Abstract:
Gypsy community people are marginalized, socially excluded and vulnerable even today in the
society. Gypsy community people have been identified as a disadvantaged group in Sri Lanka
since past. They are still confronting with number of challenges and excluded in the
development process of the country. In this regard, this study was conducted to identify the
key challenges that lead to social exclusion and vulnerability of Gypsy community people in
Aligambe Girama Niladhari division of Alayadiwembu Divisional Secretariat division,
Ampara district among 40 individuals. Primary data was collected using interviews, focused
group discussions and observations while secondary data was gained through records and
reports of Alayadiwembu Divisional Secretariat division, books, newspaper articles, journals
and web sites. Collected data were analysed using qualitative analysis method and presented
in a descriptive way. The study found that the people of Gypsy community are socially
excluded from getting basic facilities and needed developments that are normally available to
other community people. Lack of water, health care, proper housing condition, sanitation
facility, transportation, road facility, vulnerable to diseases, challenges in education, poor
economy, gaining social status among other community people and poverty were identified as
the continuous challenges faced by the Gypsy community people. As a developing country, Sri
Lanka needs to consider and focuses on the well-being of all its citizens without excluding
anyone in the development process, especially the marginalised and disadvantaged
communities. Comprehensive measures, good policies and plan interventions are essential to
improve the living standard and the social status of Gypsy community people.
