Regional Dimensions of Development of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This article examines the present situation of regional dimensions of development of Sri Lanka. In this respect, this study was carried out by employing several indicators of development. It can be clearly observed that, development strategies implemented by Sri Lanka within the past fifty years have not successfully contributed to reduce the socioeconomic disparities in Sri Lanka. Economic development, physical and social infrastructure facilities and urban growth etc. have distributed unevenly among nine provinces since1950s. The most functionally dynamic core region in the country lies in Western Province and most of the economic activities take place within this region. As a result, most of the other areas have become economically backward. Therefore, unequal development of regions called “provinces” is a problem throughout the history of Sri Lanka.