Socio-Economic Challenges of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic challenges, providing more weightage to human wellbeing, during this COVID-19 outbreak. The secondary data were predominantly used. The result revealed that the socio-economically most affected people are low-income earners, daily wages laborers, and business community; due to the curfew, locked down situation and import trade restrictions imposed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The security forces, front-line health care workers, quarantined people and patients associated with long medical history are at higher risk. Their mental health and human wellbeing are beyond normal conditions, due to sleep-deprived workload, stress, frustration, depression, isolation and genuine psychological fear of being infected by this novel-virus. The cost of living has been increased, while the rising of the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2013=100) from 5.7% in January 2020 to 6.4% in September 2020, align with increasing trend of prices for essential goods. The economic loss is 4% of Gross Domestic Products, amounting to LKR735 billion. Tourist arrival had dropped by 65-75% from January to October 2020. The income source of 65-70% of families had been affected, while 7-10% lost their entire income. 30-35% of families reduced their food consumption pattern/frequency. 75-80% of families experienced verbal abuse and 7-10% were physically abused and 5-7% had sexual violence. More than 90% of higher education institutions conducted their education over the Internet. This study recommends to implement a sustainable recovery and development plan on health services, economy, education, social wellbeing and other similar sectors.