NOVEMBER 2015 -...

UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA

SRI LANKA

NOVEMBER 2015

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 ............................................................................................... 18

5.3. Research .................................................................................................................................................... 21

6. Feedback from South Asia Foundation (SAF) - Madanjeet Singh Scholarship Holders...... 23

6.1. Feedback after Program Completion ............................................................................................ 23

6.2. Feedback during Program Participation ..................................................................................... 28

7. An assessment Report on the Scholars by the Faculty ..................................................................... 34

8. Slots (the Countries ) Not Filled and Vacancies for the Next Session ........................................ 35

9. Suggestion from the Institute for Further Improvement ................................................................ 35

10. Audited Accounts and Budget Summary ............................................................................................... 37

11. Itemized, Individualized Annual Expenditure for Each Scholar .................................................. 37

12. Program Objectives, Outcome of the Program and Issues ............................................................. 41


Introduction

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DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Achieving the Targets - The second set of water management specialists

The Second Year of the fulltime Masters degree program was successfully completed

with the UMCSAWM and SAF supporting 5 fulltime participants. The total number of

participants numbered 14 from both private and public sector organisations. The

resource persons and associated staff worked tirelessly to ensure the quality desires of

the program. As it was the case with the first batch, the program evaluations and

discussions during field visits revealed that the student appreciation of teaching

facilities, methods and the resource person inputs was at a very high level. Similar to

last year, there were continuous complaints about the heavy workloads especially

related to the individual and subject specific problem based learning projects which is a

unique feature to our program. However, the end of program student evaluations

revealed that none wanted the contents and the methods of problem based projects

made lighter. Consensus was that the water-maturity they gained by attending the

master degree program was because of the individual projects for which the students

had to find solutions on their own, produce a report, back the workings with field data

and literature, and then carryout a final presentation as part of a viva. This project is

the core continuous assessment mechanism. World over almost all problem based

projects are group activities. Our problem based projects are hybrids because these are

student driven, carefully guided, facilitated with time for group discussions and group

working sessions, field data and literature backed, regularly supervised, closely

monitored, and externally and internally evaluated. As the Program Director, let me

congratulate and thank all resource persons for the active contributions and unstinted

commitment by devoting much more time than the intended.

Completing a very successful second academic year and then arriving at the door step of

the third intake is a happy moment which cannot be expressed with words. In these

two years, we had directly contributed to produce 22 water experts and we are

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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absolutely certain that they will lead the water sector in the region, contribute to

regional cooperation and water knowledge dissemination in the years to come. We are

proud because we not only delivered but we also ensured our delivery. This

commendable achievement by the UMCSAWM, the Water Engineering Group, the

Department of Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering, the University of

Moratuwa, the Sri Lankan Chapter of SAF and also the entire SAF administration should

be placed on record.

When we pass our milestones and conquer these tough targets, I wish that Late Shri

Madanjeet Singh and Late Honourable Lakshman Kadirgamar were with us to share the

joy and satisfaction felt by us at the Centre and in Sri Lanka. These two noblemen who

were the pioneers had a vision, commitment and faith that we at the UMCSAWM of

University of Moratuwa could achieve this task to international standards and

expectations. I have no doubt that they would have been very proud of our

achievements. 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 to spend time with our

past and present students. We appreciate your kindness, consideration and we look

forward to your future visits and contributions.

Our biggest challenge was to attract students from neighbouring countries and also

from the water related agencies of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, for the forthcoming third

intake we have already sent our publicity material. We believe that with the pressing

needs for water, we will be able to attract more participants for our forthcoming

Masters Degree Programme. We hope that our friends, well wishers and donors will

make special efforts in this regard.

Last but not least, let me thank all those who are involved in our water program for

their support and encouragement. As the Overall Program Coordinator and the Director

of the Centre, let me also take this opportunity to thank Dr. Lalith Rajapakse who is the

Course Coordinator of this international fulltime postgraduate program, for his untiring

support and commitment.

- 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 76 deaths 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 2014-15, 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 second year in operation of the Centre, year 2014/15, was an equally challenging year just as the previous, first year of operations of the UMCSAWM, and our achievements over the period 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). Ms. G. Edirisinghe (Network Manager/Geospatial Analyst) 2). Mr. H.W. Kumarasinghe (Technical Officer In-charge) 3). 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 2014/15.

Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management

Ministry of Economic Development (Re - Awakening Project)

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)

Various private entities/companies



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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, were 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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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.

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.



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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 (5) research projects with full-time M. Sc. students

Eleven (11) 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.



32 | P a g e

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

This 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

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

for the next intake scheduled for January 2016.

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. Audited Accounts and Budget

Summary

11. Itemized, Individualized Annual

Expenditure for Each Scholar


Audited Accounts and Budget Summary

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10. Audited Accounts and Budget Summary

The Closing budget for the Masters program sponsored by the SAF (Budget 2013-15 for

the 2013 Batch/01st Intake) prepared considering associated finances and expenditure

has been submitted for the approval of the University authorities through the Bursar-

Finance Division/University of Moratuwa. Pending council approval.

Revised Budget (Budget 2014-16 for the 2014 Batch/02nd Intake) for the SAF Grant to

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

submitted for Council approval, based on the desired format/online template to adhere

when budget submissions are made, as per the instructions received from SAF. Pending

council approval.

11. Itemized, Individualized Annual Expenditure for Each Scholar

The itemized, individualized annual expenditure for each scholar (Budget 2013-15 for

the 2013 Batch/01st Intake) as incurred and compiled based on the SAF-UoM

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) requirements in order to maintain 70/30 ratio

for scholarship and scholarship related activities as speculated in the MoU/SAF

Amended Guideline was submitted for the approval of the University authorities

through the Bursar-Finance Division/University of Moratuwa (Pending council

approval).

A copy of the same was submitted to SAF following speculated online submission

templates, as attached overleaf under C. Annex I – II (Pending council approval).

The itemized, individualized annual expenditure for each scholar (Budget 2014-16 for

the 2014 Batch/02nd Intake) as estimated and compiled following the MoU/SAF

Amended Guideline and as per the instructions received on online submission portal

and associated templates was submitted for the approval of the University authorities

through the Bursar-Finance Division/University of Moratuwa (Pending council

approval).

A copy of the same was submitted to SAF following speculated online submission

templates, as attached overleaf under D. Annex III – IV (. Pending council approval).


Itemized, Individualized Annual Expenditure for Each Scholar

38 | P a g e

Budget items as per SAF MoU Requirements and Online Submission Templates

A. EXPENDITURE FOR GROUP SCHOLARSHIPS

1.1 Course Fee Transfer to Collaborative Masters Degree Program (5 SAARC scholars)

1.2 Special Course Fee: Research Advocacy, Staff hired on a temporary basis for Fulltime research project and Student Coordination and Foreign Student Care Support

1.3 Examination and Service Fee: Application/Registration, Examination, Library and other services provided to SAF scholars (SLR)

1.4 Field Trip support for SAF Scholar Research and Projects

1.5 Contingency Expenses: Charges for VISA, Entry and other fees and related expenses for SAF Scholars

1.6 Living Expenses : Medical Insurance, One time settle-in allowance and related Expenses for SAF Scholars

1.7 Stipend for SAF Scholar (SLR 40,000 per month/student)

1.8 Travel Cost: Return Air Fare and Associated Travel Costs for SAF Scholars

1.9 Expenses for SAF scholar field work and problem based project support

B. SCHOLARSHIP RELATED EXPENDITURE

1.10 Software and IT related expenses:

1.11 Purchasing of books: Reference Text, Workbooks, EBooks,

1.12 Research expenses: Data, Project work, Technical support for UMCSAWM thematic area

1.13 Stationary and Printing Expenditure and services

1.14 Travel Expenses of advisory and guests

1.15 Transportation hire for advisory/governing board/guest

1.16 Advisory/Governing board/Guest Hospitality Expenses

1.17 Advisory/Governing board/Guest Lodging Expenses

1.18 Experts Honorarium: External support services, hire, field and profession services for Extension Lectures

1.19 Laboratory Expenses for Extension Lectures

1.20 Workshop and Seminar expenses for extension lecture work

1.21 Extension lecture honorarium for invied guiests

1.22 Administrative expenses: Advertisements and Marketing of Water and Associated Research and Capacity Building Programs

1.23 Administrative expenses: UMCSAWM long term administrative support



39 | P a g e

C. Annex I – II: Budget 2013-15 for the 2013 Batch/01st Intake

Approved budgets have been provided.

D. Annex III – IV: Budget 2013-15 for the 2013 Batch/01st Intake

Approved budgets have been provided.



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12. Program Objectives, Outcome of the

Program and Issues


Program Objectives, Outcome of the Program and Issues

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12. 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



42 | P a g e

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

Issues, Methods and Recommendations/Suggestions

Budget Preparation/Approval and Reporting Issues

In the forthcoming intake budget, we have sought approval for item

aggregation to suit your web format. The approval is pending. However,

please note that we will not be in a position to commence the

program until we receive the grant in full.

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

also listed here in for further consideration.

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. The objectives of the

program is to overcome these by propaganda, lobbying, and delivering an

exceptionally good competitive international course. The responsibility of

boosting the normally available channels and using out of box advertising,

promoting, and funding avenues for the fulltime program is presently with

the UMCSAWM staff and this has to be done amidst the academic work load



43 | P a g e

of undergraduate programs of the university, delivery of research and

teaching for the ongoing 60 credit academic program in one year, ensuring

organising of field visits, projects and examinations, procurement and

disbursement in time to meet deadlines. In our opinion, the delays in

responses and inadequacies in propaganda which were experienced last

year led to a diminished response from candidates.

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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