The CSIAP Officials Inspect Channel Lining and Agri Road Constructions in SP

As part of its efforts to improve rural livelihoods, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has constructed concrete channel linings alongside agricultural roads in farming areas of the dry zone where the project is being implemented. These channel linings help prevent water wastage by reducing seepage, ensuring that more water reaches farmers’ fields, especially during dry periods. At the same time, the adjoining roads have been improved to make it easier for farmers to access their lands, transport agricultural inputs, and carry their produce to markets. , thereby strengthening climate-resilient farming systems in climate-vulnerable hotspot areas. This combined development of irrigation and road infrastructure brings multiple benefits: it saves water, improves farm productivity, reduces transport costs, and strengthens the overall resilience of farming communities to climate change. By connecting farms more effectively to irrigation water and local markets, the CSIAP is not only improving agriculture but also helping to build a better future for rural families across the dry zone of Sri Lanka.

To monitor the progress and ensure quality standards, a team from the Project Management Unit (PMU) visited the Southern Province today (02nd) to inspect the ongoing construction activities under Phase II of the project. The visiting team included Ms. Aruni Premathilake, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist; Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist; and Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer. They were joined by Mr. T.D. Bandara, Gender Development Officer, and Mr. Chandana Pathirana, Technical Officer from the office of the Deputy Project Director for the Southern and Uva Provinces. During the field visit, the officials reviewed the construction of channel linings and agri-roads, interacted with site supervisors and contractors, and ensured compliance with environmental and social safeguard measures. The visit also served to gather community feedback and assess the benefits of the infrastructure for local farming families.

As part of its mission to enhance the resilience and productivity of Sri Lanka’s irrigated agriculture, officials of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) conducted an inspection visit to multiple channel lining and agricultural road construction sites within the Bandagiriya Agrarian Service Centre Division, which falls under the Malala ara cascade system. These infrastructure developments aim to ensure consistent water availability for cultivation and improve access to remote agricultural fields, thereby empowering farming communities to engage in year-round paddy cultivation.

Infrastructure Development in Arabadda
In the Arabadda area, a 1,525-meter-long channel lining, along with an agricultural access road is currently under construction. This initiative, valued at Rs. 46 million, is being carried out by Liyanage Constructions Company. Once completed, the project will directly benefit 192 farming families who cultivate around 300 acres of paddy fields. The availability of a lined irrigation channel and a stable access road will allow these farmers to effectively carry out agricultural activities in both the Yala and Maha cultivation seasons, reducing dependency on unpredictable rainfall and addressing past challenges caused by water scarcity and poor infrastructure.

Major Construction Works in Kokara
A larger-scale intervention is ongoing in the Kokara area, where Adambawa and Sons Company is constructing 3,200 meters of irrigation channel lining and 1,500 meters of agri road. This project, valued at Rs. 45 million, is designed to enhance the water distribution network and transportation facilities for farmers in both Kokara and Arabadda. The improved irrigation infrastructure will support the efficient delivery of water to paddy lands, while the upgraded road network will ease the transport of inputs and harvests, thereby improving market access and reducing post-harvest losses. 

Uplifting Agriculture in Thammannawa
In Thammannawa, a strategic project being implemented by Pearl Construction Company involves the construction of 2,100 meters of channel lining and 1,000 meters of agri road at a total cost of Rs. 58.9 million. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly benefit 150 farmer families, enabling them to cultivate 300 acres of paddy in both major cultivation seasons. Notably, farmers in Thammannawa previously faced acute water shortages and were only able to engage in cultivation during the Maha season. With the new channel lining ensuring efficient water flow and retention, farmers will now be able to cultivate during both Yala and Maha, thereby increasing their productivity and household income.

Support to Farmers in Anukkanwewa
Further strengthening the agricultural potential of the region, C J Construction Company has undertaken a smaller yet impactful project in Anukkanwewa, constructing 400 meters of channel lining along with an agri road, at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.7 million. This intervention is also expected to benefit farmlands in neighboring Thammannawa, by enhancing water conveyance and field accessibility across the two areas.

Engagement with Farmer Organisations
During the inspection, the CSIAP officials met with Mr. U.H. Nimal Jayathilaka, the Chairman of the Thammannawa and Anukkanwewa Farmer Organization. Mr. Jayathilaka shared valuable feedback and expressed his appreciation for the timely interventions. He noted that the infrastructure upgrades not only provide long-term solutions to irrigation challenges but also uplift the morale of the farming community by opening new opportunities for consistent agricultural production and livelihood improvement.

The tour was effectively coordinated and facilitated by Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayeke, Deputy Project Director for the Southern and Uva Provinces, who played a key role in organizing site visits and ensuring the smooth execution of the itinerary. His guidance and support were instrumental in providing the visiting officials with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing project activities and community impacts within the province.

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