The World Bank officials,
visiting the implementation sites of the CSIAP as part of the 14th
Implementation Support Mission, were warmly welcome CSIAP’s beneficiary farmers
in North Central Province. This mission is designed to ensure that the project
is progressing as planned, identify challenges, and provide technical assistance
wherever needed to facilitate effective implementation. Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior
Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader (TTL) for the CSIAP), Ms. Thiruni
Liyanage (Co-TTL /Water Resources Management Specialist), Dr. Athula Senaratne
(Senior Agriculture Specialist), Ms. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and
CSIAP ICR Author), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant, Agriculture
and Rural Development), Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring & Evaluation
Consultant) and Mr. Sanjiva Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant)
of the World Bank joined the mission.
Here’s an overview of what it
generally entails:
- Monitor project progress: Evaluate whether the
project is progressing according to the planned timeline, budget, and outcomes.
- Identify and resolve problems:
Detect any issues early on in terms of environmental/social safeguards. and
work with the client to resolve them.
- Ensure compliance: Ensure that
the project aligns with and adheres to World Bank policies such as financial
management, procurement, environmental and social safeguards etc.
- Strengthen capacity: Provide technical support or training to implementing
agencies as required.
- Documentation: The mission
typically results in an Aide-Memoire that outlines key findings,
recommendations, and agreed next steps, and may be accompanied by a Management
Letter if deemed necessary.
The following activities are carried
out during a Mission:
- Field visits to project sites
- Meetings with implementing
agencies and beneficiaries
- Review of financial records
and procurement documentation
- Discussions on risks and
mitigation strategies
The World Bank Officials visited several sites
in Anuradhapura as follows:
The World Bank officials began
their field visit from ‘Etaurulewa Wewa (Lake)’ in ‘Nabadawewa’
Cascade, a stunning lake nestled among cherished trees, now undergoing rehabilitation
under the second phase of the CSIAP. As they took in the scenic beauty and
ongoing rehabilitation work, the officials engaged in a warm and insightful
exchange with members of the Social Audit Committee under ‘Etaurulewa Wewa’ of
the Farmers at ‘Samagi’ Farmer Organization, headed by Mr. Susil Rajapaksha.
This Social Audit Committee is the community-led group which plays a crucial role
in ensuring transparency and accountability by closely monitoring the progress
of the lake’s rehabilitation process. The visit provided a platform for
meaningful dialogue, where officials and farmers openly discussed the
rehabilitation efforts and their broader impact. Amidst the conversation,
farmers candidly shared the everyday challenges they face and expressed heartfelt
requests for essential support, such as the installation of elephant fences to
protect their crops and drying machines to help preserve their harvests. The
visit was not just a review of progress, but a vibrant exchange of ideas,
concerns, and aspirations for sustainable development.
The next stop on the visit
took the officials to Mr. Sujeewa Rajapaksha’s farm in ‘Nabadawewa’, where
innovation and sustainability are visibly taking root. With support from CSIAP,
Mr. Sujeewa has embraced modern agricultural techniques, his fields now
flourish under a drip irrigation system and protective insect nets, both
provided through CSIAP. As he proudly walked the officials through his farm, he
explained how these technologies have revolutionized their water use, allowing
every drop to be maximized in an area where water scarcity is a key concern.
Beyond infrastructure, Mr. Sujeewa highlighted the holistic support offered by
CSIAP, including ongoing training, technical guidance, and advisory services.
He also received an agro well and a solar-powered system, significantly
reducing the cost and effort of accessing water for irrigation. With visible
gratitude, he shared that one of his family members had the opportunity to
attend the Agriculture Training Programme at the Farmer School in ‘Thirappane’,
which is initiated under CSIAP to empower local farmers with climate-smart
agricultural skills and knowledge. His story stood as a testament to how
targeted support and innovation can transform lives and livelihoods
. The journey
continued to Mr. Susil Rajapaksha’s home, where the officials were greeted with
warmth and enthusiasm by him and a group of fellow farmers. Among them was Mrs.
Swarnalatha, who graciously shared her story, one of resilience,
transformation, and newfound opportunity. With a quiet pride, she spoke of how
life has changed since becoming involved with the CSIAP. Together with her
husband, she cultivates rice in their paddy fields while maintaining a
flourishing home garden that provides not only for their family but also
generates extra income through the sale of surplus produce. A passionate
cultivator, she has ventured into growing ‘naimiris’, a local variety of
bonnet chilli, and even sells the chilli plants, which has become a rewarding
and steady source of income. She credited the CSIAP for offering much more than
materials; it brought knowledge, guidance, and confidence. The installation of
an agro well and a solar-powered system significantly reduced their
water-related costs, while training sessions and technical support introduced
them to climate-smart practices such as drip irrigation and the use of
insect-resistant nets. What stood out most in Mrs. Swarnalatha’s testimony was
her belief that the change brought about by CSIAP was not merely beneficial but truly transformative. ‘It’s not just our family that has grown,’ she said
with heartfelt sincerity, ‘the whole village has started to thrive.’ Her story
encapsulated the spirit of community empowerment and sustainable development
that CSIAP aims to cultivate.
Next, the officials made their
way to ‘Nabadawewa Lake’, one of the region’s most expansive and
breathtaking lakes in ‘Nabadawewa’ Cascade, to commemorate a significant
milestone, the unveiling of the plaque marking the commencement of its
rehabilitation under the second phase of CSIAP. Set against a stunning natural
backdrop, the moment carried both symbolic and practical weight, signalling a
renewed commitment to preserving and revitalizing this precious water resource.
During their visit, the officials engaged in a warm and productive conversation
with members of the Social Audit Committee from the ‘Nabadawewa’ Farmer
Organization, led by Mr. K. Dissanayake. This committee plays a vital role in
community-led monitoring, ensuring that every step of the rehabilitation
process remains transparent, accountable, and in tune with local needs. The
officials took time to observe the committee’s ongoing work and appreciated
their active involvement in overseeing such a critical initiative. Their
discussions extended into the technical and logistical aspects of the
rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of collective effort in restoring
the lake to its full ecological and agricultural potential.
The journey then led the
officials to ‘Horanakkarayagama’ in ‘Puliyankadawala’, where they
visited the vibrant farm of Mrs. Deepika Kumari, a place where collective
spirit and sustainable farming go hand in hand. Alongside her fellow farmers,
she cultivates the land not just with dedication, but with a deep sense of
community and innovation. Welcoming the visitors with genuine warmth, Mrs. Kumari
proudly showcased the transformative support they have received through the
CSIAP. With enthusiasm, she spoke of the facilities now powering their efforts,
an agro well and solar system that have lifted the burden of water scarcity,
drip irrigation systems that make every drop count, and insect-proof nets and
polytunnels that protect their crops while promoting sustainable, climate-smart
agriculture. These tools, she emphasized, have not only enhanced productivity
but also ensured resilience in the face of changing weather patterns. More than
the infrastructure, however, she expressed deep appreciation for the guidance
and technical expertise provided by CSIAP, support that has empowered her and
her community to farm smarter, greener, and together.
Mr. K. Premathilake shared his
experience, describing the remarkable transformation brought about by the
introduction of laser-levelled paddy fields. Compared to the past, this modern
approach has made a remarkable difference. Tasks that once took days are now
completed in hours. From ploughing to planting, every step is easier, more
efficient, and far less time-consuming. For these farmers, this technology
hasn’t just improved the land, it has given them back precious time and energy
to invest in growing their future. Furthermore, the officials had the
opportunity to witness how the rehabilitated ‘Horanakkarayagama Lake’
was now sustaining vibrant agricultural activity during the ‘Yala’
season, a striking contrast to past limitations. As they moved through the
fields, they saw farmers making the most of every drop, not only through
improved irrigation but also by embracing innovation. One such example was Mr. K.
Wijayakumara, who demonstrated how he had transitioned to using modern
seed-sowing technology this season, a leap forward from the more traditional
methods he employed before CSIAP was implemented. His story reflected a broader
shift, where access to water and technology is not just transforming farming
practices, but reshaping futures.
Next, the officials visited
Mr. S.M.S. Samaraweera and his group of enthusiastic farmers, who proudly
introduced their forward-thinking initiative, the ‘group village’ concept. This
idea revolves around unity, shared purpose, and land consolidation, where farmers
contribute their individual plots of land to create a collective farming
system. Together, they cultivate crops, pool their resources, and share the
rewards. A simple yet powerful example came from Mr. Samaraweera himself, he
owns an agro well on his land, but instead of keeping it for personal use, he
willingly shares it with his fellow farmers, ensuring water access for all.
This spirit of cooperation marks the beginning of a new era, where collective
resource use is not just about survival, but about creating pathways to
prosperity. The vision does not stop at the field, the group aims to scale up,
directly connecting with local markets and exporters, turning their
collaborative effort into a sustainable, market-driven enterprise.
At last, the officials arrived
at the meeting of the ‘Nabadawewa’ Cascade Management Committee (CMC),
held at the serene and historic ‘Nambakada’ Raja Maha Viharaya, a
beautiful temple nestled in the heart of ‘Nambakada’. Born from the
CSIAP initiative, the CMC was established with a vital mission, to protect,
sustain, and breathe new life into the delicate and interconnected ‘Nabadawewa’
Cascade system. The gathering was more than just a meeting, it was a living
example of collaborative governance in action. Representatives from key
government bodies sat alongside local beneficiary groups, all united by a
shared commitment to preserving the cascade's natural heritage. Through
inclusive dialogue and strategic planning, the CMC is crafting a roadmap for
long-term conservation and sustainable water management, ensuring that these
ancient waters continue to nourish both land and life for generations to come.
Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena,
Project Director, graced the occasion alongside a team of specialists from the
Project Management Unit, bringing their insight and expertise to the field. The
entire World Bank Mission in the North Central Province was organized and
facilitated by Mr. R.P.M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP in the North
Central Province and the provincial staff. With the unwavering support of his
committed provincial team, Mr. Dissanayake, ensured that every step of the
mission was both meaningful and impactful, weaving together coordination,
collaboration, and community engagement into a truly memorable visit.
By Madushani Gunathilake, PhD, Researcher at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, UK and
Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
