Page 66 - RASAS 2025

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10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025

Environmental Impacts of Rapid Urbanization in Athurugiriya Suburban Zone:
A Geographical Analysis of Land Use Change and Eco-system Degradation

B.A.P.I. Bamunuarachchi
Department of Geography, University of Ruhuna
piyumiirushika4@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The complexities associated with rapid urbanization in the suburban areas of Sri Lanka have become a

significant crisis facing the urban population. It has identified that the land use change and degradation of the
ecosystem that has been observed over the past decade in the Athurugiriya area, a suburban area on the

outskirts of the commercial city of Colombo, has led to this issue faced by the community there. The primary
objective of the research is to identify the environmental impacts of urban expansion in the Athurugiriya area
via a geographical and environmental study. The sub-objectives are to analyze the environmental impact on

the urban area due to the withering away of wetlands, paddy fields, and green space; to investigate the
perceptions held by the local community and stakeholders regarding urban planning in the area; and to propose

sustainable solutions to these challenges. This study adopted a mixed-method approach to assess the
environmental impacts of rapid urbanization in the Athurugiriya suburban area. Quantitative data were
collected through structured surveys with 15 randomly selected residents, focusing on perceptions of land use

change, flooding, and environmental quality. In addition, high-resolution satellite image analysis was utilized
to examine vegetation cover changes over a ten-year period. Official records from urban development
authorities provided further data on infrastructure growth. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-

structured interviews with 10 key stakeholders, including urban planners, government officials, and long-term
residents, alongside direct field observations. The findings revealed a significant increase in built-up areas and
a corresponding decline in paddy fields, wetlands, and green cover. Many residents reported frequent flooding

and a noticeable deterioration in environmental quality. Overall, the study highlights that poorly regulated
development, limited community engagement, and weak enforcement of planning policies have contributed to

serious environmental degradation in the area.

Keywords: Athurugiriya, Ecosystem, Green space, Stakeholders, Urbanization

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