THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND PHILOSOPHY OF ENGINEERING

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
LEVEL 4
ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/21
COURSE TITLE : HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY
COURSE CODE : MHJ4241
ASSIGNMENT NO : 01
DUE DATE : 26. 05. 2021

INSTRUCTIONS:

Answer all questions in your own words. Marks will be deducted, if a direct copy of
the texts or the internet is given for the answer. If you quote from a text, please give
bibliographic details of the reference.

1. (I) Discuss why, in your opinion, the status of technology in the ancient Sri Lanka was at an
advanced level? What do you think are the reasons? (50 marks)

(II) What factors contributed to the collapse of this technologically advanced ancient
civilization existed in the island. (50 marks)

(Hint: You are encouraged to go through the lesson material and Day School 1 presentation
and to conduct an Internet search)

2. Write a 750 word essay on the role played by Jill Juleff in popularizing the wind-powered
iron smelting technology practiced in ancient Sri Lanka. (100 marks)

3. (I) Describe different types of tanks found in ancient Sri Lanka and their functions.
(30 marks)

(II) Explain briefly how the ancient Sri Lankans effectively managed land and water.
(30 marks)

(III) How was the ancient Sri Lankans planned to maintain the sustainability when the
irrigation works are constructed? Discuss. (40 marks)