Abstract:
This study attempts to analyze the determinants and consequences of urban inmigration
in the Gampaha District. Human migration is the major population
component which influences redistribution of people. In recent years, the most
popular migration stream has been urban-ward migration. Therefore the examination
of causes and impacts of urban in-migration is important.
Five urban centres from the Gampaha District, one of the fast developing
districts in Sri Lanka, have been selected for this study. A three-stage sample was
formulated and the relevant data was drawn through an interviewer-administered
questionnaire survey conducted in 600 households. The sample comprised 49% males
and 51% females.
Identification of urban in-migrants was performed by using two methods of
analysis i.e Place of Birth (POB) and Place of Previous Residence. The findings
reveal that the majority of migrants were of rural origin. Several important issues on
war refugees in the Negombo Municipal area and the migrant workers in Biyagama
and Seeduwa have emerged from the study. The selectivity of migrants was attempted
by comparing the in-migrants with the non-migrants at the destination. Four
dimensions were identified among the reasons for migration while the impact of
migration was investigated by using several socio-economic indicators. The outcomes
reflect major problems, which should be identified and focused on as soon as
possible. Also, some of these findings are important in the task of planning urban
centres for receiving future migrants, and therefore, would impact positively on the
formulation and implementation of urban policies.
