Livelihood challenges faced by the relocated communities: a sociological perspective on Nallikakapuram village

Abstract

After the termination of three decades war in Sri Lanka, relocated communities in the Northern Province face many challenges with regard to livelihood. This study investigates the livelihood challenges encountered by people of Nallinakapuram village who have been relocated alongside the coastal belt of Jaffna District. Total sample comprised of 135 families and a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) was employed to analyze the relevant data. Primary data were collected from different participants using semi- structured questionnaire, case studies, key-informant interviews and semistructured interviews. This study utilized the secondary data too such as available literature reviews, statistics availed from Tellipalai Divisional Secretariat, and information retrieved from the websites. Results indicate that propensity on their traditional livelihoods, distance from home to work place, lack of capital, lack of marketing facilities are the key reasons for their livelihood problems. In addition, lack of vocational training and under employment among the youth are other crucial reasons for their livelihood problems. People could not embark on any self-employment initiatives for their livelihood due to inadequate land size. In addition, 16 women headed families have been reported and their main livelihood activities are jobs for daily wage and handicraft. They faced disparities in wage compared to male daily wagers and lack of marketing facilities. The above said livelihood issues have created negative impact such as poverty, child labour, drug addiction, school dropout and social disparity among the different communities. As for recommendations, government should take necessary actions to release the people’s encroached land and properties, and provide them with necessary resources with vocational training to promote their livelihood activities.