This is a study of the nature and extent of economic and social decline in the conflict region of Sri Lanka, namely the North&East Province, during the past quarter century of civil conflict. This is the first ever attempt to compare and contrast the regional economies and the national economy in Sri Lanka. This is also the first study on a regional economy in Sri Lanka. The study also identifies specific causes for the economic and social decline in the conflict region. This study is based on quantitative secondary data and qualitative primary data. The book incorporates chapters on the regional macro economy, economic desolation, social marginalisation, poverty, inequality, & vulnerability, and the causes for the same.

The book statistically demonstrates the de-development and the least developed status of the conflict region, particularly the Northern Province. The main argument of the book is that economic embargo imposed by the state between 1990 and 2001 is the single most important cause for the economic and social decline of the conflict region. It is further argued that economic repression by the LTTE is the single most important cause for the non-realisation of the full potential of the economy in the conflict region during the time of the ceasefire (2002-2005). Thus, the economy of the conflict region has fallen from the frying pan (economic embargo by the state) into the fire (economic repression by the LTTE) during the time of the ceasefire.                
 
The book also propounds the way forward for the economy of the conflict region; while it is argued that the eastern economy could become an industrial cum tourism economy, the northern economy could become a knowledge-based economy. It is hoped that this argument driven book would be of use and interest to policy and opinion makers on both sides of the conflict, students and scholars interested in the economic dimensions of civil conflict, media personnel, and the international stakeholders of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka.  

Economy of the Conflict Region in Sri Lanka.pdf

Last update : 27-02-2008 11:00

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