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| Mr. Manoharan officially handing over the Vilapukulam Anicut to farmers |
Official Handover Marks a New Beginning for Palampasi
FarmersA
long-awaited moment of joy and pride unfolded in Palampasi of Oddusuddan Agrarian
Service Centre Division, Mullaitivu, as the rehabilitated Vilapukulam Anicut
was officially handed over to the local farmers during the final and 11th
Implementation Support Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture
Project (CSIAP). The event, held yesterday (01st), marked not just the
completion of an infrastructure project but the beginning of renewed
agricultural hope for hundreds of farming families in the area.
Rs.
23 Million Investment Revitalises a Critical Irrigation Lifeline
Rehabilitated
under the second phase of the CSIAP with a total investment of Rs. 23 million,
the Vilapukulam Anicut now stands as a symbol of resilience and progress. The
once aging and inefficient structure has been fully reconstructed with a modern
gate system, ensuring reliable irrigation water to over 275 farmer families who
cultivate nearly 1,200 acres of fertile land throughout the year.
The World Bank and CSIAP Emphasise Community Stewardship
and Climate Resilience |
| Vilapukulam Anicut |
Representing
the World Bank, Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Consultant for Agriculture
and Rural Development, ceremonially handed over the rehabilitated anicut to the
Palampasi Farmer Organisation. Speaking at the event, he appreciated the
efforts of the project team and emphasised the importance of community-led maintenance in sustaining the benefits for future generations. The ceremony drew
participation from local farmers, community leaders, and officials from the CSIAP's Project Management Unit & Northern Provincial Office, and the Department of Agrarian Services of Oddusuddan,
all of whom celebrated the achievement as a milestone in enhancing
climate-resilient agriculture in the Northern Province. Strong Technical Leadership Ensures Lasting Impact for
Palampasi Agriculture
The
rehabilitation was carried out under the close supervision of Mr. George Babu,
Deputy Project Director of CSIAP (Northern Province), with the technical
expertise of Engineer Mr. B. Piratheep and the dedicated technical staff of the
project. For the farming community of Palampasi, the new Vilapukulam Anicut is
far more than a concrete structure — it represents a renewed promise of
stability, productivity, and prosperity. With dependable water resources now
flowing again, farmers can look forward to cultivating their lands with
confidence, embracing a future made stronger through the vision of the CSIAP.
Story
by S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer, CSIAP, Northern Province
