A Study on Marginalization of Indigenous Minorities: Evidence from Vedda Community in Sri Lanka (With Special Reference to Dambana and Rathugala)
Loading...
Files
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Tourism is one of the massive industries which contribute significantly to the global economy. Indigenous tourism has been identified as one of the promising sectors in Sri Lankan tourism industry. This research study is designed based on the concept indicator model reflecting three research objectives. The study strives to uncover whether the marginalization of Vedda community by enforced means or it is voluntarily occurred. Qualitative research approach was entrusted through in-depth interviews covering 18 respondents including both Vedda people and other stakeholders at Dambana and Rathugala areas. The study assesses the determinants of marginalizing areas in public life, is the Vedda Marginalized or not and the role of tourism in the Vedda life in the above context. Qualitative data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that, social, economic and political aspect as the marginalization areas of the Vedda community by enforcing or voluntary means. Self-esteem and tourism dependence are determinants of the degree of marginalization where both enforced and voluntary means are in action the process of marginalization Vedda community. Consequently, the current study concluded that among the majority of selected participants among the Vedda community and stakeholders, the Vedda community has been marginalized mainly by voluntarily in Sri Lanka. Based on the in-depth data collected, it is identified that they are playing major role in the Sri Lankan tourism industry within their own sociocultural framework. Finally, this study suggests the government and other authorities to pay more attention on the indigenous minority to promote the Sri Lankan tourism industry by taking necessary steps and actions while focusing on the preservation of their vanishing cultural values.
Description
Keywords
Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Human Resource Development