Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Consultant of the Worl Bank, conducted the Second Day of the two-day workshop on preparing Cascade Management Plans (CMPs)held at the National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM), Athurugiriya. Mr. Samanatha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist and Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project made participants aware of their subjects’ contribution to CMPs.
The
World Bank Officials, Deputy Project Directors and Subject Specialists made
their contribution to preparing effective and meaningful Cascade Management
Plans on the first day of the two-day workshop held at
the National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM), Athurugiriya.
Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Consultant, Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist and Eng. S. Manoharan, Consultant of the Worl Bank lectured on selected topics such as preparing Cascade Management Plans (CMPs), Why should the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) implement 11 pilot CMPs in 11 hotspot areas commencing from October 2023, and Importance of amalgamating the possible activities of the plan of Water Resources Management for sustainable cascade management. The objectives of the two-day workshop were pointed out by Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist (ID&CBS) of the Project Management Unit (PMU).
Representing six provincial Deputy Directors’ Office of the CSIAP Mr. Upali Rathnayake, ID&CBS, Deputy Project Director’s Office of the North Central Province, Mr. D. M .K. H. Dissanayake, ID&CBS, Deputy Project Director’s Office of the North Western Province, Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the Uva Province, Mr. Arulappu George Chandra Babu, Deputy Project Director of the Northern Province, Dr. R. M. Ariyadasa, Deputy Project Director of the Eastern Province and Mr. R.P. M. Dissananayeke, ID&CBS and Acting Deputy Project Director of the Southern Province, commented on the progress of establishing the Cascade Management Committees (CMCs), developing CMPs and planning for facilitating the CMC to implement the CMP.
Mr. N. A. I. U. K. Nissanka, Water Management Specialist, Dr. Janaka Jayawardane -Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist, Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist and Mr. Christy Perera, Agri-Business & Market Development Linkage Specialist delivered lectures on how do their subjects incorporate into cascade management plans. Subject Specialists, Engineers and Officers of the CSIAP attended this workshop.
The
Agricultural Field Days, which is a
community-driven event, in Pothuwapitiya, Koskotagolla and Amunukola
areas of Kurunegala District in the North Western Province conducted by the
Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) provides a window into the
world of farming, showcasing the dedication, innovation, and hard work that
goes into feeding our nations. Attending an Agricultural Field Day is an
enriching and enlightening experience. It not only educates and inspires but
also highlights the vital role that agriculture plays in sustaining our
communities and our country.
Ms. Lathisha P. Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development), Ms. Dilupa Ambeypitiya, Deputy Director (Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture alone with officers of Department of Agriculture (North Western), Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Mr. D.M.K. Chandana Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director (North Western Province), subject specialists and officers of the CSIAP have the opportunity to learn about the latest agricultural techniques, technologies, and sustainable practices introduced by the CSIAP. This event offered hands-on opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of farming and provided a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication required in the farming profession. Officials visited the tank rehabilitation programme in the area too.
The Agricultural Field Day is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the agricultural community. It offers a glimpse into the hard work, innovation, and sustainability efforts that shape the future of farming. This event connects people with the source of their food and fosters a deeper appreciation for the agricultural sector.
The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture
Project (CSIAP) is taking a systematic and scientific approach to enhance the
sustainability and productivity of Sri Lanka’s irrigated agricultural systems
through the development of 59 Cascade Management Plans (CMPs). These plans are
being formulated based on comprehensive assessments of hydrology, geology,
geography, livelihoods, and economic linkages within the project’s command
areas. By integrating multiple layers of information, CMPs aim to provide a
holistic understanding of each cascade’s potential and challenges.
Each CMP considers existing and proposed infrastructure, ecosystem health, cropping patterns in paddy fields and highlands, irrigation management constraints, and interconnections within command areas. This multi-dimensional approach ensures that both agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability are addressed in planning. A new series of maps, developed from this detailed analysis, forms a central part of each cascade profile, enabling evidence-based decision-making and enhancing the precision of interventions across the command areas.
To ensure the successful implementation of these plans, the CSIAP has established 59 Cascade Management Committees (CMCs) in districts including Kurunegala, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Monaragala, and Hambantota, covering six provinces where the project operates. Each CMC is composed of cascade beneficiaries alongside representatives from relevant government agencies, fostering a collaborative platform to manage the sustainable use of forests, soil, water, and land. These committees are envisioned as local governance structures that not only oversee resource management but also strengthen community participation and ownership in project interventions.
A
special meeting was convened yesterday (10th), chaired by Mr. Gunadasa Samarasinghe,
Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, to review the progress in
establishing CMCs and the development of CMPs. The meeting was attended by
senior officials and experts, including Dr. Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL)
of CSIAP (joining remotely), Mr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture
Specialist, Mr. S. Manoharan, Senior Consultant, Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne,
Consultant (World Bank), Ms. Lathisha Liyanage, Additional Secretary
(Development), Ms. Renuka Rathnayake, Director (Development), and Eng. R.M.B.
Rajakaruna, Project Director, along with subject specialists and officers of the
CSIAP.
During the meeting, the first CMP developed for the Babawa Cascade in Hambantota was formally handed over to the Secretary of Agriculture. This milestone highlights the project’s commitment to scientific, data-driven, and participatory planning, establishing a replicable model for cascade-based management across Sri Lanka. By integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions in each CMP, CSIAP aims to enhance resilience to climate change, improve agricultural productivity, and support sustainable livelihoods for rural communities dependent on irrigated agriculture. Please click Images to see more photos of the event.
Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP
