Community satisfaction and livelihood challenges of water resource development the case study of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study examines the social and livelihood impacts of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project in Sri Lanka, focusing on downstream communities near the Puhulpola and Dyraaba dam sites. While such large-scale water infrastructure projects support irrigation, hydropower, and regional development, they often trigger population displacement and disrupt local livelihoods, social cohesion, and ecological systems. Grounded in Place Attachment Theory and Environmental Satisfaction Theory, the research employs a mixed-methods approach that includes household questionnaires, field observations, key informant interviews, and secondary data analysis. The Modified Cantril Ladder scale is used to assess environmental satisfaction and perceived quality of life before, during, and after project implementation. Findings reveal significant declines in household income, agricultural productivity, access to farmland, housing conditions, and community relationships. These disruptions are further intensified by uncertainty over land tenure and limited participatory planning. Despite these challenges, affected communities’ express cautious optimism and demonstrate adaptive resilience. The study highlights the need for development planning that integrates environmental sustainability with community resilience. It calls for inclusive, context sensitive policies that reflect the lived experiences of displaced populations and prioritize long-term satisfaction and social cohesion. By examining the social consequences of the Uma Oya Project, this research provides field based insights into the broader social implications of infrastructure-led development in Sri Lanka.