Borrower’s Implementation Completion Report Presented at the World Bank Office

A detailed report on the Preparation of the Borrower’s Project Completion Report of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) was presented to the  World Bank officials at  the World Bank Office today (29th). The report was prepared by Teams Pvt Ltd, and Prof. Wimal Gunawardena, Chairman of the company, presented the comprehensive findings. 

The World Bank delegation included Ms. Nevena Ilieva (Operations Adviser), Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader [TTL] for CSIAP), The World Bank delegation included Ms. Nevena Ilieva (Operations Adviser), Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader [TTL] for CSIAP), Ms. Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL / Senior Water Specialist), Mr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Ms. Anula Harasgama (Senior Financial Management Specialist), Mr. Shanek Fernando (Senior Social Development Specialist), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant – Agriculture and Rural Development), Ms. Sithara Attapattu (Consultant), Mr. Jayantha Ganesh (Consultant), Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne (Institutional Development Consultant), Mr. Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant), Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant), and Ms. Thanuja Androvita Gamage (Team Assistant). Ms. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author) joined the mission remotely.

On behalf of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, together with the Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, and other key project officers, participated in the session. Their presence reflected the strong institutional commitment to ensuring the successful completion and evaluation of the project. Senior officials from Teams Pvt Ltd, the consulting firm responsible for preparing the Borrower’s Completion Report, were also in attendance. 

The final and 11th implementation support mission of the CSIAP commences

The final implementation support mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning (28th) at the World Bank Office under the patronage of Dr. Sheu Salau, Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) for CSIAP. The mission, which runs from October 26 to November 10, 2025, aims to assess the project’s overall physical and financial progress as it approaches completion on December 31, 2025.

The mission will:
(i) review the progress of ongoing tank rehabilitation contracts and other civil works, including downstream development, and assess any potential risks of non-completion;
(ii) evaluate the status of critical actions identified during previous missions, particularly the farmer-level database and the borrower’s completion report;
(iii) oversee the handover of activities that form the foundation for the upcoming Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project, with a focus on Cascade Management for Small Tanks; and
(iv) follow up on the preparation of the World Bank’s Implementation Completion Report (ICR).

The mission team included Ms. Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL / Senior Water Specialist), Mr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Ms. Anula Harasgama (Senior Financial Management Specialist), Mr. Shanek Fernando (Senior Social Development Specialist), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant – Agriculture and Rural Development), Ms. Sithara Attapattu (Consultant), Mr. Jayantha Ganesh (Consultant), Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne (Institutional Development Consultant), Mr. Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant), Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant), and Ms. Thanuja Androvita Gamage (Team Assistant). Ms. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author) joined the mission remotely.

The CSIAP team, led by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, comprised Deputy Project Directors, Specialists, and Officers. Specialists and officers from the Project Management Unit (PMU) of CSIAP delivered thematic presentations before the World Bank officials. During the mission period, the team intends to visit areas where the CSIAP is being implemented and meet with relevant staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Agrarian Development; the Department of External Resources; the National Planning Department; and the Project Management Unit. Other stakeholders will also be consulted as appropriate.

The CSIAP Introduces QR Code for Easy Access to Cascade-Related Resources

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has introduced a QR code system to provide convenient access to cascade-related print and electronic materials through the CSIAP website. This initiative aims to promote transparency, knowledge sharing, and accessibility among project stakeholders and the general public. With the commencement of the project’s second phase, CSIAP has shifted its full focus toward implementing all interventions through the cascade approach. The cascade-based model emphasises localised planning and integrated resource management, ensuring sustainable development and community participation at the grassroots level.

By scanning the QR code, users can instantly access a wide range of materials, including technical reports, progress updates, multimedia content, and success stories related to cascades implemented across different provinces. This innovative feature not only simplifies access to information but also strengthens the project’s communication outreach, helping readers, researchers, and policymakers stay informed about ongoing efforts under CSIAP.

Sri Lanka's Ellanga System or Tank  Cascade System, which has been designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The CSIAP Conducts Transect Walk to Strengthen Future CM Planning

A transect walk has been designed under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) to collect essential data for developing future work plans of the Cascade Management Committees (CMCs). This hands-on approach enables the collection of vital information on natural resource use, water resources, and geographical features of cascades—forming the foundation for a practical and sustainable management plan. The main objective of the transect walk is to create a detailed cascade profile that will support the development of a comprehensive management plan to enhance water productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cascade ecosystem.  

Field Exercise in the North Central Province
Recently, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP in the North Central Province organised a transect walk at the Ranorawa Cascade. The event brought together nearly 80 participants, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Divisional Secretaries’ Offices of Nochchiyagama and Mahawilachchiya, the Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Department of Archaeology, Department of Land Use Policy Planning, Farmer Organisations, and representatives from CSIAP. 

Participants gathered at the Agrarian Service Centre (ASC), Ranorawa, under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP. Mr. R. P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP for North Central Province, explained the objectives and methods of the transect walk to the participants before the commencement.

Crossing the Cascade: Observations and Data Collection 
The participants were divided into four groups, each starting from a different location to ensure full coverage of the Ranorawa Cascade: Group 1, from Talawa Ela; Group 2, from Meegasdigiliya Tank; Group 3, from the Agrarian Service Centre, Ranorawa; and Group 4, from the Cascade Boundary.

Throughout the walk, the groups observed, studied, and collected data on the following key aspects: Soil variations and geographical features, Agricultural lands and mangrove ecosystems, Environmental degradation and tank-based ecosystem status, Wildlife presence (both harmful and harmless), Agricultural land use patterns, Misuse of forest reserves and related livelihood activities, Socioeconomic conditions of the local community and Damages caused by various constructions. At the end of the field activity, all four groups reconvened at the Agrarian Service Centre, Ranorawa, to present their findings and share field experiences.

Building a Scientific Cascade Management Plan
Using the data and observations gathered during the transect walk, CSIAP aims to develop a scientific and practical cascade management plan. This plan will address critical issues related to hydrology, geology, geography, livelihood development, and local economic interconnections. It will also take into account existing and proposed constructions, ecosystem status, cropping patterns, irrigation management challenges, and command area linkages. Based on this information, new and detailed cascade maps will be created to support data-driven planning.

The Value of a Cascade Profile
Using this information from the Transeck walk, CSIAP will develop a new series of cascade maps and profiles that highlight the interconnections between catchments and tank networks—providing a comprehensive understanding of the Ranorawa Cascade’s dynamics. A cascade profile is a vital management tool that illustrates the relationships among natural, agricultural, and human systems within a cascade. It helps identify resource use patterns, environmental challenges, biodiversity status, and socioeconomic realities of surrounding communities. This profile serves as a common reference for multiple agencies, encouraging collaboration and informed decision-making. It also supports farmers and local authorities by offering clear insights into land use, water availability, and ecosystem health.

Building Awareness and Cooperation
Beyond data collection, the transect walk promotes awareness and cooperation among stakeholders. It provides an opportunity for local politicians, policymakers, stakeholder institutions, and farming communities to understand the condition of their cascades and recognise the importance of proactive conservation measures. Through shared learning, the initiative strengthens coordination among institutions and communities, ensuring that natural resources are managed collectively and responsibly.

Towards Sustainable Rural Development
Through such scientific and community-driven initiatives, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project continues its mission to empower Cascade Management Committees, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote the sustainable management of natural resources. The CSIAP’s long-term vision is to ensure that rural communities thrive in harmony with nature—protecting, conserving, and improving their village environments for generations to come.

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Two-Day Workshop on Developing CMC Handbook Commences at Hanthana

Mr. Wickramarathna conducting the workshop

A two-day residential workshop aimed at developing the Handbook on Cascade Management Committee (CMC), organized by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), commenced today (01st) at the Rathnasiri Wickramanayake National Training Centre (RWNTC), Hanthana. The event was held under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP. The workshop brings together Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Institutional Development and Capacity Building (IDCB) Specialists, and selected specialists from the Project Management Unit (PMU) of CSIAP, to collaboratively design a comprehensive reference guide for strengthening CMCs across project areas. 

Mr. Bandulasena addressing the audience

Serving as the workshop facilitator, Mr Sarath Wickramaratne, Senior IDCB Consultant at the World Bank, guides participants through interactive sessions, discussions, and technical inputs. His expertise is expected to enrich the process of developing a practical and implementable handbook that will empower CMCs to effectively manage cascades, promote participatory decision-making, and ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture systems. Speaking at the opening session, Project Director Mr. Bandulasena highlighted the importance of institutional strengthening and community participation in cascade management, emphasising that the forthcoming handbook will serve as a key tool in building resilient and inclusive agricultural communities.  

The two-day programme will cover aspects such as organisational structures of CMCs, roles and responsibilities, decision-making frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and integration with provincial and national-level institutions. The output of this workshop will lay the foundation for standardised practices and guidelines that will enhance the efficiency of CMCs in line with CSIAP’s overarching goal of promoting climate-smart agriculture.