Judith Heshani Silva
Investigating the role of Urban Heritage sites in fostering Sustainable Urban Development in Sri Lanka: a Community-Centered approach
My research focuses on the relationship between communities living in urban heritage sites and policymakers responsible for their conservation, using Sri Lanka as a case study. These heritage sites are not just historical monuments but active living spaces where residents interact daily. The study examines how to balance the needs of these communities with heritage conservation policies and sustainable urban development. The research involves interviews with community members, local development stakeholders, policymakers, and conservation experts. These reveal the challenges living in heritage sites face, including conflicts between local needs and top-down regulations. In Sri Lanka, heritage sites are closely tied to tourism, traditions, religious practices, and political factors, creating a complex web of issues that must be navigated. By analyzing these insights alongside case studies and current policies, the research highlights opportunities to improve heritage management and community engagement. The goal is to better integrate residents' voices into the decision-making process while promoting sustainable development and preserving the historical value of these sites. The findings will offer practical insights for similar contexts globally.
Supervisors
Professor Joanna Merwood-Salisbury & Dr José Nunez Collado
Qualifications
2021
Master of Architecture - M.Arch. with ‘Merit’ in Architecture and Environmental Design
University of the West England [UWE], Bristol, United Kingdom
2016
Bachelor of Architecture - B.Arch. (Hons) in Architecture
University of the West England [UWE], Bristol, United Kingdom