A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGES THROUGH RESETTLEMENT (SPECIAL REFERENCE TO WILLPATTUWA)

Abstract

Resettlement can be taken place due to war, urbanization, population increase, natural disasters, political decision, cultural changes etc. However out of these reasons political influence may be the most severe problem in almost all countries. Resettlement program collapse network relationship and change the lifestyle and livelihood of people. Many researchers used qualitative approach to measure the social economic background and changes of the resettled community but this research is an attempt to measure using quantitative analysis. Study area was the Wilpattuwa which is located in the lowlands and northwest corner of Sri Lanka and recently severe resettlement programmes were established based on this area. This study is a result of the survey done amongst peoples who settled in Wilpattuwa. The objective of the survey is to explore the changes of the resettled people in Wilpattuwa. Data were collected from a total of 80 self-monitored questionnaires and analysed using Chi Square and paired T test.As a conclusion of analysis, the status of their jobs, wages, social network have climbed up the ladder. But on the other hand, their life pattern and life security have gone down after the re-settlement. Also, the children’s education and health have gone down too. Specially a major reason for this is the absence of basis need for people to survive. The time and distances for schools and hospitals have reduced after the resettlements the lack of needs and essentials within these had become a major problem. They have to travel for 19 km to reach the provincial organizations under least facilities. They have faced a burning issue which is the drinking water problem. Hence it is a clear fact that government had kept on doing the forest destructions and settling people in these lands which lead their lives to an utter failure. Actions should be taken for setting and resettling another place where people settle in this area while developing their lives. Current policy should be re-created for the resettlement. Required action which create minimize affects to endurance