Evaluating the challenges of municipal governance in managing urban sprawl: a GIS-based assessment of the Kaduwela Municipal Council, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Urban sprawl presents multifaceted governance challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions, such as the Kaduwela Municipal Council (KMC) area in Sri Lanka. This study investigates the spatial dynamics and governance implications of urban expansion over the 2004–2024 period, employing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and Landsat satellite imagery. It analyses land use transitions, including the expansion of built-up areas and the consequent reduction of agricultural lands, wetlands, and vegetative cover. These spatial assessments are complemented by municipal records and socio-economic data to provide a comprehensive perspective on urban transformation. The findings reveal substantial unplanned land conversion, resulting in environmental degradation, infrastructural stress, and regulatory shortcomings. Furthermore, socio-economic factors, such as escalating property values and disparities in access to public services, intensify the governance burden. In response, the study advocates for integrated planning approaches underpinned by GIS-based monitoring systems to enable real-time land use assessment. Key policy recommendations include the reinforcement of zoning regulations, the promotion of sustainable land use practices, and the enhancement of governance capacities through smart technologies and inclusive stakeholder engagement. This research offers a data-driven framework to support policymakers and urban planners in addressing the challenges of urban sprawl and fostering resilient, equitable urban development.