The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) continues to take proactive measures to enhance the productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farmers in vulnerable agricultural areas. As part of this mission, CSIAP is being implemented in selected areas across the country, including the Southern and Uva Provinces, where agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods and is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. To ensure the effective implementation of project interventions and to monitor ongoing activities, the Deputy Project Director’s Office in the Southern and Uva Provinces maintains a consistent presence on the ground. A dedicated team, led by Deputy Project Director Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake, works tirelessly to oversee project progress, engage with farmer communities, and address implementation challenges in real time. Their efforts are crucial in driving forward the CSIAP’s goal of building a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
On the 17th of this month, a high-level field observation was carried out to assess the current status of project activities and to gather firsthand insights from the field. The monitoring team included Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake, Mr. Thisara Bandara (Social Safeguard & Gender Development Officer for Southern and Uva Provinces), Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan (Social Safeguard & Gender Development Officer ), and Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi (IEC & ICT Specialist) from the Project Management Unit. This visit reflects the team's continued commitment to effective implementation and inclusive development in the agriculture and water sectors, especially for communities most vulnerable to climate challenges.
During the field visit, the team inspected several sites below.
Transforming Rural Livelihoods Through Tank Rehabilitation: Siyambalagaswewa in Weerawila
Recognising the potential of Siyambalagaswewa to improve agricultural resilience and rural livelihoods, the CSIAP undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation of the tank. With an investment of Rs. 25 million, the project aimed to modernise the tank's infrastructure and expand its irrigation capacity. The rehabilitation work was implemented by Nethmi Construction Company under the guidance and supervision of the relevant government authorities.
The
scope of rehabilitation work included:
- Bund Rehabilitation: Strengthening and restoring a 575-meter-long tank bund including the construction of Rip Rap, which enhances the tank’s water retention capacity and ensures its structural integrity.
- Agricultural Access Road: Construction of a 250-meter-long agri-road, providing improved access to farmlands, especially during the rainy season, and facilitating the transportation of inputs and harvest.
- Irrigation Structures: Rehabilitation of one sluice and one spill structure, crucial for efficient water regulation and safety during high inflow periods.
The most profound impact of this intervention has been on cropping intensity and income generation. Before the rehabilitation, farmers could only cultivate during the Maha season, relying on limited and uncertain rainfall. Post-rehabilitation, the availability of reliable irrigation water has enabled these farmers to cultivate during the Yala, Maha, and Mid-season periods, effectively transforming them into year-round cultivators.
This shift has resulted in:
- Increased household income through multiple harvests.
- Better food security, both at the household and community levels.
- Improved quality of life for the farming families.
- Higher land productivity, making optimal use of available resources.
The construction of this lined channel is expected to bring numerous long-term benefits. By providing a durable and well-structured water conveyance system, it will minimise water wastage, ensure timely delivery to fields, and reduce maintenance costs related to erosion and leakage. Additionally, the improved irrigation system will enhance crop productivity, bolster the resilience of local agriculture to climate variability, and support better livelihoods for the farming community. This successful collaboration between the Samagi Farmer Organisation and CSIAP stands as a model of community-driven infrastructure development, aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural growth and effective water resource management.
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In addition to improving irrigation infrastructure, the CSIAP addressed a critical concern faced by the local farming community — crop damage caused by wild animals. To protect the cultivated lands and ensure safe harvesting, a 2.067-kilometer-long solar-powered electric fence was installed around the command area in 2023. It covers 40 acres of paddy land cultivated during both the Maha and Yala seasons. The CSIAP invested Rs. 1.24 million in the erection of this environmentally friendly fence in the Siyampalagaswewa tank area. The Samagi Farmer Organization has taken over the responsibility of maintaining the fence, showcasing community participation and the sustainability of the intervention.
In its continued efforts to support and safeguard smallholder agriculture, the CSIAP has not only focused on improving irrigation infrastructure but also addressed another pressing issue faced by the local farming community — frequent crop damage caused by wild animals. To mitigate this threat and ensure the safety of cultivated lands, CSIAP facilitated the installation of a 2.067-kilometre-long solar-powered electric fence around the command area of the Siyambalagaswewa tank in 2023. This strategic intervention now protects 40 acres of paddy fields cultivated during both the Maha and Yala seasons, significantly reducing the risk of crop loss and improving farmers’ confidence in their agricultural investments.
The environmentally friendly fence was erected for Rs. 1.24 million, reflecting CSIAP’s commitment to sustainable and eco-conscious solutions. Importantly, the Samagi Farmer Organisation has assumed full responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the fence — a testament to the strong sense of community ownership and the long-term sustainability of the initiative. This integrated approach — combining infrastructure development with proactive crop protection — underscores CSIAP’s holistic strategy in enhancing the productivity, resilience, and livelihoods of rural farming communities.
Conclusion
The
rehabilitation of Siyambalagaswewa stands as a successful model of climate-smart
agriculture in action. It not only enhances agricultural productivity but also
strengthens the economic resilience of rural communities, promotes sustainable
resource use, and fosters community-led solutions to long-standing challenges. Through
strategic infrastructure development, integrated planning, and community
engagement, CSIAP continues to play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture
and rural livelihoods in the Hambantota District and beyond.
Rehabilitation
of Murungawewa in Bandagiriya ASC, Hambantota: A Step Toward Year-Round
Cultivation
As
part of ongoing efforts under the CSIAP to strengthen agricultural resilience and improve water management in
the dry zone, the Murungawewa tank, situated in the Bandagiriya Agrarian
Service Centre (ASC) division of Hambantota District, is undergoing
comprehensive rehabilitation. The
project is expected to directly benefit 10 farmer families, enabling the cultivation of
30 acres of farmland that have long been dependent on limited seasonal
rainfall. The total cost of the rehabilitation amounts to Rs. 33.24 million,
and the construction activities are being undertaken by C. J. Constructions
Company.
The rehabilitation work involves multiple critical components aimed at enhancing the tank's water storage and distribution capacity:
- Construction of a 510-meter-long bund to strengthen the tank’s structural integrity and prevent seepage and erosion.
- Building a new 21-meter-long spill to manage excess water discharge safely during heavy rains, thereby protecting surrounding lands and infrastructure.
- Installation of a new sluice gate, which will enable improved water control and facilitate timely irrigation scheduling.
- Desilting of 6,500 cubic meters of accumulated sediment from the tank bed significantly increases its water storage capacity.
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Sacrifice for a Sustainable Future
Traditionally,
farmers in this area have only been able to cultivate during the Maha
season due to the scarcity of water. However, with the completion of the
current rehabilitation, farmers will soon be able to engage in three full
cultivation seasons, significantly increasing productivity and income levels. This
year, for the first time in many years, the area received adequate rainfall,
raising hopes among the farming community for Yala cultivation. However,
recognising the long-term benefits of the tank rehabilitation, the farmers
voluntarily agreed to forgo Yala season cultivation to facilitate artificial
drawdown of the tank—an essential step to allow rehabilitation works to proceed
uninterrupted.
The CSIAP acknowledges and sincerely appreciates the cooperation, foresight, and sacrifice demonstrated by the farmers. Their decision to prioritise long-term water security and sustainable agriculture over immediate cultivation exemplifies strong community spirit and resilience. This collaborative approach between the farming community and the project team reflects the core values of CSIAP—climate-smart planning, sustainable resource use, and community-led development. Upon completion, the rehabilitated Murungawewa tank will stand as a symbol of what can be achieved when development efforts are supported by the very people they aim to serve.
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Farmer’s Transformation: Jinasiri Sudusinghe’s Journey to Prosperity through
CSIAP
Life
Before CSIAP: The Struggles of a Committed Farmer
For
years, Mr. Sudusinghe toiled on his land, committed to his role as a food
producer, but his efforts were hindered by severe limitations. He lacked access
to adequate financial resources to purchase essential agricultural inputs such
as seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation equipment. Equally challenging was the
absence of any formal training or exposure to modern, climate-resilient
agricultural practices. Despite his dedication, farming remained a subsistence
activity for Mr. Sudusinghe. He and his family lived with uncertainty, unable to
predict yields, cope with water shortages, or access knowledge that could
unlock the full potential of their land.
Everything changed when the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project was introduced to his village. Recognising the untapped potential in farmers like Mr. Sudusinghe, CSIAP stepped in with a package of integrated support designed not only to improve productivity but also to promote sustainable, climate-resilient farming practices.
Under
the project, Mr. Sudusinghe received:
- A solar-powered irrigation pump with a full solar panel setup, reducing reliance on grid electricity
- A sprinkler irrigation system and drip irrigation system to optimize water use
- An insect-proof net house to protect crops and extend growing seasons
- High-quality vegetable seeds to diversify and intensify his crop production
Perhaps
most importantly, the project provided access to formal training. His four sons
were enrolled in the Climate Smart Farmer Training School at Thirappane, where
they received in-depth instruction on sustainable agricultural practices, pest
and disease management, water-saving irrigation, and crop diversification. Upon
completing their training, they passed on their knowledge to Mr. Sudusinghe,
enabling the entire family to shift toward smarter, more efficient farming.
Today, the Sudusinghe family cultivates eight acres of land, including three acres dedicated to paddy. They grow a diverse range of crops such as Capsicum, Bitter Gourd, Luffa, Pumpkin, Mango, Chillies and Rice. The introduction of improved irrigation systems has allowed them to make better use of available water, even with their field located at a significant distance from the nearest tank. Previously, Mr. Sudusinghe spent approximately Rs. 25,000 per month on electricity to pump water to his fields. With the CSIAP-provided solar pump, his electricity bill has dropped to Rs. 8,000 per month—a dramatic reduction that reflects both cost savings and environmental sustainability. Though he still uses grid electricity to support pumping over the long distance, the solar system now bears the bulk of the energy burden.
Before the CSIAP intervention, Mr. Sudusinghe’s farming income averaged Rs. 200,000 per month. Today, thanks to improved practices, increased crop diversity, and reduced operating costs, his monthly income has doubled to around Rs. 400,000. His success has not only elevated the standard of living for his own family but also created employment opportunities in his village. He now employs 15 daily workers, providing steady income to other families in the community and contributing to the local rural economy
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Heartfelt Message of Gratitude
Standing
in his thriving field, surrounded by his sons, farmhands, and a rich tapestry
of crops, Mr. Dhinasiri Sudusinghe reflects with gratitude:
“CSIAP
didn’t just help me grow more crops—it gave me and my sons a future. We are
stronger, more knowledgeable, and more hopeful. My heartfelt thanks to the
CSIAP for uplifting our lives and showing us what’s possible.”
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Model for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Sri Lanka
Mr.
Sudusinghe’s story is more than just a personal triumph—it serves as an
inspiring model for what can be achieved when technology, training, and support
meet commitment and community spirit. Through the CSIAP’s timely intervention,
one farmer's life has been transformed, and a ripple effect of prosperity has
begun to spread across his village.
Rising
from Struggles to Stability: Nadeesha and Chamara’s Success through CSIAP
Before
CSIAP: The Burden of Farming Without Support
In
those early days, the couple’s struggles were relentless. They often found
themselves investing more in cultivation than they earned in return. Rising
input costs, unpredictable weather, poor irrigation facilities, and limited
exposure to modern farming techniques placed their livelihoods at constant
risk. There were moments of deep discouragement when they wondered if all their
hard work would ever pay off. They lacked not just equipment, but hope.
Everything began to change when the CSIAP was introduced in their village. The project was designed to support rural farming families like theirs—families with potential, but who lacked the tools and knowledge to thrive in a changing climate. Recognising their enthusiasm and willingness to learn, CSIAP selected Nadeesha and Chamara as beneficiaries of a holistic support package that included:
- A solar-powered pump and solar panels significantly reduce their dependency on costly grid electricity
- A drip irrigation system improves water use efficiency for their crops
- Access to quality seeds suitable for local conditions
- Hands-on training at the Climate Smart Farmer Training School in Thirappane, where they learned about sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, efficient water use, and pest management under climate-smart principles
This
was more than a project—it was a lifeline.
Equipped with new tools and newly acquired knowledge, Nadeesha and Chamara started afresh. No longer relying on traditional methods alone, they implemented everything they had learned and began cultivating with renewed energy and purpose. The transformation was both immediate and profound.
Today, the couple cultivates a diverse range of crops, including: Maize, Tomatoes, Capsicum, Ladies’ Fingers (Okra), Drumsticks (Moringa), Spiny Gourd and Bitter Gourd. Their strategic approach to crop planning, informed by their training, has allowed them to make better use of limited land and water, increasing yields while minimising waste. Their irrigation efficiency has improved dramatically thanks to the drip system, and the solar pump has reduced their monthly electricity bill, which was once a major burden.
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Dramatic Improvement in Income and Quality of Life
The
impact of the project has been tangible and significant. Before CSIAP’s
support, the couple earned an average of Rs. 80,000 per month—barely enough to
cover household and farming expenses. Now, their monthly income exceeds Rs.
130,000, allowing them not only to cover costs comfortably but also to save,
reinvest, and plan for the future. With their improved financial status,
Nadeesha and Chamara have enhanced their standard of living, ensured better
education and nutrition for their children, and gained newfound respect in
their community as successful, climate-smart farmers.
Empowering
a Woman Farmer’s Voice
For
Ms. Nadeesha, the journey has been deeply personal. As a woman in agriculture,
she now feels more empowered, knowledgeable, and confident. She plays an active
role in decision-making on the farm and in managing finances. She serves as a
role model for other women in her village, proving that with access to the
right opportunities, women farmers can not only participate but also lead in
climate-smart farming.
“The CSIAP gave us more than seeds and equipment—it gave us hope,” says Nadeesha. “We were once lost in uncertainty, struggling to keep going. But today, we stand proud as successful farmers. We thank CSIAP deeply for helping us rise, learn, and build a future we never thought was possible.”
Conclusion:
A Story Worth Replicating
The
story of Nadeesha and Chamara reflects the success of CSIAP’s mission: to
uplift rural farming families through sustainable, climate-smart agriculture.
They
are a compelling example of how investing in knowledge, sustainable technology,
modern tools, and financial relief and inclusive training can transform not
only fields but entire futures. Their success highlights the critical role that
targeted development projects like CSIAP can play in strengthening climate
resilience, empowering rural families, and building a food-secure future for
Sri Lanka. Their journey is not just their own—it’s a story that inspires other
families in their community to believe that change is possible. They are not
beneficiaries any more—they are ambassadors of change.
Story and photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT specialist, CSIAP
