Right of Way

‘Right of Way’ is based on experiences and lessons learnt from CEPA’s work as an external evaluator of the ADB-funded Southern Transport Development Project. This publication looks at the process of resettlement that took place to make way for the Southern Expressway. It records the journey of the communities who lost their homes and livelihoods and experienced changes to their living environments. It also examines the dual role of the Road Development Authority, which supervised the road construction and also implemented the project’s social programmes. The book also provides insights into one of the first large-scale implementations of the principles contained in the National Involuntary Resettlement Policy of Sri Lanka formulated to protect the rights of displaced people. Right of Way documents the positive and negative impacts of the involuntary displacement and resettlement so that future projects may benefit from these experiences.