USJ-Library Digital Repository

University of Sri Jayewardenepura Digital Repository

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura Digital Repository is the official digital archive of scholarly research produced by the academic community of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to managing, preserving, and providing open access to the university’s intellectual output, ensuring long-term visibility and accessibility of its academic contributions.

The repository hosts a diverse range of materials, including:

Publications authored by University Academics
International and National Conference & Journal Articles
Works from interdisciplinary research groups
Abstracts of master’s and doctoral theses

Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 17

Recent Submissions

Reforming the Property Rating System in Sri Lanka: Challenges, Global Insights, and Policy Recommendations for Equitable Local Government Revenue Generation
(Centre for Real Estate Studies (CRES) Department of Estate Management and Valuation University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2026) T.G.U.P. Perera
This policy paper provides a reform framework for strengthening the property rating system in Sri Lanka. The paper was motivated by the renewed national policy discussions on property taxation that emerged during Sri Lanka’s recent (year 2022 and thereabouts) economic crisis, where strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation became an important fiscal priority. In this context, initial discussions between the ICREMV 2025 policy development team and the Government Valuation Department (GVD) highlighted both the institutional interest and practical need to contribute evidence-based policy responses to the evolving property tax discourse in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the policy paper examines the major legal, institutional, valuation, administrative, and public governance weaknesses affecting the present rating system. It proposes a phased policy direction to improve equity, efficiency, transparency, and local revenue generation. The paper depicts that Sri Lanka’s current rating system, which continues to rely mainly on the annual value basis within an outdated legal and administrative structure, is no longer adequate to meet present fiscal and governance needs. The proposed reform framework supports the strengthening of local government finance and administrative capacity. It identifies how delays in revaluation, fragmented institutional responsibilities, weak property data systems, limited use of technology, and low public understanding have reduced the effectiveness of the rating system. In response, the paper proposes policy recommendations to reform the system and improve its responsiveness to changing property market conditions and local service delivery requirements. The policy paper is structured around four major reform themes. These are: legal and institutional reforms and administrative coordination; valuation basis and methods; property data management and technology integration; and public engagement and transparency. Together, these themes provide the basis for a phased and coordinated reform strategy rather than isolated administrative changes. The policy recommendations are informed by literature, policy review, stakeholder consultations, and the final conference discussions conducted through the ICREMV 2025 policy development process. The paper therefore reflects both analytical review and stakeholder-informed policy direction. In conclusion, the paper emphasises that reform of Sri Lanka’s property rating system should be approached as a broader institutional and fiscal governance reform. If implemented in a phased and coordinated manner, the proposed measures would strengthen local revenue generation, improve fairness in property taxation, enhance administrative efficiency, and rebuild public confidence in the rating system.
1st Annual Research Conference on Bioresources 2026
(Faculty of Urban and Aquatic Bioresources University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2026)
Savidu 2025 - Volume 11 Issue 02 & 03
(University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2025-05) Editorial Board 2025
Savidu-University Newsletter: Volume 11, Issue 02 & 03 has now been published, showcasing the vibrant academic, cultural, and communal life of the esteemed University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ). This online publication captures the essence of our dynamic institution through a wealth of engaging articles, captivating stories, and insightful interviews that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and achievements within the university community. It further invites readers to embark on a journey of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration, highlighting the remarkable endeavors of USJ and its exceptional individuals.
1st Jayewardenepura Computing Symposium (JCoS 2026)
(Faculty of Computing - University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2026-05) Budditha Hettige; Vindya Senanayake
Navigating abnormal uncertainty in valuation: The case of property valuation in Sri Lanka
(Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 2026-05) Mendis, B. S. N.; Perera, T.G.U.P.
Uncertainty is inherent to property valuation, and valuation practitioners are accustomed to managing it. However, the compounded events: Easter attack, Covid-19 pandemic followed by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka introduced an unforeseen, abnormal level of uncertainty in the real estate markets from 2020 to 2023 or so, with which valuers were relatively unfamiliar. The domain of practitioners’ approaches to address abnormal uncertainty remains less explored. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate how valuers in Sri Lanka dealt with abnormal uncertainty in valuation experienced during 2020 to 2023 or so. Employing a qualitative research approach, data for this study were gathered through in-depth interviews conducted in the first quarter of 2024 with purposively selected 12 professional valuers practicing in Sri Lanka. The study finds that the valuers largely relied on a mix of heuristic, pragmatic, and relationship-based strategies to navigate abnormal uncertainty against the background of data-poor and opaque real estate market. Professional judgement emerged as a central mechanism reconciling the conflicting market signals and the limited market evidence. While some of these practices demonstrate alignment with internationally recognised valuation guidelines and standards, some fall outside of formalised frameworks leading to behavioural uncertainty in valuation. The study highlights the need for the development of context-sensitive professional guidance for valuation under conditions of abnormal uncertainty to ensure consistency and transparency in valuation practice.