A three-day field visit to assess the ongoing activities and project progress in EP

A team of the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) led by Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, embarked on a three-day field visit in Eastern Province to assess the ongoing activities and progress of the CSIAP. This visit, held from 27^th to 29^th this month, aimed to evaluate the implementation status, identify challenges, and engage with stakeholders to ensure the project's objectives are being met effectively.

Objectives of the Visit: 
* To monitor and evaluate the implementation of project activities.
* To assess the impact of the project on the target community.
* To identify challenges and areas for improvement.
* To engage with stakeholders for feedback and future planning. 

 The PMU included Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Water Management and Monitoring Specialist Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist Mr. Gamini Subasinghe, Information, Education and Communication & Information and  Communication Technology Specialist Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi and Gender Officer Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan to inspect key project sites in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee and interact with beneficiaries, local officials, and provincial staff of the CSIAP. The visit provides a firsthand look at the progress made so far, highlighting key achievements and areas needing further attention. 

 This field visit reaffirms the commitment to delivering measurable outcomes and ensuring the long-term success of the CSIAP. Commencing the field visit in Ampara, The Project Director said “We are committed to ensuring the success of this initiative, and field visits like these allow us to understand ground realities firsthand. The insights gained will help us refine our approach and ensure that we are on track to achieving our goals.”

The above  field visit provided an in-depth understanding of the project's progress and its impact on the community. While significant achievements have been made, addressing the identified challenges will be crucial for the project's long-term success. Continuous engagement and adaptive strategies will help in ensuring sustainable development and positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Heartfelt thanks for stepping into the Acting Deputy Project Director Role in EP

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) wants to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. H.B. Anees, Deputy Director (Planning) of District Secretariat, Ampara for stepping up and taking on the covering role of the Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Eastern Province from 30th September 2024 to 23rd January 2025. His willingness to take on this responsibility has not only ensured the smooth functioning of the CSIAP activities in the province but also highlighted his exceptional managerial skills and commitments. His dedication, adaptability, and leadership have been remarkable during this time. 

Mr. Anees’s ability to manage the role's demands with such confidence, professionalism, and grace is truly commendable. Whether guiding the team, making critical decisions, or simply being a source of support and encouragement, he excelled in every aspect. He not only demonstrated that the Eastern Province team stayed on track to accomplish CSIAP’s objectives, but he also handled challenges with grace and professionalism. His ability to lead with such confidence and competence has been an inspiration to everyone. 

The Outgoing Deputy Director’s hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and the CSIAP is incredibly grateful for the effort he puts into ensuring the continued success of ground-level project activities during his time. The impact he has made while covering this role has been invaluable, and the CSIAP is so grateful for his contributions. The CSIAP thanks him once again for stepping up and going above and beyond to make a difference.  

The CSIAP facilitates agribusiness and value chain development for farmers in EP

      FGD with Arunalu Govi Women Society, FGD with Gomarankadawala Producer Association and FGD with Karadiyanaru Producer Association

As part of the initiative to establish commercially viable business entities from the producer associations identified by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project   (CSIAP), a team including Mr Sanjeewa Rodrigo, Agribusiness & Marketing  Consultant, Mr Jagath Seneviratne, M&E Consultant representing the World Bank and  Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist and Dr Kumudini Gunasekare, Agribusiness & Market Linkage Development Specialist representing the PMU, CSIAP engaged in focused group discussions (FGDs) with one Producer Society,  “Arunalu Diriya Govi Women Society” in Kithulothuwa and two Producer Associations (PAs) namely Gomarankadawala PA, Karadiyanaru PA  in hotspot areas during a two-day field visit on January 16th and 17th, 2025 to the eastern province. 

 The primary goal of these FGDs was to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) faced by these associations, and to gather their perceptions and preferences on transforming these PAs into legally recognized, commercially viable business entities. A key assessment tool prepared by the consultants was used to rate the associations based on predetermined criteria, providing valuable insights for the next steps.  

These discussions were organized and facilitated by Mr. H. B. Anees, Acting Deputy Project Director, Mr. S. Navendrathas, ID&CB Specialist, Dr. S. M. Hussain, CSA Specialist, Ms. K. Karthiga and M&E Officer along with Agriculture Facilitators at the Deputy Project director’s Office of the CSIAP in Eastern Province. 

Dr. Kumudini Gunasekare, Agribusiness & Market Linkage Development Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

CSIAP's Top Officials monitor the status of ongoing activities in Polonnaruwa

 The Deputy Director’s Office in the North Central Province of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project organized a two-day observation tour in Hingurakgoda of Polonnaruwa district for a team of specialists from the Project Management Unit (PMU) led by Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director to monitor project progress in the district. This was the first time the Project Director arrived in Polonnaruwa alone with Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Senior Engineer Mr. G. R.A. Godamunne  and Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist Mr. Gamini Subasinghe. This tour allowed the PMU team to observe ongoing activities, identify issues, engage with stakeholders, collect data, boost morale and build relationships.  

The Project Director discussed with farmers representing Moragaswewa Farm Organization to develop Mahasengama as a Climate Smart Cascade village. Mr. Bandulasean pointed out the importance of developing the paddy fields near the Moragaswewa tank as a tourist attraction. Increasing parachute & inter-season cultivations and how to increase crop diversification in Yala 2025 were raised during the discussion. Finally, the Project Director and other CSIAP officers planted trees too.  

The PMU teams observed the cultivation field of farmer Mr. R.M.M. Jayasinghe who cultivated B Onions in paddy fields using his agro well with fellow farmers as a group during the Maha season. The Project Director explained the importance of increasing productivity as teams by using agro-well with solar pumps.

A special meeting was held at the Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariate with the participation of farmers and officials of implementing agencies. Repairing agri roads, agri inputs given by the CSIAP, cultivating new plots of land, developing channels, home gardens, agro-wells and tank rehabilitation were discussed during this meeting.  Mr. R.P.M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in North Central Province presented the progress.

The CSIAP team observed the home garden belonging to farmer Ms. H. W. M. Chandrani at Hatharaskotuwa. The Project Director stepped into the vibrant home garden with a sense of curiosity and admiration. It was a well-maintained space and a testament to the dedication and passion of the family who nurtured it. The CSIAP team was satisfied with the progress achieved by her. The project has given mango plants, grow bags, Seeds and chicks to this farmer.  

The CSIAP team arrived at the chilli cultivation field of farmer Raveeshan located at Aluth Oya in Sinhagama . The Eastern Province of the CSIAP  proudly guided this farmer toward the rows of thriving chilli plants. The plants stood tall and healthy, their branches heavy with vibrant red chillies. This farmer, who had been trained at the Farmer Training School, Thirappane has earned Rs 24000 from 30 kg of Chilies and has obtained insect-proof net and drip irrigation from the project. As walking through the field, the Project Director discussed market trends, selling opportunities, and ways to expand the chilli production. Arunalu Diriya, a women farmer organization, which produces rice, met the CSIAP team at  Kithuluthuwa. Increasing rice production and obtaining water for cultivation were discussed. The Project Director stated that rice is an important agricultural crop with significant economic, nutritional, and cultural importance. Increasing rice cultivation provides numerous benefits that impact local farmers, regional economies, and the country as a whole, he further added. Mr. R. P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in North Central Province organized and facilitated the observation tour with his provincial staff. 

Story by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist and photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The World Bank guides the Ambanpola PA to improve its marketing activitie

Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo Agribusiness & Marketing Consultant of the World Bank met members of the Ambanpola Producer Association in Kurunegala district to guide and support them in developing its marketing activities during the second day of the two-day workshop on the Preparation of Action Plan 2025 for the CSIAP being held at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa today (11th).

Market Access Facilitation, Capacity Building, Institutional Support and Infrastructure Development were discussed here. This holistic approach helps this Producer  Association increase competitiveness, improve incomes and achieve sustainable growth. 

This discussion was held under the direct supervision of Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, along with Dr. Kumuduni Gunasekara, Agri-Business & Market Linkage Development Specialist (PMU), Mr. D.V. Bandulasena, Intuitional Development and Capacity Building Specialist (PMU) and Hemantha Dissanayake, Intuitional Development and Capacity Building Specialist (NWP) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project.

A provincial-wise group discussion began to finalise the Action Plan 2025 of CSIAP

Subject Specialists and Officers at the Project Management Unit and provincial offices along with Provincial Deputy Project Directors started discussing to finalise the Action Plan 2025 of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) under the supervision of Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director,  in the second half of the first day of two-day workshop on Preparation of Action Plan 2025 being held at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa.

Climate Smart Agriculture Technology for Catchment Development in Sri Lanka

Mr. Rasika Thusitha Kumara, Social Mobilize Specialist (Climate Smart Agriculture) from Palm Foundation in Vavuniya delivered a special lecture on Climate Smart Agriculture Technology for Catchment Development in Sri Lanka during the two-day workshop on Preparation of Action Plan 2025 for the CSIAP held at Irrigation Training Institute at Galgamuwa today (09th) with the Tamil interpretation given by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Gender Development Officer, Project Management Unit, CSIAP.

A two-day workshop on Preparation of Action Plan 2025 commences at ITI

                         Mr. Bandulasena                                      Mr. Manoharan                                                 Mr. Senevirathne                                     Mr. Rodrigo

To accomplish the objectives of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) by the end of 2025, a two-day workshop on Preparing the Action Plan 2025 commenced at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa, this morning (09th). Welcoming all participants, Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP stated the project’s goals to be achieved and how project staff work together towards objectives. Mr. S. Manoharan, Senior Consultant of the World Bank, delivered a lecture on Planning the CSIAP’s Activities (Irrigation, Water Management & Project Completion) for 2025, Mr. Jagath Seneviratne, Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant of the World Bank delivered a lecture on Monitoring & Evaluation of CSIAP and preparation for Project Completion, and Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo Agribusiness & Marketing Consultant of the World Bank delivered a lecture on New Agribusiness and Marketing Strategy for the CSIAP.

The preparation of the provincial plan at the levels of the deputy project director's offices and the finalization of the overall action plan will be discussed tomorrow. Group Works for the Preparation of the Subject-wise Plan and the Preparation of the Provincial Plan will be conducted during this workshop.Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP attended this workshop.

The CSIAP's EP Office commences its work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

The CSIAP's NP Office commences its work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

 

The CSIAP's NCP Office commences its work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

The CSIAP's UP & SP Offices commence their work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

 

The CSIAP commences its work with the inauguration of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced its work on the very first day of the year 2025 at the Project Management Unit today (01st) with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme inaugurated at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ aims to create a morally and environmentally sustainable nation by fostering a cleaner and more ethical society. This programme envisions a broad national effort, transcending political and communal differences, to instil attitudinal, behavioural, and qualitative changes among citizens. Its goal is to create a nation enriched with new values, ensuring better living standards for all its citizens under the vision of ‘A Prosperous Nation – Beautiful Lives’. The Clean Sri Lanka pledge was then administered by the CSIAP staff and listened to the President's news year message from the PMU.

 Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP, wished CSIAP Staff a prosperous new year and said; I am confident in our team’s ability to rise above challenges and achieve remarkable results in 2025. Let’s continue to work with determination and unity, knowing that every step forward brings us closer to our  CSIAP’s goals. I trust in your abilities and your collective strength as a team. Let’s stay resilient, keep moving forward, and thank you for your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment demonstrated last year. I respectfully remind you of the service rendered by former CSIAP staff too.

Later Project Director, Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Intuitional Development and Capacity Building Specialist, Mr. A. Z. J. Singarayer, Senior Technical officer and Ms. Kaumadie Galmangoda, Programmer Officer for Climate Smart Agriculture lit up oil lamps, and milk rice and oil cakes were served to the staff.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP