Understanding Encroachments and their Effects on Quality of Life: Perspectives of Residents in the Western Coastal Zone

Abstract

Many encroachments, representing different activities have been notified along the western coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Residents along the encroachments have complained about several issues that disrupt their daily lives. While extensive research has been done on community attitudes towards encroachments there remains a critical gap regarding the influence of coastal encroachments on the quality of life of residents in Sri Lanka. This research examines the impact of coastal encroachments on residents' quality of life in Dehiwela, Sri Lanka, focusing on infrastructural, social, and ecological factors. A quantitative approach was utilized, with a structured questionnaire directed to 75 residents, and data was analyzed through mean value and correlation analyses. Results of correlation present a moderate positive correlation between infrastructural factors and quality of life, while social and ecological factors show strong positive correlations and confirm that encroachments affect the quality of life of people. This study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to control encroachments and foster sustainable living conditions.