Divisional Secretariat Division Research Articles

Socio-Cultural, Ecological and Legal Perspectives on Small Tank Management in a Selected Cascade System in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Water tanks are complex human-made ecosystems involving many natural resources and providing a wide variety of functions. Many stakeholders actively use these resources and functions. The different ecological, social, and economic elements of the ecosystem are closely related and dependent on the existence of the water tank. The central presence of the tank gives the essential structure to the territory. This is emanated very clearly in the cascade tank systems which are abundant in the North Central Province of the country. Due to many factors including industrialization of agriculture and tanks connected with the central irrigation systems such as Mahaweli, and tanks being managed predominantly by the Government, the involvement of the village communities in tank management to ensure its full ecosystem services has become very less. This aggravated by other disturbances such as war had led to the deterioration of the cascade systems. The present study was undertaken to assess the influences of socio-economic and cultural perspectives on the conservation of the tank cascade system to provide its full potential of ecosystem services. It also evaluated the ecological and legal aspects either in place or desired towards the conservation of the same. Four tanks situated in a cascade setting in Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretariat Division in Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province were selected for the study. They were Bambarahela wewa, Kumbuk wewa, Diwul wewa and Hettu wewa. The villages to which these tanks belong to are Bambarahela, Diwulwewa and Hettuwewa. Mix methods including both qualitative and quantitative data collection were used in gathering data. This was supplemented with secondary data collected from relevant sources. A close-ended questionnaire was administered in a household survey in the villages to obtain information on their dependence on tanks, and socio-economic and cultural influences on their perceptions of the ecosystem services and conservation of the tanks. This was supplemented with key informant interviews with relevant personnel including village headman (Grama Niladhari), school principals, leaders of farmer organizations, officials of relevant line agencies and the Department of Agrarian Services who has the jurisdiction to administer small tanks. From the results of the survey it was revealed that almost all the villagers had been using the tanks for more than 50 years for diverse purposes including agriculture (paddy and other cultivations), bathing, washing etc. but at present they do not use the water for drinking as they think it is polluted. The dependence on tanks does not vary significantly with their educational level or socio economic status and almost all are aware of the ecosystem services provided by the tanks. Their religion and culture had influenced their perceptions on tank conservation. However, none of them was willing to pay money to conserve the ecosystem as they were of the view that the existing management mechanism is adequate. The requirement to have buffer zones around tanks according to law, has not been adhered to. As this is rather a remote area the upper catchment of the tank cascade system is conserved. Keywords: Tank cascade, Ecosystem services, Conservation

An Assessment of Health Hazards in Urban Communities: A Study of Spatial Temporal Variations and Trends of Dengue Epidemic in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dengue is an epidemic which is spread by Aedes egyptai and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.According to the records of World Health Organization one third of the world population are exposed to dengue.As a tropical country, Sri Lanka is also seriously affected by this disease.The year 2017 is the year claimed for highest number of Dengue patients in the Sri Lankan history. During the past seven months about 120,000 Dengue patients have been recorded and among them the highest had been identified in Colombo district. Kolonnawa Divisional Secretariat (DS) division is one of the highly affected areas in the district. Therefore, Kolonnawa DS division has been selected for this study.All the recorded Dengue patients in the Kolonnawa Medical Office of Health (MOH)area in Colombo district during the period of May to September in 2016 were used for data analysis.Field observation has also been carried out for verification purposes during the study period. The absolute location of the residences of dengue patients were recorded by a hand held GPS.Total of 615 locations of 615 dengue patients have been recorded. The spatial distribution of the recorded dengue patients was identified using nearest neighbourhood analysis in ArcGIS 10.1.Trend analysis was also carried out to recognize the future trend of Dengue cases in the area. The agglomerations of those patients were identified using Kernel Density Estimation. The results revealed that hot spots of dengue epidemic are located in western half of the Kolonnawa MOH area which is close to the Colombo municipal boundary. This analysis further disclosed that there was a significant relationship with high population density and unplanned urban land use practices. Results of the field observation confirmed that the drainage systems in this area were poorly functioning and careless waste disposal methods of the people have further encouraged mosquito breeding sites. This situation is evolved harmfully from a public health issue to a social problem that ultimately impacts on the economy of the country. According to the results 20 hot spots were found out within the Kolonnawa DS division. North East and South West areas were identified as the potential areas for spreading of future Dengue cases in Kolonnawa DS division. South West area is highly vulnerable for Dengueepidemic than other areas. The results of the study will be important for Dengue prediction and prevention. These findings will be useful forconducting Dengue awareness programmes and Dengue prevention campaigns. Keywords:Dengue epidemic, Nearest neighbourhood analysis, Kernel density estimation

Domestic Violence vs. Future of the Children Case Study in the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Domestic Violence vs. Future of the Children Case Study in the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Status of micro irrigation systems adopted for vegetable cultivation in Polonnaruwa district, Sri Lanka

Micro-irrigation System (MIS) is proved to be an efficient method in saving water and increasing water use efficiency as compared to the conventional surface method of irrigation. However, use of MIS in Sri Lanka especially in the dryzone is very low. The present study was aimed to find the status of MIS adopted for vegetable cultivation in view of extending the cultivable land with MIS to increase the water use efficiency in five Divisional Secretariat (DS) division of Polonnaruwa district. Primary data were collected from 150 farmers using structured questionnaires, direct observation, field visit and personal interview. Results showed that, 17.3% of farmers adopted MIS in the study area. Most of MIS adopted farmers’ family income was higher than the MIS not adopted farmers due to the reduction in labour cost and the selection of higher value crops for the cultivation. Most of MIS adopted farmers (65.4%) were cultivating vegetable in both seasons and 88.5 % of them pointed that their yield was increased by adopting MIS. Higher initial cost was the major drawback in implementing MIS system in the study area. Lack of capitals and knowledge were the major constrains for adopting MIS. Therefore, regular extension services, training program and supply of subsidies for establishment MIS are very essential in the study area to enhance the water use efficiency by adopting MIS.

Identify the risk for leptospirosis disease during flooding periods (Special reference to Medirigiriya Divisional Secretariat Division in Polonnaruwa district).

Abstract Natural disasters have been entangled with life of human directly or indirectly. Flooding after heavy rainfall is one of the terrific and most common hazards which can have serious influences on human health by creating suitable environments to form water borne diseases. Leptospirosis is one of the major diseases caused by flooding in Sri Lanka. Thus, this study identifies the effects of floods especially on the spread of leptospirosis in Sri Lanka. Three distinct data sets were used for this study: the first was the records retrieved from Disaster Management Centre and Disaster Management Unit of Medirigiriya DS office regarding the retrospective rainfall and flooding incidents recorded during 2004-2016; the second was derived from the Regional Director Office of Health Service (RDHS) to recognize the number of leptospirosis cases recorded during the selected period; and the third data set was collected using a questionnaire survey administered to people affected by leptospirosis disease in Medirigiriya. A chi-square test was used for statistical analysis and Arc GIS 10.3 was used for map analysis. The study could identify a clear relationship between floods and leptospirosis outbreaks in Medirigiriya as majority of victims could be identified in areas subjected to floods during the past years. According to the risk map, Atambaoya, Tissapura, Viharagama, Medirigiriya and Diulankadawala Grama Niladgari divisions were identified as more vulnerable areas for the disease than the other areas. In addition to floods, muddy paddy farming and livestock rearing practices are also reasons for the spread of the disease among people. Farmers who engage in muddy paddy fields were identified as the most vulnerable group to leptospirosis as they use contaminated paddy water to wash their faces and hands, drink and fulfill sanitary requirements. Direct ways of exposure to flood water including walking through contaminated water, doing water sports without wearing protective costumes also let the bacteria to sketch human body.

Coastal community resilience level of Tsunami prone area : a case study in Sri Lanka

Abstract In the history of Sri Lanka, the Indian Ocean Tsunami which occurred on 26th December 2004 could be considered a major natural disaster with catastrophic consequences. The damage from Tsunami in Sri Lanka was so widespread unlike for many other countries. The main objective of the study is to investigate the current Tsunami resilience level and address the resilience gap by providing feasible recommendations thus building a resilient community to Tsunami. The study was carried out among hundred Tsunami affected families across five highly affected Grama Niladhari divisions in Panadura Divisional Secretariat division. These were selected based on convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from both primary and secondary information sources using a questionnaire survey with a scale of 0-5 where five represents excellent and zero is condition absent. The data was quantitatively analyzed under a framework which combines eight significant resilience elements; governance, society and economy, resource management, land use and structural design, risk knowledge, warning and evacuation, emergency response and disaster recovery. The results highlighted that coastal community resilience to Tsunami was around medium level (2.5) in most dimensions. The highest (2.4) and lowest (1.3) scores were recorded by risk knowledge and society and economy respectively, out of all resilience elements. Further the current resilience level of the community was recognized as 40% and there exists a 60% gap to achieve the ideal condition. Therefore, this should be taken into consideration to improve resilience for all dimensions of the resilience framework by the relevant authorities of the government.

Study on housing units locate in very high and high landslide hazard prone areas of Hali-Ela divisional secretariat division, Sri Lanka

Landslides are one of the major natural disasters that occur in Sri Lanka resulting in loss of lives and severe damages to livelihoods and property. Landslide hazard mapping project was launched to study and identify the distribution of landslide potential in central highland of Sri Lanka. Spatial distribution of risk buildings locate in very high and high landslide hazard prone areas are being identified through 1:10,000 scale landslide hazard maps prepared for the lowest administrative units called Grama Niladari Divisions. A building survey is carried out in housing units, commercial/institutions, religious places and schools, which are located in very high and high hazard landslide prone areas of the Badulla District. This paper presents the results of the building survey carried out in housing units locate in very high and high landslide hazard prone areas of Hali-ela D.S Division in the Badulla District. The empirical evidence revealed ten pertinent issues, livelihood of the families rely on lands in landslide prone areas; designing of houses without professional support; construction of houses without approval obtained from relevant authorities; construction of houses without obtaining landslide clearance certificate; construction of houses on steep slope (>31°) terrain; change of land morphology for construction of houses; presence of tell-tale landslide signs at the vicinity of houses; having no drainage system to discharge rain water; possibility of access road to the settlement damage by disaster; inadequate instructions to inhabitants on disaster preparedness; and housing units built without the support of professionals, to protect against landslide hazard and reducing landslide disaster risks.

Potential visitors of spice tourism and their intended future behaviour: a case study in the <em>Kolonna</em> Divisional Secretariat Division of Sri Lanka

Agro-tourism attracts visitors to an area, which is used primarily for agricultural purposes. Spice tourism is a form of agro-tourism that allows a specific land area for the benefits of the visitors to gain knowledge and experience of various spice crops, while roaming around the cultivations while feeling the aroma of spices. This study examined the potential visitors of spice tourism and their intended future behaviour regarding agro-tourism in spice gardens in the Kolonna Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) of Sri Lanka. A field survey was conducted for 40 local and foreign visitors who had visited three popular tourist destinations, namely, Maduwanwela Walawwa, Panamure Ethgala and Wavulpane Limestone cave in Kolonna. The results revealed that the middle-aged, educated, employed people with higher levels of income and living in urban areas are the potential visitors of spice tourism. Although their knowledge about spices was high, the awareness on the concept of spice tourism was low. However, visitors were willing to visit and study spice gardens as tourism destinations,, and would also stay one to two days and purchase spice products. Therefore, it is worthwhile to establish spice tourism destinations in spice gardens in Kolonna for the benefit of visitors as well as spice growers.

Socio-Cultural, Ecological and Managerial Perspectives of a Selected Cascade Tank System in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka

The main objective of the study was to assess the current knowledge and perceptions of the communities on the ecosystem services provided by the water tanks with special reference to a tank cascade system in Anuradhapura District. The findings were used to get an understanding of the present status of management, gaps and provide recommendations using an integrated approach with the relevant stakeholders. An ancient tank cascade system situated in the Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretariat Division in Anuradhapura District of the North Central Province was used for the study. Four tanks constituted the selected cascade system, namely Bambarahela wewa, Kumbuk wewa, Diwul wewa and Hettu wewa and were located in three villages ie. Bambarahela, Diwulwewa and Hettuwewa. The former villages were inhabited by Sinhala Buddhist while the latter was by Muslims. These tanks are under the jurisdiction of the Konwewa Agrarian Development Office. Secondary data as well as primary data were collected on the socio economic, ecological and managerial environment of the tank cascade and related areas. Primary data were gathered using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews. Mixed methods were used to analyse data. According to the findings, majority of the village communities use the tank for farming and related activities, bathing and washing etc. However, none use the tank water for drinking as they have a notion that it is polluted. A statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) was not observed between the occupation and monthly income of the communities with their knowledge of the ecosystem services of the tanks while the education level of households showed a positive relationship (p<0.05). However, there was a lack of knowledge on the full range of ecosystem services of the tanks, tank cascades and this needed to be enhanced. All the respondents were of the view that the tank and associated environment need to be improved and while they were somewhat satisfied with the activities of the farmer organisations and the officials of the Department of Agrarian Services they agreed that this needed improvement to procure the full potential of the tank cascade system. All the respondents were willing to contribute to the improvement and conservation of the tanks. The majority (61%) agreed to pay a fee ranging from a minimum of Rs. 100 to above Rs. 200) annually for tank management. Therefore it could be recommended that in order to promote the ecosystem approach in tank management it is required to enhance the knowledge among the stakeholders and follow an inclusive and integrated approach with the participation of especially farmers and farmer organizations and the officials of the Department of Agrarian Services.

Importance of Underutilized Crops in Thanamalwila Divisional Secretariat Division in Monaragala District in Sri Lanka

Underutilized crops serve many purposes for a household. This study was conducted to study the importance of these crops for households in Thanamalwila divisional secretariat division in Moneragala District. The purpose of this research was to identify the importance of underutilized crops for farmers in Monaragala District of Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 120 farmers who cultivate underutilized crops, through a field survey with the help of a questionnaire during January- October 2015. Group discussions were also conducted to collect in-depth information. The findings reveal, a significant number of underutilized crop species are being cultivated by the farmers. Among them, some cereals, vegetables, legumes, fruits, yams and tuber crops and herbals are common. Farmers’ main goals of cultivation are to fulfill the food requirement of the family, find extra income and to use them as herbals for simple health disorders. When farmers’ attitudes towards the underutilized crops are taken into consideration, they have positive attitude towards economic benefits of cultivating underutilized crops, medicinal and nutritional values, low cost of cultivation, less water requirements, less pest and disease problems, etc. However, farmers have neither agreed nor disagreed upon three broad levels of importance of underutilized crops namely, contributing to the biodiversity, environmental protection and tolerance to climate changes. Most of the farmers have general understanding about the importance of underutilized crops. Moreover, farmers are still willing to cultivate these crops for selling if they can have necessary facilities and a good market.

Selected non-communicable diseases and risk conditions among fishermen in Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalpitiya

Introduction Fishermen are special group of people who are more vulnerable to non-communicable diseases due to occupation specific conditions. Objective To determine the prevalence of accidental injuries, hypertension, malnutrition, smoking and alcohol consumption among fishermen in Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalpitiya. Methodology This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted during the period of August to October 2011. The sample consisted of 465 fishermen with ≥6 months experience in fishing and selected by applying the cluster sampling technique. The study instruments were the interviewer-administered questionnaire and the record sheet. Prevalence of the above conditions and diseases with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results The prevalence of accidental injuries was 19.6%(95%CI:16%-23.2%). The prevalence of hypertension was 24.3%(95% CI:20.4%-28.2%) and it was significantly higher among those who have >10 years of service experience in the fishing sector (p 10 years duration (p Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension, smoking and alcohol consumption were higher and obesity was lower among fishermen than general population. Improve the knowledge on prevention and screening are recommended.

Necessity for an Application of Environmental Management into rural Areas (Special Reference to Malimboda Divisional Secretariat Division)

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (IJMS) is published by the Faculty of Graduate Studies - University of Sri Jayewardenepura. IJMS provides a supportive environment for multidisciplinary researchers to publish their contribution to the academy of knowledge and wisdom. Focus of the journal is on multidisciplinary research which should cover at least two distinct disciplines.

Measuring the social determinants of subjective well-being of working women (with special reference to Balangoda Divisional Secretariat Division)

The measurement of Subjective Well-being (SWB) has advanced rapidly over the last two decades with the several segments. Subjective well being is defined as sum of three components-life satisfaction, presence of positive affect and absence of negative affect together called happiness. However studies based on working women's well-being still is scarce. In this paper a attempt has made to measure the social determinants of subjective well-being for working women while identifying the variation among social determinants and subjective well-being for the selected area is the supplementary objective. Selected sample consisted with 187 married, employed women in the age group of 19–60, from 3 GN Divisions in Balangoda DS Division, through cluster sampling and convenience sampling methods, using a structured questionnaire. Weighted Principal Components Analysis (WPCA) is performed on variables for the indicators of Subjective Well-Being. Under this method, the loading from the first component of PCA are used as weights for the respective indicators. Finally the constructed social determinants of subjective well-being are classified into three categories as happy moderately happy and unhappy using cluster analysis. Indicators for community relationships, contribution of family members, social validity, organizing events and nature of the job lead to high satisfaction while working hours per week, working environment and trade union participation make less happiness among working women.

Perception on the abortion laws in Sri Lanka: A community based study in the city of Colombo

Abortion is legally permitted in Sri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life. However, it is estimated that a large number of induced abortions take place in Sri Lanka. Knowledge and attitudes towards induced abortion in the society are key issues influencing the policy response towards changes in the law. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Six Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) and five to eight housing clusters from each GND were selected from Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division using multi stage stratified random sampling. Fifty households were systematically selected from each GND. An interview was scheduled among 743 residents aged between 19 to 49 years of age after receiving written informed consent. Only 11% of the respondents knew the situations in which abortion was legal in Sri Lanka. Approximately one tenth of the respondents (11%) did not agree with the current law which allows an induced abortion only to save the life of the mother. However, a majority agreed to legalization of abortion for rape (65%), incest (55%) and pregnancies with lethal fetal abnormalities (53%). Less than one tenth of respondents agreed with legalisation of induced abortion for other reasons such as con-traceptive failure (6%), poor economic conditions (7%) and, on request (4%). Although the society rejects abortion on request majority are in favour of allowing abortions for rape, incest and fetuses with lethal abnormalities.

Limitation in the use of spectral analysis to detect Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease affected palms in Southern Sri Lanka

Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease (WCLWD) was first reported in late 2006 in the Weligama Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in Matara District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Surveys conducted in 2012 revealed that 65,838, 251,980 and 14,344 palms affected by the disease in Galle, Malara and Hambanlota districts respectively. It has been confirmed by the Coconut Research Institute that the disease is caused by a phytoplasma which has some resemblance to the phytoplasma of Coconut Root (Wilt) disease in India. A 3 km wide boundary was demarcated covering the area affected by the disease and all suspicious palms were removed in the boundary zone. In the core area, affected palms were gradual removed. The disease prevailing area spanned &gt; 680 km2 and the detection of affected coconut palms across such a large area became practically difficult. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to find alternative methods to detect affected coconut palms with yellowing leaves prominent at the middle stage of the disease, using multispectral satellite images of 0.5 m resolution. It was envisaged to use this technique as a supportive management tool at field level, if successful. Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) which is the standard and widely used algorithm for detecting vegetation under stress conditions did not reveal an appreciable isolation of canopies of affected coconut palms. Of the different customized algorithms tested, the best outcome was obtained by the algorithm (Red + Green) - 2 x (Blue). When this algorithm was applied to the multispectral satellite images of 0.5 m resolution in the affected area, adult coconut palms in advanced stage of the disease could be distinguished with an accuracy of above 80%. However, a detection of palms in the early stages of the disease where leaf flaccidity is the major morphological symptom could not be made with an acceptable level of accuracy. Moreover, the detection of affected coconut seedlings was much more difficult. Thus, only an overall accuracy of 60 - 70% could be achieved by this approach with multispectral satellite images of 0.5 m resolution. Although the level of accuracy is not sufficient for a comprehensive field level application, there is scope for further improvement using images with higher resolution.

Relative Risk for TB in the Unprotected Small Industrial Environment: a case study

Tuberculosis is still continuing to be a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. About 8000 new cases of TB are notified every year. The incidences of Tuberculosis differ much within the country based on the environmental pollution and other factors such as occupation, nutrition and education levels and therefore the risk for tuberculosis also differs much within the divisional secretariat divisions. For this study the Sammanthurai divisional secretariat division which is having the small industries such as metal quarries and traditional brick manufacturing was selected to study the relative risk for tuberculosis. The relative risk for tuberculosis was estimated using linear logistic models. This studied area had 2.89 folder higher relative risk for tuberculosis compare to the national incidence. Within this studied division an area called J block was identified as more susceptible area for tuberculosis. Presence of higher number of metal quarries, traditional brick manufacturing industries, low level of education and low income might be the causes for this increased relative risks. An urgent measure to control dusts from these industries and providing safe work environment for the people working in these industries are vital. Journal of Management 2013 9(1): 39-41

Contribution of Wild Collected Underutilised Crops in Rural Food and Income Security in Sri Lanka

This study focused on investigation of role of wild collected underutilised crops (UC) in rural food and income security with special concern to the availability of those crops at respective village markets. It analysed the availability of wild collected products in the selling stocks of traditional sellers in respective village markets. Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Division in Moneragala district in Uva Province of Sri Lanka was seleted for the study. Rapid market chain analysis was the principal tool equipped for this investigation. Data collection was conducted by using primary data collection methods mostly under uncontrolled environments. Number of key informant interviews with upstream agents, focus group discussions with collectors and informal discussions with few sellers were done. In addition, a few telephone interviews were conducted with key agricultural actors in the area. Galsiyabala, Palu, Weera, Polpala, Binkohoba, Kithual products and curry leaves (Karapincha) were the key wild collections available in the markets. However, the contribution from the forest varied from around (40% to 100%). In general, males engage in wild collection by making significant damages to those trees due to falling of trees and cutting main branches. Reasonable proactive strategies are not yet adapted to ensure sustainable utilisation of wild resources rather than penalties by courts when collectors are captured by Forest Department officers. People practice this as a souces of part-time seasonal income. Though income is seasonal, they receive higher values by selling some traditional medicinal products under informal fixed prices. The price of all other products is determined by traders where collectors have minimum bargaining power in this context. Keywords: Underutilised crops, Wild collections, Rural households, Food security, Income security

Musculoskeletal symptoms, skin disorders and visual impairment among fishermen in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalpitiya.

To describe musculoskeletal symptoms, skin disorders and visual impairment among fishermen in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalpitiya. This was a community based descriptive cross sectional study conducted from August to October 2011. The sample consisted of 465 fishermen with ≥ 6 months experience in fishing selected using the cluster sampling technique. An interviewer administered questionnaire and a record sheet were used for data collection. Prevalence of the above conditions with 95% confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated. Chi square test was applied for the investigation of the factors associated with the above conditions. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 61% (95% CI: 56.6%-65.4%). The commonest symptom was back pain (37.6%). The prevalence of skin disorders was 24% (95% CI: 20.1-27.8) and visual symptoms were 38.9% (95% CI: 34.5%-43.3%). The prevalence of visual impairment of either eye was 24.3% (95% CI: 20.3%- 28.3%) low vision of either eye 22.4% (95% CI: 18.6%- 26.2%) and blindness of either eye was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.1-2.7). The prevalence of visual impairment of better eye was 16% (95% CI: 12.7-19.3), low vision of better eye 15% (95% CI: 12-18.3) and blindness of better eye were 0.9% (95% CI: 0.05-1.75). The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, skin disorders or visual impairment did not vary according to service duration in the fishing industry, number of days spent in the boat for a trip or type of boat. Prevalence of musculoskeletal and skin disorders and visual impairment were relatively higher among the fishermen.

An assessment of social and environmental implications of agricultural water pollution in Nuwara Eliya

Agriculture-related water pollution is a serious concern in major agricultural areas in the country. This study was conducted with the objective of reviewing the existing situation of agricultural activities and their implications on the environment and society in Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat Division. A questionnaire survey with 50 households in 15 Grama Niladhari divisions was conducted in the year 2008 for gathering information on nature of fertilizer and agro-chemical use, land management practices, condition of water sources and socio-economic and environmental implications of water pollution. The study revealed that the majority of sample farmers in the study area are engaged in unacceptable agricultural activities. Root crops and vegetables are mainly cultivated at two to four times per year without proper soil conservation practices. The fertilizer and pesticide rates applied by the farmers are highly variable but in some occasions about 10 times higher than the rates recommended by the Department of Agriculture. The riparian vegetation has been cleared in many places to gain land for cultivation, exposing the streams to agricultural runoff. It was revealed that drinking water sources of 45 % of the households surveyed are located in highly vulnerable areas for agricultural pollution. The main socioeconomic issues observed include loss of family income, health issues, psychological effects and effect on family wellbeing. The environmental implications observed include land degradation, soil erosion, sedimentation, water contamination and degradation of aesthetic value. In addition, the study identified that the organizations working on environment and water resources do not collaborate with each other and long term measures have not been taken to control the agricultural water pollution. Awareness creation on agricultural pollution and associated environmental issues is of key importance. A strong collaboration should be developed within the institutions involved in agriculture, environmental management and administrative activities in the area to formulate a sustainable agricultural system in the Nuwara Eliya district. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 24 (4): 304-316 (2013)

Pesticide usage pattern for vegetable cultivation in Manmunai South &amp; Eruvilpattu divisional secretariat Division of Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka

Batticaloa, is a coastal district in Sri Lanka. Vegetables except up-country vegetables sold in Batticaloa District are mainly grown in villages. Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu divisional secretariat (DS) division is a predominantly vegetable cultivating area in the Batticaloa district. Farmers in this region use variety of synthetic pesticides to protect vegetables. Recently public concern related to health risks associated with pesticide residues has been increased, substantially. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out pesticide usage practices of farmers on vegetable cultivation in Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu DS division. Stratified random sampling method was used to select respondents’ for the survey and the collected data were analyzed statistically. It was observed that, the usage of pesticides was higher in the study area. Vegetable farmers use more than 14 Insecticides to control pest infestation. Farmers in the study area apply pesticides more frequently. Highly pesticide sprayed crop is Brinjal. About 66% of the Chilli producing farmers and 84% of the Brinjal producing farmers apply pesticide more than 22 times per cropping season. Around 90% of the farmers apply more than the recommended dosage and frequency of the pesticides. It was noticed that more than 89% of the farmers harvest the produce before the recommended pre harvest interval. It was found out that farmers in the study area are not following recommended pesticide usage practices. Hence, it is essential to educate the farmers on recommended pesticide usage practices, reduced usage of synthetic pesticides and use of organic farming practices to reduce the ill effects of synthetic pesticides. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i1.21092 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. &amp; Tech. 4 (1): 53-56, June, 2014