The Impact of Decentralized Higher Education Institutions on Rural Socio Economic Development: A Case Study of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the impact of decentralized higher educational institutions on socioeconomic development of rural sector in Sri Lanka. The Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, located in the rural village “Pambahinna” near Belihuloya, selected to study on how far a government key higher educational institutions provide a ‘big push’ to economic development of rural areas. The study was based on primary data gathered from 224 households (20 % of the total households) living in the surrounding areas of the Sabaragamuwa University, 60 businessman of the area, 45 university staff and 100 university students. Data was gathered, using four structured questionnaires, interviewing various people in the study area and observing the study area. The study is supplemented with some secondary sources of data as well. The study reveals that the establishment of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka has made a substantial contribution to socio-economic development of the study area. The University has positively contributed in generating a total of 46 direct employments and a total of 277 indirect employments for villagers in 2006. The University has contributed to encourage various kinds of businesses (96 business units in 2006) focusing on the University community and thereby increase the income of the villagers. As a result, real assets of most villagers like building new houses (39% of the sample), purchasing durable consumer goods and vehicles etc. have improved. Similarly, trading of goods and services, telecommunication facilities, public and private transportation, education, health and banking facilities have improved significantly in the study area after the establishment of Sabaragamuwa University. In addition, some negation effects are highlighted from the study. One serious issue developed in the area is the shortage of water. 58% of the villages faced this problem. Available water sources are not sufficient to meet the water demand generated from the villages. Bad behavior of university students is also highlighted by 23% of the villages. However, the establishment of Sabaragamuwa University has affected to the development of the surrounding area of the university.