The Role of Social Capital as a Post-relocation Coping Mechanism: A Case Study of Kegalle, Sri Lanka

In the systematic approach toward disaster risks, planned relocation is considered to be the last resort when providing a durable solution for relocates. This study is an investigation of the role of "social capital" in rebuilding lives in the aftermath of relocation caused by post-disaster induced displacement. This study is based on field research conducted in Kegalle, Sri Lanka. The study employs primary data that was collected using a sample survey and in-depth interviews as techniques. A systematic sample of 60 households was selected from both donor and owner driven relocation settings to conduct the sample survey. 28 in-depth interviews were conducted with relocates, host community members, and project officials based on purposive samples. The findings of the study have been analyzed using the main thematic orientation of the main types of social capital, i.e., bonding, bridging, and linking. The findings suggest that social capital plays a major role in the coping strategies developed by relocates to face the alterations in their living fabric caused due to displacement and relocation. A few reasons for the significance given to social capital are the homogeneity of the community, living through the relocation, public facilities, community-based initiatives, and economic cooperation. Hence, the study concludes that integrating social capital is a vital coping mechanism for planned relocation.