Our environmental research focuses on understanding the impacts of climate and weather on ecosystems, air quality, and human–wildlife interactions. In response to requests from the Environment and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL), we have assessed climate influences on human–elephant conflict and analyzed vegetation dynamics using NDVI datasets. We also aim to collaborate on studying climate impacts on drought-sensitive rare spices. Key Projects Undertaken

• Air Quality in Norochcholai, Kalpitiya, and Puttalam (2017–Ongoing)
• Proposed Sampur Coal Power Plant (2011)
• Climate and Human–Elephant Conflict (2001–2003)

 

1. Air Quality in Norochcholai, Kalpitiya, and Puttalam (2017–Ongoing)

The coal power plant at Norochcholai, located in western Sri Lanka, has been controversial since 2011 due to its environmental impacts. The plant generates 900 MW, supplying approximately 40% of the national electricity demand.

Key environmental concerns:

• Emissions from 150-meter-tall chimneys
• Open storage yards of coal and fly ash removed from the electrostatic precipitator (ESP)
• Potential long-range transport of fine particulate matter

The central hill country, rising up to 2,532 meters, is particularly vulnerable due to orographic cloud formation processes. The Kandy District, with extensive west-facing slopes, lies directly in the path of potential pollutant transport.

Monitoring and analysis:

• Hourly PM2.5 data collected since March 2017 in central Colombo by the US Embassy, using an EPA-accredited BAM-1020 monitor
• Deployment of low-cost air quality sensors in March 2018 at Norochcholai and Nawalapitiya (Climate Change Observatory of the Dilmah Tea Company)
• Sensors evaluated by California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District
• Wind measurements obtained across the triangle formed by these locations

Key findings:

• Strong evidence indicates that fine particulate matter is transported from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant to the central hills
• Alternative explanations are still under investigation
• Findings have significant implications for hydrology, ecosystems, agriculture, and human health

 

2. Proposed Sampur Coal Power Plant (2011)

A second coal power plant was proposed in Sampur as a joint venture between the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).Project details:

• Joint venture company: Trincomalee Power Company Limited (incorporated on 6 September 2011)
• Planned capacity: 2 × 250 MW coal power plant
• Estimated project cost: USD 512 million

Infrastructure and agreements:

• Power transmission via high-voltage lines from Sampur → Habarana → Veyangoda Grid Substations
• Agreements signed on 7 October 2013, including: (Power Purchase Agreement, Implementation Agreement, BOI Agreement, Land Lease Agreement and Coal Supply Agreement)

The plant was expected to be commissioned before the end of 2017. However, due to deficiencies in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), concerns over environmental pollution, and public opposition, the government decided to halt the project. The proposal may be reconsidered by a future government.  

3. Climate and Human_Elephant conflict (2001-2003)

This study was conducted in collaboration with:

• International Research Institute (IRI)
• Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC)
• Environment and Forest Conservation Division of MASL
• Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka

Research activities and findings:

• Development of precipitation and NDVI climatology
• Downscaling of climate predictions
• Identification of a clear link between drought conditions in the first half of the year and increased elephant mortality