Abstract:
Landslides are one of the most important major disasters in our Country. Although
the area under its jurisdiction is small, the impact on life, property and the
environment is enormous. The Risk of Landslides is increasing due to high rainfall,
Land use, Expansion of plantations and various human activities. Not only causes
loss of life and property but also disrupts the Socio – Economic and Environmental
structure. Landslides are more prevalent in the Central, Sabragamuwa and South
Western regions. Kegalle District is facing landslide disasters every year. The
country’s direct economic impact by landslides in the past has taught a bitter
lesson. The objective of this study is to identify the Social, Economic and Ecological
impacts of landslides. Questionnaires, direct observation and discussion were used
as the primary data. Secondary data were collected from Divisional Secretariats
reports, Disaster Management Projects and Research papers data. And data were
analyzed using MS Excel, Arc GIS 10.3 Software. The social impacts identified as
the loss of permanent habitat as a result of displacement, various losses, fear,
stress, etc. As economic problems such as the loss of income strategies from small
export Cultivation, loss of livelihoods, property damages, damage to infrastructure
and terrain. Ecological impacts such as Soil Degradation, loss the Regional beauty,
Terrain changes have been identified. So avoiding disasters through more public
awareness and precautionary mechanisms is the best way to respond to future
threats and impacts.
