As a resolute development strategy and also in view of establishing agro-based development initiative, the well-known Moragahakanda reservoir project has established for the rural community development. This project is designed with the scope of establishing dry-zone industrial and drinking water supplying project also with the focus on hydro-electricity generation. The Data gathering corresponding to the study is pursued in the Laggala – Pallegama police area having centered the district of Matale where the project was being implemented and selected 68 families applying simple and random sampling method and the data collection along with the questionnaires, observations and interviews. The process of sufficient data analysis was attended via SPSS & Microsoft Excel software added with adequate scale of data analysis. Accordingly, the area allocated for the construction of Moragahakanda reservoir (Kulasinghe reservoir) in the district of Matale was an area of rural neighborhood hence, a process was followed to shift the families from their residential locations to lately identified new settlement area. Subsequently, the change of residences from inherited site as well as from the deep-rooted social structure and to be fixed into a new location there had been several impacts on the status of employment, income, social relationships, village based attitudinal values and in principle that aggregated influences affected the rural social structure is visible positively as well as negatively through this Research.

Keywords: community, development project, rural, social structure, resettlement

Sustainable development is often defined and discussed in merely environmental terms, as the effort to ensure that the opportunities and means available to the present generations are available in equal measure to future generations as well. Anand & Sen have argued against this stance, positing that it is inherently immoral to be concerned about the wellbeing of future generations while ignoring the plight of the present ones. This rebuke is generally not applicable to development workers, as these are usually involved with attempts to improve the condition of the less fortunate in one way or another. At the same time, however, development practitioners rarely expand the definition of sustainability to denote the permanence, or lack thereof, of the improvements that their projects aim to bring about. The main objective of this study is to help remedy this omission by examining how lasting such improvements indeed are.¹

Moragahakanda development Project was designed followed by the survey done by Irrigation & Hydro Power Potentials of the Mahaweli Ganga & the Adjoining River Basins under the 04 year period of 1965- 1968 launched by a UNDP/FAO team with Sri Lankan counterparts which is yet to be completed. This is a key project in “Mahinda Chinthana Policy” of year 2005 and hence the government decided to commence work on this project in year 2007.The Project is located in the Naula Divisional Secretary’s division of Matale district of the Central Province. The proposed reservoir was to be constructed across Amban Ganga at a place called Moragahakanda with a water storage capacity of 570 MCM.

With the construction of this reservoir & other peripheral works, around 1581 nos of families & fair extent of developed lands were to be directly affected. In order to resettle these Affected Persons (APS) and to compensate their losses and also to fulfill the Part 4C of the National Environment Act No 72/22, a Resettlement Implementation Plan (RIP) is formulated with a view to minimize the adverse effects of landless families. . The RIP dealt with the acquisition of land & settling down compensation, resettlement of landless families while implementing economic rehabilitation processes of the APS of the Moragahakanda Project. The policy frame work of the RIP is based on National Involuntary Resettlement Policy (NIRP) and also those related enactments on land acquisition and land alienation. In addition, MASL has incorporated certain other provisions in terms of the powers & functions vested by the Mahaweli Authority Act of Sri Lanka No.23 of 1979. Besides, the land alienation and compensation policies adopted by MASL during the period of Accelerated Mahaweli Development Program were also taken into consideration in the preparation of RIP. The data contained in the RIP are based on the findings of the socio economic surveys carried out by MASL in the years 2006 & 2008 and from the Acquisition Surveys ( under Section 2 of Land Acquisition Act) done by the Survey Department in the year 2009. The RIP was compiled by the officials of MASL with the assistance of a Resettlement Consultant who had closely associated with the resettlement activities of the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Program.²

Research problem

Usually, the localization of development projects transmits to positive and negative effects in consistent with environmental, social, cultural and economic factors. Although Moragahakanda development project too, was planned under accelerated Mahaweli Development scheme the implementation of it commenced recently. In parallel to the implementation of this project those inhabitants living within the operational area were to be shifted and to be resettled. Since, this is a development project initiated by Government in which manner the rural life style was changed? And what were the effects or influence therein, is the problem to be dealt with by this research.

Objectives

1. Main Objective

To study the ascendency that instigate on rural community due to the establishment of the development projects.

2. Specific Objectives

1. To identify the nature of disentitled tenure of property and residences due to the localization of the development project.
2. To determine the changes of the structure of employment in line with the development project
3. To study the standpoints of community living within the study area of the project
4. To identify the processes of social structure prevailed prior to the development project and the contemporary social structure

Literature review

The Short-and Long-term effects of development projects: evidence from Ethiopia¹

This paper examines the short-term and long-term impact of development projects on recipients’ wellbeing in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a country highly suitable for the study of the impact of different types of development projects. Specifically, it compares the effects of five types of development projects—unconditional and conditional direct transfers, agricultural and social-infrastructure knowledge transfers, and credit projects—on children’s nutrition and on household consumption and income levels. The main finding is that knowledge transfers have the largest positive impact on children’s nutritional status and household consumption, in both the short and the long term. The impact of direct transfers on children’s health is also positive but less significant, whereas the effect of credit projects is here undetectable.¹

The data used in this study have several drawbacks, which limit the range of conclusions that can be made vis-à-vis the ‘sustainability’ of different types of development projects administered throughout Ethiopia. Hence, the main, and relatively modest, conclusion is that knowledge-transfer projects have a greater positive impact on household consumption levels and children’s nutritional outcomes than direct-transfer projects in the longer term and, more surprisingly, in the case of agricultural projects also in the short term. This finding suggests that agricultural extension and training projects might be a better tool for reducing food insecurity and poverty than direct transfers even in the immediate time horizon. Another important take-away point from this paper is that social-infrastructure projects appeared to have no impact on recipients in the short run but turned out to affect outcome indicators positively several years after implementation, a deferred positive effect that could easily be missed if impact evaluations were carried out too soon.

Social impacts induced by a development project in Tanzania: a case of airport expansion³

According to this paper Land acquisitions, undertaken to accommodate development activities, are causing increasing enmity between local communities and developers in Tanzania, as well as in other parts of Africa and the world. In many cases, it is likely that the socioeconomic costs incurred by local communities are greater than the benefits obtained from these activities. This study carried out an assessment of the changes in household living conditions before and after resettlement due to an airport expansion project in the city of Dar es Salaam. A door-to-door survey of 190 affected households and interviews with other relevant stakeholders revealed that the country has insufficient legal provisions to compel the government to adequately assist those affected. Resettlement has increased the rate of unemployment among the displaced community and triggered problems related to public service access. The impacts observed were accelerated by the lack of an effective national legislative system, the local administration’s poor operational capacity, and conflicts between the displaced population and the host community.

Manatunge J & Priyadarshana T⁴ (Undated) has explain through the paper on Environmental and Social Impacts of Reservoirs: Issues and Mitigation. According to this, Dams and reservoirs have played a key role in economic development, serving a variety of purposes, including electricity generation, flood control, and irrigation. However, large dams have been a subject of growing international debate and controversy. Disagreements and confusion over what happened in the past has splintered the debate, with polarization between people grouped in stark terms as proponents and opponents of dams.

There is a growing concern that dam projects cause irreversible environment change, which are often complex, multiple, and essentially negative. Large dams have enormous consequences for people’s lives and livelihoods, including controversial issues such as displacement and resettlement. The opponents of dam construction argue that the social and economic consequences (and environmental) of large dams are more far-reaching than those associated with other infrastructure projects because of the huge impact across time and space in both the ecosystem and in social, economic, and cultural structures. Provided that such communities are relocated with adequate compensation, new economic opportunities and social benefits, they can exploit the new circumstances as a chance to strengthen their income-earning capacity and thus their living standards. The new settlement may provide upgraded infrastructure facilities and reduced exposure to natural hazards (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Approach to sustainable development (modified from Munasinghe M. Environmental economics and sustainable development.

Through above literature it is most important to study about the Side effects of the Pre-construction. The stage of planning of the construction of a dam, whether construction proceeds or not, can take several years and may distract investors away from the area proposed to be flooded, thus depriving the community against any developmental activity. In addition, the psychological stress could be prevalent among the communities because of the imminent loss of their assets, the uncertainty and insecurity of the future, which can be a real traumatic experience for the resettled families. Although these issues cannot be quantified; yet, the social as well as economic implications are significant.

When considering about the Involuntary Resettlement according to the World Bank, forced population displacement caused by dam construction is the single most but serious counter development and a social consequence of water resources development. The displacement toll of the 300 large dams that, on average, enter into construction every year is estimated to be above four million people, with at least 40 million so relocated over the past two decades. The social cost of involuntary resettlement varies greatly between projects; however, a disproportionate number of oustees are tribal or landless people who in many instances were resettled with force and violence. The trauma of resettlement can be devastating as a result of weakened or dismantled social networks and life support mechanisms, thereby leading to loss of their capacity to self-manage. With extensive comparative analysis of resettlement issues related to dam construction, Cernea (1990) has identified eight risks that lead to social impoverishment: landlessness, joblessness, homelessness, marginalization, increased morbidity, food insecurity, the loss of access to common property, and social disarticulation. Scudder (1997) has added a ninth risk, which is the loss of resiliency. However, resettlement can have positive impacts if well planned, but this takes time. Usually the second generation of the displaced community can realize the benefits of a successful resettlement with better utilization of the resources available to them. Provided that such communities are relocated with adequate compensation, new economic opportunities, and social benefits, they can exploit the new circumstances as a chance to strengthen their income-earning capacity and thus their living standards. The new settlement may provide upgraded infrastructure facilities and reduced exposure to natural hazards.⁴

Resettlement implementation plan for the moragahakanda agriculture development project

Resettlement impacts

Out of several Socio Economic Surveys, 1581 nos of families have been identified from Tank-Bed Area, Road deviation, elephant corridor, Electricity Transmission line and Branch channel Trace of Kaudulla LB Extension Area. As the majority of the APS are occupied in the Agriculture Sector, it will be most appropriate to involve them in the same sector, even in the resettlement areas. This would be the best means of restoration of their livelihood as land is an income resource to them. The extent of the affected area is of 4153ha.(including Tank Bed, Road Deviation, Elephant Corridor, Electricity Transmission line & Branch Channel trace of (Medirigiriya) of which the percentage of developed extent is 31% whereas only 29% is under the tenure ship and the balance constitutes state lands. There are 1679 nos of structures affected by the project. Out of 1581 nos of families, 161 nos are vulnerable families who need special assistance. There are few social infrastructure facilities which will be affected by the project, which are currently being serving both affected & non affected persons.

Legal frame work for land acquisition and resettlement

The Land Acquisition Act of 1950 with amendments is the statutory law which empowers the GOSL to acquire private land required for public purposes. The projects under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme also made use the same provisions of this Act to take over the private lands for the developments. The compensation paid for APS of those projects was not attractive as depreciated value was paid for the structures. However, the Circular No 4/2008 issued by the Ministry of Lands and Land Development has additional provisions to pay enhanced benefits to the APS of this nature. Further, the NIRP guidelines which were effective from year 2002, have been applied in the resettlement planning of this project. The land alienation policy will be in line with the Land Development Ordinance & the Crown Land Ordinance. Furthermore, MASL has fixed a cut-off date of 2008.01.20 for the entitlement criteria of lands. Based on the above policies / guidelines, following assistance schemes will be introduced for the income restoration and livelihood improvements of the APS.

1. Training
2. Employment opportunities in the Project
3. Special assistance to vulnerable families
4. Job restoration grants
5. Business grants to owners of business establishments
6. Ex-gratia payment for households opted for System ‘D’

In addition, a Revolving Fund will be established for micro-financing facilities for needy people.

This paper attempts to review the principle environmental impacts of the proposed project, especially in upstream catchment, reservoir area and the dam, power plant, downstream river and irrigation and settlements.⁵ Effects on the environment in the construction phase and operational phase also were taker. Separately. An environmental management plan had been designed covering all the project components and mitigation measures in the upstream river basin, reservoir area and dam site, downstream river and irrigation areas.

Psychological risks of resettlers in resettlement planning: a study in moragahakanda resettlement project⁶

In resettlement planning literature, much has been written on economic, land valuation and compensation, infrastructure and services aspects of the land. Psychological risks and stresses of resettled communities, however, have been under-researched. The current research looks at the psychological risks of resettlers in a Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement (DIDR) project in Sri Lanka. Focusing on the stages of resettlement planning process discussed by Scudder and Colson four-stage model (1980) and the psychological risks discussed by Cernea’s (1990) impoverishment risks and reconstruction (IRR) model. This study evaluates the significant level of the psychological risks faced by the communities in DIDR projects in Sri Lanka relating to before and after resettlement. Moragahakanda Resettlement Project (MRP) was selected as the case study which is located in Naula DS division of Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka. A questionnaire survey, documents and field observations were used to evaluate the current psychological risks. The responses received from multiple choice questions were analyzed by Significant Point (SP) index. The research findings point that there are no conspicuous changes of psychological risks related to before/after resettlement has occurred in re-settlers. The findings highlight that the psychological risk levels in transition stage have remained the same level in the potential development stage. This research provides a systematic guidance enabling the physical planners to prioritize the most significant psychological risks which should be considered in the decision-making process of DIDR projects.⁶

Despite the fact that varied assessments done on socio economic influences while the project was in operation with the intervention of varied Governmental and non-governmental parties no such studies done after completion of the project to assess the causes affected on the community due to the project is a research-based gap.

Background of the Sample

Status of the affected area (socio economic condition)

The Socio Economic Survey conducted in September/October 2008 has revealed that total number of affected households including sub-families will be 1572 whereas 2006 survey indicated that the number of families to be 1996. This is due to the reason that 2006 survey was conducted before the perimeter boundary line was marked on the ground but when the 2008 survey was conducted, 186 HFL+ 100 meter buffer zone was land marked on the ground and people are aware whether they will be affected or not and 12 Grama Niladari (GN) divisions will be affected by the Project. 1581 No. of households (inclusive of 9 families from the proposed branch channel of Kaudulla left bank extension area) will be affected which consist of 5155 persons including 1308 main families and 273 sub-families. ( refer Table 2.2 for details) 1697 Structures will be affected which included 1547 Houses, 79 commercial buildings, 13 Combined resident & boutiques, 45 Public Buildings and 13 Religious buildings.. 01 Regional Hospital, 01 Agrarian Service Centre, 01 Co-operative Rural Bank, 01 Samurdhi Bank, 03 Sub-Post Offices, 03 Schools, 03 Pre-schools, 01 Public Library and 05 Buddhist Temples and 33 km. of Electricity Line (LT) including 05 Alt. Environmental Impact Social Impact.

1. Large area of productive land and forest to be inundated. Major resettlement requirement. Approx. 2,325 affected families.
2. Reduced area of inundation. Reduced resettlement requirement. Approx. 1515 affected families. Transformers and 05 km. of Telecommunication line will be affected by the Project.2

A sample of 68 selected within the Grama Niladhari divisions mentioned above following the simple random sampling method.

Data collection

A questionnaire was applied to collect data out of the 68 sample and in addition focused group discussions (FGDs), observations and through case studies the needed information were gathered. Furthermore, besides the targeted interviewees data were gathered in line with the research objectives and as per the primary souirces through institutional data providers from Laggala Pallegama area. Also a literature review too was accomplished in par with the study by evolving secondary sources of information.

Data analysis

In reference to the quantifiable data analysis, informations were displayed by means of Graphs, Tables etc., applying -wdÈh SPSS yd Excell software while analysis of qualitative data was addressed through descriptive approach.

Data analysis and the findings

It was revealed that the selected study area for the sample (Graph 1), represented by 60% of Male population and the balance 40% were Female residence (Graph 2).

Graph 1 Gender based analysis.

Graph 2 Age structure.

When the Age limits of the selected sample was concerned the majority of 81% were between the ages of 18 – 64 belong to the category of employable labor force. The balance population of 19% was exceeding the ages of 64 (Graph 3).

Graph 3 Levels of Education.

The data gathered on educational standards within the study are made known that 4% of them had not attended formal education, while, 22% of the interviewees had accomplished education only upto the upper level of primary education. Out of the total 52% found to be educated upto the O’ Level of which those succeeded O’Level was 13%. Accordingly the sample no Graduates or Diploma holders or those who studied beyond these levels could not be met (Table 1).

Among those interviewed 79.4% were found to be married persons living together, and the balance 20.58% were identified as unmarried, widows or among those who divorced (Graph 4).

Graph 4 Status of employment.

Specific characteristics noticeable within the structure of employment was that those 67.65% involved in Agriculture centered employments, whereas, a lesser percentage of 8.82 % was reported to be employed as the labourers. A conspicuous factor was that no Govt. employees found within the sample. It was revealed thru’ these data that the nature of those involved in primary economic actions in rural structure are disclosed in this sample as well (Graph 5).

Graph 5 Family based income (Monthly).

Despite the fact that the sample interviewees are from rural areas, no families found within the study area whose family based monthly income is less than Rs. 1,000/= . Nevertheless, those who earn from Rs. 1,001 to Rs. 10,000 represented 47.06 % and whose monthly income was within the range of Rs. 10,001 to 30,000 represented by 36.76% while those who exceed monthly income Rs. 40,000 represented the ratio of 2.94% (Graph 6).

Graph 6 Ageing structure of Children from 0 to 25<.

A characteristic visible in rural social structures is the higher numbers of children in families. Similar status was reported from this locality as well and the upper scale of the number of children per family was 04 (Graph 7).

Graph 7 Status of Occupation of the children / Youth.

Among the series of first category of child who also do not continue education are in the two categories namely; employed and unemployed. Out of the cutting-edge of above stated categories a sizeable percentage, equal to 24.53 %, do represent the group of unemployed adolescents or youth. When the second raw of child is considered the higher rate of unemployment could be comprehended. Status of unemployment among those out from education in rural areas is a unique phenomenon which was seen in the study area as well (Graph 8).

Graph 8 Status of Occupation of the children / Youth.

Study outcomes disclosed that the number of early settlers and the Settlers migrated subsequently to the study area is similar (Table 2).

When the previous land ownership is concerned it was revealed that 92.65% of dwellers were living in their own land whereas, a marginal percentage of 7.5% were the unauthorized or temporary settlers (Graph 9).

Graph 9 Scale of the traditional settlers who lost the ownership of land as resulted by the project.  

As per the study, the lost Number of blocks of which the size was less than One Acre embodied 25.4%, and the land size between 1Acre to 2 Acres lost due to the project was 47.62% whereas, 26.88% persons lost their land exceeding 3 Acres per block. Other disclosed factor was that the higher volume of land, lost by the residents were cultivated land (Table 3).

A large majority, that 73.02% of them articulated that they are not satisfied on the scale of recompenses they received. They expounded the reasons as follows. They lost not only the land but their livelihoods too, since the land they lost was cultivated land. Houses they lost were another asset that each one of them built in a long time duration using the marginal income they earned. Also the compensatory payment received was not adequate to re-commence the mislaid business activities which were started and improved within the region. Simultaneously, A low percentage of 26.98% of interviewees expressed that they are satisfied with the payments received (Graph 10).

Graph 10 Nature of the utility of recompensed money.

As per the views shared by members of the sample, the compensated funds made available by the project had been employed for varied purposes. Out of such, 92% had invested to build new houses within the blocks of land allocated. A 3% of marginal number of interviewees had spent the funds to undergo treatment for the spreading disease of Kidney ailments. It appears that the funds released by the project had been utilized for health related needs bypassing the basic needs. In comparison to others 1% of the sample had deposited the funds received and as revealed through the data 2 % of informants had invested the received funds for new businesses (Table 4).

Due to obvious reasons, those communities who lost their original settlement over the commencement of the Moragahakanda project, might have faced varied nature of problems related to economic, social, infra structural, health and sanitary issues. Study team managed to collect data on this matter and the below table illustrates the findings (Table 5).

In consistent with the commencement of development project a majority of information providers represented by 79.59%, admitted the fact that there were changes happened in their employment structure. Yet, it is noteworthy to assess whether there were positive or negative transformations ensued and the responses highlighted that there are concerns over certain problems related to the changes of employment structure, such as;

1. Whether there were opportunities for local communities to access newly established employments via the project?
2. Was there a practice to employ workforces externally?
3. When the settlements were shifted to new sites across the project did you pay consideration on the job already involved?
4. Whether newly designed strategic approaches were practiced to assist re-settled families to find potential jobs or to popularize newly identified crops with cropping patters are some of the issues seemed unattended (Graph 11) & (Table 6).

Graph 11 Status of the jobs enrolled prior to the development project.

If there was an inspiration or stimulus affecting the traditional occupations it is necessary to assess the effects of same on the:

1. Pursuits on the Farming activities and
2. Trade and Business activities (Table 7).

It was revealed that all 68 in the sample had lost their main asset of the land ownership and percentage-wise it was 100 %, The said land was either a cultivating land, or the site in which the Business was going on else, the block in which the house was built. Accordingly, 97.06 % of them had lost their houses. Due to the presence of the Dev. Project the sample members had to leave their amiable residencies. Also revealed that 66.18 % of those previously involved in jobs had to become jobless also due to the .dev. project.

Characteristics of the compensatory assistance received from the Government due to the commitments (Table 8).

It was found that owing to the development project those affected communities had to sacrifices varied nature of assets they possessed with extreme difficulties. Nevertheless, it was divulged that only 92.65% of sufferers could receive compensations. New land for settlement was received by 69.11 % of the total sample. When the subsidies are concerned, the total recipients were 33.82 % of the sample.

As a whole, neither compensation nor subsidies had been issued for the whole affected community (Table 9).

In accordance with the analytical overview of the study in particular on the benefits received by the rural community via the Development Project, only 19 of the sample, (27.94 %), consented that permanent houses received by them as a benefit. Similarly, a segment of 11.76 % accepts the receipt of permanent land as a benefit. They treat this action a s benefit because the land recipients were living without legal ownership but all of them had received deeds now. Another segment of 2.94% stated that they received job opportunities introduced by the project. Those who feel positively over the built-in infrastructure represented 23.53 %. Also noticeable that those who commented on infra structural facilities referred only to the; renovated roads, Supply of drinking as well as irrigable water. Yet, the focused discussions and the observatory references highlighted the importance of the availability of common building to enable civil community to access one common place for series of services.

The proposed Infra structural and other services included in the original proposal are as follows.

1. To provide ½ Acre of high land and 1½ Acre of irrigated Agricultural land to each family
2. Assist needed community among those become disentitled for commercial, business or industries by providing new land with facilities to start industries or businesses.
3. To issue a subsidy payment of Rs. 50,000/= to construct a temporary shelter added with a toilet in the newly allocated land.
4. To issue a dry food token for each family for those who received irrigable land, until the first harvest is gathered,
5. To distribute seeds and planting material to proceed with cultivation.
6. To introduce alternate income avenues while conducting training sessions also with the provision of initial capital to start new ventures by the new settlers.
7. To supply electricity for each newly established village.
8. Implement a water supply project to give connection of pipe-born water facility to each house.

However;
9. Those proposed irrigated land for cultivation were not made available but shown by name only.
10. The distributed seeds and the plant material were not made available to all in a common basis.
11. No pipe born water connections given to all the houses. Even though water supply is attended through bowsers, no affirmation given on the sanitary standards of the water.

Peoples’ view and their aspirations on the need of a development project

The extreme necessity (Graph 12) of development projects is a factor in prevalence in the Sri Lankan society. Yet, only 43% of the entire sample accepted the need of a development project. All others refused the need of such projects. Also revealed that those who accept the need of development projects admit the fact that such projects are a necessity of the nation. However, due to the confusions on loosing ownership of land – housing, means of livelihoods etc., the balance interviewees do not have clarity on the moves to give positive response to the commencement of dev. Projects. Due to the uncertainty of the ownership of properties these communities do not want to share positive comments on the . dev. Projects (Table 10).

Graph 12 People’s opinion on the need of a development project.

There cannot be disparities of opinion shared by communities if the effort taken to diagnose exact needs of the community prior to design the project.. Unquestionably, the access for basic needs by the resettled families have to be ensured. Yet, it is apparent that the resettled community in the project area do not have access for clean drinking water.

Disposition of the linkage between project and the living pattern of the community

The coalition between (Table 11) project and the community life style has shown incongruity hence, higher Percentage 52.94 % expressed negative views on the expected alliance. The reasons brought up were; unavailability of land for cultivation , shortfall of water supply, inaccessibility for jobs and also certain problematic status due to cultural divergences. Thereby, the majority of the settlers live with feelings of dissatisfaction due to the emergence of varied nature of disparities.

Status of problems emerged in relation to the life style of the community that caused due to the development project.

Finally, a segment of community (Table 12) in the study area representing 69.12% expressed their views articulating that they are facing problematic situations. The central anomalies they highlighted were; problems encountered by the community due to the low performing water supply to the settlement of which 61.7% of the sample are affected. Those suffering due to the inaccessibility to cultivable land represented by 31.9 % of the sample. Also, 6.38 % claimed that they are grieving due to the loss of traditionally owned land within the project area.

It is a long-established aspiration followed by any Government to design and implement development projects with the intention of enabling the citizens to acquire benefits in line with the objective and goals of the project. Yet, when the Morgahakanda Development Project is concerned a segment of community could enjoy certain positive results but another fragment of the beneficiary community is facing unfortunate effects. Specific feature of this project was to focus on a rural community and the majority of villagers are living through the crop farming based Agriculture.

In consequence of certain irregularities and also due to some changes happened within the indisputable political structure resulting several changes on originally designed process, has resulted dissatisfaction currently on the project.

It was revealed that there are disparities on the compensations estimated at the inception of the project.

One other misconduct disclosed was that the major portion of benefits of the project had been creep out to locations away from the study area.

Apparently there was no follow up review done by the project on the settlers who were settled down in the project.

It is noticeable that original dwellers had shifted their residences to new locations because of the project. But, it is not visible their traditional social structure, which has changed at present.

It is somewhat a tragedy that wide range of traditional livelihoods have been changed now due to the loss of cultivable land under present context.

1. It is necessary that views and opinions of traditional dwellers and the responsible stake holders be considered prior to the completion of the development project planning. Moreover, the civil community too must be entrusted to hold a set of tasks and responsibilities in the process of planning, mainly to share views and also to criticize.
2. It is also vital that when development projects to be implemented it is necessary to finalize the planning only after a study in the implementing zone.
3. Project must be implemented based on its procedures and the guidelines yet, it is also necessary to identify the development needs as well as community needs in the area of operation.
4. Also a pre-requisite that awareness building of each beneficiary just to keep the party informed on the things to be sacrificed and the benefits entitled by the beneficiary including the compensations payable etc.,
5. Post-project evaluations are important to perform on right time durations mainly in focus of assessing the progress of the beneficiary groups..

None.

Author declares there is no conflict of interest.

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2. Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka. Resettlement Implementation Plan For the Moragahakanda Agriculture Development Project. 2010.
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