Perceptions of Quality of Life Among Two Different Generations of Women IDPs in Protracted Displacement in Mandalakkuda Camp in Puttalam District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of quality of life (QOL) among the first and second generations of internally displaced women, who are living in Mandalakkuda camp in the district of Puttalam in protracted displacement for nearly a quarter century. I conducted 20 interviews with women from first and second generations to understand how they perceive QOL. Collected information and data were analysed under emerging themes observed from the interview transcripts. The study showed that the perception of QOL varied significantly across different generations. While women from the first generation valued mainly the non-material aspects of QOL, the second-generation women emphasized much on the material aspects of QOL. It was also possible to note some common dimensions identified by both groups. The study concludes that generation and protracted nature of displacement have implications for how these two groups of women perceive QOL. However, these concerns are hardly acknowledged by solutions proposed by the government to address the issues of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) . It is argued that considering the length of time the IDPs are living in displacement, it is important to recognize the generational differences in understanding QOL, in any government-initiated solutions, which seriously influence the decision to return , reintegrate or resettle.