Abstract:
Fertility can be defined as the condition, quality, and degree of being fertile for an
individual. It has been declining in the world as well as in Sri Lanka for the past two
decades. According to the Census and Statistics (2005), the Total Fertility Rate in Sri
Lanka was declined from 5.0 during 1962-64 to 1.9 during 1995-2000. The consequences
of fertility decline can be identified in the Sri Lankan society at present. Therefore, this
particular study aims to identify the socio-economic problems occur due to fertility decline
in Sri Lanka. Two areas, representing both urban and rural were selected for this study.
They are Yatiyana (rural) and Isadeen Town (urban) GN divisions in Matara District.
Primary data were collected using several methods such as questionnaire survey,
discussions, and field observation. Data analysis were done using both quantitative and
qualitative methods.
The findings reveal that fertility has a strong relationship with women’s employment
status and the age at marriage in the study areas while it has no significant relationship
with their education. Also, it could be identified that economic, social, cultural,
demographic and health problems are faced by the households due to fertility decline.
