The National Human Resources Development Council of Sri Lanka extensively studied the war-affected disadvantaged families in the Kilinochchi District. This district, severely impacted by the civil war that lasted for three decades, faces numerous socio-economic challenges. The study primarily focused on identifying the daily issues, root causes, and potential solutions to uplift the quality of life for these marginalized communities. Key findings include the lack of employment opportunities, insufficient access to health and educational services, and inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations emphasize the need for government intervention, vocational training, and social support mechanisms to address these issues effectively.
1.
Introduction
The
Kilinochchi District, located in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, was heavily
affected by the separatist civil war. The conflict lasted for nearly three
decades and resulted in significant economic, social, and cultural devastation.
This
diagnostic study report represents a comprehensive effort to collect and
analyze data on the vulnerabilities faced by war-affected families in the
Kilinochchi District. Our initiative aimed to empower these individuals by
understanding their challenges and needs, enabling us to bring these critical
issues to the policy-making level. By involving local communities and
stakeholders in the data collection process, we adopted a bottom-to-top
approach, ensuring that the voices of those most affected were heard and
considered in formulating policy recommendations.
Our study spanned across each district in the Northern Province, providing a
rich and invaluable experience in understanding the socio-economic landscape
post-war. This grassroots-level engagement allowed us to gather detailed
insights into the daily struggles of these communities, ranging from employment
and health care to education and social services.
Through this meticulous process, we aimed to bridge the gap between the
ground realities and the policy frameworks, ensuring that the devised solutions
are practical, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of the
war-affected populations. This report encapsulates our findings and presents a
set of actionable recommendations designed to foster resilience and improve the
quality of life for disadvantaged families in Kilinochchi.
2. Purpose
of the Study
The primary
objective of this study was to understand the challenges faced by the
disadvantaged families, particularly those headed by women, in the post-war
context of Kilinochchi. The study aimed to identify their needs, root causes of
their problems, and propose actionable solutions to enhance their quality of
life. This involved a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including
employability, health, education, and social support systems.
3.
Methodology
The study
adopted both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Questionnaires were
administered to participants from four divisional secretariats: Poonakary,
Pallai, Karachchi, and Kandawali. Focus group interviews were conducted with
various stakeholders, including single women-headed households, politicians,
NGOs, community leaders, and businesspersons. A total of 86 interviewers were
trained to gather relevant information for this study.
4. Findings
4.1. Factors
Affecting Self-Employment
The study
identified several factors that hinder self-employment among residents of
Kilinochchi:
- Lack of banking facilities and
access to credit.
- Insufficient business knowledge
and training.
- Isolation from supply chains
and markets.
- Inadequate public services and
rural transport.
- Household security concerns.
- Unwillingness of the private
sector to invest in the area.
4.2. Health
and Education Issues
The study
highlighted critical issues related to health and education, including:
- High prevalence of mental
illness.
- Lack of physicians and medical
facilities.
- Inability to purchase necessary
medicines.
- Inadequate school
infrastructure and insufficient teachers.
- Mismatch between vocational
training and job market requirements.
- Lack of awareness and distrust
in available services.
5.
Recommendations
Based on the
findings, the study proposed several recommendations to address the identified
issues:
5.1.
Government Intervention
- The Sri Lankan government
should prioritize the needs of the disadvantaged communities in
Kilinochchi and develop targeted policies to alleviate their suffering.
- Livelihood programs should be
established for women-headed households, focusing on skill development and
employment opportunities.
- Educational and vocational
training institutes should be made accessible, emphasizing mobile training
units to reach remote areas.
5.2. Social
Support Mechanisms
- Community-Based Organizations
(CBOs) should be created to facilitate knowledge sharing and provide
employment toolkits.
- Improved access to health
services, including mental health support, should be ensured through
government agencies.
- Infants and children should be
included in life support programs alongside youth and adults.
5.3.
Economic Development
- The government should
collaborate with NGOs, INGOs, and the private sector to attract investment
and develop vocational training programs.
- A fixed percentage of
government and private sector jobs should be allocated to disadvantaged
communities to ensure their inclusion in development programs.
6. Conclusion
The study
underscores the urgent need for comprehensive intervention to support the
war-affected disadvantaged families in Kilinochchi. Addressing the root causes
of their problems, providing necessary services, and ensuring their active
participation in development programs are crucial steps towards rebuilding
their lives and integrating them into the country's socio-economic fabric. The
recommended policies and programs aim to create a sustainable and inclusive
environment that empowers these communities and improves their overall quality
of life.
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