioral, operational, and policy-related challenges. A detailed waste flow analysis was conducted to trace the movement of organic waste from generation to final disposal and to identify points of inefficiency and resource loss. Results revealed that approximately 450 kg of solid waste is generated daily from all canteens, of which 92.34% was organic, varies from 40 kg to 100 kg per day throughout the canteens, including cooked food leftovers, vegetable and fruit peels, and other biodegradable residues. The absence of source separation at generation points results in inefficient handling and limited opportunities for recycling and resource recovery. All generated waste is collected by the local authority and is directly disposed of at an open dumpsite, creating severe environmental problems such as foul odours, attraction of flies and stray animals, and leachate contaminates the soil and groundwater. Moreover, anaerobic decomposition of this waste emits methane, a potent GHG contributing to climate change. The study identifies the lack of organic waste valorization initiatives and absence of institutional policies as major causes. It recommends introducing composting and biogas units, along with the source segregation programmes, and conducting stakeholder awareness campaigns to convert biodegradable waste into valuable resources and renewable energy. These measures will support Sri Lanka’s National Waste Management Policy (2021), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and, 13 contributing to more sustainable and climate-resilient waste management.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Rathnayake, R.M.M.A. Kayanan, S. http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2065 2026-04-27T11:21:06Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Role of Material Recovery Facility in Minimizing the Final Disposal: Evidence from Anuradhapura Municipal Council Rathnayake, R.M.M.A.; Kayanan, S. Improper solid waste management (SWM) remains a pressing environmental challenge in developing countries, leading to open dumping, and associated air, water, and soil pollution. In Sri Lanka, the increasing waste generation due to rapid urbanization has highlighted the need for sustainable solutions that minimize final disposal and promote resource recovery. The research adopted a mixed-method approach involving field observations, structured interviews with municipal officials and waste handlers, and secondary data from the Anuradhapura Municipal Council (AMC) SWM division were used to study the current status of SWM practices. Material Flow Analysis (MFA) was used to assess waste generation, composition, recovery rates, and residual disposal pathways to understand the role of MRF in minimizing the waste disposal. Results indicated that the AMC generates approximately 32.8 tons of waste per day, of which around 62.25% is collected, approximately 42% comprises non-compostable waste directed to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting and recovery, and the compostable waste temporally stored in the MRF facility to send for composting. At the MRF facility, non-compostable waste is manually segregated into recyclable and non-recyclable fractions. Recyclable plastics, paper, and cardboard, averaging approximately 140 tons in 2024, are pressed and baled at MRF to optimize space utilization, and ensure convenient handling prior to dispatch to private recyclers. Non-recyclable but combustible waste fractions were baled and transported to cement manufacturing facilities for co-processing, contributing to energy recovery and waste to energy initiatives. Overall, AMC has achieved significant progress in managing MSW through composting, recycling, and energy recovery, thereby reducing dependency on disposal and achieving an impressive 99% of waste diversion rate in terms of collection while, 61.5% as per the generation. The findings emphasize that a well managed MRF, coupled with effective source segregation and public private collaboration can substantially enhance waste minimization while this approach represents a replicable model for sustainable waste management for the local authorities of Sri Lanka. The MRF facility contributes to achieving Sri Lankan Waste Management Policy targets with respect to waste diversion and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 11; Sustainable Cities and Communities.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z