Abstract:
Urban development is emerging as a key priority in Sri Lanka. However, the social
costs of development are often ignored in the construction of highways, flyovers,
condominiums, and other large scale development projects. Human beings, families,
and communities are embroiled in the process of development. The overall objective
of this study is to ascertain the impact of development-induced displacement in
Mihindusenpura, Dematagoda, in the Colombo Municipal Council area. The specific
research objectives are to explore the quality of life of the community pre- and postresettlement;
the expectations and fears of the urban community; and the social
impact of resettlement in condominiums. The cross sectional study design focussed on
the experiences of the sample population during 2013-2017. The study population was
the Mihindusenpura 500 Houses project, of which 100 households were selected (50
houses from each condominium). The initial sampling method was simple random
sampling; this had to be altered when selected household respondents could not be
contacted at home. Data was collected from September 2015 to March 2017. The
methods were a household survey administered through a semi-structured
questionnaire; twenty case studies conducted with selected respondents; recording of
observations and interactions with the community; and interviews with community
leaders. The findings of the study identified factors that play a role in the lives of the
community such as dangers of unplanned development; change in social status and
upward social mobility; breakdown in community networks and social isolation; and
the impact on social institutions and the resulting insecurity within the community.
The study concludes that while urban development projects are designed to be
beneficial to people, the lack of a people-centred focus in urban development, the
prevalence of aggressive planning tactics, and the lack of strong housing policies
create greater vulnerability and result in the impoverishment of the targeted
communities.
