As part of its ongoing commitment to improving irrigation infrastructure and ensuring sustainable agricultural development, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is rehabilitating five major tanks in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts at a total investment of Rs. 360.54 million. These rehabilitation efforts are aimed at enhancing water availability for farming communities, expanding command areas, and strengthening resilience to climate variability. To assess the progress of these vital infrastructure upgrades, Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP, undertook a special field visit to the Northern Province on the 11th of this month. During the visit, he inspected the ongoing rehabilitation activities at each of the five tanks and held discussions with the respective contractors and field teams.
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| Instructions from the Project Director to the Deputy Project Director |
The Project Director personally reviewed the work status and provided firm instructions to all contractors to accelerate the pace of work and ensure completion well ahead of the project’s scheduled conclusion on 31 December 2025. He underscored the importance of meeting deadlines without compromising on quality, highlighting the tanks’ strategic role in securing the livelihoods of farming communities and boosting agricultural productivity in the province. In addition to site inspections, Mr. Bandulasena issued specific directions to Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director for the Northern Province, and his technical team to closely monitor the rehabilitation process on a regular basis. He stressed the need for vigilant oversight and proactive problem-solving to ensure that all civil works are completed on time and to the required standards.
Further, the Project Director urged officials of the Provincial Irrigation Department to provide technical support and cooperate fully with the contractors. He emphasised that collaboration between implementing agencies, field-level officers, and local stakeholders is crucial to the successful and timely delivery of the rehabilitation works. The visit reinforced CSIAP’s hands-on approach to project management and its commitment to transforming irrigation systems to better serve rural communities in the face of climate change.
The following are the five tanks in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu that were observed during the Project Director’s monitoring visit:
Scope of Work
- The rehabilitation project involves significant structural improvements to the tank, including:
- Reconstruction of a 4-kilometre-long bund to ensure water retention and structural stability
- Repairs to one sluice and two spillways, which are essential for regulating water flow and minimizing flood risks
- Construction of a brand-new spillway to increase discharge capacity during heavy rains and prevent tank overflows
Prior to rehabilitation, the Vannerikulam tank supported irrigation for approximately 362 acres of paddy land cultivated by 152 beneficiary farming families during the Yala and Maha seasons. However, due to structural deterioration and inefficient water management, the tank's full capacity could not be utilized, limiting agricultural output and income for local farmers.
- The tank’s effective command area will increase to approximately 800 acres
- Farmers will be able to cultivate land during the Yala, Maha, and inter-seasonal periods
- Water availability will become more reliable and evenly distributed
- Farming families will enjoy greater resilience to climate variability and drought conditions
Sustainable Development and Climate
Adaptation
The Vannerikulam tank rehabilitation aligns
with the CSIAP’s broader goals of promoting sustainable water resource management
and climate-smart agriculture in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. By restoring and
upgrading aged irrigation infrastructure, the project not only boosts productivity
but also empowers rural communities to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Once completed, the rehabilitated tank will
serve as a model for integrated, climate-resilient water management that
supports both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment for
smallholder farmers.
Rehabilitation of Ampalaperumal Kulam Tank in
Kilinochchi to Boost Agricultural Output
As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize
and strengthen irrigation infrastructure in the Northern Province, the CSIAP has initiated the rehabilitation of
the Ampalaperumal Kulam tank in Kilinochchi. This critical intervention is set
to enhance water storage, improve irrigation efficiency, and significantly
benefit local farming communities in the province.
Project Details and Scope of Work
The rehabilitation work has been entrusted to
Jayawanasa Constructions Company, with a total investment of Rs. 62.5 million (with
vat) allocated for the project. The planned civil works include:
- Reconstruction of a 920-meter-long bund (earthwork)
- Gravel laying and turfing along the bund to reduce erosion and enhance durability
- Removal and replacement of Rip rap structures
- Construction of a new sluice, which will enhance water control and distribution
- Repairs to two existing sluices, improving overall irrigation flow management
These improvements will help restore the tank
to its full operational capacity, ensuring reliable irrigation during both the
Yala and Maha cultivation seasons.
Impact on Agriculture and Farming Communities
Currently, 210 farmers to cultivate 630 acres
during the Maha season and approximately 300 acres in the Yala
season of paddy land using water from Ampalaperumal
Kulam Tank. However, water shortages and outdated infrastructure have long limited
the tank's efficiency.
Upon completion of the rehabilitation:
- The command area will expand from 300 acres to 630 acres, allowing for increased cultivation
- Farmers will benefit from a more equitable and consistent irrigation water supply
- The tank will better support agriculture during dry spells and unpredictable monsoons
- The community will enjoy improved food security and increased household income
This enhancement will directly contribute to
the livelihoods of hundreds of families, supporting not only agricultural
productivity but also broader rural development.
Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The Ampalaperumal Kulam rehabilitation aligns
with the CSIAP’s overarching vision to promote climate-smart and sustainable
agriculture in vulnerable regions. By investing in durable infrastructure and
modern water management solutions, the project enables farmers to adapt to climate
change, reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall, and improve their
resilience in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
The project is a testament to the
government’s commitment—through the CSIAP—to transforming traditional irrigation
systems into efficient, climate-resilient networks that empower communities and
secure the nation’s agricultural future.
Koddai Kaddiya Kulam
Rehabilitation Project Enhances Irrigation Prospects in Mullaitivu
As part of its
mission to improve rural livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience in Sri
Lanka’s dry zone, the CSIAP has launched the rehabilitation of Koddai Kaddiya
Kulam, a key irrigation tank located in the Mullaitivu District. The initiative
is expected to significantly expand water availability and cultivation
potential for the local farming community.
Key civil works under the project include:
- Reconstruction of a 1,725-meter-long bund (earthwork) to strengthen tank embankments and prevent water seepage
- Gravel laying and turfing along the bund to reduce erosion and enhance durability
- Construction of 1,100 meters Rip rap structures
- Construction of a new sluice to improve controlled water release and irrigation scheduling
- Repair of one existing spill and one additional sluice, essential for managing overflow and maintaining optimal water levels
These interventions are designed to restore the tank’s full functionality and prepare it to withstand climate-induced stressors such as droughts and heavy rains.
Agricultural Impact
Currently, 210
farmers rely on Koddai Kaddiya Kulam Tank to cultivate 420 acres during the Maha
season and approximately 300 acres in the Yala season. Due to limited water
availability and ageing infrastructure, cultivation during the dry season has
remained constrained.
Following the rehabilitation:
- The command area during the Yala season will increase from 300 acres to 400 acres, representing a significant boost in dry-season farming potential
- Farmers will experience improved water availability, enabling more timely and consistent irrigation
- The improved tank infrastructure will contribute to better crop yields, reduced water loss, and increased income stability for farming households
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Climate
Resilience
The Koddai Kaddiya Kulam rehabilitation is a strategic
investment under the CSIAP’s broader objective to modernize irrigation
infrastructure and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. By enhancing
the efficiency and reliability of traditional tanks, the project supports
farming communities in adapting to climate variability and achieving
sustainable year-round cultivation. This initiative marks another milestone in the
transformation of Sri Lanka’s rural agricultural landscape, strengthening both
food security and rural prosperity in Mullaitivu.
Iyankan
Kulam Tank Rehabilitation Set to Improve Irrigation and Expand Cultivation in
Mullaitivu
The
CSIAP continues its commitment to revitalizing vital irrigation infrastructure
across Sri Lanka’s dry zone with the rehabilitation of Iyankan Kulam, a major
irrigation tank located in the Mullaitivu District. This initiative is poised
to enhance water availability and agricultural productivity for hundreds of
farming families in the province.
Project
Overview and Scope of Work
The
rehabilitation of Iyankan Kulam is being undertaken by Anchaneya Constructions
Company, with a total investment of Rs. 66.8 million (with vat). The scope of
civil works focuses on restoring and strengthening the tank's infrastructure to
ensure optimal water storage and distribution.
The
key activities include:
- Reconstruction of a 1,710-meter-long bund (earthwork) to restore its original height and stability
- Gravel laying and turfing to prevent erosion and ensure long-term sustainability
- Removal and replacement of 350 meters of Rip rap structures
- Repair of two existing sluices to improve control over water release and reduce losses
- These
structural improvements aim to restore the tank’s full functionality and
enhance its resilience to climate extremes such as erratic rainfall and
prolonged dry spells.
Iyankan Kulam Tank currently supports 330 farmers who cultivate approximately 952 acres during the Maha season and 352 acres during the Yala season. However, aging infrastructure and reduced water efficiency have limited full-scale cultivation, especially during the dry season.
Upon
completion of the rehabilitation:
- The expansion of the command area from 352 to 550 acres will significantly enhance the potential for agricultural cultivation, supporting improved productivity and farmer livelihoods
- Farmers will benefit from improved and consistent irrigation, especially during Yala season
- Enhanced water management will lead to increased productivity, better crop health, and reduced dependency on rainfall
- The project is expected to boost farmer incomes, improve food security, and support sustainable livelihoods in the community
The Iyankan Kulam rehabilitation is a vital component of CSIAP’s broader strategy to promote climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. Through the modernisation of irrigation systems, the project enhances community capacity to adapt to climate change, optimise water use, and ensure year-round agricultural productivity.
By investing in infrastructure that directly supports rural farmers, the CSIAP continues to drive transformative change across Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector—creating a more secure, productive, and resilient future for all.
Murukandi Kulam Tank Rehabilitation Project to Enhance
Water Security for Farmers in Mullaitivu
In a continued effort to uplift rural agriculture through improved irrigation infrastructure, the CSIAP has initiated the rehabilitation of Murukandi Kulam, a vital irrigation tank located in the Mullaitivu District. The project is set to restore the tank’s full capacity, enabling expanded cultivation and improved resilience to climate variability.
Project Scope and Execution
The rehabilitation work is being carried out by KPK
Builders Company, with a total investment of Rs. 59.6 million (with vat). This
major infrastructure intervention involves extensive civil engineering efforts
aimed at strengthening the tank’s embankments and modernizing its water control
systems.
Key components of the rehabilitation include:
- Reconstruction of a 2,680-meter-long bund (Earthwork) to restore its original form and structural integrity
- Gravel laying and turfing to minimise erosion and ensure long-term durability
- Construction of 300-meter Rip rap structures
- Repair of two existing sluices and one spill structure, ensuring improved water regulation and flood control
These upgrades are designed to enhance the tank’s
water retention and distribution efficiency, creating conditions favourable for
reliable, year-round irrigation.
Agricultural and Community Benefits
Currently, 150 farmers depend on Murukandi KulamTank for
cultivating approximately 355 acres during the Maha season and 300 acres during
the Yala season. However, deterioration of infrastructure has constrained the
tank’s full potential, especially during the dry season.
Once rehabilitation is completed:
- Water availability will become more reliable and equitably distributed
- The efficiency of irrigation during both Maha and Yala seasons will increase significantly
- Farmers will experience better crop yields, reduced vulnerability to drought, and greater income stability
- This project will directly improve the quality of life for dozens of farming families in Mullaitivu, fostering rural development and food security.
The rehabilitation of Murukandi Kulam Tank reflects CSIAP’s broader mission of promoting climate-smart, sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Through investments in tank rehabilitation and modern irrigation systems, the project equips communities with the tools to adapt to climate change, optimize resource use, and achieve sustainable agricultural growth. This initiative will not only restore an essential water source but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous farming community in the Northern Province.
We
would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Roshan Peries, Technical
Officer at the Deputy Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Northern Province,
for his unwavering support and valuable input during the preparation of this
article. His prompt assistance, technical insights, and commitment to providing
accurate and up-to-date information significantly contributed to the quality
and comprehensiveness of the final content.
Story and photographs by Samanatha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU
