Some Essential Considerations in the Development Approach for Rehabilitation of Survivors of the War: A Lesson from Welioya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The period of war continued in Sri Lanka for thirty years, which is a comparatively long time for people to live with war in their lifetime. Consequently, they had faced multiple stresses and their resources had been degraded. It is time to consider carefully their needs and circumstances in implementation of development activities conventionally conducted in the home front. The objective of this study is to assess survivors’ experiences in order to find out required adjustments to the conventional development activities. The study was conducted with case study approach in Welioya Divisional Secretariat in Mullaituve District. Participant observation was conducted for two months in 2012 and interviews of 20 randomly selected people were conducted as primary data collection method; and other secondary sources were also used. People living in this area have resettled from various parts of the island; therefore, they are neither farmers nor villagers as it is in many parts of rural Sri Lanka. Many of the facilities provided for wellbeing in other areas such as, water and economic opportunities have not reached individuals due to two reasons. The first, relevant programs did not reach this area during the last thirty years. The second is the people were not in a position to demand such facilities as they lived with uncertainty. Therefore, the people do not posses required alertness for development and gaining benefits since they are still living with uncertainty. Furthermore, the people have increased dependency on donations during the war period. This study recommends in addition to present programs, conducting empowering psycho-social and awareness programs in order to expose present economic potential and to provide opportunities other than rice farming, such as livestock development, industries and service provision.