Cherished Memories of World Bank High-Level Officials’ Visits to the FTS

A Landmark Initiative for Climate-Smart Agriculture 

The Climate Smart Farmer Training School (CSFTS) at Thirappane, the first institution of its kind in South Asia, has drawn significant attention from high-level international development partners for its innovative approach to agricultural capacity building. Established under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), the CSFTS functions as a key platform for translating Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) concepts into practical, field-level applications. It plays a pivotal role in strengthening the knowledge, skills, and adaptive capacity of farmers and agricultural officers operating in climate-vulnerable hotspot areas.

Designed as a hands-on learning and demonstration hub, the CSFTS exposes participants to climate-resilient farming techniques, water-efficient irrigation methods, sustainable land management practices, and the use of modern agricultural technologies. Through experiential learning, the school enables farmers to understand and adopt practices that enhance productivity while reducing climate-related risks. By equipping farming communities with practical solutions and technical expertise, the CSFTS is preparing Sri Lankan farmers to respond effectively to the challenges posed by climate variability and long-term climate change, thereby contributing to resilient livelihoods and sustainable agricultural development. 

Visit of the World Bank Managing Director for Operations

Ms. Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director for Operations, visited the Climate Smart Farmer Training School on 29^th  October 2023 to observe its operations and assess the overall progress of CSIAP. Her visit underscored the importance of farmer-focused capacity building in addressing climate challenges. The high-level delegation included Dr. Martin Raiser, World Bank Regional Vice President for South Asia; Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank; Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka; Ms. Chiyo Kanda, World Bank Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Ms. Anjali Kaur, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator; and Ms. Sachiko Imoto, Senior Vice President of JICA

Visit of the World Bank Vice President for South Asia  
Earlier, on 26th February 2023, Dr. Martin Raiser, World Bank Vice President for South Asia, paid an official visit to the Farmer Training School in Thirappane, Anuradhapura. He was accompanied by Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, Ms. Chiyo Kanda, along with several other senior officials from the World Bank. The high-level delegation was briefed on the objectives, facilities, and training methodologies of the Climate Smart Farmer Training School (CSFTS). The visit offered an invaluable opportunity to observe firsthand how the CSFTS is enhancing farmers’ technical knowledge, building climate resilience, and promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, particularly in climate-vulnerable districts of the country.

 Visit of the World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Development
On 08^th  February 2024, a high-level World Bank delegation led by Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger, Regional Director for South Asia Sustainable Development, visited the Climate Smart Farmer Training School to observe its role in advancing CSA in Sri Lanka. 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.

These high-level visits reflect the global recognition of the Climate Smart Farmer Training School as a model institution for building farmer resilience, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable development. The CSFTS stands as a key achievement of CSIAP, demonstrating Sri Lanka’s leadership in climate-smart agricultural innovation in South Asia.