Abstract:
Bundala Ramsar Wetland is the first Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. It provides multiple economic
activities including fishing, agriculture, livestock raring, and tourism. Lunugamwehera irrigation
scheme was introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka adjacent to the Bundala Ramsar
Wetland. This study attempts to find out the long-term impact of this development project on
the livelihood activities of the wetland dwellers at Malala lagoon in Bundala Ramsar Wetland.
Snow ball sampling technique was employed to select 60 sample units. Mixed methods were
employed including a questionnaire survey (n=60) and in-depth interviews (n=10) for primary
data collection. The results show, fishing (55%), agriculture (17%), eco-tourism (12%), and
livestock raring (8%) as the main income generating activities in the area. Most of these are
lagoon-based economic activities for the villagers with an average monthly income of 20,000
LKR. Thus, the productivity of the lagoon is crucial in attaining sustainable livelihood
opportunities. However, 46 respondents (77%) have experienced an income reduction
compared to the past 10 years. Water pollution, and anthropogenic activities with adverse
impacts, have been reported by 53 % of the respondents as one of the main reasons for income
reduction. Climate change (21%), government rules and regulations (18%), and reduced
demand for tourism (12%) are the other factors. Based on the survey Lunugamwehera irrigation
scheme has negatively affected on the lagoon ecosystem (p=0.00016). In depth interviews
further affirmed that fishing, eco-tourism, and livestock raring have been threatened in the area.
This concludes, that the recent development activities have negatively affected on the ecosystem
and sustainability of lagoon environment and the entire Bundala Ramsar Wetland. Hence,
ecosystem based adjustments are needed to regain the productivity of the lagoon for the
betterment of wetland dwellers.
