The World Bank Officials brief outcome of progress tours in CSIAP areas

A comprehensive briefing was conducted today (13th) at the Project Management Unit, following progress tours in North Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Uva provinces where the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project is being implemented by World Bank Officials who reviewed the current status of the project, identifying achievements, addressing concerns, and evaluating next steps in ensuring timely completion. The Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau of the World Bank assessed key areas of progress, reviewed project milestones, and addressed any existing challenges impacting the timeline.

During the briefing, CSIAP’s Project Director Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena emphasized the importance of implementing project activities that benefit the community, maintaining quality and adhering to deadlines. Senior Agriculture Specialist Dr. Athula Senarathne, Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Prof. V.K. Ravichandran, Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant Mr Jagath Seneviratne and Value Chain and Agribusiness Development Consultant Mr Sanjeewa Rodrigo of the World Bank and Deputy Project Director, Mr. H.M.P Bandara, Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

CS Home Gardening & Farmer Training, success stories from CSIAP Farmers in EP

Rehabilitation of Agro wells, success stories from CSIAP Farmers in EP

 

Dry Chilli Production & Agronomic Intervention, success stories from Farmers in EP

 

Agronomic Intervention, success stories from CSIAP Youth Farmers in EP

Rehabilitation of Irrigation System, success stories from CSIAP Farmers in EP

Mr. S.M.Saman Bandulasena assumes duty as the Project Director of the CSIAP

Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, a reputed and well-experienced retired Special Grade officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, assumed the role of Project Director for the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). Mr. Bandulasena takes responsibility for overseeing the entire CSIAP’s activities, ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to achieve project milestones. From now onwards, the new Project Director steers the CSIAP with his expertise towards its intended goals to ensure the project’s success while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Mr. Bandulasena has held various positions such as Assistant Commissioner of Elections, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Elections, Divisional Secretary, Additional District Secretary, Secretary to Provincial Ministry, District Secretary, Chief Secretary  and Senior Additional Secretary to the President since he joined the administrative service in 1998.

The World Bank’s 13th support mission to the CSIAP visited Eastern Province

The World Bank Team of the 13th Implementation Support and Review Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) arrived in Eastern Province to evaluate the implementation and performance of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project. The World Bank’s supervision is critical for maintaining accountability, enhancing transparency, and ensuring the effectiveness of the CSIAP. Representing the World Bank, the Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau with Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Prof. V.K. Ravichandran visited Eastern Province today (04th) to review the implementation of CSIAP to achieve developmental goals and maximize the impact of financial assistance from the World Bank. This mission is essential for ensuring the CSIAP meets its objectives and adhering to the agreed timelines, budgets, and guidelines. Key elements such as assessment of progress, problem identification, stakeholders’ engagements, compliance checks and capacity building were reviewed during this mission.

Dr. Sheu and his colleagues witnessed the Rehabilitation process of the Neelapanikan Tank, the function of the Groundnut Pod Separator Machine provided to the Thiriyai Producer Society, cultivation under Agrowell with a Sprinkler Irrigation System & Insect Proof Net and Maha Cultivation of Maize in grow bags at Thiriyai. During this mission, the World Bank Officials participated in a farmers' business school training programme at Thiriyai and awarded certificates to farmers from Thiriyai & Kattukulam Producer Societies who completed training classes at Farm Business School (FBS). After the ceremony, farmers shared their experiences in the FBS training with the World Bank Team and posed for a group photograph with them too.

Finally, the Progress Review Meeting was held to observe subject-wise progress at the Uppuweli Agrarian Service Center, Trincomalee.  Marking the World Bank Supporting Mission, “Journey of CSIAP EP from 2019 - 2024", a publication written on the CSIAP achievements from the inception of the project,  was handed over to World Bank Teams by Institutional Developments and Capacity Building Specialist Mr. S. Naveendradas and Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Ms. K. Karthiga. The overall progress of the CSIAP’s activities achieved in Eastern Province was presented through Management Information Systems (MIS) by Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Ms. K. Karthiga. Mr. H.B. Anees, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Eastern Province guided and facilitated this World Bank Mission in Eastern Province with his staff.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The World Bank’s 13th support mission to the CSIAP visited Uva Province

The World Bank Team of the 13th Implementation Support and Review Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) observed the progress of the project in Monaragala District today (03rd). Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP).  The Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau with Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Prof. V.K. Ravichandran of the World Bank look into the implementation and outcomes of initiatives, identify challenges, gaps, or areas for improvement and ensure that resources are being used effectively. 

The World Bank Team witnessed Field Cannels, Tanks to be rehabilitated, Cultivation Fields, farmers using Solar Pumps  and a farmer selling value-added products. The World Bank Team had opportunities to meet farmers benefiting from the CSIAP. Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Southern and Uva Provinces facilitated this World Bank Mission in Southern with his staff.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU and Thamindu Sandaruwan, SP&UP, CSIAP 

The World Bank’s 13th support mission to the CSIAP commenced in Southern

The World Bank Team of the 13th Implementation Support and Review Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning (02nd) in Southern Province to monitor, assess, and evaluate the progress of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP).  This mission allows the World Bank Officials to observe the implementation and outcomes of initiatives, identify challenges, gaps, or areas for improvement and ensure that resources are being used effectively. 

The World Bank Team led by Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau with Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Prof. V.K. Ravichandran witnessed Rehabilitated Tanks, Electric Fencing, Spillways, Field Cannels, Sluice Gates, Cultivation Fields and a Cascade Management Committee Meeting in areas in Southern Province where the CSIAP is being implemented. The World Bank Team had opportunities to meet farmers benefiting from the CSIAP. Finally, both Southern & Uva Provinces' Progress Review Meeting was held to observe subject-wise progress at the Deputy Project Director’s Office in Southern & Uva Provinces in Thanamalwila. Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Southern and Uva Provinces facilitated this World Bank Mission in Southern with his staff.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU and Thamindu Sandaruwan, SP&UP, CSIAP