Social exclusion and vulnerability of people in gypsy community

Abstract

Gypsy community people are marginalized, socially excluded and vulnerable even today in the society. Gypsy community people have been identified as a disadvantaged group in Sri Lanka since past. They are still confronting with number of challenges and excluded in the development process of the country. In this regard, this study was conducted to identify the key challenges that lead to social exclusion and vulnerability of Gypsy community people in Aligambe Girama Niladhari division of Alayadiwembu Divisional Secretariat division, Ampara district among 40 individuals. Primary data was collected using interviews, focused group discussions and observations while secondary data was gained through records and reports of Alayadiwembu Divisional Secretariat division, books, newspaper articles, journals and web sites. Collected data were analysed using qualitative analysis method and presented in a descriptive way. The study found that the people of Gypsy community are socially excluded from getting basic facilities and needed developments that are normally available to other community people. Lack of water, health care, proper housing condition, sanitation facility, transportation, road facility, vulnerable to diseases, challenges in education, poor economy, gaining social status among other community people and poverty were identified as the continuous challenges faced by the Gypsy community people. As a developing country, Sri Lanka needs to consider and focuses on the well-being of all its citizens without excluding anyone in the development process, especially the marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Comprehensive measures, good policies and plan interventions are essential to improve the living standard and the social status of Gypsy community people.