As part of its ongoing commitment to
improving irrigation infrastructure and ensuring sustainable agricultural
development, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is
rehabilitating five major tanks in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts at
a total investment of Rs. 360.54 million. These rehabilitation efforts are
aimed at enhancing water availability for farming communities, expanding
command areas, and strengthening resilience to climate variability. To assess
the progress of these vital infrastructure upgrades, Mr. Saman Bandulasena,
Project Director of the CSIAP, undertook a special field visit to the Northern
Province on the 11th of this month. During the visit, he inspected the ongoing
rehabilitation activities at each of the five tanks and held discussions with
the respective contractors and field teams.
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Instructions from the Project Director to the Deputy Project Director |
The Project Director personally reviewed the
work status and provided firm instructions to all contractors to accelerate the
pace of work and ensure completion well ahead of the project’s scheduled
conclusion on 31 December 2025. He underscored the importance of meeting
deadlines without compromising on quality, highlighting the tanks’ strategic
role in securing the livelihoods of farming communities and boosting
agricultural productivity in the province. In addition to site inspections, Mr.
Bandulasena issued specific directions to Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project
Director for the Northern Province, and his technical team to closely monitor
the rehabilitation process on a regular basis. He stressed the need for
vigilant oversight and proactive problem-solving to ensure that all civil works
are completed on time and to the required standards.
Further, the Project Director urged officials
of the Provincial Irrigation Department to provide technical support and
cooperate fully with the contractors. He emphasised that collaboration between
implementing agencies, field-level officers, and local stakeholders is crucial
to the successful and timely delivery of the rehabilitation works. The visit reinforced CSIAP’s hands-on
approach to project management and its commitment to transforming irrigation
systems to better serve rural communities in the face of climate change.
The
following are the five tanks in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu that were observed
during the Project Director’s monitoring visit:
Vanneri Kulam Tank Rehabilitation Project
Brings Hope for Expanded Cultivation in Kilinochchi
As part of its ongoing mission to enhance
agricultural resilience and water security in Northern Sri Lanka, the CSIAP has
launched a major rehabilitation initiative at Vannerikulam tank in the
Kilinochchi District. This vital intervention aims to revitalize irrigation
infrastructure, expand arable land usage, and improve the livelihoods of
farming communities in the province Scope of Work
- The rehabilitation project involves
significant structural improvements to the tank, including:
- Reconstruction
of a 4-kilometre-long bund to ensure water retention and structural stability
- Repairs
to one sluice and two spillways, which are essential for regulating water flow
and minimizing flood risks
- Construction
of a brand-new spillway to increase discharge capacity during heavy rains and
prevent tank overflows
These critical works are being undertaken by
Edward and Christy Company, a contractor in the field of irrigation and
infrastructure development. The total estimated cost of the rehabilitation
project stands at Rs. 115 million (with vat), fully funded by the CSIAP under
its climate-smart agriculture initiative.
Impact on Local Agriculture and FarmersPrior to rehabilitation, the Vannerikulam
tank supported irrigation for approximately 362 acres of paddy land cultivated
by 152 beneficiary farming families during the Yala and Maha seasons. However,
due to structural deterioration and inefficient water management, the tank's
full capacity could not be utilized, limiting agricultural output and income
for local farmers.Upon completion of the rehabilitation:
- The
tank’s effective command area will increase to approximately 800 acres
- Farmers
will be able to cultivate land during the Yala, Maha, and inter-seasonal
periods
- Water
availability will become more reliable and evenly distributed
- Farming
families will enjoy greater resilience to climate variability and drought
conditions
This expansion represents a more than
two-fold increase in cultivable land area, signalling a transformative shift for
food security and economic development in the province.Sustainable Development and Climate
Adaptation
The Vannerikulam tank rehabilitation aligns
with the CSIAP’s broader goals of promoting sustainable water resource management
and climate-smart agriculture in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. By restoring and
upgrading aged irrigation infrastructure, the project not only boosts productivity
but also empowers rural communities to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Once completed, the rehabilitated tank will
serve as a model for integrated, climate-resilient water management that
supports both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment for
smallholder farmers.
Rehabilitation of Ampalaperumal Kulam Tank in
Kilinochchi to Boost Agricultural Output
As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize
and strengthen irrigation infrastructure in the Northern Province, the CSIAP has initiated the rehabilitation of
the Ampalaperumal Kulam tank in Kilinochchi. This critical intervention is set
to enhance water storage, improve irrigation efficiency, and significantly
benefit local farming communities in the province.
Project Details and Scope of Work
The rehabilitation work has been entrusted to
Jayawanasa Constructions Company, with a total investment of Rs. 62.5 million (with
vat) allocated for the project. The planned civil works include:
- Reconstruction
of a 920-meter-long bund (earthwork)
- Gravel
laying and turfing along the bund to reduce erosion and enhance durability
- Removal
and replacement of Rip rap structures
- Construction
of a new sluice, which will enhance water control and distribution
- Repairs
to two existing sluices, improving overall irrigation flow management
These improvements will help restore the tank
to its full operational capacity, ensuring reliable irrigation during both the
Yala and Maha cultivation seasons.
Impact on Agriculture and Farming Communities
Currently, 210 farmers to cultivate 630 acres
during the Maha season and approximately 300 acres in the Yala
season of paddy land using water from Ampalaperumal
Kulam Tank. However, water shortages and outdated infrastructure have long limited
the tank's efficiency.
Upon completion of the rehabilitation:
- The
command area will expand from 300 acres to 630 acres, allowing for increased
cultivation
- Farmers
will benefit from a more equitable and consistent irrigation water supply
- The
tank will better support agriculture during dry spells and unpredictable
monsoons
- The
community will enjoy improved food security and increased household income
This enhancement will directly contribute to
the livelihoods of hundreds of families, supporting not only agricultural
productivity but also broader rural development.
Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The Ampalaperumal Kulam rehabilitation aligns
with the CSIAP’s overarching vision to promote climate-smart and sustainable
agriculture in vulnerable regions. By investing in durable infrastructure and
modern water management solutions, the project enables farmers to adapt to climate
change, reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall, and improve their
resilience in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
The project is a testament to the
government’s commitment—through the CSIAP—to transforming traditional irrigation
systems into efficient, climate-resilient networks that empower communities and
secure the nation’s agricultural future.
Koddai Kaddiya Kulam
Rehabilitation Project Enhances Irrigation Prospects in Mullaitivu
As part of its
mission to improve rural livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience in Sri
Lanka’s dry zone, the CSIAP has launched the rehabilitation of Koddai Kaddiya
Kulam, a key irrigation tank located in the Mullaitivu District. The initiative
is expected to significantly expand water availability and cultivation
potential for the local farming community.
Project Overview and
Scope The rehabilitation
work is being carried out by Jayawanasa Construction Company at a total cost of
Rs. 56.64 million (with vat). The project focuses on restoring and enhancing
the tank's physical infrastructure to ensure effective water storage and
distribution throughout the year.Key civil works under
the project include:
- Reconstruction of a 1,725-meter-long bund (earthwork) to strengthen tank embankments
and prevent water seepage
- Gravel laying and
turfing along the bund to reduce erosion and enhance durability
- Construction of 1,100
meters Rip rap structures
- Construction of a new
sluice to improve controlled water release and irrigation scheduling
- Repair of one
existing spill and one additional sluice, essential for managing overflow and
maintaining optimal water levels
These interventions
are designed to restore the tank’s full functionality and prepare it to
withstand climate-induced stressors such as droughts and heavy rains.
Agricultural Impact
Currently, 210
farmers rely on Koddai Kaddiya Kulam Tank to cultivate 420 acres during the Maha
season and approximately 300 acres in the Yala season. Due to limited water
availability and ageing infrastructure, cultivation during the dry season has
remained constrained.
Following
the rehabilitation:
- The
command area during the Yala season will increase from 300 acres to 400 acres,
representing a significant boost in dry-season farming potential
- Farmers
will experience improved water availability, enabling more timely and
consistent irrigation
- The
improved tank infrastructure will contribute to better crop yields, reduced
water loss, and increased income stability for farming households
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Climate
Resilience
The Koddai Kaddiya Kulam rehabilitation is a strategic
investment under the CSIAP’s broader objective to modernize irrigation
infrastructure and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. By enhancing
the efficiency and reliability of traditional tanks, the project supports
farming communities in adapting to climate variability and achieving
sustainable year-round cultivation. This initiative marks another milestone in the
transformation of Sri Lanka’s rural agricultural landscape, strengthening both
food security and rural prosperity in Mullaitivu.
Iyankan
Kulam Tank Rehabilitation Set to Improve Irrigation and Expand Cultivation in
Mullaitivu
The
CSIAP continues its commitment to revitalizing vital irrigation infrastructure
across Sri Lanka’s dry zone with the rehabilitation of Iyankan Kulam, a major
irrigation tank located in the Mullaitivu District. This initiative is poised
to enhance water availability and agricultural productivity for hundreds of
farming families in the province.
Project
Overview and Scope of Work
The
rehabilitation of Iyankan Kulam is being undertaken by Anchaneya Constructions
Company, with a total investment of Rs. 66.8 million (with vat). The scope of
civil works focuses on restoring and strengthening the tank's infrastructure to
ensure optimal water storage and distribution.
The
key activities include:
- Reconstruction
of a 1,710-meter-long bund (earthwork) to restore its original height and
stability
- Gravel
laying and turfing to prevent erosion and ensure long-term sustainability
- Removal
and replacement of 350 meters of Rip rap structures
- Repair
of two existing sluices to improve control over water release and reduce losses
- These
structural improvements aim to restore the tank’s full functionality and
enhance its resilience to climate extremes such as erratic rainfall and
prolonged dry spells.

Agricultural
Impact and Farmer BenefitsIyankan
Kulam Tank currently supports 330 farmers who cultivate approximately 952 acres
during the Maha season and 352 acres during the Yala season. However, aging
infrastructure and reduced water efficiency have limited full-scale
cultivation, especially during the dry season.Upon
completion of the rehabilitation:
- The
expansion of the command area from 352 to 550 acres will significantly enhance
the potential for agricultural cultivation, supporting improved productivity
and farmer livelihoods
- Farmers
will benefit from improved and consistent irrigation, especially during Yala
season
- Enhanced
water management will lead to increased productivity, better crop health, and
reduced dependency on rainfall
- The
project is expected to boost farmer incomes, improve food security, and support
sustainable livelihoods in the community
Building
Climate Resilience and Food SecurityThe
Iyankan Kulam rehabilitation is a vital component of CSIAP’s broader strategy
to promote climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. Through the modernisation of irrigation systems, the project enhances community capacity to adapt to climate change, optimise water use, and ensure year-round agricultural
productivity.By
investing in infrastructure that directly supports rural farmers, the CSIAP
continues to drive transformative change across Sri Lanka’s agricultural
sector—creating a more secure, productive, and resilient future for all.Murukandi Kulam Tank Rehabilitation Project to Enhance
Water Security for Farmers in Mullaitivu
In a continued effort to uplift rural agriculture
through improved irrigation infrastructure, the CSIAP has initiated the rehabilitation of Murukandi
Kulam, a vital irrigation tank located in the Mullaitivu District. The project
is set to restore the tank’s full capacity, enabling expanded cultivation and
improved resilience to climate variability.
Project Scope and Execution
The rehabilitation work is being carried out by KPK
Builders Company, with a total investment of Rs. 59.6 million (with vat). This
major infrastructure intervention involves extensive civil engineering efforts
aimed at strengthening the tank’s embankments and modernizing its water control
systems.
Key components of the rehabilitation include:
- Reconstruction of a 2,680-meter-long bund (Earthwork) to
restore its original form and structural integrity
- Gravel laying and turfing to minimise erosion and
ensure long-term durability
- Construction of 300-meter Rip rap structures
- Repair of two existing sluices and one spill structure,
ensuring improved water regulation and flood control
These upgrades are designed to enhance the tank’s
water retention and distribution efficiency, creating conditions favourable for
reliable, year-round irrigation.
Agricultural and Community Benefits
Currently, 150 farmers depend on Murukandi KulamTank for
cultivating approximately 355 acres during the Maha season and 300 acres during
the Yala season. However, deterioration of infrastructure has constrained the
tank’s full potential, especially during the dry season.
Once rehabilitation is completed:
- Water
availability will become more reliable and equitably distributed
- The
efficiency of irrigation during both Maha and Yala seasons will increase
significantly
- Farmers
will experience better crop yields, reduced vulnerability to drought, and greater
income stability
- This project will directly improve the quality of life
for dozens of farming families in Mullaitivu, fostering rural development and
food security.
A Step Toward Climate-Smart AgricultureThe rehabilitation of Murukandi Kulam Tank reflects CSIAP’s
broader mission of promoting climate-smart, sustainable agriculture in Sri
Lanka’s dry zone. Through investments in tank rehabilitation and modern
irrigation systems, the project equips communities with the tools to adapt to
climate change, optimize resource use, and achieve sustainable agricultural
growth. This initiative will not only restore an essential
water source but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous
farming community in the Northern Province.We
would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Roshan Peries, Technical
Officer at the Deputy Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Northern Province,
for his unwavering support and valuable input during the preparation of this
article. His prompt assistance, technical insights, and commitment to providing
accurate and up-to-date information significantly contributed to the quality
and comprehensiveness of the final content.
Story and photographs by Samanatha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU