Thathsarani de Silva

Towards Developing an Area-Based Landscape Character Assessment Methodology for Sri Lanka

Over the past few decades, the concept of landscape character has expanded beyond natural beauty to include human perception, socio-cultural factors, livelihoods, and aesthetics. Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) supports the identification of these diverse attributes and contributes to participatory and adaptive planning. While its role in responding to climate change is still being explored, LCA offers promising potential for guiding resilient landscape strategies.

This research focuses on enhancing LCA methodologies for Sri Lanka’s coastal landscapes, which are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise. By reviewing international LCA practices and local approaches, and by engaging with experts, the study aims to contribute to developing an area-based framework that captures changes in coastal landscapes and informs national planning policies. The findings will also offer valuable insights for other island nations facing similar environmental challenges.

Supervisors

Dr Victoria Chanse & Dr Shannon Davis

Qualifications

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Landscape Architecture [BLA (Hons)], Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (2017)

Master of Environment Management [MEM], Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (2019)

Chartered Member of Sri Lanka Institute of Landscape Architects (SLILA) since 2021

Conferences

Towards developing an area-based approach to understanding coastal landscape character in a changing climate: Adapting LCA for Sri Lanka.
The 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference 2025 (AF2025)
13-16 October 2025 | Christchurch, New Zealand.

City Imageability through integration of coastal lagoon landscapes in city planning and Development- with special reference to Negombo Lagoon.
The International Scientific Sessions NARA 2018 - National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency
July 2018 | Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Integration of coastal lagoon landscapes as an imageable landscape element for city planning and development- With special reference to Negombo Lagoon.
The 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment 2016 (ICSBE 2016)
December 2016 | Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Contact

thathsarani.desilva@vuw.ac.nz