Climate Change and Socio-economic Issues in Sri Lanka: An Assessment of Landslide-Induced Relocations in Aranayake

Abstract

AbstractBeing a tropical island with a developing economy in the South Asian region, Sri Lanka is exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events and their slow-onset effects have threatened well-functioning communities, serving as a core factor for climate mobility. This paper explores the socio-economic impacts of landslide-induced relocations in Aranayake, Sri Lanka. Communities in Aranayake were exposed to a massive landslide in 2017, which led to a wide range of relocations. The relocation of the affected community to peripheral areas intensified the economic and social vulnerabilities, leaving their well-being at risk. The lack of consideration for the societal implications of the relocation and the rebuilding process has further enhanced their vulnerability by disrupting social networks and reducing individual livelihoods. Though it has been five years since the landslide relocation, the insecurities of the communities persist, and access to fundamental rights, including food, development, and freedom, are negatively impacted. Proper identification of the community’s needs before the relocation and proper post-monitoring is a must in order for policy formation in Sri Lanka to be more effective and community sensitive.