Embracing Change in Costal Sri Lanka

Focused on social change in a coastal village in Sri Lanka, this book emphasizes processes over structures, based on the fundamental premise that society is defined by change rather than stasis. In the village, change emerged as a response to broader economic and political forces, yet the people were far from passive victims of these external influences. Instead, they actively engaged with shifting circumstances, seizing new opportunities as they arose. Change was generally perceived in a positive light, reflecting the community’s resilience and adaptability.

R.L. Stirrat taught both anthropology and development studies at the University of Sussex for many years. His main research interests have been in social and economic change in coastal Sri Lanka and on the history of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. In addition, he has acted as a consultant for various agencies including the FAO, IFAD and DFID.