Contribution of salt production on socio economic status of saltpan workers: a study based on the Kalpitiya divisional secretariat

Abstract

Sri Lanka is an island which involved in salt production. The main objective of this research is to find out the socio economic status of saltpan workers in the Kalpitiya area. This research aims to discover the Determinant factors of the socio economic status of saltpan workers, problems faced by saltpan workers and provide polices and recommendations to improve the socio economic conditions of the saltpan workers in the study area. Primary data for this research were collected through structured questionnaire and discussions from five villages in Kalpitiya region based on purposive sampling method. The collected data are analyzed by descriptive methods using Ms-Excel. The results of this research found that the social status of the household’s involved in the salt industry is slightly satisfactory, at the same time the income level and the savings are not satisfactory. Also the salt producing households are facing problems like seasonal unemployment and low income. This study suggests that to Provide better health care, educational opportunities for households involved in salt production, obtaining safe equipment through government or labour welfare institutions, providing permanent employment opportunities, interest free or low interest loans to salt workers through government. Government should take an action to develop the salt production through new technologies in coastal areas which has the capability of producing salt.