Relocation Failures in Sri Lanka

Can one author concomitantly wield the analytical lenses of several disciplines? This insightful study brilliantly conquers this daunting methodological challenge. Muggah's major book is the sharpest theoretical, political, and sociological analysis of the conundrum of displacements and resettlement processes caused by development, conflicts, and natural disasters, that are integral not only to Sri Lanka's social fabric but epitomize the status of our today's World at large. * Michael M. Cernea, George Washington University *
This book [analyzing the consequences and amelioration] of the several kinds of 'internal displacement' is a welcome addition to the literature. There are instructive similarities, but also important differences, among forced resettlement as a result of development projects, armed conflict, or natural disasters. [It is a sad commentary on our times that development studies is having to extend its scope to the restoration of governance capabilities, economic productivity and social relationships, rather than just figuring out how to advance each of these dimensions [of national existence] to more satisfactory levels.] Muggah brings insightful social science analysis to this subject, plus an incisive historical perspective. His choice of Sri Lanka as a case study is [, sadly for that country,] very apt, since this country offers relevant examples of all three kinds of internal displacement for us to learn from. * Norman Uphoff, Cornell University *