DEMV Students Explore Panchikawatta through Field Survey

The Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, provided third-year undergraduate students of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Real Estate Management and Valuation degree programme with an opportunity to examine a dynamic urban environment through a field survey conducted at Panchikawatta as part of the Real Estate Development and Management course.

The field-based exercise focused on the Panchikawatta Triangle Rapid Baseline Survey, enabling students to investigate the characteristics and dynamics of an active and economically specialised urban area through direct observation and field-level assessment. Students examined existing land-use and building patterns, commercial activities and business agglomeration, mobility and street-level activity, household and socioeconomic conditions, as well as visible environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Particular attention was given to identifying the opportunities and constraints associated with brownfield development and urban regeneration. By engaging directly with the area and its surrounding urban context, students gained a deeper understanding of how land use, economic activities, community livelihoods, accessibility, environmental conditions, and local needs influence real estate development decisions.

Through such field-based learning initiatives, the Department continues to strengthen the practical competencies of its students and prepare future real estate professionals to understand and respond to the complexities of evolving urban environments.