http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/831 2026-04-05T18:20:49Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1001 Solar energy as a sustainable source of energy for industrial applications in Sri Lanka: a conceptual mini-review Kannan, N.; Asharp, T. The world’s primary energy demand has increased significantly due to the industrial revolution and population growth, which create the demand for primary energy. The COVID-19 pandemic situation significantly damages the world’s energy network, which critically affects developing countries like Sri Lanka. Therefore, this paper has been developed to discuss an important framework for the use of solar energy as a suitable energy source for various industrial operations. The application of solar thermal energy and solar PV systems into industrial processes can minimize the economic cost of energy usage in the country. The points discussed in this conceptual mini-review can help policymakers identify and explore industrial windows that can be structured with solar energy for a sustainable energy future in Sri Lanka 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1000 Regular and Normal Spaces for certain Generalized Open Sets in Ideal Topological Spaces Rajitha, M.; Elango, P. In this paper, we study four types of generalized open sets: Pre-I-open sets, Semi-I-open sets, α-I-open sets, and b-I-open sets, in ideal topological spaces and define the regular and normal spaces for these generalized open sets. We establish some of their properties and compare these regular and normal spaces 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/999 An Actuarial Comparison of Loss-Ratio-Bornhuetter-Ferguson and Classical Chain Ladder Techniques in Insurance Loss Reserving: A Computational Approach Michael, O.G. An insurance firm promises to reimburse benefits to the insured when unforeseen events evolve. When such contingencies arise, the underwriter has a liability to pay the claim through loss reserving techniques. The estimation of such loss reserving should be technically performed so the insurance firm will not run into a loss. This study aims to (i) estimate the Bornheutter-Ferguson reserve and the inverse of its development factor λn under the aegis of the loss ratio framework. (ii) numerically estimate the chain ladder reserve and final losses and (iii) estimate the ratio of cumulative payments in successive development periods (iv) demonstrate to professional insurance firms how to use these techniques in practice. These techniques evaluated through some run-off loss matrix can be employed to estimate technical provisions for the outstanding claims. Computational evidence from our results over the periods analyzed confirms that on the assumption of 0.9 the loss ratio, the Bornheutter-Ferguson technique as an actuarial extension of the chain ladder method numerically presents a lower reserve value than the corresponding chain ladder reserve, and hence CLreserve=249,811.708>BFreserve=86,612.58 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/998 Land Evaluation and Crop Suitability Analysis – A Case Study on Karachchi Divisional Secretariat, Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka Aginthini, A.; Udayakumara, E.P.N.; Arasakesary, S.J.; Banujan, K. Agricultural development in any region needs knowledge about the soils, their properties, and spatial distribution. Crop-land maps created using land evaluation are essential for land management. The research was conducted to develop a crop-land suitability map with “Highly Suitable”, “Moderately Suitable” and “Currently Not Suitable” categories for Karachchi Divisional Secretarial Division (DSD) (438.2 square kilometers) by analyzing soil quality. Twelve parameters and 63 sample locations were selected. Weather data such as rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity were collected from secondary sources. A slope map was created using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file, and the constructed questionnaire was used to obtain the drainage details. Soil depth was deduced from the wells and soil pits. The collected soil samples were analyzed to determine the parameters such as pH, electric conductivity, the sum of basic cations, base saturation, soil texture, and organic carbon. Each parameter was reclassified using ArcGISTM 10.4.1 to create parameter maps. After that, an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was applied to each crop, and then each parameter was reclassified again with reference to FAO’s 1993 crop requirement criteria. Finally, the Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) was conducted to obtain the crop-land suitability map. The study revealed that 50% of the study area falls under the “Highly Suitable” category for coconut cultivation. Rain-fed paddy shows that 45% of the study area is “Moderately Suitable”. Irrigated paddy has a “Moderately Suitable” area of 48%, while nearly 51% is “Moderately Suitable” for onion. 17% of the land is “Highly Suitable” for groundnuts. The pineapple is “Highly Suitable” for 12% of the study area. A crop-land suitability map for Karachchi DSD was created. This map will be a guide for land planning decision-makers 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z