http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/susl/4874 SLJGEM 2026-04-28T12:37:51Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/susl/4881 Front materials SLJGEM 2025-06-25T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/susl/4880 SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY VARIATION IN WETLANDS: A CASE STUDY OF THE COLOMBO METROPOLITAN AREA. Madhusankha, RPK; Jayarathne, M; Ranasinghe, LA Water quality is defined by its physical, chemical, and biological parameters per established standards for its various uses. This study primarily focused on analyzing temporal and spatial variations of water quality parameters in the Colombo Metropolitan Wetlands. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. SPSS and ArcGIS Pro software were used for data analysis. Water samples were collected from 18 water sampling locations for this research. Physical and chemical parameters such as pH value, Ammonia Concentration, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Phosphate Concentration, Turbidity, and Temperature were used to assess water quality. The parameters used in this study were compared between 2012 and 2022 to assess whether they exhibited a declining trend. By 2022, the pH value has marginally increased in comparison to 2012. When considering Colombo Metropolitan wetlands, the ammonia levels were lower in 2022 that in 2012. In 2012, several locations had dissolved oxygen concentrations within the recommended limit of 6 mg/L. However, by 2022, multiple analyzed water sources showed dissolved oxygen levels falling below the acceptable threshold. A comparison of phosphate concentrations between 2012 and 2022 indicated slight fluctuations. Turbidity levels decreased by 2022 compared to 2012. Although the temperature showed minor variations, its overall value remained consistent between the two years. 2025-06-25T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/susl/4879 A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT ACROSS CLIMATIC ZONES IN SRI LANKA: FOCUS ON POLONNARUWA, KANDY, AND KURUNEGALA DISTRICTS. Fasna, MRF; Herath, HMKCW Drought is a significant global concern, and its impacts are increasingly felt in Sri Lanka due to climate variability. This study analyzes meteorological drought across three distinct climatic zones in Sri Lanka; the Dry Zone, represented by Polonnaruwa District; the Wet Zone, represented by Kandy District; and the Intermediate Zone, represented by Kurunegala District. The study analyzed 30 years of monthly rainfall data (1993-2023) obtained from the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). Polonnaruwa emerged as the most drought-prone region, experiencing drought in 21 of the last 30 years, with 170 drought months, 102 of which occurred during the Southwest monsoon period. Kurunegala recorded only one moderate drought year (2003) and a total of 56 drought months, with most occurring during the Northeast monsoon. Kandy showed an increasing trend in drought events, with moderate drought conditions becoming more frequent in recent years. A correlation between rising Land Surface Temperatures (LST) and increasing drought frequency was noted in Polonnaruwa, suggesting that climate factors significantly exacerbate drought conditions. The study recommends adopting drought-resistant crop varieties, promoting water recycling practices, and enhancing reforestation efforts to mitigate drought impacts in these districts. 2025-06-25T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/susl/4878 EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO: FROM A MEDICAL GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE Hasna, MHP; Fareena, R Menstrual hygiene is an essential yet often neglected public health issue, particularly within university environments. This study explores how female students at the University of Colombo manage their menstrual hygiene, the challenges they face, and the broader health and environmental impacts, through a medical geographical lens. The research set out to understand students’ perceptions, examine the types of menstrual products they use and their attitudes toward them, assess the health and environmental effects of these practices, and suggest practical, sustainable solutions. Data were collected from 130 questionnaires and 52 interviews across all academic years. Results revealed a strong reliance on single-use sanitary pads, with 94% of students using them and only 6% choosing reusable options. Eva (48%) and Fems (40%) were the most preferred brands. Many students experienced health concerns like irritation, inflammation, and allergies. Most changed pads three times a day, with monthly costs ranging between Rs. 270 and Rs. 700 often a burden for students living away from home. Alarmingly, 76% said they lacked proper menstrual hygiene education, and 51% felt the university’s Youth Wellness Center services needed improvement. The study calls for better awareness programs, affordable sustainable alternatives, and improved hygiene facilities on campus. 2025-06-25T00:00:00Z