Research Papers - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/604

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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.Sri Lanka

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Integration of industry 4.0 technologies to overcome lean manufacturing barriers in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector
    (Emerald Publishing, 2026-02-09) Silva, N; Hettiarachchi, D. I; Perera, P; Perera, C
    Purpose – This study aims to examine how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies can enable Lean Manufacturing (LM) practices in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Although LM has been widely adopted to improve efficiency and reduce waste, persistent barriers such as frequent product changes, limited real-time visibility and infrastructural constraints have restricted its full potential. The purpose of this research is to explore how advanced digital solutions, including Internet of Things (IoT), real-time analytics and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), can address these barriers and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of apparel manufacturing in a dynamic global market. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative single-case study design was used to provide an in-depth understanding of digital–lean integration. The research was conducted in collaboration with a leading Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer. Data were collected through on-site factory observations, semi-structured interviews with managers and employees and examination of company records. Using Yin’s (2018) case study methodology as a guiding framework, the study analyzed how selected I4.0 technologies were implemented alongside lean tools and how these interventions addressed identified operational inefficiencies. Findings – The study found that I4.0-enabled solutions significantly enhanced lean practices by improving production workflow transparency, defect detection and downtime reduction. Tools such as IoT-linked dashboards, electronic Kanban systems and automated performance monitoring minimized non-value-adding activities and reduced bottlenecks. AR/VR applications demonstrated potential for training and machine setup, while predictive maintenance improved equipment reliability. However, the research also identified persistent shortcomings, including data confidentiality issues, workforce adaptability challenges and high capital investment requirements. The findings highlight both the opportunities and practical limitations of integrating digital technologies into lean environments. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to a single case study of a large apparel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, which constrains the generalizability of findings. Data confidentiality policies restricted access to detailed financial information, preventing quantitative analysis of productivity gains and return on investment. Future studies could extend this research by including multiple firms across varying scales and geographies, enabling comparative insights. Broader empirical studies that quantify the financial outcomes of digital–lean integration would provide further validation and support for industry-wide adoption. Practical implications – For practitioners, the study offers a roadmap for integrating I4.0 technologies with lean practices in apparel manufacturing. The evidence suggests that digital lean tools can enhance transparency, improve workflow efficiency and support more accurate decision-making. Managers should prioritize investments in IoT-enabled monitoring, predictive maintenance and digital visual management systems while addressing workforce readiness through training programs. Attention must also be given to cybersecurity and change management to ensure sustainable implementation. These findings are particularly relevant for resource-constrained firms seeking to maximize operational efficiency while navigating global competitive pressures. Social implications – The integration of I4.0 and LM in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector holds broader social benefits by safeguarding employment in a critical export industry that provides livelihoods for over 300, 000 workers. Enhanced productivity and competitiveness contribute to economic stability and foreign exchange earnings. Moreover, digital lean practices can reduce waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and aligning with global sustainable development goals. By strengthening the resilience of the apparel sector, these advancements can help sustain jobs and improve working conditions, particularly in developing country contexts where apparel remains a cornerstone of industrial growth. Originality/value – This study provides one of the first in-depth examinations of how I4.0 technologies can act as enablers of LM in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Unlike prior studies that treat lean and digital transformation as separate trajectories, this research highlights their synergies and tradeoffs in practice. By capturing both the benefits and shortcomings of digital lean tools, the paper contributes to theory by extending understanding of lean–I4.0 integration in emerging economy contexts. It also offers practical value by providing industry-specific insights that can inform managers’ strategic decisions on digital transformation.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    Reviewing the Economics of Using LPG Vs. Electricity for Household Cooking in Sri Lanka
    (IEEE, 2020-11-16) Jayasekara, S; Fernando, Y. S
    Cooking is an essential activity in the households in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan households utilize several types of fuel to produce heat for their daily cooking needs. The most commonly used energy sources are Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Electricity. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the economic aspects of using each of these energy sources. This research aims to use existing data on several cooking appliances along with LPG and Electricity charges in Sri Lanka to calculate the costs of using each of the energy sources. With the total monthly cost of LPG at Rs.560/= and Electricity at Rs.1150/= as of March 2020, this study suggests that LPG is the most suitable energy source for cooking in Sri Lankan households.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    The Potential Role of Carbon Tax in Achieving the Paris Agreement Targets for a Developing Country: A Case Study of Sri Lanka
    (IEEE, 2020-10-20) Fernando, G. L; Liyanage, M. H
    This study assess the effect of carbon taxes on energy and emissions of the Sri Lankan energy sector during 2015-2050. Along with a Business As Usual (BAU) scenario, three alternative carbon price trajectories were considered. These scenarios have been proposed based on fifth Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP5) to achieve the 2°C Paris target for Asia. The Carbon Price trajectories proposed by AIM/CGA, REMIND-MAgPIE and GCAM were considered. The energy-economic-environmental system was modelled using the AIM/Enduse model. It considered both energy supply and demand sectors. The results show that in the BAU scenario the GHG emissions are expected to increase from 19.8MtCO 2e in 2015to 106.2MtCO 2e in 2050. Out of three carbon tax scenarios the prices proposed by AIM/CGA has been the most efficient for reduction of GHG emissions as it could reduce final energy consumption by 26% and GHG emissions by 24% in 2050 as compared to BAU scenario.
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    PublicationEmbargo
    Economic Viability of Solar PV for Domestic Applications in a Middle-Income Country: A case Study of Sri Lanka
    (IEEE, 2020-10-20) Wijesinghe, J. K; Najim, M. Y. M; Fernando, G. L; Liyanage, M. H
    This study focuses on the economics of using solar Photovoltaics for residential in a middle-income country like Sri Lanka. It considers solar irradiance in the Colombo district to estimate the power generation potential by a selected 2.16kWp solar PV system throughout the year. It used solar irradiance data by NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE), satellite solar insolation values for Sri Lanka and used the Liu and Jordan (LJ) method. Furthermore, it considered the economics of four different scenarios as model houses depending on appliance usage with net accounting. It was seen that without net accounting the Levelized cost of electricity could be as high as US0.69/kWh.However,withmechanismslikenetaccounting,itcouldbereducedtoUS 0.12 /kWh with full owners' contribution. Under the net accounting scheme houses that consume above 300 kWh/month will have the lowest payback period of 2 years and 9 months.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Technology Assessment of Herbal Products Industry in Sri Lanka
    (SSRN, 2021-06-29) Silva, N; Perera, H. S. C; Perera, L. C. D.T
    Production of herbal product is not only a local business but also has global market opportunities. Therefore manufacturing with proven quality and consistency is an important aspect. The manufacturers should gain technological competence to ensure authenticity and efficacy, complying the quality and safety regulations, enhanced productivity and efficiency. In the competitive market environment technology assessment is a tool which can be used in projecting future trajectories of technology as well as current performance level of the organization. Out of the available models and frameworks for technological assessments, this study has used inputs from two models namely, the Technology Audit Model by Garcea – Areola and Outline of Innovation Management Audit by Tidd et al. these inputs have been used to develop a single model that can be effectively adaptable to herbal products industry. There are two main objectives of the study. Firstly, develop a model which includes guide lines for technology assessment of the herbal products industry in Sri Lanka. Secondly, assessment of the level of technology position of LNP Ltd using the model and presenting recommendations for future improvements. To accomplish the objectives, the study has identified five broad areas of technology, namely Technological Environment, Technological Strategy, Innovations and Technology Development, Technology Component and Technology Transfer, against which the LNP Ltd has been analyzed. A check sheet to cover these elements has been used to guide through the assessment process. The elements using a three of the point scale ranging from High to Low (High -3, Low-1). The score of 3 for each element will represent the industry standard practice against which the other practices are measured.