The Determinants and Consequences of Urban In-Migration in Sri Lanka: a case study of the Gampaha District.

Abstract

This study attempts to analyze the determinants and consequences of urban inmigration in the Gampaha District. Human migration is the major population component which influences redistribution of people. In recent years, the most popular migration stream has been urban-ward migration. Therefore the examination of causes and impacts of urban in-migration is important. Five urban centres from the Gampaha District, one of the fast developing districts in Sri Lanka, have been selected for this study. A three-stage sample was formulated and the relevant data was drawn through an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey conducted in 600 households. The sample comprised 49% males and 51% females. Identification of urban in-migrants was performed by using two methods of analysis i.e Place of Birth (POB) and Place of Previous Residence. The findings reveal that the majority of migrants were of rural origin. Several important issues on war refugees in the Negombo Municipal area and the migrant workers in Biyagama and Seeduwa have emerged from the study. The selectivity of migrants was attempted by comparing the in-migrants with the non-migrants at the destination. Four dimensions were identified among the reasons for migration while the impact of migration was investigated by using several socio-economic indicators. The outcomes reflect major problems, which should be identified and focused on as soon as possible. Also, some of these findings are important in the task of planning urban centres for receiving future migrants, and therefore, would impact positively on the formulation and implementation of urban policies.