The CSIAP Honours Departing Officers and Drivers for Their Dedicated Service

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) recently paid tribute to a group of officers and drivers who are concluding their service with the Project upon the completion of their respective contract periods. Their collective dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment have played a significant role in the successful implementation of the CSIAP interventions across 11 districts of sex provinces where the CSIAP is being implemented in Sri Lanka, leaving behind a strong and lasting legacy.

Among the departing officers are Dr. Kumudini Gunasekara, Agri-Business & Market Linkage Development Specialist, and Ms. G. Kaumadi, Climate Smart Agriculture Officer, who were present at the ceremony. Mr. G.A.M.D. Gunarathne, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, was unable to attend the event due to unavoidable reasons; however, the CSIAP sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his valuable contributions to the successful implementation of the Project.  

Throughout their tenure, these officers provided critical technical leadership and guidance in key thematic areas of the Project. Their efforts contributed substantially to strengthening farmer-market linkages, ensuring robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems, and promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across project districts. Their professional expertise, strategic insight, and dedication greatly enhanced the effectiveness, quality, and sustainability of the CSIAP’s development outcomes.

In addition to the officers, the CSIAP also acknowledged the invaluable service rendered by its drivers—Mr. W.A.W. Ananda, Mr. H.A. Wimalarathna, Mr. D.G.P.T. Gunathilaka, and Mr. R.D.P. Rajapaksha—who are also departing upon the completion of their contract periods. Throughout the Project lifecycle, they ensured the safe, timely, and reliable transportation of CSIAP staff across diverse and often challenging terrain, including long-distance travel from Colombo to remote project areas. Their discipline, professionalism, and unwavering sense of responsibility formed an essential backbone of project operations, enabling uninterrupted field engagement and contributing quietly yet decisively to the Project’s overall success.

In recognition of their outstanding service and commitment, all departing officers and drivers were honoured with tokens of appreciation at a special ceremony held yesterday at the Project Management Unit, under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director. The ceremony provided an opportunity to express the Project’s deep gratitude for the hard work, dedication, and courage demonstrated by these individuals throughout the Project lifecycle.  

During the ceremony, tokens of appreciation were presented personally by senior project staff:  
* Dr. Kumudini Gunasekara received her token from Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director
* Ms. G. Kaumadi received her token from Mr. K.V. Athula, Deputy Project Director
* Mr. W.A.W. Ananda received his token from Mr. D.V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist
* Mr. H.A. Wimalarathna received his token from Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist
* Mr. D.G.P.T. Gunathilaka received his token from Ms. P.G.A.D. Premathilake, Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist 
* Mr. R.D.P. Rajapaksha received his token from Mr. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, Water Management & Monitoring Specialist

As the CSIAP concludes its implementation phase, the Project will fondly remember the valuable contributions of these officers and drivers. CSIAP extends its best wishes for continued success in their future professional and personal endeavours. The impact of their service will endure through strengthened institutions, empowered farming communities, and resilient agricultural systems that stand as a testament to their commitment and contribution to the CSIAP’s mission.

Strengthening Rural Connectivity in the NCP through Agri-Road Development

 The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP)—a World Bank-supported initiative implemented under Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation—continues to deliver tangible benefits to farming communities through targeted rural infrastructure development. Among its key interventions, the rehabilitation and construction of agricultural access roads (agri-roads) in the Northern Central Province (NCP) stands out as a critical enabler of farmer livelihoods and market access.

Significant Progress in Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa Districts
In the Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa Districts, the CSIAP has successfully rehabilitated and constructed 21 agri-roads, directly benefiting 1419 farmer families engaged in irrigated agriculture. These road interventions serve farming lands covering an extent of 2725 acres, at a total investment of Rs. 83.617 million, demonstrating the project’s strong commitment to cost-effective and farmer-centric infrastructure development.

The agri-roads developed under this programme are located within the Parangiyawadiya , Koonwewa and Hingurakgoda Agrarian Service Centre divisions. Collectively, they support agricultural activities linked to 21 irrigation tanks functioning under 13 cascade systems, highlighting the CSIAP’s integrated approach that aligns rural road development with irrigation-based agricultural landscapes. With a total length of 22,590 metres, these agri-roads provide vital connectivity between farmlands, irrigation networks, village settlements, and main transport routes.

Improving Access for Rural Farmers
One of CSIAP’s core objectives is to enhance agricultural productivity and market integration by improving physical access in rural areas. The newly rehabilitated and constructed agri-roads enable farmers to transport inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and equipment more easily, while also facilitating the timely movement of harvested produce to collection centres, markets, and processing facilities.

By reducing travel time, transport costs, and post-harvest losses, these roads contribute directly to improved farm incomes and greater efficiency across the agricultural value chain. The improved connectivity is especially crucial during peak cultivation and harvesting seasons, when timely access can determine profitability.

Why These Roads Matter
For many village-level farmers in the NCP, poor road conditions have long been a barrier to economic progress. Limited access to reliable transport networks has constrained market participation, weakened links with agribusinesses, and increased dependence on intermediaries.

The CSIAP agri-road interventions address these long-standing challenges by creating safer, more reliable, and climate-resilient access routes. Beyond their physical function, the improved roads have boosted farmer confidence and morale, encouraging sustained engagement in commercial agriculture and collective farming initiatives. Stronger market connections are also opening new opportunities for diversification and value addition within rural communities.

Part of a Broader Rural Development Strategy
The agri-road programme is an integral component of the CSIAP’s broader rural development framework, which includes irrigation system rehabilitation, capacity building through farmer training, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. By combining infrastructure development with institutional strengthening and knowledge transfer, the CSIAP aims to build resilient farming systems capable of withstanding climate variability while ensuring long-term productivity.
 
Together, these interventions are contributing to the transformation of rural landscapes across the NCP, strengthening food security, enhancing livelihoods, and supporting Sri Lanka’s transition toward sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
 
By M.M.Malithi Dewmini, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, North Central Province

Climate Smart Farmer Training School Completes a Historic Milestone in Sri Lanka

Pioneering Climate-Smart Agriculture Training in South Asia

The Climate Smart Farmer Training School (CSFTS) at Thirappane, Anuradhapura—recognized as the first purpose-built facility of its kind in South Asia—has successfully completed all 141 planned training programmes since its inception on 04 December 2022, marking a historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

Established under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), the CSFTS was built on a three-acre site at Wagayakulama Village at a cost of Rs. 40 million. From the outset, the School was conceived not merely as a conventional training centre, but as a living learning laboratory—one that integrates climate-smart technologies, sustainable land-use practices, and hands-on field exposure within a real farming environment. This innovative approach has enabled farmers to move beyond theory and directly experience practical solutions to climate challenges affecting agriculture.

The speciality of the CSFTS lies in its inclusive and forward-looking approach to capacity building. While its primary mandate was to train CSIAP beneficiary farmer leaders at the Farmer Training School, the CSFTS went beyond this core responsibility by organising special training programmes for individuals who demonstrated a strong interest in learning and applying Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices.

Through these dedicated programmes, the CSFTS opened its doors to a wider audience, enabling non-beneficiary farmers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to gain hands-on knowledge and practical skills in CSA. This approach not only expanded the reach and impact of the training school but also helped foster a broader community of climate-smart practitioners, supporting the wider adoption of sustainable and resilient agricultural practices beyond the immediate CSIAP project areas

Learning about using a micro Irrigation system

Empowering Farmer Leaders through structured training programmes across Six Provinces
Over a three-year period, a total of 3,003 CSIAP’s  farmer leaders, including 1,259 women farmer leaders, successfully completed residential training programmes at the CSFTS. These trained leaders now serve as knowledge multipliers, transferring Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices to more than 30,000 farmers across six provinces—North Western, North Central, Northern, Eastern, Uva, and Southern—where the CSIAP is being implemented.

The CSFTS also conducted a series of separate training programmes targeting a wider audience, including officers from across the country who were interested in gaining knowledge on CSA. Under this initiative, a total of 07 specialized training programmes were conducted over a period of three years, through which 166 individuals, including 55 female participants, were successfully trained, thereby further strengthening national capacity in CSA beyond the immediate project beneficiaries.

Through this cascading training model, the impact of the CSFTS has extended far beyond its physical boundaries, reaching diverse agro-ecological regions and strengthening farming communities nationwide.

Completion of Marking the  conclusion of a National Training Effort
The historic training cycle concluded this month with the final programme, when 22 farmer leaders, including six women, representing the Parangiyawadiya and Koonwewa Agrarian Service Centre Divisions, arrived at the CSFTS on the 22nd and successfully completed their residential training. With the graduation of this final cohort, the CSFTS formally concluded the full schedule of training programmes envisioned at the inception of the project—bringing a national capacity-building mission to a successful close.

Obtaining theoretical knowledge on CSA through classroom sessions

Year-wise training achievements
An analysis of annual participation reflects the sustained momentum and inclusivity of the programme. In 2023, 1,062 farmer leaders, including 429 women, were trained through 46programmes. This was followed in 2024 by 963  farmer leaders, including 443 women, trained under another 45 programmes. In 2025, 978 farmer leaders, including 412 women, completed training through 43 programmes. The consistently high participation of women farmers underscores CSIAP’s strong commitment to gender inclusion and equitable access to agricultural knowledge. 

The Eastern Province implemented 34 trainings with the highest participation of 774 participants while the North Western Province conducted 34 trainings attracting 724 participants. The North Central Province accounted for 24 trainings with 519 participants. The Northern Province recorded 21 trainings with 474 participants. The Southern Province held 11 trainings with 271 participants, and 10 trainings in Uva Province engaged 241 participants

Infrastructure Designed for Sustainability and Impact
Designed as a three-day residential training facility accommodating a maximum of 25 participants per programme, the CSFTS delivered intensive, hands-on learning experiences. Training activities were conducted in close collaboration with the Extension Division of the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Peradeniya, which also facilitated the engagement of experienced and competent resource persons. This strong institutional partnership ensured technical depth, practical relevance, and consistency across all training modules.

Through the CSFTS, CSIAP actively promoted a broad spectrum of Climate Smart Agriculture interventions, including climate-smart home garden development, crop diversification, improved agronomic practices, micro-irrigation technologies, climate-smart seed production, and inter-season cultivation to increase cropping intensity

Mr. R. P. M.  Dissanayake

Together, these interventions aim to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable land management, optimize water use, and strengthen resilience to climate variability. They further contribute to both climate change adaptation and mitigation, while safeguarding food security and livelihoods of farming households across more than 58,000 hectares of agricultural land within the project area.

Deputy Project Director Highlights Collective Effort
Since early January 2025, the Training School operated under the direct supervision of Mr. R. P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP – North Central Province. Reflecting on the completion of all scheduled programmes, he noted that the achievement represents a collective commitment to empowering farmers with practical knowledge aligned with climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasized the critical role these programmes play in improving productivity and strengthening resilience, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas such as the North Central Province.

Mr. Saman Bandulasena

Project Director Commends Lasting Impact
Commending the milestone, Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of CSIAP, described the completion of the training cycle as a major step forward in enhancing the adaptive capacity of Sri Lanka’s farming communities. He highlighted that the programmes were carefully designed to strengthen farmers’ understanding of climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, modern technologies, and sustainable farm management, and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would translate into tangible improvements at the field level and more sustainable livelihoods. 

Dr. Pathiraja explaining the architectural design of the CSFTS

Architectural Excellence Through Professional Voluntarism
Beyond its training mandate, the CSFTS also stands out as a model of socially responsible and context-sensitive design. The architectural concept was developed by Dr. Milinda Pathiraja, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Moratuwa, son of the late renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker Dharmasena Pathiraja. Dr. Pathiraja and his team at the Robust Architecture Workshop provided their professional services free of charge, creating a facility that harmoniously blends functionality, sustainability, and the surrounding rural landscape.

Mr. S. Manoharan

World Bank Leadership and Global Recognition
The conceptual foundation of the CSFTS was laid by Mr. S. Manoharan, founding Task Team Leader of the CSIAP, whose vision was instrumental in transforming the idea of a dedicated climate-smart farmer training hub into reality. After visiting and assessing several potential locations within the project area along with a team of experts from Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Agriculture (DOA), he identified Thirappane as the ideal site to establish the FTS to train farmers and field staff on CSA.. Construction officially commenced on 22 December 2021, when Mr. Faris H. Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director, laid the foundation stone and unveiled the commemorative plaque together with Ms. Chiyo Kanda, Country Manager.

Since its establishment, the CSFTS has attracted the attention of senior World Bank leadership, reinforcing its status as a regional model for climate-smart capacity building. The facility was visited by Mr. Martin Raiser, Vice President for South Asia, on 26 February 2023; Ms. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations, on 29 October 2023; and Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger, Regional Director for South Asia Sustainable Development, on 08 February 2024. These high-level visits provided opportunities to observe first-hand how the Training School functions as a catalyst for promoting Climate Smart Agriculture at the grassroots level.

Unveiling of plaque marking a significant milestone

Acknowledgement and Coordination
The CSIAP extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, including CSIAP’s staff farmers and officials of government bodies, who supported the successful conduct of all training courses at CSFTS. Special appreciation is extended to the villagers of Wagayakulama for their invaluable support from the construction phase of the Farmer Training School through its operational period.

The coordination of the training programmes was carried out with strong commitment and efficiency, ensuring their smooth and timely implementation. The first 100 training programmes were effectively coordinated by Mr. Sajith Ekanayake, the former Coordinator, whose leadership and organizational skills laid a solid foundation for the success of the initiative.

Subsequently, the coordination responsibility was entrusted to Ms. Niluka Munasinghe, Management Assistant of the CSIAP Office in the North Central Province who  successfully managed and coordinated the remaining 41 training programmes, maintaining continuity and operational effectiveness. Her dedicated efforts were instrumental in bringing the entire training programme to a successful completion, marking a significant milestone in the CSFTS capacity-building mission.

The final farmer leaders of the CSFTS with Ms. Munasinghe

A Lasting Legacy for Sri Lanka’s Farming Community
With the successful completion of all 141 training programmes, the CSFTS) at Thirappane has emerged as one of the most valuable and enduring assets established under the CSIAP. More than a physical training facility, the CSFTS has evolved into a national hub for knowledge, innovation, and capacity building in climate-smart agriculture. Upon completion of CSIAP, the continuity and sustainability of CSFTS are ensured with the establishment of CSA Centre at the Ministry. The training programs will be continued by the DOA.

The true legacy of the Training School lies in the thousands of farmer leaders it has empowered across project areas. Equipped with practical skills, scientific knowledge, and climate-resilient farming techniques, these trained leaders continue to apply, adapt, and disseminate climate-smart practices within their own communities. Through this multiplier effect, the benefits of the CSFTS extend far beyond the classroom—contributing to improved productivity, sustainable resource management, and inclusive rural development.

As climate variability and extreme weather events increasingly threaten agricultural systems, the role of such trained farmer leaders becomes even more critical. By promoting climate-smart technologies, water-efficient practices, and environmentally responsible farming methods, the CSFTS has directly supported national efforts to strengthen food security 85% in the project area while enhancing the resilience of farming communities. In this context, the Climate Smart Farmer Training School at Thirappane stands not only as a key achievement of the CSIAP, but also as a lasting institutional model for climate-resilient agricultural development in Sri Lanka.

By Samanth Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Sharing CSIAP Experiences and Best Practices with the IRDCRP at the World Bank

 A special high-level meeting was held today at the World Bank with senior officials of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) and the Integrated Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), with the objective of 

• Transferring knowledge and implementation experience gained under the CSIAP to the staff of the Integrated Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP).
• Handing over key project resources, including technical documents, operational guidelines, manuals, and presentation materials (PPTs) developed under CSIAP.
• Reaching an agreement to provide targeted capacity-building support, including specialised training for IRDCRP staff who require further knowledge and skills in Climate-Smart (CS) approaches and practices.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Thruni Liyanage, Co–Task Team Leader (Co-TTL) of the CSIAP and the session provided an important platform to reflect on CSIAP’s implementation journey, highlighting how strategic planning, strong institutional coordination, and community engagement have contributed to tangible outcomes on the ground.

 Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist; Mr. U. K. Nissanka, Water Management and Monitoring Specialist; Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist; Dr. Kumuduni Gunasekara, Agribusiness and Market Linkage Development Specialist; and Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Specialist of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) made detailed presentations during the session. Their presentations comprehensively outlined the key interventions, progress achieved, and measurable outcomes of the project across the six provinces where CSIAP is currently being implemented, highlighting sector-specific achievements, lessons learned, and the overall contribution of the project toward strengthening climate-resilient agriculture systems. These presentations demonstrated the project’s comprehensive approach and its alignment with national development priorities and World Bank objectives.

The CSIAP delegation was led by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, who actively participated in discussions, sharing insights on implementation experiences, challenges faced, and innovative solutions adopted during project execution. The IRDCRP, led by Mr. R. H. W. A. Kumarasisri, also took part in the meeting, fostering knowledge exchange and identifying opportunities for synergy between the two projects.

As the implementing agency, officials from the Department of Agrarian Development (DAD) were also present, underscoring their critical role in translating project strategies into field-level action. Their participation reinforced the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving sustainable and climate-resilient rural development outcomes. Mr. S. Manoharan, Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development at the World Bank, also joined the meeting remotely. He previously served as the Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP.

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

From Water Scarcity to Prosperity: A Woman Farmer’s Climate-Smart Success in SP

At just 35 years of age, Ms. H.A. Nadeeka Chathurani, a devoted mother of two children aged 15 and 7, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and determination in Bogahawewa village, under the Weerawila Agrarian Service Centre Division in Hambantota. Like many smallholder farmers in the dry zone, her journey in agriculture was marked by hardship—particularly the persistent lack of water, which threatened both her livelihood and her family’s future.

Woman Farmer Chathurani

Cultivating one acre of land, Chathurani struggled for years to sustain her chili cultivation. Despite repeated efforts and tireless labour, inadequate water supply severely limited her production. Every two weeks, she could harvest only about 300 kg of chilies, an amount barely sufficient to cover household expenses, let alone invest in her children’s education or improve living conditions. For a woman balancing farming with the responsibilities of motherhood, the odds were stacked against her.

A turning point came when Ms. K.A.A. Nuwanthi, the Agriculture Facilitator (AF) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), visited Chathurani’s farmland during a routine field inspection. Observing the conditions on-site, Nuwanthi quickly identified the root cause of Chathurani’s low productivity—the urgent need for a reliable and efficient irrigation solution. Recognising the potential of the land and the farmer’s commitment, she promptly referred the matter to the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP in the Southern and Uva Provinces. 

The response was swift. Soon after, a sprinkler irrigation system was provided to Chathurani, enabling her to manage water more efficiently and cultivate her land sustainably. But the support did not end there. Understanding that technology alone is not enough, Nuwanthi coordinated with Mr. H.J.A. Malaka, Agriculture Instructor, to ensure continuous technical guidance. Under his supervision, Chathurani actively participated in Farmer Business School (FBS) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training programmes. These covered a wide range of practical skills, including organic fertilizer production, fruit plant pruning, bund cultivation, and improved vegetable cultivation and management practices. Armed with new knowledge, confidence, and the right equipment, she was ready to begin again—this time with renewed hope.

AF Nuwanthi with Chathurani

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Chathurani’s chilli production doubled, with harvests increasing from 300 kgs to 600 kgs every two weeks within the same cultivation cycle. Her income rose accordingly, bringing much-needed financial stability to her household. Today, she can comfortably invest in her children’s education, ensuring they have opportunities she once feared she could not provide. Looking ahead, she is even planning to build a new house, a dream that once seemed far beyond reach.

Chathurani’s story is a powerful reminder of how targeted interventions, timely technical support, and climate-smart solutions can transform lives. It also highlights the strength of women farmers who, when given the right support, rise above challenges to secure a better future for their families. Above all, her journey stands as a testament to the impact of the CSIAP—where courage meets opportunity, and determination turns struggle into success.

The CSIAP Records Outstanding Performance Delivering Strong Results by 3Q 2025

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has made substantial progress toward achieving its Project Development Objective, with most Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) nearing or exceeding expected targets by the end of the third quarter of 2025. Overall performance reflects strong physical implementation, meaningful beneficiary outreach, and measurable improvements in climate-smart agricultural productivity, despite some delays in financial disbursements.

Achievement of Key Performance Indicators
At the time of reporting, the project’s performance indicators demonstrate significant improvement over baseline values. Cropping intensity has reached 150%, surpassing the project target of 135% and improving markedly from the baseline of 110%. This indicates more effective utilization of cultivated land and enhanced productivity through improved irrigation and agronomic practices.

Cropping diversity has also shown remarkable progress. During the most recent Yala season, cropping diversity reached 49.7%, compared to a baseline of 10 percent and very close to the project target of 50%. This improvement reflects successful promotion of diversified cropping systems, contributing to climate resilience and income stability for farmers.

The target area under improved Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices is 55,000 hectares. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, approximately 35,000 hectares have been brought under improved CSA interventions, demonstrating steady progress toward the final target.

The number of direct beneficiaries reached by the project stands at 367,491, which is close to the end-of-project target of 470,000 beneficiaries. Of this total, 161,907 beneficiaries are women, highlighting the project’s strong emphasis on gender inclusion and women’s participation in agriculture-based livelihoods.

Financial and Physical Progress
The annual government budget allocation for the year 2025 amounted to LKR 8,775 million. An action plan was developed in line with this allocation; however, by the end of the third quarter, only LKR 2,893.99 million had been spent on project activities. As a result, cumulative financial expenditure reached LKR 27,009.13 million, equivalent to USD 90.03 million (at an exchange rate of USD 1 = LKR 300), reflecting an overall financial progress of 76%. 

In contrast, cumulative physical progress of the project reached 90 percent by the end of the third quarter. The observed gap between physical and financial progress is mainly attributed to delays in the submission of bills by contractors for completed works and delays in bill certification processes in certain instances. These issues have been recognized, and measures are being taken to expedite financial disbursements.

Irrigation Rehabilitation and Water Management
Rehabilitation of irrigation systems has progressed well across project areas. Under Phase I, out of the agreed 476 tanks to be rehabilitated within 72 cascades, 465 tanks have been successfully completed. Under Phase II, 179 irrigation systems were initially identified for rehabilitation; however, two tanks were cancelled due to implementation issues. As a result, 177 tanks are currently under rehabilitation, with approximately 20 tanks already completed.

Under the water management component, water use efficiency has been piloted in 50 tanks across cultivation seasons. For the 2025 Yala season, the average water use efficiency increase for paddy cultivation was measured at 38.6 percent, exceeding the project’s expected improvement of 30 percent. This demonstrates the effectiveness of improved water management practices introduced by the project.

Support to Farmers and CSA Interventions
The project continues to support beneficiaries through micro-irrigation systems and agro-well rehabilitation. To date, 1,331 agro-wells have been renovated out of a target of 1,475 wells. Under Phase II, 196 agro-wells are under implementation out of the 211 identified. These agro-wells support the cultivation of vegetables, green chilies, onions, and other Other Field Crops (OFCs).

Approximately 66,000 beneficiaries have received agricultural assets and services. Extensive farmer training programs on CSA practices have been conducted across six provinces. Under CSA interventions such as micro-irrigation, home gardening, agronomic improvements, inter-season cultivation, seed production, and organic manure production, a total of 100,198 farmers have participated in 3,291 training programs.

Farmers using micro-irrigation systems primarily cultivate onions, green chilies, and vegetables, while inter-season cultivation activities focus mainly on green gram and other OFCs. Compost production activities have progressed well, achieving 42,390 metric tons out of the target of 45,000 metric tons, with most compost used for home gardening.

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening
Training on CSA practices at the Thirappane Farmer Training School has been conducted as planned. By the end of the third quarter, 2,946 lead farmers and trainers participated in 131 training programs. These trained individuals are expected to transfer knowledge and skills to peer farmers within their communities.

The Farm Business School (FBS) program has been instrumental in developing entrepreneurial and managerial capacities among farmers, transitioning them from subsistence farming to market-oriented, climate-smart agriculture. A total of 159 trainers, including Agriculture Instructors and Agriculture Facilitators, completed training across 12 FBS modules. These trainers have begun disseminating knowledge to approximately 15,000 farmers in hotspot areas. To date, 11,335 farmers have completed all 12 modules, while an additional 1,200 farmers are currently undergoing training.

Sustainability, Market Linkages, and Community Institutions
To ensure sustainability of project interventions, 544 Farmer Producer Societies and 45 Farmer Producer Associations have been established. These institutions facilitate collective marketing, enhance bargaining power, and improve market access for farmers. So far, around 43 market linkages have been successfully established.

For effective operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, 60 Cascade Management Committees (CMCs) have been formed. Of these, 59 cascade management plans have been completed, and implementation has begun on 141 identified activities, including 32 tree planting initiatives and 109 construction activities. Farmer organizations have also received training on cascade management, leadership, bookkeeping, and water management.

The project supported the establishment of solar-powered seasonal electric fences to protect crops, completing 765 kilometers of fencing, with an additional 1,000 kilometers currently under progress for the upcoming Maha season.

Environmental, Social, and Technological Interventions
Tree planting campaigns have been conducted to improve catchment areas through reforestation, agroforestry, wind barriers, Kattakaduwa development, and compensatory planting. Social safeguard and gender-related training programs are ongoing, while the grievance redress mechanism is functioning effectively, with all reported grievances addressed.

Laser land leveling has been introduced to improve water-use efficiency and paddy productivity, covering 21 hectares to date. Two laser leveling machines have been procured and distributed to the North Western Province and Northern Province Departments of Agriculture. Additionally, initial steps have been completed to establish a Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Unit within the Ministry.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Communication
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities and ICT initiatives are progressing well, with approximately 2,350 IEC programs conducted across various subject areas. Five social media platforms are actively maintained to disseminate project information. Data entry into the Management Information System (MIS) has reached approximately 95% completion.

Monitoring and evaluation activities are ongoing, including the development of a farmer-level database, which is now at its final stage under the guidance of a database management consultant. An independent outcome survey has been conducted using university undergraduates as enumerators, with analysis and reporting currently underway. Preparation of the Borrower’s Implementation Completion Report has also commenced through an independent consultancy firm.

Governance, Supervision, and Reporting
Project implementation is regularly reviewed through progress review meetings, National Steering Committee (NSC) meetings, and Provincial Steering Committee meetings. World Bank supervision missions are conducted regularly, with 14 missions completed to date. To expedite fund disbursement by the end of December 2025, special weekly virtual progress review sessions have been scheduled with the World Bank team, in addition to bi-monthly reviews by the project team, routine field supervision, and quarterly and annual reporting to stakeholders.

Written by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP
Data provided by Asoka Koralage, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, PMU, CSIAP

Shielding Crops, Empowering Farmers: CSIAP's II Phase of Electric Fencing in EP

Farmers receive electric fencing equipment from the project

 

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has successfully rolled out its Phase 2 seasonal electric fencing programme in the Eastern Province, covering seven Agrarian Service Centre (ASC) divisions. The initiative aims to protect farmers’ crops from wildlife incursions, ensuring both productivity and sustainability in the province.

Mr. Sekeran addresses the beneficiary farmers

As part of this phase, a total of 79 electric fences spanning 467 km are being installed across Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts. These fences are set to directly benefit 6,532 farmers and safeguard 9,440 acres of farmland, creating secure boundaries against wild animals that frequently damage crops during planting and harvesting seasons.

• In Trincomalee District, three ASCs—Pulmoddai, Padavisripura, and Pankulam—received 22 fences covering 104 km, protecting the farms of 1,325 farmers over 3,715 acres. Pulmoddai accounted for the largest share with 16 fences spanning 75 km, benefiting more than 1,000 farmers. 
• In Batticaloa District, the Aithiyamalai ASC saw a smaller-scale intervention, with a single 10 km fence protecting 92 farmers across 290 acres.
• Ampara District emerged as the most extensive beneficiary, across three ASCs—Komari, Thambiluvil, and Lahugala—a total of 56 fences covering 353 km protected 5,115 farmers and 5,435 acres of farmland. Thambiluvil ASC stood out with 12 fences safeguarding 3,412 farmers, highlighting the programme’s strategic focus on areas most vulnerable to wildlife incursions.

The overall implementation and coordination of the programme are overseen by Mr. T. Sekaran, Social Safeguard Officer, under the strategic guidance and supervision of Mr. S. Naveendradas, Deputy Project Director for the Eastern Province.

During the electric fencing distribution programme, Mr. Sekaran emphasised that the seasonal fencing initiative is a key part of CSIAP’s broader efforts to enhance food security, promote sustainable farming practices, and strengthen farmer livelihoods across the province. By reducing the risk of wildlife damage, the programme allows farmers to concentrate on adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, boosting confidence and long-term resilience in their farming operations.

CSIAP Transforms a Father–Son Farming Partnership into a Thriving Enterprise

 Chaminda, a proud and happy farmer today 

Gunapala is climbing the coconut tree for treacle

At the ground level, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) works tirelessly to uplift farmers’ living standards while strengthening their contribution to the national agricultural economy.  An inspiring example of this commitment can be found in Gonapattiya village under the Yodhakandiya Agrarian Service Centre Division in Hambantota, where a determined father–son duo has rewritten their farming story with timely support from the project.

Mr. W. G. Gunapala (age 72) and his son, Mr. W. G. Chaminda Pushpakumara (age 53), have spent decades connected to agriculture. Cultivating 2.5 acres of paddy land and 7 acres of highland, they possessed the land and the will to succeed—but not the means. Persistent challenges such as water scarcity, lack of modern equipment, limited inputs, and inadequate technical guidance kept their efforts from bearing fruit. Despite their commitment, success remained elusive.

The turning point came when Ms. Pathumi Dissanayake, Agriculture Facilitator for the Southern Province under the CSIAP, identified their situation. Understanding both their constraints and potential, she took prompt initiative to address the key barriers holding them back. Through field visits and close discussions with the farmers, she assessed their needs and explored ways CSIAP could provide meaningful support. She then formally forwarded these requirements to the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP for the Southern and Uva Provinces. 

Bottles of treacle produced for the market

Under the direct supervision of Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Southern and Uva Provinces, Pathumi Dissanayake carried out her work diligently at the field level, ensuring that farmers' needs were accurately identified and effectively addressed through timely coordination, guidance, and continuous follow-up. 

As a result of these coordinated efforts, the farmers received a solar-powered water pump—an intervention that directly addressed their most critical challenge: water scarcity. Along with the pump, they were provided with quality groundnut and green gram seeds to diversify and strengthen their cultivation. To ensure sustainability, Pathumi further coordinated with Mr. Indika Srilal, Agriculture Instructor at Yodhakandiya, who delivered continuous technical guidance, on-site advice and Climate Smart Agriculture Training. Together, their dedicated support created a strong foundation for the farmers to move forward with confidence.

Fully equipped and empowered, Gunapala and  Chaminda resumed cultivation with renewed determination. Paddy cultivation flourished with the reliable water supply, while the highland fields soon came alive with tomatoes, long beans, chillies, green gram, and groundnuts. With water scarcity no longer a constraint, productivity increased steadily, and diversification became possible.

Pathumi with Chaminda at his husbandry unit

Encouraged by their success, both father and son expanded into new ventures, including animal husbandry as a business initiative and the production of coconut treacle, further strengthening their household income. These multiple income streams have gradually elevated their quality of life.

Today, the impact of the CSIAP support is visible not only in their fields but also in their home. With earnings from agriculture, Mr. Chaminda has begun constructing his own house and has been able to financially support his child’s university education—an achievement that reflects both economic stability and social progress.

Gunapala and Chaminda now enjoy a dignified and improved lifestyle, built on resilience, hard work, and well-targeted assistance. Their journey stands as a powerful testament to how climate-smart interventions, dedicated field-level guidance, and farmer-focused support under the CSIAP can open a new era of opportunity for rural farming families—turning long-held aspirations into lasting achievements.

CSIAP Empowers a Determined Woman Farmer to Achieve Agricultural Success

At the ground level, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) places strong emphasis on empowering women farmers who are striving to stand on their own feet with confidence and determination. One such inspiring success story is that of Ms. A. L. Deepa Kumari (age 50), a resident of the Dewramvehera Grama Niladhari Division under the Weerawila Agrarian Service Centre Division in Hambantota.

Farmer Deepa Kumari

Driven by a strong ambition to improve her livelihood through agriculture, Ms. Deepa Kumari was determined to succeed despite facing significant constraints, particularly limited access to resources and technical guidance. Recognising her potential and commitment, the CSIAP stepped in to support her journey towards sustainable farming.

On behalf of the project, Ms. K. A. A. Nuwanthi, Agriculture Facilitator at the Weerawila Agrarian Service Centre Division, carefully assessed Ms. Deepa Kumari’s needs and initiated timely interventions. Through coordination with the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP for the Southern and Uva Provinces, a solar-powered water pump was provided to address the critical issue of water scarcity, enabling uninterrupted cultivation. In addition, Ms. Nuwanthi took the initiative to coordinate with Mr. H. J. A. Malaka, Agriculture Instructor in the Mattala area, to ensure that Ms. Deepa Kumari received continuous technical guidance and advisory support.  

Mr. Malak and Ms. Nuwanthi with the farmer

Further strengthening her capacity, Ms. Deepa Kumari actively participated in CSIAP-supported training programmes, including the Farmer Business School (FBS) and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) training. These programmes enhanced her knowledge on farm planning, cost management, market-oriented production, and climate-resilient farming techniques, enabling her to manage agriculture as a viable and sustainable enterprise rather than a subsistence activity.

With consistent support and close supervision provided by both Ms. Nuwanthi and Mr. Malaka, Ms. Deepa Kumari commenced cultivation six months ago, planting tomato on one acre and long beans on another acre. Her dedication, combined with timely project assistance, led to remarkable results. At harvest, she recorded an impressive yield of approximately 15,000 kg of tomatoes and 5,000 kg of long beans. 

Tomatoes grown successfully

Ms. Deepa Kumari’s success clearly illustrates the transformative impact of the CSIAP’s farmer-centred approach. Through targeted infrastructure support, continuous technical guidance, and practical capacity-building initiatives, the project is enabling women farmers to overcome barriers, enhance productivity, and build climate-resilient livelihoods. Her story stands as a strong testament to how well-planned interventions under the CSIAP can convert determination and ambition into lasting agricultural success, while promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Notably, this success also underscores the CSIAP’s emphasis on women’s empowerment. By creating inclusive opportunities for women farmers to access training, inputs, and decision-making platforms, the project has strengthened their confidence and leadership in agriculture. These interventions have enabled women to move beyond subsistence farming toward sustainable, income-generating livelihoods.

This success story clearly demonstrates how targeted interventions, technical guidance, and farmer-focused capacity building under the CSIAP can transform ambition into achievement, empowering farmers—especially women—to build resilient livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture. 

Electric Fencing Enhances Crop Protection and Productivity in Mullaitivu, NP

In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and safeguarding farmlands from damage caused by wild animals, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the Northern Province has commenced the provision of electric fencing systems to farming communities in the Mullaitivu District under Phase II of the Project.

Under this initiative, a total of 46 electric fences covering an aggregate length of 173 kilometers have been installed across selected cultivation areas. The intervention is aimed at minimizing crop losses caused by wild animals—particularly elephants and other wildlife—thereby ensuring improved crop security, reduced economic losses, and enhanced confidence among around 3000 farmer families to continue and expand their cultivation activities.

ESO Kesiga looking after the needs of farmers

The electric fencing programme is being implemented in five Agrarian Service Centre (ASC) Divisions within Mullaitivu District where CSIAP interventions are ongoing. These include Thunukkai ASC Division, where nine (09) electric fences have been established; Mulliyawalai ASC Division, with three (03) electric fences; Olumadu ASC Division, with two (02) electric fences; Puthukkudiyiruppu ASC Division, also with two (02) electric fences; and Oddusuddan ASC Division, which has received the highest allocation of thirty (30) electric fences in view of the severity and frequency of wildlife-related crop damages reported from the area.

This targeted deployment reflects the Project’s commitment to addressing location-specific challenges faced by farmers, while adopting climate-smart and environmentally responsible solutions. The electric fences not only protect standing crops but also contribute to reducing human–wildlife conflict, thereby promoting safer and more sustainable coexistence between agricultural activities and surrounding ecosystems.

Providing additional guidance after installing the electric fence

At the ground level, the successful implementation of the electric fencing programme in the Mullaitivu District is being driven by the dedicated coordination, close supervision, and continuous guidance provided by Ms. S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer under the overall direction and strategic oversight of Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP for the Northern Province. Playing a pivotal role in translating project objectives into practical action, Ms. Kesiga worked closely with farmers, local institutions, and implementing agencies to ensure that the fencing installations are carried out efficiently,  and her regular field visits and active engagement with beneficiary communities help address ground realities, resolve operational challenges, and ensure that the electric fences function effectively as a sustainable solution to human–wildlife conflict. Both Mr. Babu's and Ms. Kesiga's leadership has ensured that installations are carried out in compliance with environmental and safety standards, while also raising awareness among beneficiary communities on proper operation and maintenance of the fencing systems. 

The electric fencing initiative forms part of the CSIAP’s broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience, protect agricultural investments, and improve livelihoods in vulnerable areas. By safeguarding crops and reducing uncertainties associated with wildlife damage, the Project continues to empower farmers in the Northern Province to pursue sustainable and productive agriculture with renewed confidence.