A study of the contribution of a cottage industry to the rural development in Madurawala Divisional Secretariat Division

Among the countries in the world and according to their global development ranking Sri Lanka is still listed as a developing country. The rural population of Sri Lanka is 82% (2015) out of the country’s total population. Therefore, rural development is a needful factor in Sri Lanka. By empowering the rural community in social, economic, political and ecological aspects may ensure the development of rural industries. The foundation of rural community development can be laid by giving attention to home-based cottage industries. The cottage industry also is known as the handicraft industry which is known for the extensive use of personal specification and technical skills.it helps economic growth by facilitating rural development, generating employment opportunities, and paves the way for entrepreneurial growth, making efficient utilization of human and other resources too. But unfortunately, after the open economic policy of 1977, the cottage industry showed quite a downfall which resulted in the reduction of interest for the cottage industry among the rural community in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this research is to identify the contribution of the cottage industry towards the rural development of Mahayala and the Walpita Grama Niladari Division of Madurawala Divisional Secretariat Division which selected as a sampling area to obtain primary data the researcher has been selected 30 owners of a cottage industry. Also; questionnaire, interview, and observational method were used to collect primary data and in the process of the secondary data collection the books, magazines which were parallel to the research, the resource profile and selfemployment report of the Madurawala Divisional Secretariat Division and training institution of clay industry and also, SWOT analysis was used as data analysis technique. It was revealed that the cottage industry has contributed to rural development. Also, it has been found that the second generation did not attract these industries and it had a lack of specific market. Those issues can be overcome by establishing formal vocational training centers, making local and foreign market opportunities, engaging the rural community for innovation. As a conclusion, there is a possibility to achieve rural development by carrying out above mentioned suggestions successfully.