Environmental Peacebuilding as a Pathway of Sustainable Development in Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The post-war Northern Province of Sri Lanka continues to experience complex tensions arising from contested land governance and environmental degradation. Focusing on Northern Province of Sri Lanka, this study examines how land disputes and ecological degradation function as interconnected drivers of post-conflict tension. Drawing on Political Ecology and Resource Conflict Theory, the research analyzes how power relations and competition over natural resources shape environmental and social conflict in post-war contexts. Using qualitative and quantitative data collected through interviews and surveys with 30 villagers and activists, the study finds that military and police occupation of civilian land for camp construction has intensified local grievances and restricted access to traditional landholdings. Respondents further identified extensive deforestation, unauthorized construction, and unregulated tube-well development as significant contributors to environmental degradation and groundwater depletion. In addition, the designation of local lands as protected areas without adequate community consultation has limited livelihood opportunities and deepened perceptions of marginalization. The findings demonstrate that environmental degradation and land disputes are mutually reinforcing processes that exacerbate post-conflict tensions in Northern Province. The study argues that sustainable peacebuilding requires demilitarization of occupied lands, stronger environmental regulation, inclusive land governance, and community-centered environmental peacebuilding initiatives to promote reconciliation and long-term resilience in post-conflict regions