Tuesday, 23 January 2024

The MIS Workshop on Environmental and Social Safeguard commenced at NIPM

The practical training workshop on Management Information Systems (MIS) commenced at the National Institute of Plantation Management this morning was a valuable initiative to enhance the skills and knowledge of respective Environmental Social Safegurad and Gender officers in Provincial Deputy Project Directors’ Offices of the CSIAP. The workshop aimed to provide the CSIAP Staff with hands-on experience and practical insights into the effective use of Management Information Systems for better decision-making of the CSIAP and its organizational efficiency.

Dr. Janaka Jayawardena, Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist and his team at PMU organized this programme. Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist and Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, CSIAP contributed to the workshop as resource persons. Monitoring and Evaluation Officers of Provincial Deputy Project Directors’ Offices assisted participants in working on MIS.

Photographs by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Gender Office, PMU, CSIAP

Tuesday, 16 January 2024

The First-Ever MIS-Based Progress Review of the CSIAP

The first-ever progress review of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), presented through its Management Information System (MIS), was held today (16th) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries. The review aimed to assess the current status of the project and ensure that its implementation remains aligned with the ministry’s strategic objectives and planned outcomes. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Lathisha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development), with the participation of Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena, Director (Development), Ms. Dilupa Ambeypitiya, Deputy Director (Development), and other officials of the Ministry.

Representing the CSIAP, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, attended the meeting along with subject specialists and project officers, while Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant of the World Bank, also participated in the review. The MIS used for this progress assessment was designed and developed by Celata Tech (Pvt) Ltd., enabling systematic monitoring of project performance and informed decision-making to strengthen effective implementation.   

Photograph by Nekeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

Thursday, 11 January 2024

Workshop on Future of AB&MLD and ID&CB Activities commences at NIPM

Eng. Rajakaruna addressing the project staff while Dr. Senarathna and Mr. Wickramarathna are seated  beside him

The one-day workshop on the Future of Agri-Business and Marketing Linkage Development (AB&MLD) and Institutional Development & Capacity Building (ID&CB) activities of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning at the National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM), Athurugiriya. The workshop focuses on key areas including the revised roles of Provincial Deputy Project Directors in achieving project objectives following the re-allocation of duties and the receipt of US$ 25 million in additional financing, the responsibilities of ID & CB, CSA, and AB & MLD specialists, and the implementation plans for AB & MLD, ICT & IEC, and MIS activities under the new arrangements.

Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director of CSIAP, outlined the future focus of the project in light of the reallocation of provincial AB & MLD activities, the utilization of the additional US$ 25 million, and the preparation of a comprehensive action plan. The workshop is being conducted by Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agricultural Economist, and Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Senior Consultant of the World Bank, with the participation of Provincial Deputy Project Directors, subject specialists, engineers, and technical officers of the CSIAP.

Monday, 1 January 2024

The New Year 2024 celebration today at PMU, CSIAP, Sri Lanka

Today (01st) is the very first working day for the staff on the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The staff of the CSIAP celebrated the commencement of work for the New Year 2024 with a small celebration in this morning. The event included a speech from the Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna and having Kiribath (Milk Rice) with other sweetmeats.

Addressing staff, the Project Director said, as we stand on the threshold of a new year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the remarkable journey we've shared and to extend my warmest wishes for the year ahead. The past year has been a testament to our collective dedication, passion, and resilience. Our collaborative efforts have made significant strides in working within the project area. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, overcome obstacles, and laid the foundation for future success.

As the Project Director, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and the positive impact we continue moving forward to achieve the CSIAP’s goal. I am profoundly grateful for leading such a talented and passionate team. Your collective efforts have not only contributed to the CSIAP goals but have also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose.

As we usher in the New Year, let us continue to build upon our achievements, embrace new opportunities, and strive for excellence in all our endeavours. May the coming year be filled with prosperity, growth, and countless moments of joy and fulfilment. Wishing you a Happy New Year. May 2024 be a year of great accomplishments, personal growth, and shared successes, Eng. Rajakaruna further added.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kidithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP