Tree Planting Initiative under CSIAP Takes Root in Northern Province

In celebration of World Environment Day and as part of the project's ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the Northern Province successfully organized a tree planting activity on 05 June 2025 in Kilinochchi. The event was conducted under the Mallikairu Cascade Plan, aiming to promote ecological sustainability and enhance green cover in irrigated farming areas.

A total of 300 trees—including Karanda and Kumbuk species—were planted in strategic locations within the Kattakaduwa area of the Parayan Tank, Pidaripallam Tank, and Uppuvil Tank. These sites are located under the jurisdiction of the Akkarayan Agrarian Service Center (ASC) in the Kilinochchi District. The activity was carried out in collaboration with local farming communities, project officers, and regional agricultural authorities, under the patronage of Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Northern Province.

This initiative aligns with CSIAP’s core objectives to:

• Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices
• Enhance green cover in agricultural landscapes
• Support biodiversity conservation
• Create awareness among farming communities about environmental protection

During the event, Deputy Director Mr. George Babu emphasised the importance of integrating tree planting into climate-smart agricultural systems, stating:

"Trees play a vital role in protecting water resources, enriching soils, and safeguarding livelihoods—especially in the face of climate change."

The CSIAP remains committed to enhancing the resilience of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector through environmentally sound initiatives like this. This initiative not only commemorates World Environment Day but also reinforces the project's broader goals of climate resilience, watershed conservation, and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Story by  S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer, Northern Provinc, CSIAP

The wrap-up Meeting of the CSIAP Commences at the MALLI with WB Officials

The Wrap-up Meeting of the World Bank-funded Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced today at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation (MALLI), bringing together senior officials from the World Bank, the Ministry, and the CSIAP project team to review the project’s implementation progress and finalize the next steps.

 The meeting marks the conclusion of the World Bank Technical Support Mission held from June 11–17, 2025. The session was chaired by Mr. D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry, with the World Bank delegation led by Mr. Tomas Ricardo Rosada Villamar (Practice Manager). Other key participants included Dr. Sheu Salau (Task Team Leader – TTL), Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL and Senior Water Resources Management Specialist), Dr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development), Mr. Jagath Seneviratne (Consultant for Monitoring & Evaluation), and Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Consultant for Agribusiness & Marketing).

Purpose of the Wrap-Up Meeting
The wrap-up meeting marks the culmination of a World Bank Technical Mission or project review, serving several vital functions:

• Presentation of Mission Findings: The World Bank team shared preliminary findings, assessments, and recommendations from their mission.
• Review of Project Progress: Achievements, challenges, and the status of project components were discussed in detail.
• Discussion of Agreed Actions: A list of agreed actions was finalized for implementation before project closure.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The meeting provided a platform for active engagement among Ministry officials, World Bank representatives, and project staff.

Project Achievements and Next Steps
Dr. Sheu Salau announced that the CSIAP has been honored with the prestigious South Asia Vice President’s Award this year, congratulating the entire team on this outstanding achievement.

Looking ahead, under Phase II of CSIAP, 173 tanks are scheduled for rehabilitation in 2025. Of these, 15 tanks may see work extend beyond December if rainfall exceeds expectations. All tanks are currently under rehabilitation, with Dr. Salau confirming that the required funds are fully committed and no cancellations are anticipated during the current mission. 

Agreed Actions and Strategy

The following key actions and strategies were agreed upon:

• Complete Procurement: All RFQ items and related activities to be completed by July 30, 2025.
• Utilize GOSL Funds: Any operational cost increases beyond committed IDA funds will be covered by the Government of Sri Lanka funds.
• Minimize Variation Orders: Avoid or minimize VOs; if necessary, VOs must be proactively issued by DPD offices in consultation with DAD and PID by July 31, 2025.
• Finalize Training: All planned training activities (worth USD 0.72 million) to be completed by November 30, 2025.
•  Monthly Billing: Contractors to ensure monthly submission of bills.
• Additional Support: DAD and PID will receive extra support for suspension handling and bill processing through two consultations (2 days per week), and a vehicle will be hired at each DPD office until October 31, 2025.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena (Director, Development, MALLI), Mr. Saman Bandulasena (Project Director), as well as specialists and officers of the CSIAP.

Story by: Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
Photograph by: Ms. Gayani Dassanayake, PMU-CSIAP

A remarkable success through Watermelon Cultivation by a farmer in Kilinochchi

The CSIAP celebrates the World Environment Day in Trincomalee, EP

Planting a tree on the preschool premises

In celebration of World Environment Day— the United Nations' principal platform for encouraging global awareness and action to protect our planet— the Deputy ProjectDirector’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the Eastern Province recently organized a successful tree planting activity and educational programme at Kattukulam Navalar Preschool in the Trincomalee District.

This inspiring initiative brought together preschool children, teachers, parents, and local community members to raise awareness about environmental conservation and promote sustainable green practices. To mark the occasion, a tree was ceremoniously planted on the school premises, symbolising our shared responsibility to restore and protect the environment. In addition, 26 coconut saplings were distributed among the school children, encouraging them to plant and nurture these trees in their own gardens— a meaningful step towards fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

 Mr. T. Sekaran, Social Safeguard Officer of the CSIAP in the Eastern Province and coordinator of the event, delivered an engaging lecture on environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of tree planting and the significance of World Environment Day. He was ably assisted by Mr. S.H.S. Eshan, Environmental Safeguard Officer, and Ms. U. Sameeha, Agriculture Facilitator (Kuchchaveli & Pulmoddai), who helped organize and facilitate the programme.  Their efforts were carried out under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Sampasivam Naveendranthas, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Eastern Province.

Through this impactful effort, the CSIAP reaffirms its dedication to protecting the planet and nurturing a greener, healthier future for all. Every tree planted today is a step towards restoring our ecosystems and combating climate change.

Let’s continue to nurture nature— because there is “Only One Earth.”

Story by T. Sekaran, Social Safeguard Officer, CSIAP in the Eastern Province

Technical Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project commences

Dr.  Salau reviews the project progress 

Dr. Sheu Salau , Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) for Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) and his World Bank team arrived in the Project Management Unit this morning to commence the Technical Mission of the CSIAP. The primary objective of this mission is to assess the progress of the project's implementation. Additionally, the mission will: (i) review the status of committed funds and determine if partial cancellation is necessary; (ii) evaluate the readiness to conclude all activities by December 31, 2025; (iii) engage with sector authorities in ongoing policy discussions and World Bank analytics; and (iv) participate in the PROGREEN consultation event focused on landscape governance. 

The mission team included Eng. (Ms) Thiruni Liyanage, Co-TTL and Senior Water Resources Management Specialist, Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Consultant for  Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Jagath Seneviratne, Consultant for  Monitoring & Evaluation and Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo, Consultant for Agribusiness & Marketing.

During this period, the team intends to meet with relevant staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation; Department of Agriculture; Department of Agrarian Development; Department of External Resources; National Planning Department; Chief Secretaries of the North Central, Northwestern, Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Uva Provincial Councils; Project Management Unit; and six provincial Deputy Project Directors (DPDs

The team will also conduct field visits to selected CSIAP project sites to assess on-ground implementation, interact with beneficiaries, and gather feedback on project outcomes. This mission is a key milestone in ensuring that CSIAP delivers its intended impact and aligns with national development goals and climate resilience strategies. The PMU team, comprising Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, and Officers, was led by Mr. K.V. Athula, Deputy Project Director of the PMU, during this meeting.

The CSIAP Safeguard Progress Report – May 2025 (Phase II) Submitted to the WB

We are pleased to announce that the May 2025 Monthly Safeguard Progress Report for the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) – Phase II has been successfully submitted to the World Bank, in accordance with the Agreed Actions from the last World Bank Mission (April 1–10, 2025).

This comprehensive report outlines key updates on environmental and social safeguard compliance and monitoring efforts across the project’s implementation areas. It reaffirms our continued commitment to: Sustainable irrigation infrastructure development, Livelihood protection, Stakeholder engagement, Biodiversity conservation and Effective grievance redress mechanisms

 Key highlights of the report include:

• Summary of progress against the 2025 Annual Budget and Work Plan
• Cumulative update on the implementation of solar-powered, movable, seasonal paddy field protected electric fences
• Distribution of seed packages to farmers affected by artificial water drawdown
• Implementation of the Tree Planting Programme
• Progress on the rehabilitation of 179 tanks and associated Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) activities
• Updates on ESMP and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) implementation
• GRM Operations
• Progress on Agreed Actions from the recent World Bank Mission
• Identification of safeguard issues and corresponding mitigation measures
• Publication and media outreach efforts

 The report also includes lessons learned, good practices, and province-wise monitoring summaries from the CSIAP’s target areas, offering valuable insights into the evolving safeguard landscape of the project.

 Access the full report via the link :🔗 Safeguard Progress Report (Phase II - 2025)

 Obtain the relevant annexes here :🔗Annexes – April 2025 Report

 "Please go to the Publications section of the CSIAP website: http://www.csiap.lk/, then navigate to the Safeguard Documents > Other Safeguard Documents, and look for the report listed there." 

Written by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP

Transforming Rural Lives through the CSIAP: The Story of the Kumara Family

Farmer Kumara's Paddy Field

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Sri Lanka is a  comprehensive initiative dedicated to improving the productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farmers, especially in provinces most vulnerable to climate change. Through targeted support, technical training, and modern infrastructure, CSIAP has empowered thousands of families to overcome traditional farming challenges and achieve sustainable livelihoods

Background: The Kumara Family’s Challenge
Mr. A. Nishantha Kumara and Ms. S.D. Ayesha Nilangani, a farming couple from Kawanthissapura in the Southern Province, struggled for years with irregular income and poor yields due to inadequate irrigation, unpredictable weather, and limited access to modern agricultural knowledge. Their main concern was ensuring a better future for their two school-going children, particularly through higher education.

 CSIAP Intervention and Support

Kumara and Nilangani are actively engaged in cultivation

Joining the CSIAP program in 2020 marked a turning point for the Kumara family. The project offered a comprehensive set of interventions tailored to their needs, including: technical training on sustainable climate-smart agriculture at the Thirappane Climate Smart Farmer Training School; specialized training on the proper use of fertilizer and leadership development; installation of a sprinkler irrigation system to ensure a reliable year-round water supply; access to high-quality, climate-resilient seeds such as green gram and groundnut; provision of a solar water pump, significantly reducing dependence on electricity for irrigation; an insect-proof net to protect crops from pests; and construction of an agro-well to guarantee continuous water availability. With these resources, the family diversified their cultivation—growing long beans and watermelon on three-quarters of an acre under protected conditions, and paddy on another three-quarters of an acre. The result has been a dramatic increase in both yield and income, with the family now earning a net profit of Rs. 150,000 per month. 

They are with the combined harvester purchased

Impact on Livelihood and Wellbeing
The CSIAP’s interventions have enabled the Kumara family to: cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of seasonal water shortages, purchase their own combine harvester by eliminating the need to borrow the same machine, support their children’s education, including purchasing a computer for online learning and improve food security, health, and home conditions.
The Kumara family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative  power of well-designed rural development initiatives. CSIAP’s holistic approach—combining infrastructure, technical training, and ongoing support—has not only improved their economic standing but also restored their dignity and confidence as farmers. 

A Model for Rural Development
The Kumara family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of well-designed rural development initiatives. CSIAP’s holistic approach—combining infrastructure, technical training, and ongoing support—has not only improved their economic standing but also restored their dignity and confidence as farmers.

Nilangani with AF Pathumi

Gratitude and Support
Their gratitude extends to the CSIAP team, whose support was instrumental in their success. They express their sincere thanks to Agriculture Facilitator (AF) Ms. Pathumi Dissanayake for her continuous support and encouragement. They  also acknowledge the valuable guidance and mentorship provided by the Agriculture Instructors, who worked closely with them throughout the process. The Kumara family now serves as an inspiration to neighboring farmers, demonstrating that with the right support, climate-smart agriculture can uplift entire communities and secure a sustainable future for rural Sri Lanka. 

“Thanks to CSIAP, our lives have changed. We can now provide for our children’s future and help others in our community do the same.” — Kumara family 

The Kumara family’s story encapsulates the broader impact of CSIAP: empowering rural families, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the environment. Their story mirrors those of other CSIAP beneficiaries across Sri Lanka, where the project has rehabilitated hundreds of tanks, introduced modern irrigation systems, and provided training and material support to thousands of farmers. These efforts have allowed families to cultivate more land, diversify crops, and consistently improve their incomes.

 Story and photographs by Pathumi Dissanayake,  Agriculture Facilitator, SP, CSIAP