A sociological study of the socio-economic background of three wheel drivers in rural Sri Lanka:Special reference to Rathnapura, Ambilipitiya and Wallavaya areas

Abstract

Three wheelers, taxis are a key part of Sri Lanka's public transport network, especially after dark when buses stop operating due to state mandated fares which do not permit night fares. During the past decade or so Sri Lanka has seen a rapid growth in youth, early school leavers and people from lower income groups taking into the occupation of being three wheeler drivers. This research is conducted considering this growing trend and the impact it has on the country‘s economy and the socio-cultural impact. The main reasons for three wheel occupation are as follows. Primary reason is the inability to fulfil the growing demand for transportation in terms of public or private transport. Secondly the lack of alternative transport forms in some rural areas. Finally the fact that three wheeler drivers providing a flexible transportation service. This service commenced in 1978 and it has become the most popular private transportation method in present day Sri Lanka as a result of many low income group people taking into this occupation and a large number of commuters patronizing the service. The objective of this research was to study the social, economic background of three wheel drivers in Sri Lanka, as they seem to possess a very strong sub-culture that protects their interests and prevents unwanted or undesirable elements penetrating their strongholds or territories. The study was carried out in Rathnapura, Ambilipitiya and Wallavaya areas. According to a random group of 674 three wheeler drivers were selected as a sample. A questionnaire based survey, interviews and observation methods were used for data collection. The research revealed that 64% three wheeler drivers’ education was limited to O/L qualifications. A surprising amount of 46% claimed a daily income of only Rs. 500-1,000. Further a 33% of the three wheeler drivers, whom we contacted received a monthly income of Rs. 20,000-30,000. Another 35% of the drivers were involved in farming as a secondary income because they do not have a permanent source of income nor the earnings from the three wheeler was not enough to make the ends meet. Out of the research groups, 77% were married and another 51% of them were drug addicts. Considering the above observations, the overall objective of this research is to prove that the socio-economic conditions of three wheel drivers are in still in a very backward and deprived condition.