Abstract:
While tourism plays a positive role in the socio-cultural, economic, environmental and political
development and represents a significant development opportunity for many countries and
communities, it has negative impacts too. If it is not identified and rectified in its initial stage, tourism
may lead to severe damage to the country’s socio-cultural and natural environment. Therefore, the
main objective of this study is to identify the specific socio, economic and environmental impact of
tourism in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This study covered three major tourist areas of
Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara in the Eastern Province. Perceptions on the impact of tourism
on economy, socio-culture and environment by a sample of 2,500 respondents from diverse
stakeholders were collected through interviewer- administered questionnaire. Secondary data were
collected from reports, publications, and articles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with
residents living in the Eastern Province by an experienced team. Collected data were analyzed using
various statistical tools with the help of statistical software. Perceptions of respondents revealed a
positive economic impact of tourism. However, the study also found a negative impact on social and
cultural terms in the Eastern Province. At the same time, results did not show any significant negative
impact on the environment. Further, results revealed that, although tourism has provided
employment opportunities and helped the economy of the province, the economic benefit deserved
by local people is not delivered. The findings of this study will be helpful for policymakers and
authorities for planning in the future. In general, the broader objective of this study is to promote the
tourism industry as a major contributor to the country’s economy, to achieve balanced regional
development, to decrease the regional disparity and to focus on the potential of the region, to
maximize economic gain through sustainable development.
