Date of Award

12-1-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography & Geographic Information Science

Abstract

During and after the Sri Lankan civil conflict of 1983-2009, the island’s Internally Displaced Population (IDP) became a key constituency requiring the central government4s attention. Thus, it is important to ask: What are the spatial dimensions and socio-economic implications of Sri Lanka’s Puttalam District IDPs? Archival and contemporary sources from various disciplines were utilized when reviewing the literature and revealed widely divergent opinions about the historical geography and the current initiatives regarding IDPs. The research study’s mixed method approach combined qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data collection extensively relied upon secondary sources from the Sri Lankan government and the United Nations. The findings emphasized the importance of security in migratory movements, especially repatriation, of IDPs for 1990, 2002, 2011, and 2012; significant social transformation also was noted. Recommendations relevant to Sri Lanka were developed concerning community reconciliation and redevelopment which are useful to other sovereign states with IDPs.

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