Recent graduates of the Department of Building Economics shone at the 18th International Research Conference of Faculty of Architecture Research Unit (FARU 2025), earning awards for their outstanding research presentations on 10th December 2025.
Gheethanjali Balasubiramaniyam, a Temporary Instructor at the Department of Building Economics, received the Best Presenter Award under the Construction and Property Management thematic session of the FARU 2025 Conference for her research paper titled “Challenges Faced by Sub-Contractors in Managing Disaster-Related Claims in the Sri Lankan Construction Industry”. This paper, which was co-authored with Prof. Yasangika Sandanayake, Mr. Lakshitha Bandaranayake, and Mr. Kirupakaran Vinojan, examines the key difficulties experienced by sub-contractors in managing claims arising from disaster-related events, with the aim of identifying effective practices to minimise such challenges in the future. The study employed a qualitative research approach, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using code-based and manual content analysis techniques. The findings facilitate improved disaster-related claim management and support the development of sub-contractor-friendly guidelines to strengthen industry resilience.
Malintha Fernando, a Research Assistant in the Department of Building Economics, won the Best Presenter Award under the theme Sustainable Construction Materials at the FARU 2025 Conference for the paper titled “Strategies for the Use of Sustainable Materials in Road Construction: A Qualitative Delphi Study”. This paper, which was co-authored with Sen Prof. Kanchana Perera, Dr. Tharusha Ranadewa, and T. Sayanthan, highlights the promotion of sustainable materials to reduce environmental impacts, enhance road durability, and improve overall construction performance by addressing gaps in practical implementation. The study adopted a qualitative Delphi approach with two rounds of expert interviews and presents material-specific, actionable strategies that contribute practical value to the advancement of sustainable road infrastructure.
These achievements highlight the department’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, innovation, and rigorous research skills, while demonstrating the graduates’ ability to produce work that contributes valuable knowledge and practical insights to the built environment sector.
