IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka, an island nation graced by over 1,600 kilometres of coastline, is home to thousands of families whose lives are deeply intertwined with the sea.

- By Dr. Manil De Mel

These coastal communities, scattered from Jaffna to Galle and Batticaloa to Puttalam, have relied on fisheries, marine-based agriculture, and tourism for generations. However, over the years, they have faced mounting challenges, including overfishing, declining marine biodiversity, natural disasters, and most recently, the intensifying impacts of climate change.

To safeguard the future of these communities, the Sri Lankan government, in collaboration with NGOs, international donors, and private sector stakeholders, is increasingly focusing on sustainable livelihood development. These efforts aim to enhance economic stability and protect the fragile coastal ecosystems on which these communities depend.

Challenges

Coastal populations in Sri Lanka are vulnerable on multiple fronts. While the ocean provides food and income, it also poses serious risks. Cyclones, floods, and coastal erosion have devastated homes and infrastructure. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains a painful memory for many, and since then, the effects of rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns have grown more severe.

Overfishing is another significant concern. Due to years of unregulated fishing and the use of harmful gear, fish stocks have declined. Small-scale fishers now struggle to compete with large trawlers that deplete coastal waters. Meanwhile, pollution—especially plastic waste—threatens marine biodiversity and impacts the quality and safety of marine harvests.

Furthermore, the tourism industry, a potential boon for coastal economies, was hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and is still in the process of recovery. Many community members who once found employment in hotels, restaurants, and tour services were left jobless, highlighting the need for diversified income sources.

Sustainable development