වතුකරයේ කාන්තාවන්ගේ ප්‍රජනක සෞඛ්‍ය සහ සමාජ යහපැවැත්ම පිළීබඳ අධ්‍යයනයක් - A study on reproductive health and social wellbeing Of women in the plantation sector

While the overall health indicators of Sri Lanka show a positive trend alongside the national health system accessible to all citizens, there is a question as to whether this progress is equally reflected within the plantation community, a distinct representation of Sri Lanka's population. About two hundred thousand families reside in the plantation sector, and nearly 90% of the labor force consists of women. Their reproductive health status remains relatively poor compared to other regions of the country. This research aimed to study the factors preventing plantation women from benefiting from the overall satisfactory health conditions enjoyed by women in Sri Lanka. Dankoluawatta and Thannahenawatta were selected as the primary research fields for this study. A sample of 20 women from each location was selected through a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire, and secondary data were obtained from the statistical reports of the Pitabeddara Divisional Secretariat. Additionally, scholarly journals, articles, and internet resources were consulted as secondary sources. The research revealed that while the literacy regarding reproductive health remains unsatisfactory among women in Dankoluwatta, there is a progressive improvement in health and reproductive health literacy among women in Thannahenawatta. Accordingly, in utilizing health facilities, women in Dankoluwatta still adhere to the traditional plantation environment, whereas women in Thannahenawatta are attempting to build a future aligned with urbanization. The study concluded that while some plantation areas continue to function as a "vicious cycle" without progress from health benefits, women in certain other areas are utilizing health facilities to achieve high health progress and improved reproductive health conditions.