Field-Based Learning Enhances Real Estate Project Development in Anuradhapura
The Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, successfully conducted a two-day academic field visit to Anuradhapura on 31st July and 1st August 2026 for third-year undergraduate students of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Real Estate Management and Valuation degree programme under the EMV 3280 – Real Estate Project course. The visit supported the preparation of comprehensive development proposals for the Malwathu Oya and Old Railway Lands project areas.
The field visit provided students with valuable opportunities to examine the development potential of both project sites through direct observation, stakeholder engagement, and extensive field data collection. Students participated in discussions with officials from the Irrigation Department and Sri Lanka Railways, gaining professional insights into environmental management, infrastructure planning, land use considerations, heritage conservation, and redevelopment opportunities associated with the two project sites.
Working in teams, students carried out comprehensive site investigations, including land use surveys, boundary identification, photographic documentation, mapping, stakeholder analysis, visitor perception surveys, and informal interviews. They identified key opportunities and development constraints while collecting evidence to support GIS analysis, master planning, development appraisal, and conceptual design proposals. Students also assessed accessibility, environmental characteristics, recreational opportunities, heritage assets, commercial potential, and community needs to ensure that their proposals reflected both technical analysis and local context.
The Real Estate Project challenged students to develop innovative and sustainable proposals for the revitalization of the Malwathu Oya riverfront and the redevelopment of the Old Railway Lands. By integrating knowledge of real estate development, urban planning, market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management, students were able to formulate practical, evidence-based solutions to contemporary urban development challenges.
