Abstract:
Sustainable development focuses on the importance of meeting the needs of current
and future generations through the integration of environmental protection, social
advancement and economic prosperity. In the implementation of sustainable
development strategies the communities, people and their values are considered to be
of vital importance. “A Sustainable community would be secure, healthy and equitable,
with a clear sense of place,” (Environment Protection Authority, 2002).
After more than 130 years of colonial rule, Sri Lanka gained independence from the
British in 1948. Today, the country is at crossroads following a brutal civil war which
ravaged the country since 1983. Despite all the internal constraints and challenges
facing economic prosperity, “Sri Lanka reaffirms the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21
which emphasize the need to eradicate poverty and reduce disparities in living standards
to achieve sustainable development…” (United Nations, 1997).
The paper will question the extent to which Sri Lanka’s sustainable development
strategy assists in developing a society which is secure, healthy and equitable, with a
clear 'sense of place'. In this regard the paper will examine key issues which either link
or separate Sri Lanka’s sustainable development programme from its national disaster
management programme. Its objective is to highlight the need for developing an
alternate, sustainable development strategy which will meet the needs of current and
future generations, through the integration of environmental protection, social
advancement and economic prosperity.
