A high-level delegation from the World Bank headed by Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger, Regional Director, South Asia Sustainable Development arrived in the Climate Smart Farmer Training School (FTS) at Thirappane yesterday (08th) to observe the way that the Climate Smart Farmer Training School is running to promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Sri Lanka. Members of the delegation included Mr. Josses Mugabi, Practice Manager (Water Resources Management), Ms. Anna O’Donnell, Lead Social Development Specialist, Ms. Ipek Alkan, Operations Adviser, Mr. Asela Ekanayake, Senior Operations Officer, Mr. John Keyser, Senior Agriculture Economist and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Consultant. The World Bank Officials were welcomed by Farmers and their children, and accompanied to the lecture hall in a traditional procession. Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) presented how the CSIAP is working to improve productivity and climate resilience of smallholder agriculture in the area where the CSIAP is being implemented. Farmer leaders who were on the three-day residential programme at the FTS had an opportunity to share their experience in CSA with the Regional Director. Certificates of Participation were given to Farmer leaders by dignitaries during this event. Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger planted a mango tree on the FTS premises to mark her visit. The Deputy Director's Office of the CSIAP in North Central Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. H.N.P. Bandara organized this programme and Specialists and officers of the CSIAP were also present.
