research cutting edge technology & knowledge...

UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA

SRI LANKA

JANUARY 2017

Industry Oriented

CAPACITY BUILDING

Cutting Edge TECHNOLOGY &

KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION

Pioneering

RESEARCH

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management-UoM_SL

Introduction

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Table of Contents

DIRECTOR’S NOTE ................................................................................................................................ 2

ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 .............................................................................................................. 5

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5

2. Objectives of the Centre .............................................................................................................. 5

3. Vision and Mission ....................................................................................................................... 5

4. Faculty, Personnel and Clients..................................................................................................... 7

4.1. Faculty from University of Moratuwa ................................................................................. 7

4.2. Faculty (Visiting) from Local Universities and Industry ....................................................... 8

4.3. Faculty from the Region ...................................................................................................... 9

4.4. Other Personnel .................................................................................................................. 9

4.5. Clients .................................................................................................................................. 9

5. Activities, Services, Training, and Research............................................................................... 11

5.1. UMCSAWM Activities in Year 2014/15 ............................................................................. 11

5.2. Student Activities in Year 2014/15 ................................................................................... 22

5.3. Research ........................................................................................................................... 25

6. Feedback from South Asia Foundation (SAF) - Madanjeet Singh Scholarship Holders ............. 27

6.1. Feedback after Program Completion ................................................................................ 27

6.2. Feedback during Program Participation ....................................................................... 32

7. An assessment Report on the Scholars by the Faculty .............................................................. 38

8. Slots (the Countries ) Not Filled and Vacancies for the Next Session ....................................... 39

9. Suggestion from the Institute for Further Improvement .......................................................... 40

10. Program Objectives, Outcome of the Program and Issues ....................................................... 42


Introduction

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DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Demonstration of Competence in Teaching Water Resources Engineering and

Management – The third year in succession

The Third Batch of the fulltime Master’s Degree program is progressing well with 21

participants with the full utilisation of 8 SAF scholarships. Out of the scholarships, 3

were awarded to females from Sri Lanka and Bhutan while the balance five positions

were divided among Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The rest of the participants

are from 08 Sri Lankan organisations practicing water resources management and

planning within the country.

Presently the sessions are midway in the third and final semester. The full time

students are also nearing completion of their research projects. Similar to the previous

years, the fulltime students have shown very limited research progress during the first

two semesters and the students are of the view that the full time scholarships should

extend up to a period of at least 15 months. Though this has been discussed at previous

board meetings, it may be necessary to evaluate the situation at the end of the third

semester in February 2017. In case the scholarship periods are to be extended up to 15

months, then it is necessary to identify and obtain financial support.

As in the previous years, the resource persons and associated staff worked tirelessly to

ensure the high quality of lectures, training and guidance. The individual problem

based projects for each subject, which is the real strength behind the success of the

program has moved from strength to strength by incorporating new teaching

techniques and instructions to ease the work load of students. The master degree

program well-coordinated by Dr. Lalith Rajapakse has a well balanced approach with

University Grants Commission approved curricula, field visits for data collection and to

gain exposure to industry practice, group work, individual assignments, projects,

presentations and quizzes.

Professor Sohan WIJESEKERA

Senior Professor/Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Chairman of the Centre, Overall Programme Director/UMCSAWM

University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka


Introduction

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As the Program Director, I am extremely proud of the untiring work carried out by the

resource persons, the performance of the students and the role played by the support

staff. This postgraduate program conducted by the Department of Civil Engineering

with the support of the SAF is a commendable achievement of the university of

Moratuwa. This could not have been possible without the support of the academic and

non-academic staff of the university and especially the Faculty of Engineering, the

Department of Civil Engineering, and the Water Group.

The forthcoming SAF governing council meeting in Sri Lanka is a welcome event. The

conference that has been organised to be on the following day is expected to

demonstrate the strength of water resources management application case studies by

our students, carried out as either problem based projects (PBL) or individual water

resources management research.

Each achievement of the UMCSAWM echoes the contributions by the Late Shri

Madanjeet Singh and Late Honourable Lakshman Kadirgamar who were the corner

stones of the program and the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre. I would like to take

this opportunity to thank the past and present vice chancellors of our university, the

past and present board members of the UMCSAWM, past and present members of the

SAF Sri Lankan Chapter and the SAF India for all the support extended to us. Without

such support and encouragement, this task would not have been fulfilled. Let me

especially mention Ms. France Marquet, the Trustee and the other board members for

taking their time to visit the centre and spend time with our past and present students.

We appreciate your kindness, consideration and we look forward to your future visits

and contributions.

Professor Sohan WIJESEKERA

Chairman of the Centre Overall Programme Director UMCSAWM-UoM, SL


Introduction

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1. INTRODUCTION

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE

3. VISION AND MISSION


Introduction

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM)

University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

1. Introduction

Water is life, but it can also be a threat to life when it comes to water related disasters, mainly floods and droughts. This very fact emphasizes the need for effective water resources management and disaster resilient development goals. The planet is facing a 40% shortfall in water supply by 2030 as disclosed in the recently released 2015 United Nations World Water Development Report, “Water for a Sustainable World”. South Asia, home to nearly 1.6 billion people, has witnessed a surge in water related disasters in recent years mainly triggered by heavy rains and floods. With recent devastating floods in Sri Lanka (torrential rainfall, widespread floods, landslides, and mudslides have caused over 200 deaths due to floods and landslides since December 2014) and South Asia’s most populous countries, India (Gujarat floods in June/July resulted in a death toll over 80), Pakistan and Bangladesh, and earthquakes in Nepal (7.2 magnitude Gorkha earthquake killed over 9,000 people and injured more than 25,000) and Afghanistan (7.5 magnitude quake has caused over 400 deaths to date) in 2014-16, South Asia is likely to remain the world region most prone to disaster impacts.

The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) was established in year 2013 in an attempt to address the growing regional and global challenges in water resources management by merging the ancient wisdom, unique insights and historical forms of water management prevailed in the region with emerging new technologies while playing a vital role in developing integrated approaches for sustainable and equitable water management in future.

The third year in operation of the Centre, year 2015/16, was an equally challenging year just as the previous two years of operations of the UMCSAWM, and our achievements over the period from 2013~2017 and future plans are briefly elaborated herein.

2. Objectives of the Centre

The UMCSAWM shall have two parallel approaches to achieve its cardinal objective of regional cooperation - one through academic studies and the other through research activities. A multi-dimensional approach shall create a hub of scholars that specialize in Water Management studies in SAARC and other countries, and at the same time promote international convergence of Water Management expertise in Engineering, Irrigation, Hydrology, GIS, Sociology, etc.

3. Vision and Mission

The Vision and Mission of the UMCSAWM are as follows.

The Vision: To be a premier centre of knowledge and outreach focused on sustainable water management in urban and rural environments.

The mission: To promote techniques, technologies, management approaches, research and policy that support sustainable utilisation of water.


Vision and Mission

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4. Faculty, Personnel and Clients


Faculty, Personnel and Clients

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4. Faculty, Personnel and Clients

4.1. Faculty from University of Moratuwa

Prof. (Emeritus) DCH Senarath (Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng. (Cey), M.Eng. (Sheff), Ph.D. (Birm), M.Sc. Appld. Psychology (Colombo), C.Eng., FIE (SL)

Prof. NTS Wijesekera (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons(SL), PG Dip Hyd Str (Moratuwa), M.Eng. (Tokyo), D.Eng. (Tokyo), C.Eng., FIE (SL), MICE (Lond)

Prof. SSL Hettiarachchi (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), Ph.D. (Lond), DIC

Prof. (Mrs.) N. Ratnayake (Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Cey), M.Eng. (Wales), C.Eng., FIE (SL)

Prof. SS Wickramasuriya (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (SL), Ph.D. (UNSW), C.Eng., MIE (SL)

Prof. SP Samarawickrama (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), DIC, Ph.D. (Lond)

Dr. JMA Manatunge (Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), M.Sc. (London), DIC, Ph.D. (Saitama), C.Eng., MIE(SL)

Mr. AHR Ratnasooriya (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), MPhil (Moratuwa)

Dr. TMN. Wijayaratna (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), MEng AIT), DEng(Yokohama), CEng,, MIE (SL)

Dr. MW Jayaweera (Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), Ph.D. (Saitama), C.Eng., MIE(SL)

Dr. HMR Premasiri (Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Erath Resources Engineering)

B.Sc.Eng. Hons. (Peradeniya), M.Phil.(Moratuwa), Ph.D. (Keele)

Dr. UP Nawagamuwa (Geotechnical Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)



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B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), M.Eng.(AIT), Dr.Eng. (YNU), C.Eng., MIE(SL)

Dr. R L H L Rajapakse (Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering)

B.Sc. Eng.Hons (Moratuwa), M.Sc.(Saitama), Ph.D.(Saitama), C.Eng., MIE(SL)

Dr. Ms. WB Gunawardana B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa), M.Eng.St. (Auckland), Ph.D. (Auckland)

Other staff to be included with Senate Approval as and when necessary

4.2. Faculty (Visiting) from Local Universities and Industry

Mr. A. Abeygunasekara

- B Sc. Agriculture (Hons) (Peradeniya), M.A. Agric. Econ. (Wisconsin USA) - Secretary, Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage

Eng. Mr. S.M.D.L.K. De Alwis

- IESL part II (Civil Engineering), Dip. in Irrigation Engineering, M Eng. (EWRE&M) SL, C Eng. MIE ( SL)

- Director of Irrigation ( Anuradhapura) , Irrigation Department

Eng. Mrs. N. Eriyagama

- B.Sc. Eng. (Hons.) (Peradeniya), M.Eng. (Moratuwa), MIE (SL), C Eng. - Consultant/Researcher, International Water Management Institute

(IWMI) - CGIAR Research Centre Headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Eng. Mr. A.H. Jayaweera

- B.Sc. Eng. (Sri Lanka), PG Dip Sanitary Eng. (IHE/Delft), CEng, FIE (SL) - Director, Field Services, Interim-National Water Resources Authority (I-

NWRA) - National Team Leader Sri Lanka Water Supply & Sanitation Sector Study

commissioned by World Bank with the assistance of Aus AID. - Technical advisor Ministry of Water Supply & Drainage facilitating the

national WASH forum participated by Government sector institutions, humanitarian institutions practitioners and implement agencies

Eng. Mrs. B. Kamaladasa

- B.Sc. Eng. (Sri Lanka), M.Eng.Sc (Development Technologies) (Melbourne), F.I.E (SL), C Eng.

- Director General of Irrigation, Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka - President of Sri Lanka National Committee of Large Dams - President of Sri Lanka Committee of International Committee of Irrigation

& Drainage

Eng. Mr. N.N. Kamaladasa

- B.Sc. Eng. (Sri Lanka), MBA (Sri J’Pura), CEng, FIE (SL) - CEO, Distance Learning Centre - Director, Centre for Housing Planning and Building - Writer/Publisher



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Eng. L. R. H. Perera

- B.Sc. Eng. (Civil) in 1997, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka - M.Sc (Hydrology & Water Resources) in 2007, Institute for Water

Education (UNESCO IHE), Delft, The Netherlands - Chief Engineer (Irrigation Department- Colombo) [Water Resources

Planning] & Chief Irrigation Engineer (Dam Safety & Water Resources Planning Project – Colombo)

Dr. (Mrs.) W. B. M. Thoradeniya - NDT, PG Diploma(Moratuwa), M.Sc.(Netherlands), M.Phil.(O U S L),

PhD.(Moratuwa), FIIESL - Senior Lecturer, ITUM-University of Moratuwa.

4.3. Faculty from the Region

Approval from SAF (during the Board of Management Meeting held old on 05th December, 2014) was sought and granted to maintain an accumulative fund until adequate funding is cumulatively gathered over a period of 2-3 years before initializing the staff exchange programs.

4.4. Other Personnel

The personnel presently serving as support staff:

1). Mr. H.W. Kumarasinghe (Technical Officer In-charge) 2). Mr. W. Jayaweera (Network Manager/IT Admin) 3). Ms. H. Fernado (Course Assitant) 4). Ms. K. Perera (Course Assitant) 5). Mr. K. Ranaweera (Laboratory Assistant)

4.5. Clients

The Clients have been identified as various state, private sector, non- governmental agencies and international institutions requiring water and related services in the area of research, consultancy and capacity building.

Active collaborations were established with following stakeholder agencies in year 2013~17.

Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB)

Irrigation Department (ID)

Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL)

Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation (SLLR&DC)

Department of Agrarian Development (DAD)

State Engineering Corporation (SEC)

UNICEF Water Sanitation and Construction Project



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Over 20 various private entities/companies

5. Activities, Services, Training, and

Research


Activities, Services, Training, and Research

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5. Activities, Services, Training, and Research

5.1. UMCSAWM Activities in Year 2014/15

Improving Teaching and Learning Facilities at the new UMCSAWM building

(January 2014 onwards & ongoing)

Purchasing of teaching/learning equipment, computers, books, are in

progress and the purchase of remaining furniture for the building are

pending/postponed due to lack of adequate funds.

Meeting with the Officials of SAF - Sri Lanka Chapter

A meeting between the officials of SAF-Sri Lanka and UMCSAWM-UoM

was held on 05th June 2014.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Jeewan Thyagaraja - SAF Board

Member and outside subject expert nominated by the SAF, Ms. Swinitha

Perera – Secretary/ SAF - Sri Lanka Chapter, Prof. Ananda Jayawardane -

Vice-Chancellor/ University of Moratuwa, Prof. U. G. A. Puswewala -

Dean/ Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Mrs. V. Jayasena

(Secretary) Acting Registrar/ University of Moratuwa, Mr. P. A.

Gunathilake – Acting Bursar/ University of Moratuwa, Prof. S. M. A.

Nanayakkara - Head/Dept. Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa,

Prof. N. T. S. Wijesekera - Chairman/ UMCSAWM & Overall Program

Director, University of Moratuwa, Dr. R.L.H.L. Rajapakse - Senior

Lecturer/ Dept. Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa & Course

Coordinator/M.Eng/PG Dip in Water Resources Engineering and

Management.



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Commencement of the Fulltime Masters of Engineering Degree Program

(07th November 2014)

Altogether, five participants (2 from Bhutan, 1 from Afghanistan, 2 from

Sri Lanka) were offered with South Asia Foundation (SAF) - Madanjeet

Singh Group Scholarships/Fellowships to pursue M. Sc. in Water

Resources Engineering and Management offered by the UNESCO

Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM),

in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, University of

Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Three remaining vacancies could not be filled due

to lack of qualified applicants, even after repeated requests to the

respective SAF chapters.

Further, 11 postgraduate candidates representing a broad spectrum of

state, non-governmental and private agencies were enrolled under the

first intake of the program as part-time participants (2-year/part-time

course).



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South Asian Foundation (SAF)-Madanjeet Singh Scholarships for the Fulltime

Students of UMCSAWM Program- 2nd Intake (07th November 2014)

Five participants (2 from Bhutan, 1 from Afghanistan, 2 from Sri Lanka)

were offered with one-year, fully paid scholarships to pursue the Eng. in

Water Resources Engineering and Management inaugural course offered

by the UMCSAWM.

1). Mr. Dorji Khandu (Bhutan, Age: 28)

Civil Engineer

Dragon Engineering and Construction, Bhutan

2). Mr. Jigme Tshewang (Bhutan, Age: 32)

Municipal Engineer

Municipal Authority, Trashiyangtse, District, Bhutan

3). Mr. Mohammad Bilal Sharifi (Afghanistan, Age: 25) Hydraulic engineer, Ministry of Public Works, Kabul, Afghanistan

4). Mr. TNK Kumari (Sri Lanka, Age: 40)

Senior Engineer,

National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Sri Lanka

5). Mr. D.M.S. Sampath Dissanayake (Sri Lanka, Age: 33)

Area Engineer,

National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Sri Lanka



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Visit by the SAF Trustee Madame France Marque and other SAF Delegates

(05th December 2014)

The Trustee, South Asia Foundation (SAF) Madame France Marque and

other delegates from SAF – Sri Lanka visited UMCSAWM.

This is the second visit by Madame France to the UMCSAWM and a

meeting with the full-time/part-time students representing both 2013-14

and 2014-15 Batches (01st and 02nd Intakes) was also arranged.

Madame France was delighted by the magnificent appearance of the

Centre Building now equipped with the state of the art facilities for

conducting the UOM-SAF-UMCSAWM MSc program and was further

enchanted by the enthusiastic and very positive views expressed by the

students with regards to the program and the learning environment.

While expressing her heartfelt compliments to all students and staff for

their achievements, Madame France pledged further administrative

support from SAF to the UMCSAWM for attracting more prospective

students from all SAARC countries and logistic support for making the

learning environment at the Centre up to date and more conducive.



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Third Board of Management Meeting of UMCSAWM (05th December 2014)

Attended by Madame France Marque – Trustee, South Asia Foundation,

representing late Shri Madanjeet Singh - UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

and also the Founder of South Asia Foundation; Prof. Carlo Fonseka and

Prof. (Mrs.) Uma Coomaraswamy - SAF Board Members and outside

subject experts nominated by the SAF, Prof. AKW Jayawardane, Vice

chancellor, University of Moratuwa; Prof. U. G. A. Puswewala -

Dean/Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa; Mr. A. L. Jaufer

Sadique - Registrar/ University of Moratuwa; Mr. C. A. D. Pushpakeerthi -

Acting Bursar/ University of Moratuwa; Prof. S. M. A. Nanayakkara -

Head/Dept. Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa; Prof. N. T. S.

Wijesekera - Chairman/ UMCSAWM & Overall Program Director,

University of Moratuwa.

Ms. Swinitha Perera – Secretary/ SAF - Sri Lanka Chapter and Dr. R. L. H.

L. Rajapakse - M.Sc./PG Dip Course Coordinator/ University of Moratuwa

were present as observers.



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Skype Meeting with SAF-India (held on 21st April 2015)

This meeting was scheduled as per the email request from Mr. P. K.

Prabhakaran (CEO, SAF-India) dated 10th April 2015, in line with the

Governing/Advisory Council Meetings of the Madanjeet Singh’s

Institutions of Excellence convened during the visit of Madame France

Marquet (Principal Trustee-MSF) to India.

Professor N. T. S. Wijesekera (Chairman of the Centre/Board Member)

updated Mme. France and Mr. Prbhakaran that the Director’s Report

(UMCSAWM_UoM-Annual Report 2013-14) was submitted during the

UMCSAWM Board of Management Meeting held on 05th December 2014.

Professor A. K. W. Jayawardane (Vice-Chancellor/Chairman, BoM) was

unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment and consented

Prof. Wijesekera to convene the meeting with Prof. U. G. Puswewala

(Dean, Faculty of Engineering/ Board Member), Mr. C. A. D.

Pushpakeerthi (Acting Bursar, UoM) and Dr. R. L. H. L. Rajapakse

(M.Sc./PG Dip Course Coordinator, UoM).

Visit by UNESCO Delegates from Delhi Office (18th June 2015)

Dr. Ram Boojh - National Programme Officer, UNESCO Cluster Office for South Asia, Mr. Mitrasen Bhikajee - Senior Programme Specialist, UNESCO Cluster Office for South Asia and others paid a visit to UMCSAWM.

Meetings with the students and staff were arranged and the impressive

academic ambience at the Centre that the staff and students have been

able to create within such a short period was highly commented.



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Commencement of the Fulltime Masters of Engineering Degree Program

(12th February 2016)

Altogether, eight (08) participants (2 from Bhutan, 1 from Nepal, 2 from

Pakistan, 3 from Sri Lanka) were offered with South Asia Foundation (SAF) -

Madanjeet Singh Group Scholarships/Fellowships to pursue M. Sc. in Water

Resources Engineering and Management offered by the UNESCO Madanjeet

Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM), in

collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, University of

Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. The program has gained momentum and publicity and

this time for the first time, we could offer the full number of 8 scholarships,

and further the total number of candidates registered for the 2015/16 Batch

(03rd Intake) of the program is 23 with 16 local/part-time postgraduate

candidates representing a broad spectrum of state, non-governmental and

private agencies.



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South Asian Foundation (SAF)-Madanjeet Singh Scholarships for the Fulltime

Students of UMCSAWM Program- 3rd Intake (12th February 2016)

Eight participants (2 from Bhutan, 1 from Nepal, 2 from Pakistan, 3 from Sri Lanka)

were offered with one-year, fulltime SAF - Madanjeet Singh Group Scholarships to

pursue the M.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering and Management course offered by

the UMCSAWM.

01 02 03

Mr. Ugyen Wangchuk Miss. Kinely Wangmo Mr. Pratik Singh (Bhutan, Age: 34) (Bhutan, Age: 22) Thakuri Technican Civil Engineer (Nepal, Age: 25) Tala Hydroelectric Rinson Construction Intern Volunteer, Project Authority, Campany(PVT LTD), Rotary Arekha, Bhutan. Bhutan. International,

Nepal.

04 05 06

Mr. Ahmad Mohy Ud Din Mr. Muhammad Kamran Mrs. Pramila Kumari (Pakistan, Age: 22) (Pakistan, Age: 23) Mahanama Dissanayake Civil Engineer Civil Design Engineer, (Sri Lankan, Age:35) Lahore, Pakistan. Consult & Construct Civil Engineer

(PVT) LTD,Pakistan NSWDB, Sri Lanka.



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07 08

Mrs. Sasiri Thathsara Kannnangara

Siriwardana Dissanayakalage

(Sri Lankan, Age:35) Charitha Rangana

Civil Engineer (Sri Lankan, Age:28)

Link Engineering Site Manager

(pvt) Ltd. CML-MTD

Constructions Ltd.

Joint 2-Day Workshop with USGS-UMCSAWM-Hokkaido University

Introduction to Modeling River Flow and Morphodynamics within the IRIC Interface

September 1st ~ 2nd (Thursday & Friday), 2016, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Target Group: River modelers, Engineers, Postgraduate students, Researchers,

Academics and the event was attended by an overwhelming crowd of 38, including

present and past students.



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5.2. Student Activities in Year 2014/15

M. Sc. Program - Field Visits for Industry Collaboration

Module/Date: Integrated Water Resources Management (on 30/01/2015)

Places Visited: Attanagalu Oya River Basin, Gampaha District

Module/Date: Concepts of Irrigation and Irrigation Water Management

(on 27th & 28th March 2015)

Places Visited: Nachchaduwa Reservoir - Irrigation Department,

Anuradhapura.



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Module/Date: Advanced GIS for Water Resources Management

(on 08th May 2015)

Places Visited: Field Visit to International Water Management Institute

(IWMI) and Urban Development Authority (UDA), and Department of

Agrarian Services.

Module/Date: A 3-day Field Visit, covering overall program objectives (on

18~20/07/2014)

Places Visited: Places of interest in Ancient Kingdom Cities of Mahiyangana

and Kandy in the Central Hill country where several ancient irrigation

reservoirs as well as major reservoirs of the Mahaweli Scheme are located.

The Engineering Faculty/University of Peradeniya, and the picturesque

Riverstone Gap, Knuckles Mountain Range and Wasgamuwa National Park

were visited adding unforgettable memoirs to student diaries.



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Conducting M. Eng. Program’s End of Semester Examinations

The end of semester examinations of the M. Sc. Program were conducted, in

accordance with the rules and regulations/by-laws of the University.

Problem Based Learning (PBL) presentations

The final presentation for Problem Based Learning (PBL) projects for the

modules Concepts of Irrigation and Irrigation Water Management, Water

Resources Project Planning & Management, Advanced GIS for Water

Resources Management held on 07/03/2014, 14/03/2014 and 28/02/2014,

respectively.



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Final Thesis Defence and Viva-voce Examination for Research Projects

The final presentation/defence and viva-voce examination of thesis for the

full-time/SAF Scholarship students were held on 21/10/2015 in the

presence of the evaluation panel appointed by the Faculty Higher Degrees

Committee.

5.3. Research

Five (08) ongoing research projects with full-time M. Sc. students

Eleven (17) research projects with part-time M. Sc. students with

institutional/industry involvement

Collaborative field based research for irrigation and urban drainage

experimental facility

Other research outside the Masters Degree program is expected to

commence with the availability of funding for outdoor experimental

facilities.



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6. Feedback from South Asia Foundation

(SAF) - Madanjeet Singh Scholarship

Holders


Feedback from South Asia Foundation (SAF) - Madanjeet Singh Scholarship Holders

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6. Feedback from South Asia Foundation (SAF) - Madanjeet Singh

Scholarship Holders

6.1. Feedback after Program Completion

1). How you were benefited from the program

I have learned a lot both through theoretical and practical

experiences.

2). How your studies at UMCSAWM have helped/would help in promoting regional cooperation

During my studies here I have had a great opportunity to

interact with many good friends and visited some of the

beautiful places. I was inspired by the friendliness of the

people and beautiful culture. This scholarship program is

important for people to people relationship, exchange

ideas about culture, tradition, religion which would help in

promoting regional cooperation.

3). How you would value what you have learnt/gained from the program and your overall experience at UMCSAWM

Indeed, it was wonderful experience to be here at

UMCSAWM. The knowledge and exposures I have acquired

will be greatly cherished and it will definitely benefit for

my country Bhutan in future.

Dorji Khandu

Bhutan

28 years old

Civil Engineer

Dragon Engineering

and Construction

Thimphu: Bhutan

4). Any other comments

N/A

5). Any suggestions for improving the program or functions/facilities at UMCSAWM

I would suggest UMCSAWM to provide better hostel for international students

where there are fewer disturbances (Noise).



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I gained new knowledge on water resources engineering

and management where the contents of program are

related to my job. Therefore, when i join back to service, i

will be in better position to deliver the services.


I met international students in my batch and

undergraduate as well in university. During my stay at

UMCSAWM, i got many information regarding the custom

and tradition of Sri Lanka and other countries where i

could link and promote regional cooperation.

Jigme Tshewang

Bhutan, 32:

Municipal Engineer,

Municipal Authority,

Trashiyangtse

District, Bhutan


I would value the knowledge that i have received from this program as an asset for

me and my country, this is because in our there is acute shortage of person having

knowledge of this program. My Overall experience at UMCSAWM is, i got

opportunity to interact with senior professors and lectures, attended valuable

workshop and symposium, visited the sites relating to program and shared the

national identities of our own country with international students at UMCSAWM.


Course duration need to be extended as it is very difficult to complete all the

semester exams, course work and research within a year. Financial support for the

research data is required. At least a week leave/vacation after each semester exams

is required to refresh the students.


If the course duration can be extended, students can able to progress the course in

better way. More field visits related to course is required to understand the real

situation. It will be better, if the department could arrange the field trip at

beginning of course, so that we the foreign students can interact with new friends

to become friendly and to get exposure.



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1). How you were benefited from the program.

I studied hard therefore I have learned at maximum

level thorough the course.

2). How your studies at UMCSAWM have helped/would help in promoting regional cooperation.

Before coming to Sri Lanka, I was working as a

Hydraulic engineer therefore this course was very

interesting to me and I have learned many update things

which I can apply for rehabilitation of my homeland.


As it is clear that, Afghanistan is a mountainous country

with a lot of water but, unfortunately lack of hydraulic

structures and technical hydraulic engineer causes to

faced problem in water sectors. Hence as an Afghan

engineer I will apply the gained update knowledge for

development of my country.

Student Name

Country, Age: 25

Hydraulic Engineer

Ministry of Public works

Kabul, Afghanistan.

4). Any other comments.

I am really thankful to South Asia Foundation (SAF) for providing full scholarship.


That would be helpful for full time students to increase the duration of the course at

least for 3 to 4 months. It’s kindly suggested that, if it is possible increase the

number of scholarships.



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Gained diverse knowledge and experience in dealing with

water resources related issues while benefited with true

master degree qualification with professional capacity

enhancement.


Having studied together with the regional members,

experienced the value and ways to cooperate with

different regional members and established relationships

will enhance it further in regional scale.


It was great experience and made life long impact in a good

and valuable way.

D.M.S.S Dissanayake

Sri Lanka, 33 years

Area Engineer

National Water

Supply and Drainage

Board (NWSDB)


N/A


Improved internet facility and printing facilities will be much benefited for

Scholars during their studies.



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During the one year period MSc in Water Resource

Management can be obtained by following this course. This

is full paid course and the NWSDB grant me paid leave for

the course and after that organisation will get more

benefits. This helps to improve our technological and

management skills in addition to that. We had excellent

guidance to complete this program.


We learnt in good environment with all the facilities. We

had a good opportunity to study with two Bhutan students

and one Afganistan student. We helped each other and did

some collective studies for exams and PBLs. During that

time we had several field visits and enjoyed the course.

We had experience of different cultural and religious of

SAF countries. We have a good friendship with foreign

friends as well.

T.K.N.K. Kumari

Sri Lanka, 40 years

Senior Engineer

National Water

Supply and Drainage

Board (NWSDB)


This course provided us more than what we expected. We learnt how to do the

presentations well, how to write a report, GIS applications, field experiences, and

deal with the real problem by doing Problem Based Learning for each and every

subject. That is really important part of this course. It was very interesting and by

doing this we learnt a lot.


We realised that the Time management is very important to complete the course.

Professor NTS Wijesekera and Dr. Lalith Rajapakshe are always with us when we

have some problems and they guided and helped more. Also Ms. Gayani, Mr. Wajira

and other staff also supported to complete this program.


Water Pollution subject is an optional subject and it can be incorporated with the

water quality subject. It is very important to NWSDB as well. We had a chance to

take an A4 paper for the exams (open book) in third term and it is very good for all

subjects, as we wasted time to remember equations in addition to the concepts.



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6.2. Feedback during Program Participation

Name: Dorji Khandu (Bhutan)

Course: M.Sc./PG Dip in Water Resources Engineering and Management

1). Your experience at UMCSAWM/in Sri Lanka

It was good experience to be here at UMCSAWM/in Sri Lanka to learn about the

culture and people’s way of living besides academic learning.

2). Your feedback about the program

UMCSAWM should provide some research grants especially for data collection and

also book allowances should be provided.

3). Feedback about staff/program delivery

Problem based learning projects for some modules are not taken seriously. May be

integrated PBL should be considered for similar modules in order to make it more

effective and save time.

Should consider delivering the results semester wise.

4). Feedback about facilities (building/accommodation)

University should provide good hostels for International students where there are

fewer disturbances.

5). Your overall perception/feeling about being a SAF scholar

I am very proud of being the recipient of SAF scholarship. This program is very

helpful in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia and I hope this will continue

in future which will definitely beneficial to many potential candidates in

contributing in their respective countries.

6). Further suggestions/Any other

N/A



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Name: Jigme Tshewang (Bhutan)



I met approachable staff and students in university. I learned a lot from them and

cleared my doubts. All the academic facilities were available and I found that the people

of Sri Lanka are helpful and kind.


The program is excellent with good contents in each module.


All the staff are approachable and helpful. The program delivery is excellent as all the

events were successfully completed as per time schedule.


If there is separate apartment with cooking facilities for the foreign students, it will be

benefited, because we the foreign students are not able to cope up with meals. The

hostel rent was quite high with respect to facilities and conditions of room.


Being as a SAF scholar is proud and great opportunity to pursue higher education. All

the arrangements made by the university are appreciable and the monthly stipend we

received is sufficient for our day to day expenses.


It will be beneficial to respective SAARC countries if the intake of scholarship could

increase. The course was tight due to one year program with research. Therefore, it will

be in better position if the course duration is two years.



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Name: Mohammad Bilal Sharifi (Afghanistan)

Course: M.Sc./PG Diploma in Water Resources Engineering and Management


Before coming to Sri Lanka there was no idea with me about the program and Sri Lanka.

When I started my studies in UMCSAWM, I have found this course very helpful as well as

very difficult. The time given was very tight but, hard working and good teaching

techniques of our teachers helped us to overcome with a success.

2). Your feedback about the program.

One year full time M.sc program was very helpful and I have learned many new things,

which I was not expected, throughout the program.

3). Feedback about staff/program delivery.

I never thought I would be facing such intelligent and hard working teachers in my

entire life. They honestly taught me, encouraged me, inspired me, and energized me to

complete this course so successfully.


The building which we were studying on that for one year was very clean and

comfortable with all facilities but, the accommodation place was not as comfortable as I

was expected because, the room which I stayed for one year was not clean enough.


First of all, I would love to express my sincere gratitude towards the South Asia

Foundation for providing me with this opportunity to study in Sri Lanka. We are given

the stage not only to study, but also to create the links with our own Asian friends,

which we never knew that we will get to know. Before we come here, meet people, all

we had was just assumptions, how those people will be, but now we have a complete

idea about the people. Our culture and traditions they all are linked, only things divide

us are the invisible geographical boundaries.


Hopefully to increase the number of scholarships for Afghan students.



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Name: D.M.S.S Dissanayake (Sri Lanka)



Valuable in both academic and professional context. Also in social cooperation as well.


Consists of important aspects of water resources engineering and management. Bit

compressed since time constraints.


Well organised programme delivery with truly dedicated staff that I should really

appreciates.


Overall, good environment provided.


Extremely happy and feel valuable and important person to country as well as to the

region.


It will be great opportunity if this scholarship can be extended to more people and

increased time duration.



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Name: TKNK Kumari(Sri Lanka)

Course: M.Sc./PG Dipin Water Resources Engineering and Management


We had a good working environment at the centre. We study six days (except Sunday)

per week at the Centre. We had field experience as well as theories. Lecturers are from

university as well as from the industry. It is very good for us to understand the subjects

well with their experiences.


Actually this program is very good. From this program we learnt to deal real problems

faced in the industry and how to solve them. This is very useful to handle real world. By

doing PBL, we understood the theories we have taught in the class. Other thing is class

room activities are also very important because we can solve our problems by having

discussion with the lectures.


Staff / program delivery was very good.


Given facilities are in very good.


Research guidance given by Professor NTS Wijesekera is excellent. The excellent

coordination of all activities by Dr. Lalith is appreciated.


N/A.



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7. An assessment Report on the Scholars

by the Faculty

8. Slots (the Countries) Not Filled and

Vacancies for the Next Session

9. Suggestion from the Institute for

Further Improvement


An assessment Report on the Scholars by the Faculty

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7. An assessment Report on the Scholars by the Faculty

Last year, the UMCSAWM and the team joined hands with the Department of Civil

Engineering, University of Moratuwa and South Asia Foundation (SAF), to send their

Warmest Congratulations to the first batch of graduates who were conferred with their

M.Eng. degrees/PG Diplomas during the 36th General Convocation of the University of

Moratuwa held on Monday, September 21st, 2015 at the Bandaranaike Memorial

International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Five full-time students supported by the SAF-Madanjeet Singh Scholarship scheme and

belonging to the M.Eng. in Water Resources Engineering and Management Degree

course, and one part-time student from the Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources

Engineering and Management course (2013 Batch/01st Intake) were amongst the over

1400 undergraduates and 130 postgraduate students conferred with their

degrees/diplomas during this glorious annual event. The list of first batch of graduates

is as below.

Graduated Students - M.Eng. Degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management

(First Intake/2013-14 Batch)

Mr. Gautham Thapa (SAF Scholar from Bhutan/Fulltime)

Mr. Sonam Tobgay (SAF Scholar from Bhutan)

Mr. Munaver Jaman (SAF Scholar from India)

Mr . Hemantha Chemjong (SAF Scholar from Nepal)

Mr. Welihenage Keerthirathne (SAF Scholar from Sri Lanka)

Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources Engineering and Management (First

Intake/2013-14 Batch)

Mr. A.D.I.S. Arangala (Part-time candidate from Sri Lanka)

The examination results of the full-time/part-time candidates of the 2014 Batch/02nd

Intake are pending approvals from the Board of Examiners/Higher Degrees Committee,

Faculty of Engineering and Senate.


Slots (the Countries ) Not Filled and Vacancies for the Next Session

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8. Slots (the Countries ) Not Filled and Vacancies for the Next Session

The total number of applicant nominations forwarded by each SAF Chapter for 2013/14

and 2014/15 program enrolments and number of candidates selected are listed below.

Country/SAF Chapter

2013/14 Program 2014/15 Program Filled/Total

Nominated Recruited Nominated Recruited

Afghanistan 1 0 1 1 1/2

Bangladesh 4 0 0 0 0/2

Bhutan 3 2 4 2 4/2

India 1 1 0 0 1/2

Maldives 0 0 0 0 0/2

Nepal 1 1 0 0 1/2

Pakistan 0 0 1 0 0/2

Sri Lanka 4 2 2 2 4/2

TOTAL 14 6 8 5 11/16

Ongoing Batch (3rd Intake)

Country/SAF Chapter

2015/16 Program 2017/18 Program Filled/Total

Nominated Recruited Nominated Recruited

Afghanistan 4 0 0/4

Bangladesh 3 0 0/3

Bhutan 4 2 2/4

India 0 0 0/0

Maldives 0 0 0/0

Nepal 2 1 1/2

Pakistan 2 2 2/2

Sri Lanka 5 3 3/5

TOTAL 20 8 ?? 8/20

Overall, eight (8) vacancies, one from each SAF Chapter/SAARC country are available

for the next intake scheduled for January 2017.


Suggestion from the Institute for Further Improvement

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9. Suggestion from the Institute for Further Improvement

Flexibility in expenditure with lesser budgetary restraints to improve teaching and

learning facilities to enhance quality teaching/learning with more conducive

environment

- Present budgetary restraints with 70: 30 scholarship and scholarship related

expense ratio hinder UMCSAWM and staff from investing on essential

teaching/learning facilities for full-time students required to upgrade and

maintain program quality

Additional SAF support to establish link programs/contact visiting lecturers from

associated SAF/UNESCO and other organizations

- Annual allocation is not adequate to arrange visiting lecturers, thus the

commencement of staff exchange programs will be delayed until adequate

funding is cumulatively gathered over a period of 2-3 years

Further SAF collaborations for promoting courses and attracting applications

- Additional support to attract candidates from countries with low or no response


Suggestion from the Institute for Further Improvement

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10. Program Objectives, Outcome of the

Program and Issues


Program Objectives, Outcome of the Program and Issues

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10. Program Objectives, Outcome of the Program and Issues

The outcome of the program and its benefits to all stakeholders involved can be

summarized as follows.

Completed a one year fulltime international masters degree program for the first

time in Sri Lankan University History

Conducted water resources Masters degree program for regional countries to the

entire satisfaction of the students and the university

A big step towards regional cooperation with the involvement of key officials and the

educated community through an postgraduate educational program which combined

four regional nations, namely, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka

SAF objectives

Promoting regional cooperation through South Asian Water Management Education

UMCSAWM Centre shall offer Masters Degrees and/or Postgraduate Diploma Courses

in water management subjects and will also conduct research in areas of relevance to

South Asian Countries

UOM Objectives

To be the leading Knowledge Enterprise for technological and related disciplines in

South Asia by:

Providing transformative education in technological and related disciplines which

nurtures the inquiring mind and develops knowledge and skills for facing global

challenges;

Carrying out nationally relevant and high-impact research to expand the boundaries

of knowledge and to enhance the national technological capabilities;

Providing expert services to the State, Industry and the Society as an Internationally

positioned Sri Lankan University, and,

Contributing to sustainable, scientific, technological, social and economic

development of Sri Lanka.

Student Objectives

Learning new development in water sector with example applications, solving of case

issues and involvement of experienced academics

Completing a Masters Degree Program with recognition of content coverage within a

period of one year

Professionally connecting and bonding with the water sector implementers,

academics and colleagues



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National Objectives

Moving towards an educational hub of Asia

Enhancing the critical mass of personnel managing scarce water resources of the

country and in the region

Regional cooperation, bonding and sharing of knowledge

Academic Staff

Conducted Cutting Edge Water Research at Masters Degree Level - Completed 6 - Full

time research projects, 10 Part time research projects progressing

Developed and Practiced Cutting Edge delivery techniques for Dissemination of

knowledge in water resources

Achieved the effective delivery of completing a 60 credit water postgraduate

program in one year

Programming to conduct lectures, projects, field visits, enabling study leave and

holding examinations with careful and collective planning and coordination

Achieved effective negotiation with decision makers and persuasion of colleagues in

academic and administrative positions to conduct a fulltime masters degree program

within an environment where the emphasis is on providing quality Undergraduate

education

Dissemination of a challenging program with the involvement of multi sector

resource personnel from industry

Some of the concerns previously highlighted but with no proper solution to date are

also listed here in for further consideration.

Timely completion of the ongoing program and then submission of budgets to receive

forthcoming year's funding to commence the next program without a delay.

This requires sending out notices and processing of applications, completion of

formal examinations and Research Thesis examinations, complete purchases, holding

of conferences etc., and then releasing results.

Difficulty in establishing contacts, delays in correspondence and inadequacy of funds

to organise regional resource person inputs to the program - coordination and

identification issues.

Recommendation – More support from SAF and SAF affiliations; Commence activities

from the beginning of the second year to include in the third year program.

Permission to accumulate funds upto thresholds of exchange program requirements.

Support of SAF chapters to find experts of cross sector/disciplines.

Providing publicity to work done; the outcry from the boards for SAF Centres to

advertise/publish what they are doing, their achievements and details of ongoing

programs



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Recommendation – Requirement of dedicated professional and media HR support for

preparation of web based promotional work. Either outsourcing or having in-house

capacities, having dedicated academic person hours to brief and check the inputs to

such promotional programs put together by marketing or media personnel, are the

key factors to be considered; Request ideas and support from SAF and Regional SAF

affiliations

Lack of funding in state/state-water institutions to support local masters degree

programs, lack of enthusiasm to release students on a fulltime basis, lack of student

enthusiasm due to the non-availability of standalone water expert jobs in the market

are the hindrances for the receipt of a direct enthusiastic queue of applicants to water

programs.

Recommendation – A policy level involvement to support waivers or provide

subsidies probably until the program bear roots, concentrated enthusiasm and

recognition of the difficulties of UMCSAWM by the SAF chapters, obtaining high-level

state commitments (probably MoU) for the enrolment of students for the program

(both foreign and Sri Lankan state institutions in the water sector should be taken in

to consideration by the SAF), may be solutions to solve the issues of the program and

the forthcoming water wars of the world/region.



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