| dc.description.abstract |
Tourism in Sri Lanka, as a major source of income and employment has developed gradually since
the late 1960s and has become a priority sector of the economy today. In spite of its positive
effects, tourism has also some adverse social and cultural impacts.
The present paper deals with such adverse social and economical impacts on the communities
living in Negombo area of the Western coast, where tourism related activities are more intense.
Case studies have been conducted in Palangatura, Eththukala and Kudapaduwa GN divisions of
Negombo DS division and, field survey techniques such as structured interviews administrating
questionnaires and field observations were conducted covering different segments of the society in
the area. At the field survey there were three types of questionnaires administrated on different
respondent that is Householders, Hotels and Shopkeepers. In each case the sample size was 30.
The study revealed that some social and cultural changes have taken place subsequent to the
adoption of tourist related activities by the traditional fishing communities. Both direct and indirect
employment opportunities have been generated in the tourist sector, leading to multiplier effects in
associated areas. The economy and lifestyle of the people have also undergone many parallel
changes like child abuse and other illicit activities. The dropout rates of school children have also
increased due to the harmful environmental impacts of commercialization.
The findings of the study provide a sound basis for formulating favorable policies for developing
tourism sector in the area. |
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