Comprehensive Workshop on Financial and Accounting Strengthening of the CSIAP

A dedicated workshop focusing on the financial and accounting strengthening of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) was successfully held this morning (04th) at the Mahagedara Hotel in Kurunegala. The session was conducted under the distinguished patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP, underscoring the project’s ongoing commitment to robust financial governance and administrative transparency.

This timely initiative aimed to enhance the financial management capacity of key provincial-level staff, improve internal control systems, and ensure adherence to financial compliance standards required for large-scale, donor-funded development projects. The workshop was attended by Provincial Deputy Project Directors and accountants from across the CSIAP’s operational provinces, all of whom play critical roles in managing financial resources effectively at the regional level.

The workshop was led by Mr. W. G. N. Abeywickrama, Financial Management Specialist, and Mr. Sarath Perera, Internal Auditor of the CSIAP, who together conducted a comprehensive and interactive session covering a wide range of essential financial topics. These included: Best practices in project accounting, financial reporting and documentation standards, Budget utilization and variance analysis, Internal audit processes, Compliance with government and donor financial guidelines and Risk management in financial operations.

Mr. Abeywickrama emphasised the importance of maintaining accurate and timely financial records, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability at every level of project implementation, noting that these are fundamental pillars for the long-term success of the CSIAP.

Mr. Perera stated, “Strong financial management systems are not only essential for maintaining compliance, but they also directly contribute to the achievement of project objectives by enabling timely decision-making, minimizing wastage, and ensuring funds are used where they are needed most. By strengthening financial capabilities at the provincial level, we are building the foundation for sustainability and institutional integrity.”

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. H. M. P. Bandara, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Northwestern Province, along with his project staff, who played a key role in organizing and coordinating the event. Their contribution ensured that the logistical and administrative arrangements were executed smoothly, allowing participants to fully engage with the workshop content. In addition to provincial participants, the workshop also saw the active participation of specialists and officers from the Project Management Unit (PMU). Their presence reflected the integrated and collaborative approach the CSIAP adopts in strengthening institutional capacities across its management hierarchy.

By bringing together stakeholders from various levels of the project, the workshop created a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving in relation to financial management challenges. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss real-life case studies, share provincial-level experiences, and explore innovative solutions to streamline accounting practices.

This workshop forms part of the CSIAP’s broader strategy to build institutional resilience, enhance fiduciary performance, and ensure the sustainability of financial systems throughout the project's lifecycle.