Development Trend of Urbanization

 Development Trend of Urbanization

Development Trend of Urbanization

Urbanization is the process of an area transforming from rural to urban. Technological advancement, population growth, and the need for employment opportunities drive urbanization. This has various effects on a society and the environment.

Urbanization in Sri Lanka is very ancient. In ancient times, cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were political, cultural, and commercial centers. When Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch, and later British) ruled Sri Lanka in the 16th century, Colombo became an important commercial center.

After British rule, the rate of urban growth increased with political and administrative changes in independent Sri Lanka. Open economic policies after 1977, export-enhancing programs, and foreign investment accelerated urban growth.

Factors that promoted urbanization in Sri Lanka

Industrial and service sector growth

In the 1980s, Sri Lanka shifted from its primary economy (agriculture) to industry and service sectors. Many factories, industrial zones (IEZs), and development centers were established, often near cities.

Education and health facilities

Good quality education and health services were mostly available only in cities. This led to the migration of rural people to cities. In particular, cities with universities such as the University of Colombo, the University of Peradeniya, and the University of Japan began to experience population growth.

Economic growth:

One of the primary benefits of urbanization is economic growth. Factories, businesses, and information technology centers are increasing in cities. This creates job opportunities and improves the standard of living of the people.

Job Opportunities

Young people have migrated from rural areas to cities due to the high number of job opportunities in the manufacturing, service sectors, insurance, banking and tourism sectors.

Transportation Facilities

Most of the country's buses, trains and airlines operate centrally in cities. This has made city life easier and more convenient.

Urban Development in Sri Lanka - Based on Statistics

Only about 19% of Sri Lanka's total population lived in cities in 2021. However, the United Nations has predicted that this will increase to 25% by 2030.

Colombo District is the most urbanized area in Sri Lanka. The population density here is 3,400 people per square kilometer.

Infrastructure Development:

As cities grow rapidly, basic facilities such as roads, bridges, drinking water supply and electricity are being improved. Educational institutions, hospitals and transportation are also increasing rapidly in cities.

Employment and Educational Opportunities:

Cities create various employment opportunities in sectors such as industry, commerce, and information technology. Similarly, opportunities for quality education are also abundant in cities.

The "Runavanasana Aanapayiladalai" project was launched to develop it into a cloud city

Eelasava Uvaila Uzhadazhadila is an attempt to take Sri Lanka's urban development to the global stage.

Benefits of Urbanization

Economic Development

Cities contribute significantly to the country's GDP as they are the hubs of trade, manufacturing, and services.

Improved Quality of Life

The quality of life of people improves as basic amenities such as electricity, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities are provided in cities.

Technological Development

Cities are centers of technological innovation. The Internet and information and communication technologies often originate in cities.

Cultural Exchange

Cities are home to a diverse population of speakers of different languages, religions, and social groups, which increases social interaction and understanding.

Social changes:

Urbanization has led to people living in a mixture of different communities, religions, and cultures. This has led to cultural exchange. At the same time, traditional social structures are facing challenges.

Slums and housing shortages

Many people in Colombo and other cities live in slums. This leads to cramped living conditions, sewage problems, and health problems.

Traffic congestion and pollution

The increase in motor vehicles and the lack of roads have led to travel problems in areas such as the airport and the New Market.

Environmental impacts

Environmental impacts:

Urbanization has serious impacts on the environment. There is deforestation, exploitation of natural resources, and air and water pollution. These have implications for human health and global warming.

6. Housing and settlement problems:

Due to the scarcity of land and the high population in cities, there is a shortage of housing. This means that those who do not own land are forced to live in multi-story houses and shacks.

Development Trend of Urbanization