This project was funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and objective of this assignment was to conduct an in-depth study on the socio-economic and gender implications for the residents of various villages and cities resulting from the rehabilitation of roads under the integrated road investment program (iRoad). The Ministry of Transportation and Highways (MTH) is the executing agency and Road Development Authority (RDA) is the implementing agency of this iRoad program. The program spanning from 2014 to 2024 was carried out across 13 Districts in six Provinces of Sri Lanka focusing on improving road infrastructure in rural areas as well as major highways.

The SEVANATHA project team conducted a comprehensive survey on selected roads from the iRoad project. The survey has covered all the 13 districts where the iRoad program has been implemented and gathered data on various aspects of socio-economic and gender impacts. By examining these key areas, the report sheds light on the overall impacts of the improved iRoads infrastructure on the economic and social well-being of the people living in the catchment areas.

The following activities were successfully implemented the under the socioeconomic and gender study during November 2024 – January 2025:

• Development of Tools: Designed comprehensive survey questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides, and Key Informant Interview (KII) guides tailored to the study objectives.

• Training and Mobilizing of Field Staff: Considering the survey focusses, and time limitation, etc. SEVANATHA has recruited, trained and mobilized about 12 Nos of field enumerators for conducting the field survey activities.

• Field Survey Implementation: Conducted a detailed socioeconomic and gender assessment across 13 districts in 6 provinces of Sri Lanka.

• Data Processing and Analysis: Completed data entry and performed thorough data analysis to extract key findings.

• Reporting:

* Submitted a draft final report for client review and feedback.

* Finalized and submitted the final report incorporating all inputs and recommendations from the client.

Funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB), Implemented by SEVANATHA Urban Resource Centre; Socio-economic and Gender Study at program completion of Integrated Road Improvement Program implemented by RDA in Sri Lanka. (2024/2025)