Abstract:
Sri Lanka has long been recognized as a country with an agricultural economy.
The rural people were accustomed to a self-sufficient way of life based on
agriculture. Agriculture contributed much to the Sri Lankan economy. Sri
Lanka’s agriculture, which began with paddy cultivation was subsequently
based on commercial crops. It has caused a new transformation in the economy
of the country. The rural population had to adapt to that transformation in
agriculture. Later industrialization spread throughout the world. This has led
to a gradual decline in the demand for agriculture. It also affected Sri Lanka.
At present many people are engaged in agriculture due to the lack of other
strategies. It is impossible to earn a profitable income. As such, the nonagricultural
sector is important as an approach to relieve the rural masses from
poverty and go to gain economic benefits. Accordingly, the main objective of
this research was to identify the potential for directing the people towards nonagricultural
income generation and to make them aware. This research was
conducted in the Siripagama GND of the Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat.
Primary data were collected through questionnaires, direct or indirect privet
discussions and observation. Secondary data were obtained from the Grama
Niladhari Officer, Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat, Books, Maps, Charts,
Census records, Periodicals, and the Internet. This research identified several
non-agricultural livelihoods that could be implemented in the Siripagama
GND and also introduced some innovations to create a new market and
generate a higher income.
