Resettlements issues in Sri Lanka; with special reference to ‘Yan Oya’ project
Abstract
Aim: The ’Yan Oya’ Irrigation Project in eastern Sri Lanka was finished in 2019, and this study used data from the displaced persons (DP) who were relocated there. What are the social and economic challenges faced by displaced people? Was the research question put to the test? This research aims to pinpoint the specific factors that need to be considered to lessen the negative effects of socioeconomic factors during the planning stages of a resettlement project.
Methodology: The quantitative cross-sectional study used a positivistic methodology. Under the survey design, raw data was gathered via structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. 51 households were drawn from DP due to the ’Yan Oya’ development project using a simple random probability sample method.
Findings: Their original lands were flooded by the reservoir created by the Yan Oya project. The mud farming and chena cultivation provided for them in the early settlement were abandoned. There is currently no land available for chena cultivation, but land in the resettlement area has been fairly distributed. This forced resettlement resulted in several adverse outcomes, including increased costs associated with day-to-day living, separation from loved ones, fraying social ties, and isolation from neighbors. The community infrastructure crumbled.
Implications/Novel Contribution: Their proposed relocation to this area comes straight from the government. However, the benefits and the infrastructure offered to them could be better thought out. There are a lot of unmet social, economic, and emotional requirements. Compared to the positive effects, the negative ones of this resettlement are enormous. They require more help in money, technical know-how, land, market facilities, new job opportunities, and training for jobs in the information and communications technology (ICT), electric, mechanic, and automobile industries. Training, financial aid, and other resources should be available to unemployed women interested in starting their own businesses.
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