An Analysis of Factors Causing Socio-Economic Impacts of The Urban Sprawl: A Case Study on Wattala-Mabole Urban Council Area and its Outskirts, Sri Lanka

Urban expansion in adjacent areas has been addressed by different dimensions depending on the context. Sri Lanka is gradually developing, and urban have mostly expanded an unplanned manner resulting uncontrolled sprawl their new territories. Similarly, Wattala-Mabole council area also a site of sprawling. The main objective this research to identify analyze factors which generate socio-economic impacts study area. Further, paper examines challenges opportunities its surrounding areas. methodological steps for include questionnaire survey interviews, secondary data spatial analysis. Moreover, analyzed through geographic information system applications. This identified major socio- economic such as ‘monthly household income accommodation community, unemployment causes robbery illegal activities.’ rapid growth outskirts increase land value unaffordability. It was stated that service industries, warehouses, massive production factories utilized most low-lying lands outskirt at comparatively low prices. Hence, rejuvenated growth. found some people who are living fringes gain benefits due providing accommodations migrants, having more business demand goods. However, both dwellers face environment related problems sprawl. Thus, national local governments should step ahead implement policies overcome issues community.