Saparamadu

Airports are an interest of many theorists that study queuing theory, “but literature on such research is limited to minimizing passenger delay with the focus localized to one part of the airport or one particular airport” says Shamain Saparamadu. . According to her, there are many aspects related to passenger comfort that should be looked at, such as minimizing the distance to the terminal from the airport entrance and minimizing delays at service centers, security checks, check-in-counters, immigration counters, baggage stations and the gates. Optimizing each of these aspects will make movement through an airport a pleasant experience for the traveler. So, in her research, Shamain wanted to take a comprehensive approach towards this problem, and looked to minimize delays in the entire duration that a passenger spends at the airport. Recognizing the fact that even if the wait time was minimized, there would still be some unavoidable delays; she also looked at how a traveler could spendtime more meaningfully and comfortably at the airport.

Prior to her PhD journey, Shamain completed a B.Sc. (Special) Degree in Mathematics from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She completed her secondary education at Taxila Central College, Horana. “I had developed a liking for mathematics from my school days and I wanted to apply my knowledge to a practical aspect of society”, says Shamain. She further notes, “I am very lucky to have been able to work with Prof. Saman Bandara as my supervisor”. He is super-helpful and is a great supervisor”.

Senior Prof. Saman Bandara has a PhD from the University of Calgary. He is known for his research in transportation, vehicular traffic and people flow. He has made a name for himself as an effective PhD supervisor and is highly sought after.The Department of Civil Engineering at UoM, where Shamain's PhD was completed is well recognized for its contributions to the transport sector in Sri Lanka. The Department has strong links with the local industry and government sectors in transportation, as well as with foreign universities. Shamain also appreciates the helpful research culture at the Department with friendly staff and students. She also extends her appreciation to Senior Lecturers Dr. Bhadranie Thoradeniya and Dr. Samanthi Mathugama of the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa (ITUM).

The Bandaranaike International Airport was a primary point of study in this research, and Shamain recalls spending many days and nights there gathering information. She acknowledges the Head of security, from Sri Lankan Airlines, Major General Nissanka Wijesinghe as being particularly helpful in granting her access to the airport premises. During her research, Shamain had the opportunity to also study airports in foreign countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Maldives and India. In India she observed Delhi, Chennai,and Bangalore airports, with the assistance of Prof Ashish Verma of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India.

Using the data she collected from local and foreign airports, and with the support of Mathematical and Statistical methods, Queuing theory and Monte Carlo simulation, she designed a model for optimizing passenger flow through airports. The parameters in the model can be customized and used for any part of any airport in the world. The model works to minimize delays, walk time and wait time within the airport and assists in detecting the optimal terminal configuration for the airport. She also suggested some ‘frictions’ i.e. wash rooms, internet booths, and food outletsand their strategic positioning at the airport to enhance passenger comfort and experience.

Shamain is hopeful that her findings would be incorporated at the Bandaranaike and Mattala International airports as well as other airports across the world. She has authored journal articles as well as presented her findings in local and foreign research forums. She would like to see her research extended with other airport terminal configurations as she had based hers only on certain types. She would also like to see more research on frictions geared towards passenger comfort.

Shamain is now a Senior Lecturer at the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, ITUM and hopes to continue with her teaching and research activities. We wish her all the best in reaching the heights she aspires in her career.