Abstract:
The frequency and magnitude of large-scale disasters in recent years has prompted increased
interest in better understanding how major disruptive events alter key demographic processes.
Natural, as well as man-made disasters that have occurred in Sri Lanka so far have proved its
impact on Sri Lanka's demography. However, the Tsunami disaster which occurred on the 26th
of December 2004 had a major impact on the demography of the country, considering its
magnitude and large scale influence to the human population. This study aims to examine the
fertility implications after the tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka in the worst tsunami hit district in
Sri Lanka. The study further attempts to observe and examine changes in relation to fertility
among the tsunami affected population in the district by comparing the pre-tsunami situation.
Although Sri Lanka has been experiencing gradual changes in mortality and fertility as
predicted by demographic transition theory, this natural disaster may have produced some
imbalances with regard to both levels and patterns of fertility and mortality in the affected
areas.
