Abstract:
The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means sanitation workers are already
vulnerable to many risks, especially those whose livelihood relies mainly on sanitary work and
those who are less likely to receive social and economic protection. The overall purpose of this
study was to assess the social and livelihood issues of living costs for sanitation workers.
According to a report issued by the Clean Well Company, there are 109 sanitary workers working
at the University of Jaffna. This study utilized a mixed methodology. A questionnaire survey, key
informant interviews, and case study methods were employed as the primary data. All 106 sanitary
workers were included in this study. Research ethics were strictly followed by the researchers
throughout the research. The quantitative data collected through the questionnaire method were
analysed using descriptive statistical methods with the usage of SPSS version 21. Qualitative data
obtained from the case study methods and key informant interviews were analyzed thematically.
Results revealed that Hinduism (90.6%) was the predominant religion of the majority of the
respondents, and 22.6 % of the respondents belonged to the age group of 21–25 years. The
majority (85.8%) of the sanitary workers have completed their secondary educational
qualifications. More than 26% of the respondents’ monthly income was less than 20, 000 Sri
Lankan Rupees. Results also highlight that sexual threats (8.5%), poor participation in social
functions and neglect of social activities (24.1%), poverty and education-related problems of
children (26.5%) were the significant social issues faced by sanitary workers. Results also indicate
that daily living costs (59.4%), debt issues (58.5%), unemployment (9.4%), and lack of
employability skills (0.9%), wage exploitation (10.4%), educational expenses for children (1.9%),
and transport expenses (13.2%) were the major underlying livelihood issues of sanitary workers.
The findings of the study revealed that sanitary workers encountered severe social and livelihood
problems. This study strongly suggests that the government should provide employment
opportunities and should enhance the quality of life and well-being for them.
