Abstract:
Internal migration, defined as the movement of individuals within national borders, is a global
phenomenon shaped by economic, social, and environmental determinants. This study aimed
to identify the causes of internal temporary migration from Jaffna to Mannar, Sri Lanka. This
research has employed a mixed-method research design. For this study, six schools from the
Mannar Zone in Mannar District were selected using purposive sampling. A total of 56 teachers
from these schools were also selected using purposive sampling to participate in the research.
Primary data were collected through 56 self-administered questionnaires, 10 case studies, and
key informant interviews. Secondary data were sourced from scholarly literature, books, and
relevant websites. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive
statistics with SPSS version 21, while qualitative data from case studies and the key informant
interviews were thematically analysed. Research ethics were strictly followed throughout
the study. Findings showed that pull factors (78.1%) were more influential than push factors
(21.9%) in motivating migration. Hinduism was the predominant religion among respondents,
who mostly belonged to the 25-30 age group. The majority were young, unmarried females
holding university degrees. Over 66% reported a monthly income exceeding 40,000 Sri Lankan
Rupees. Key pull factors attracting migrants to Mannar included political freedom (59.7%),
Natural beauty of the environment (43.4%), job opportunities (42.1%), better living conditions
(33.6%), better medical care (33.9%), religious freedom (33%), and a sense of unity (33%).
Conversely, significant push factors from Jaffna included political insecurity (60%), insufficient
job opportunities (53.3%), primitive living conditions (55.6%), social tension (40%), limited
hospital accessibility (38.1%), and loss of peace (35.7%). The study concludes that internal
temporary migration in this context is predominantly driven by favourable conditions at the
destination rather than pressures at the origin. It recommends that policy efforts should prioritise
improving working conditions, school environments, and access to essential services in
Jaffna and Mannar, to address the root causes of teacher migration, facilitate smoother transitions,
and enhance the socio-economic well-being of teachers.
