From Forest to Fields: Agrarian Transformation and the Shaping of Class Structure Among Resettled Vadda Communities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

An agrarian society is a community that relies primarily on agriculture for sustenance and economic development. Sri Lanka has a rich history as an agrarian society, with farming, particularly rice cultivation, playing a central role in its culture and economy. The country's ancient irrigation systems are a testament to its agricultural heritage.

Agriculture has always been a fundamental part of the Sri Lankan economy, closely connected to the country's culture and the livelihoods of rural communities. Agriculture continues to be a crucial sector in Sri Lanka, providing employment for a large portion of the population and contributing to food security, exports (including tea and spices), and rural livelihoods. The Mahaweli Development project brought significant changes to the agricultural sector and modernized the rural economy. In the rural areas of the dry zone, resettlement programs were implemented as part of broader development initiatives, impacting the traditional way of life of Vedda populations.

As a result of the development project, the Vedda community was resettled, shifting their main livelihood from Chena cultivation to modernized irrigation-based agriculture. This study examines the impact of agrarian changes on indigenous society, focusing on the negative effects on the resettled Vaddas community in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the study was to understand what the main changes were that occurred in the resettled community based on introducing new lifestyle with agrarian changes. The specific objective of the study was to investigate how these changes of agricultural modernization and agrarian changes impact on the resettled Vadda community, which traditionally relied on Chena cultivation, hunting, and gathering.

The study follows a positivist philosophy approach and involved 35 participants from different generations in in-depth interviews, selected through stratified sampling. Key informant interviews were also conducted with government officials including medical officer of health, Divisional secretary, a forest officer, a Mahaweli unit manager, and three community-based association leaders using purposive sampling. The respondents were selected from settlements in Hennanigala South in the Mahaweli "C" Zone. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data, incorporating both explicit and implicit content. Granheim and Lundman's methodology was employed for data analysis, processing, and coding.

The findings revealed that agrarian changes have led to the emergence of a generational class structure in the society, which was not present in traditional Vadda society. Moreover, poorly managed agrarian changes related to modernization and Western-centered development have resulted in the loss of traditional livelihoods, environmental degradation, health risks, social conflicts, economic disparities, food insecurity, devaluation of indigenous knowledge, and the marginalization of Vadda voices.

Further, commercial interests have been prioritized over cultural heritage and sustainability, neglecting the needs of vulnerable groups such as landless individuals, small farmers, the impoverished, and women within the Vadda community.

The study underscores the importance of sustainable agricultural development that emphasizes environmental conservation, social justice, social welfare and the well-being of rural communities. In conclusion, by acknowledging and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems with modernised knowledge and implementing inclusive strategies, a resilient and equitable society and food system can be established.

Bio

I, Pulsie Handunmali Rupathunga Epa, from Sri Lanka and I am a dedicated doctoral student at Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, PRC, specializing in Rural Sociology. With a strong academic background and a passion for innovation, I have made significant contributions to my field of study. I have published more than 12 papers, including those in SSCI and CSSCI journals. In recognition of my outstanding academic achievements and research excellence, I was honored with the prestigious Jiangsu Province Scholarship for Outstanding International Students in 2024, a testament to my dedication and scholarly impact.

My research focuses on Rural Communities, Climate Change Impact, and Development Studies, addressing critical challenges and proposing sustainable solutions. My work integrates advanced methodologies with practical applications, contributing to both academia and society. Through my studies, I aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation, ensuring that scientific advancements benefit communities and society. I am currently in the post-fieldwork phase of my studies.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in collaborative research projects, academic conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms. I have presented my findings at international forums and published in reputable journals, reinforcing my role as an emerging scholar in the field of Sociology. My commitment to excellence extends beyond research, as I actively mentor junior researchers and contribute to student organizations, fostering a culture of academic growth and innovation.

With a deep-rooted passion for sustainable development and the advancement of rural communities, I envision making a lasting impact in my field. My journey at Hohai University continues to be marked by remarkable achievements, inspiring fellow researchers and paving the way for transformative solutions in Rural Sociology.