Abstract:
A disaster is known as an unexpected hazardous event that impacts the communities
through extensive damage, disruption and potential fatalities, which makes the affected
communities seek external assistance to recover from the impact. Post-Disaster
Resettlement (PDR) has been identified as a good option to convert the destructive zone
into a sustainable society with long term developmental guidance. PDR projects can be
defined as a complex process that deals with uncertainty and change the facility partially
or entirely by replacement. The success of PDR programmes highly influences the
mitigation and preparedness phases of the next disaster. Currently, PDR projects in Sri
Lanka are not at the required success level due to different types of social and economic
challenges. This study, therefore, aimed to identify and develop suitable post-disaster
resettlement strategies for the successful development of PDR projects in Sri Lanka. A
qualitative research stance was used for the proposed research as it requires in-depth
inquiry into the PDR strategies. The research developed twelve strategies to succeed
with PDR projects in Sri Lanka. The required knowledge sharing among parties of the
PDR project, and using disaster-affected communities for managing and controlling of
the PDR project are the main key strategies. The study highlighted the importance of
PDR strategies to Sri Lanka, factors considered when developing PDR strategies, the
shortcomings that have been witnessed in past PDR projects, and the possible ways of
developing appropriate PDR strategies for Sri Lanka. Further, the study identified the
levels that each strategy must implement in the resettlement process.
