Patterns, Determinants and Consequences of Internal Migration in Sri Lanka, 1981-2001

Abstract

Migration is a movement that involves a permanent or semi-perma-

nent change of residence from one administrative unit to another (Mangalam 1968, Lee 1969, Zelinsky 1971). Internal migration plays a major role in the population re-distribution by administrative units of a country. At any given period of time, the size, growth, distribution and composition of the total population is also determined by the volume and level of migration. Ravenstein's 'Laws of Migration and Lee's theory of migration conceptualize the determinants, characteristics and development of migration patterns. The patterns of spatial distribution of population in Sri Lanka are directly linked to the inter-district migration patterns. Several researchers have done studies on inter-district migration using 1981 Census data. The main objective of this study is to investigate recent patterns, determinants and consequences of inter-district migration of Sri Lanka during 1981 and 2001 using Census data