Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, the Project Director and Specialists from the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) monitored the status of CSIAP’s ongoing activities during an observation tour of the Northern Province commenced today (19th). During this tour, project locations were visited to monitor and assess ongoing operations and gain important insights into the implementation, challenges and outcome of the project.
By doing such visits, the Project Director expects
- Real-Time Observations: Get a firsthand look into the CSIAP’s operations and conditions to gain a better understanding of challenges and achievements.
- Monitoring: Assess the progress, quality, and impact of the project and identify gaps/ areas that require improvement.
- Practical Understanding: Gain insights into the CSIAP’s objectives and real-world implementation and understand how theoretical plans translate into actionable results.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with beneficiaries, stakeholders and team members to gather feedback and build relationships with the community involved.
- Improved Decision-Making: Apply knowledge gained from the visit to • Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate with team members, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to get their opinions and cultivate ties with the community.
- Better Decision-Making: Use insights from the visit to make informed decisions or adjustments.
- Community Insights: Understand how the CSIAP affects and meets the requirements of the community.
- Performance Assessment: Evaluate whether the CSIAP meets its goals within the expected timeframe and budget.
The rehabilitation process of the Puthukulam Tank in Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District, was recently reviewed on-site, during which the Project Director, Mr. Bandulasena, instructed the contractor to complete the work as a matter of urgency to ensure timely benefits to the local agricultural community. During the site inspection, Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, the Water Management and Monitoring Specialist of CSIAP, who pioneered the design of the first-ever Piano-type spill in the project area, received specific remarks from the Project Director for his innovative contribution to improving water management in the province.
The comprehensive rehabilitation works under the Puthukulam Tank include the construction of a Piano-type Spill, Bund Works, sluices, Field Channels, Access Roads, and Causeways, with a total estimated cost of Rs 35 million. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to improve irrigation efficiency, strengthen flood and water control measures, and facilitate better access for farmers, ultimately contributing to enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainable water resource management in the surrounding communities.
The Project Director has instructed the contractor to expedite the rehabilitation process of the Embaikulam Tank in Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District, emphasizing the need for immediate completion to support local agricultural activities. The rehabilitation works include the construction of Agri Roads, Bund Works, Field Channels, and Access Roads, all designed to enhance water management, improve farm-to-market connectivity, and strengthen irrigation efficiency in the surrounding farmlands.
The total investment for these critical infrastructure improvements is estimated at Rs 30 million, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and rural infrastructure enhancement. Once completed, the upgraded tank and associated works are expected to increase irrigation coverage, reduce water loss, and support higher crop productivity, thereby directly benefiting the local farming community and contributing to regional food security.
A new Grain Store, spanning an area of over 1,100 square meters, has been constructed in Koolamurippu, Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District, at an investment of Rs 69 million. The facility is designed to safely store large quantities of harvested grains, providing local farmers with a secure and climate-resilient storage solution.
Equipped with modern infrastructure, the grain store aims to minimize
post-harvest losses, maintain grain quality, and enhance the supply chain
efficiency in the region. This strategic investment is expected to strengthen
food security, support farmers’ livelihoods, and promote organized grain
marketing, while contributing to the broader objectives of sustainable
agricultural development in Mullaitivu.
A technical discussion was recently held with the contractor regarding the construction of culverts and the modification of access roads in flood-prone areas of Keechukulam, Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District. This initiative aims to strengthen local infrastructure and protect agricultural lands from seasonal flooding. As part of the project, a total of 14 culverts are planned to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5 million. These culverts are strategically designed to facilitate smooth water flow during heavy rains, thereby preventing damage to agricultural roads, farm access routes, and standing crops. Additionally, the modification of access roads will improve connectivity for farmers and transport vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable movement even during the monsoon season.
This intervention is expected to enhance the resilience of rural infrastructure, reduce post-flood repair costs, and support sustainable agricultural practices in flood-affected areas, ultimately contributing to the stability and productivity of local farming communities.
Farmer Kumara Kulasingham (55) from Keppapilav, Muliyawali, has transformed his agricultural practice with the support of the CSIAP. With the project’s assistance in rehabilitating his agro-well and provision of a reliable water pump, he has successfully revitalized his farmland, ensuring consistent irrigation and improved crop yields. This intervention has not only enhanced his agricultural productivity but also strengthened his resilience against seasonal water shortages, enabling him to sustain his livelihood more effectively.
Similarly, U. Malani (50) from Palampasi, Oddusudan, has made remarkable progress in maize cultivation, thanks to CSIAP support. The project supplied her with high-quality maize seeds and a solar-powered water pump, empowering her to manage irrigation efficiently and sustainably. This assistance has allowed her to achieve a productive harvest while embracing climate-smart agricultural practices, demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods.
The Project Director has issued instructions to the contractor to expedite the rehabilitation of the Vannerikulam Tank in Kilinochchi District, emphasizing the urgent need to complete the works to benefit local farmers and ensure timely irrigation support. The ongoing rehabilitation activities include the construction of Bund Works and three Spill Works, designed to enhance water retention, improve flood management, and ensure a reliable water supply for agricultural lands surrounding the tank. The total investment for these critical infrastructure improvements amounts to Rs 114 million, reflecting a significant commitment to strengthening irrigation systems and supporting rural livelihoods.
Once completed, the upgraded tank and associated works are expected to increase water availability for cultivation, prevent damage from seasonal floods, and promote higher crop productivity, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development and food security in the Kilinochchi region.
The Project Director, along with his team, recently visited a paddy field in Vannerikulam, Kilinochchi District, to witness the application of Laser Level Technology, a modern technique aimed at optimising water distribution and improving crop productivity. The field belongs to Farmer M. Thawakumar (40), who has successfully transplanted his paddy crop using the Paddy Transplanter provided by the CSIAP.
This demonstration highlights the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices in the region, combining precision land levelling with mechanised transplanting to enhance efficiency, reduce labour requirements, and promote uniform crop growth. By adopting these technologies, Farmer Thawakumar is able to maximize water use efficiency, improve yield potential, and reduce cultivation costs, serving as a model for other farmers in the area to embrace innovative and sustainable farming methods. The visit also reinforced the CSIAP’s commitment to empowering farmers with modern agricultural technologies, supporting resilient and productive farming systems in the flood-prone and climate-sensitive areas of Kilinochchi.
The Project Director recently conducted an inspection of the
operational facilities provided to the Akkarayan Producer Association in Skanthapuram,
Kilinochchi District. During the visit, the Project Director reviewed the
functioning of a range of agricultural processing and value-addition equipment
supplied under the project, including a Groundnut Decorticator, Seed Paddy
Cleaning Machine, Cassava Slicing Machine, Coconut Oil Expellers, Turmeric
Grinding Machine, and Weighing Scale.
The inspection highlighted how these machines are enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the producer association by enabling members to process raw agricultural produce locally, reduce post-harvest losses, and add value to their products. By mechanizing key processing operations, the equipment is also saving labour, ensuring consistent quality, and improving market competitiveness for the association’s products. This initiative reflects the project’s broader commitment to strengthening farmer organizations, promoting agro-based enterprises, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in rural Kilinochchi, empowering local communities to derive higher income and economic resilience from their agricultural activities.
A special coordination meeting was recently convened at the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Northern Province, Kilinochchi District. The meeting brought together contractors and provincial project staff with the objective of accelerating the rehabilitation of tank-related infrastructure in the region.
During the discussions, participants reviewed the current progress of ongoing works, identified bottlenecks, and formulated strategies to ensure timely completion. Emphasis was placed on streamlining operations, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and adhering to project timelines, with a focus on maximizing benefits to local farmers. This initiative underscores CSIAP’s commitment to efficient project management, sustainable water resource rehabilitation, and support for agricultural productivity in tank-dependent communities of Kilinochchi.
A high-level discussion was recently held at the Governor’s Secretariat in Jaffna to review the progress of the CSIAP in the Northern Province and to outline the plans for implementation through December 2025. The meeting took place with Mr. Nagalingam Vethanayaham, Governor of Northern Province, and included senior CSIAP officials.
During the discussion, Project Director Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena highlighted the significant contributions of the CSIAP, emphasizing how the project has enhanced agricultural development and improved the living standards of farmers across the province. He also presented the future strategy to expand project activities extensively until December 2025, ensuring continued support for climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.
The meeting also featured active engagement from Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Northern Province, and subject specialists from the Project Management Unit (PMU), who shared technical insights and exchanged ideas with Governor Vethanayaham on optimizing project outcomes. This interaction reinforced the CSIAP’s commitment to collaborative planning, effective implementation, and long-term support for farmers in the Northern Province.
The 8th Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was convened at the Chief Secretary’s Secretariat in Jaffna, bringing together officers from the Provincial Department of Irrigation, Provincial Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Development, other key stakeholders, and representatives from CSIAP. The meeting was held under the patronage of Mr. L. Ilaangovan, Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, to review the progress achieved in 2024, address ongoing challenges, and outline the action plan for 2025.
During the session, participants assessed the outcomes of ongoing initiatives, discussed operational challenges, and explored strategies to enhance the effectiveness of project interventions in the province. The meeting emphasized collaboration among government departments and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of planned activities, with the aim of strengthening agricultural productivity, improving water management, and supporting rural livelihoods. This meeting underscores the Provincial Government’s and the CSIAP’s commitment to coordinated planning, evidence-based decision-making, and the sustainable advancement of agriculture in the Northern Province..
The recently constructed one-kilometer-long Salt Water Excursion Bund in Semankundru, Kilinochchi District, built at an investment of Rs. 90 million, was inspected to assess its functionality and impact. This infrastructure is designed to control the intrusion of saltwater into agricultural lands, protecting crops and improving soil quality in the surrounding areas.
By regulating saline water entry, the bund is expected to enhance
agricultural productivity, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, and support
sustainable farming practices in the region. The inspection also provided an
opportunity to evaluate construction quality and ensure that the bund meets
design specifications, reflecting a commitment to effective water management
and climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure in Kilinochchi.
The recently completed Bund and Spill Works under the Theekiri Tank in Semankundru, Kilinochchi District, were observed to assess their functionality and impact on local irrigation. These structures have been designed to regulate water flow, enhance storage capacity, and prevent flooding, thereby ensuring a reliable water supply for surrounding agricultural lands.
The observation highlighted how the bund and spill works are
expected to support sustainable farming practices, protect crops during heavy
rainfall, and improve overall water management in the region. This initiative
reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure, enhance
agricultural productivity, and promote climate-resilient irrigation systems in
Kilinochchi.
Farmer V. Kesan (30) from Jeyapuram village, Mulankavil,
Kilinochchi District, has successfully cultivated his field using a range of
modern agricultural inputs and technologies provided by the CSIAP. His cultivation includes Capsicum and
Chilli crops, supported by a solar-powered water pump, sprinkler irrigation
system, insect-proof net, and an inter-cultivator Highland power weeder.
The farmer’s field was recently observed, showcasing how climate-smart technologies and mechanized tools can enhance crop management, improve irrigation efficiency, reduce pest damage, and minimize labor requirements. By adopting these innovations, Farmer Kesan has not only improved productivity and crop quality but also set a practical example for other farmers in the region to embrace sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. This observation underscores the CSIAP’s commitment to empowering farmers with modern technologies, promoting efficient resource use, and enhancing livelihoods in climate-sensitive areas of Kilinochchi.
Farmer S. Ketheshwaran (50) from Neradampan, Kilinochchi District, has successfully cultivated her field using modern agricultural inputs and climate-smart technologies provided by the CSIAP. Her crops include Capsicum and Chilli, supported by a sprinkler irrigation system, solar-powered water pumps, and an insect-proof net, enabling efficient water management, pest control, and improved crop productivity.
This farmer’s field was recently observed during a field visit
organized and facilitated by Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP
in the Northern Province, along with his provincial staff. The observation
highlighted how the adoption of innovative technologies and mechanised tools
can enhance yields, reduce labour requirements, and promote sustainable
agricultural practices in the region.
This visit underscores CSIAP’s ongoing commitment to empowering
farmers, supporting climate-resilient farming, and improving livelihoods in
Kilinochchi’s agriculture-dependent communities.
By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP
