Mainstreaming Social Transformation in Recovery and Development Projects: Case of Sri Lanka

There have been several key programmes for recovery and development in Sri Lanka which provided integrated support to returnees, host communities and other vulnerable groups with different needs, capacities and aspirations in the conflict affected areas. These projects and programmes have significant social transformational potential, but how to design and implement recovery and development interventions in order to bring about sustainable social transformation is a question that has not been fully answered yet. In this context, this research paper analyses series of projects which were designed to promote social transformation through its recovery and development interventions and suggests an analytical framework to mainstream the social transformation interventions into recovery and development. The methods involved the evaluation of ten selected recovery and development projects in northern and eastern region in Sri Lanka using qualitative data collection techniques including focus group discussions, key informant interviews and direct observation. Finally, the analysis presents a path to follow when mainstreaming social transformation into recovery and development projects through the exploration of strategies, approaches, practices, experiences and lessons learned.