The Impact of small & medium towns in the regional development of Sri Lanka, with special reference to the southern region

Abstract

The study of small & medium towns is timely important as these towns consist of 56% of the national urban population and 93% of the total number of towns. (1981 census). The main objective of this study is therefore to progress an appropriate solution for the promotion of integration of the small & medium towns within an urban hierarchy conducive to economic growth and development of the country. To achieve this objective, the study has covered its various aspects under five Chapters. Chapter One of this study has dealt with the theoretical analysis of regional development. In this connection, it has discussed the historical perspective of regional planing, the concept of the region, importance of regional planning and the theoretical framework concerning same. Chapter Two of the study has been mainly devoted to the review of national and town plans in Sri Lanka which have been previously formulated to enable development. The latter revealed that a number of national and town plans had been prepared in Sri Lanka but these lacked the spatial dimension of an integrated settlements strategy and also deficient in its implementation. Chapter Three of the study has analysed the role of small ;nd medium towns in regional development . It has discussed the definition of 'urban', classification of small & medium towns, distribution pattern and role of small & medium towns. Using a Case Study to highlight the specificities outlined in the previous Chapters, the situational analysis of the Southern Region has been discussed in Chapter Four of the study. In the context of regional development, the role of small & medium towns in the Southern Region have been analysed in order to he .••ease the full growth potential that can be generated by these towns through the develop went of urban facilities. The Final Chapter has dealt with the Conclusions and Recommoncations arising from this study. This Chapter has focussed on the overall conclusion.a of the study and has proposed recommendations.