University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

Guidelines

Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

Spatial and Socio-Economic Determinants of Fast-Food Consumption Among Urban Dwellers: A Geographical Analysis in Wattala-Mabola Urban Council, Sri Lanka
(World Scientific News, 2026) Mubashshira, M.A.F.; Rewathy, K.
Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have contributed to the increasing prevalence of fast-food consumption in cities around the world. In Sri Lanka, urban residents are increasingly relying on quick-service dining options, yet the spatial and socio-economic determinants shaping this behavior remain underexplored. This study investigates the influence of income, spatial proximity, and the distribution of fast-food outlets on consumption patterns within the Wattala–Mabola Urban Council area. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 116 randomly selected residents using a stratified sampling method across 6 Grama Niladhari divisions based on ethnic composition. In-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected participants, systematic observations, and several secondary data including fast-food outlet locations and urban infrastructure complemented the dataset. Spatial distribution patterns were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.8, while socio economic relationships were examined using independent chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis at a 0.05 significance level, controlling external factors. Theoretical interpretations were guided by Spatial Interaction Theory, the Behavioral Geography Model, Central Place Theory, Location Theory, Tobler’s First Law of Geography, and the Distance Decay Principle. Results indicate that fast-food outlets are highly concentrated in the southern region of Wattala–Mabola Urban Council area, particularly along the main roads and densely populated neighborhoods. Which is reflecting patterns of accessibility and economic activity. Independent chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between income or proximity and the mode of consumption, whereas multiple regression revealed (R = 0.28) a weak positive association between income and consumption frequency and a negative association with the distance. These findings suggest that although income and spatial accessibility influence fast-food consumption, modern urban factors such as mobility, food accessibility modes, and digital ordering moderate these effects. This study provides empirical evidence on how spatial structures and socio-economic factors jointly shape urban fast-food consumption, offering practical insights for urban planning, public health interventions, and policy development aimed at promoting healthier dietary practices in rapidly urbanizing settings.
Socio-Economic Implications of Fast-Food Consumption in Urban Sri Lankan Context: Evidence from Wattala–Mabola Urban Council Area
(Graduate Associate Professional (Pvt) Ltd, 2026) Mubashshira, M.A.F.; Rewathy, K.
Fast food has become increasingly embedded in urban lifestyles, reshaping dietary behaviour, cultural practices, and household economics. The main objective of the research was to analyse the socio-economic impacts of fast-food consumption among urban dwellers. A mixed-method approach was used, considering on both primary and secondary data. The core dataset consisted of structured questionnaires administered to 116 residents selected through stratified sampling while considering the representation of all major ethnic groups in the study area. To conduct interviews, 20 purposively selected participants, including health officers, government officials, and community members were interviewed to capture deeper social and economic knowledge. Findings reveal pronounced social impacts, with 97.4% of respondents identifying adverse health outcomes and 91.4% reporting greater vulnerability among children and youth. Cultural changes were evident through declining traditional food habits (87.9%), disruption of family routines (81%), and reduced cooking skills (75%). Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between fast-food frequency and BMI (R = 0.30 at p < 0.05), though the relationship remained modest due to external lifestyle and sampling factors. Economically, fast food contributed to industrial growth (89.7%) and tax revenue (81.9%) but simultaneously imposed substantial financial burdens, including rising healthcare costs (94.8%), pressure on low-income families (94%), and household budget inflation (89.7%). Overall, the study highlights how urban food culture, behavioural patterns, and biological responses interact within a broader socio-ecological system, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions and policies to mitigate the long-term social and economic risks associated with fast-food dependency.
Knowledge and use of sublingual glyceryl trinitrate in cardiac patients at the cardiology unit of National Hospital of Sri Lanka
(University of Colombo, 2020) Mudunkotuwa, M. C. N. S.; Munsif, J. M. M.; Nanayakkara, A. G. G. S.; Senanayake, N. P.
Introduction: Angina is a common symptom of Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and it is managed with sublingual glyceryl trinitrate(SLGTN). The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and use of sublingual glyceryl trinitrate in cardiac patients at cardiology wards, National Hospital of Sri Lanka(NHSL). Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using convenient sampling of the diagnosed IHD patients at Cardiology Unit, NHSL from 06th to 31st January 2020. Data were collected using a pretested, validated, interviewer administered questionnaire, prepared according to NHS guidelines, and analyzed using SPSS software. The associations between age, gender, education, monthly income and duration of SLGTN use with the knowledge and use of GTN were analyzed. The Chi square test was used to study the significance of the associations. Results: A total of 125 patients were recruited. Among the respondents, 56.2%(n=70) had satisfactory knowledge and 43.8%(n=55) had poor knowledge. Of the patients, 69.1%(n=86) reported proper use and 30.9%(n=39) had improper use. Females had significantly higher knowledge than males (p=0.003). Patients who had not passed GCE(O/L) had higher knowledge than the patients who had passed GCE(O/L); (p=0.001). Of the 51 patients who did not pass GCE(O/L), 70.58% (n=36) had satisfactory knowledge and of the 74 patients who passed GCE (O/L) 47.3%(n=35) had satisfactory knowledge. There was no association between age, monthly income and duration of SLGTN use with the knowledge and use of SLGTN. Conclusions: Overall, our respondents had a satisfactory level of knowledge on use of SLGTN, and constituted a near normal distribution. However, significant number of patients lacked knowledge on some aspects and had poor use. Males had a significantly poor knowledge compared to females. These findings indicate that further education and counseling is needed. As we used convenient sampling our study population/results may not be applicable for entire population.
The Relationship between Knee Osteoarthritis and Ischemic Heart Disease among Patients Attending National Hospital of Sri Lanka
(University of Colombo, 2023) Dehigahawatta, H.D.U.O.; Ratnatunga, S.
Osteoarthritis is a worldwide highly prevalent type of arthritis and the knee is the most commonly affected joint. Moreover, ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major contributor to disability among other cardiovascular diseases. A growing amount of research indicates that osteoarthritis may be regarded as a cardiovascular risk factor. This study aimed to assess the relationship between knee osteoarthritis and IHD among patients attending the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL). A case-control study was conducted with 80 patients, aged between 50-75 years in NHSL. Among them, 40 patients who had been diagnosed with previous IHD from Cardiology and Medical clinics were selected as the case group and 40 patients who had not been diagnosed with a previous IHD from Medical clinics were selected as the control group. Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and IHD in both case and control groups was established by a valid diagnosis made by a medical professional. An interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect the relevant data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Most of the study population was female (55%) in both cases and controls. The history of knee osteoarthritis in patients with IHD and their controls differ significantly: the percentage of those that had knee osteoarthritis was higher in cases (37.5%) than in controls (15.0%). (OR=3.4; 95% CI 1.156-9.996. p=0.022). There was a statistically significant relationship between knee osteoarthritis and IHD among patients attending NHSL. That means patients with knee osteoarthritis were at a significantly higher risk of getting an IHD.
Molecular docking simulation of Aspergillus flavus AlmA like protein binding with long chain alkanes (C16-C40)
(University of Colombo, 2022) Viswanathan, P.; Perera, M.; Jayasena, J.
Introduction: AlmA is a bacterial enzyme known to initiate the degradation of long-chain alkanes. Although efficient degradation of alkanes has been observed in fungi, their mechanisms and the enzymes involved are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify the binding capability of AlmA like protein in A.flavus using in-silico methods. Methods: A putative AlmA homolog protein sequence similar to the Acinetobacter sp. was identified from Aspergillus flavus and its 3D structure was modelled and validated using bioinformatics techniques. The 3D structures of Alkanes and the cofactors required for AlmA (FAD and NADP), were optimised using Orca Version 4.2.1 and molecules were docked stepwise using AutoDock Vina 1.2.0. The cofactors were initially docked on to the AlmA. The AlmA homolog bound to co-factors were then docked with alkanes (C16-C40). The RMSD value and binding affinity of molecules were evaluated. Hydrophobic interactions and docking site analysis of the A. flavus AlmA like protein and AlmA of Acinetobacter sp. were conducted using Chimera, Protein Ligand Interaction Profiler (PLIP), and ProteinsPlus and results were compared and analysed for ubiquity of similar interactions.