Page 69 - RASAS_2022_Abstract_Volume_07

RASAS 2022- 44

Modern Political and Economic Crisis of Sri Lanka and Youth Unrest: A Study
from Athurugiriya Police Jurisdiction

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1
B.A.L.P. Premarathne and G.M.P.V. Godakanda
2
1 Department od Geography Department of Sociology
University of Ruhuna
Prabhasha.17333@uhss.ruh.ac.lk

Currently, Sri Lankans have suffered with shortages of food, fuel and other critical
supplies for several months. Other services are operating at critically reduced capacity.
Sri Lanka is facing an exceptional political instability and economic crisis that has
sparked months-long protests across the country. It affecting the frustration and unrest
of the youth generation in Sri Lanka. This paper demonstrates the youth unrest and their
perceptions on how, why and what are the reasons for that condition for the political and
economic crisis as a timely arguable topic. The required data for the study was gathered
through 03 main in-depth interviews with a focused group and a questionnaire with a
total of 26 people of the age category between 18 to 29, by distributing a questionnaire,
by random sampling method. Researchers utilized the mixed approach that included both
qualitative and quantitative, and document analysis as necessary. Mainly, the study
found that 84% are dissatisfied with the country's current situation. 92.3% mentioned
that they are not satisfied with the current political administration and generally
indicates, 84.8% are staying under pressure with the existing conditions. 73% accepted
that the reason for the crisis situation is weak leadership, while 53% notice the post-
Covid-19 factors as the reason. The economic crisis, food, fuel shortage and other
matters negatively affect Sri Lanka's youth. Basically, they disclosed that the downturn
in their future goals is a severe condition. Furthermore, it generates a severe depression
and negative intentions in the mentality of youth. Finally, this study discovers that the
current intolerable levels of economic hardship likely to be heavily impacted on youth
physically and mentally. Therefore, the study needs to be extended to a wider platform
in the future field.

Keywords: Economic Crisis, Political Instability, Protest, Sri Lanka, Youth Unrest

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