How CSIAP Empowered Farmer Dharmasena to Transform Red Onion Cultivation

Freshly harvested Red Onions ready for the market

Farmer P.A.K. Dharmasena, from Weeravil Ara under the Weerawila Agrarian Centre Division in Hambantota, has emerged as a shining example of how targeted support, modern technology, and proper guidance can transform a farmer’s livelihood. Today, he stands as a successful red onion cultivator—but his journey began with uncertainty and struggle. For years, Dharmasena faced difficulties obtaining quality agricultural inputs, reliable irrigation solutions, and the technical know-how required to cultivate red onions successfully. With limited resources and guidance, expanding his farming potential felt nearly impossible. It was during this challenging period that the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) stepped in, opening a new chapter in his farming journey.  

AF Nuwanthi with Farmer Dharmasena

Recognising his determination, the CSIAP provided a comprehensive package of support that included a solar pump, insect-proof net, and a sprinkler irrigation system—critical interventions that enabled him to manage water efficiently and protect his crops. Additionally, the project supplied him with adequate red onion bulbs to cultivate one acre, ensuring he had the right starting materials for a productive season. Beyond physical inputs, CSIAP empowered Dharmasena with knowledge. He underwent specialized training in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices as well as the Farmer Business School (FBS) programme at the Climate Smart Garme Training School in Thirappane, equipping him with skills not only to cultivate but also to manage his farm as a sustainable business. 

A handful of large Red Onions

Technical assistance played a key role in his success. Through Mr. H.J.A. Malaka, Agriculture Instructor in the Mattala area, the project provided him with continuous guidance, including technical guidelines, FBS training, and nursery management techniques. This close support ensured that Dharmasena could apply CSA methods effectively throughout his cropping cycle. At the ground level, Ms. K.A.A. Nuwanthi, Agriculture Facilitator at the Weerawila Agrarian Centre Division, was instrumental in identifying Dharmasena’s needs and coordinating with the CSIAP’s SP & UP Office. Under the direction of Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director, and the supervision of Mr. S. Periyasamy, Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist, she provided hands-on assistance whenever the farmer required guidance or problem-solving support.

With new tools, training, and confidence, Dharmasena began cultivating his one-acre plot. Weeks of dedicated effort and adherence to CSA techniques paid off—he successfully harvested 12,000 kg of red onion, a milestone that reflected not only his commitment but also the impact of CSIAP’s timely intervention. Today, Farmer Dharmasena stands as a success story and an inspiration for other farmers in the region. His journey demonstrates how access to modern agricultural technologies, targeted training, and consistent field-level support can uplift rural livelihoods and contribute to national food security. Through CSIAP’s holistic support, a struggling farmer rose to success—proving once again that empowered farmers can transform communities.

A Special Meeting on Flood Damages and Recovery Plan of CSIAP at WTI

Mr. Bandulasena delivering his address at the event

A special meeting on the Flood Damages and Recovery Plan of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning at the Wayamba Training Institute, Wariyapola, under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP, with the participation of Mr. S. Manoharan, Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development of the World Bank. The meeting was convened in view of the recent floods that caused widespread damage to agricultural infrastructure and farmlands in project areas. Addressing the gathering, Project Director Mr. Bandulasena explained the critical importance of conducting a comprehensive Flood Damage and Recovery Plan to ensure a well-coordinated and timely response. He emphasized that the plan would guide the systematic restoration of damaged irrigation systems, improve disaster preparedness, and protect the livelihoods of farming communities that have been severely affected by the adverse weather conditions.

Mr. Manoharan addressing participants during the meeting

The World Bank Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan highlighted the importance of accurate data collection and detailed field-level damage assessments. He stressed that special attention must be given to assessing damages to tanks, anicuts, agricultural roads, and agro-wells, as these are vital infrastructure components that support irrigation and agricultural productivity. He further noted that reliable data would help in prioritizing interventions, mobilizing resources effectively, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the recovery process. The meeting was attended by Deputy Directors representing the Project Management Unit and Provincial Offices, along with subject specialists and  officers. Participants actively engaged in discussions on assessment methodologies, reporting mechanisms, and coordinated action plans. They also shared preliminary field observations and proposed immediate steps to carry out rapid damage surveys in the most affected areas.

The special session concluded with a collective commitment to expedite field inspections, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and finalize a structured Flood Damage and Recovery Plan, aiming to restore agricultural infrastructure swiftly and enhance the resilience of farming communities under the CSIAP framework.

The Wrap-Up Meeting of CSIAP Commences at the DER with World Bank Officials

The wrap-up meeting of the World Bank–funded Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced today (3rd) at the Department of External Resources (DER), bringing together senior representatives from the World Bank, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Department of National Planning, Department of Project Management and Monitoring, and the CSIAP’s Project Management Unit. This meeting marks the conclusion of the final Implementation Support Mission (ISM) of CSIAP, conducted from October 26 to November 10, 2025.

Chaired by Mr. Dammika Premarathna, Additional Director General of the DER, the session focused on reviewing the mission’s key findings and recommendations. It was highlighted that CSIAP underwent four restructurings between 2019 and 2025 to address the unforeseen national challenges that emerged during project implementation. Despite these complexities, the Project Development Objective (PDO) achievements and the performance across all four project components have been rated Satisfactory by the World Bank.

The Project Director, Mr. Saman Bandulasena, was advised to take all necessary measures to complete the remaining activities before December 31, 2025, the officially agreed project closing date. The grace period for financial and administrative closure will continue until April 30, 2026. The wrap-up meeting reaffirmed the collaborative efforts of all institutions involved and underscored the importance of consolidating the project’s achievements for long-term sustainability in climate-resilient agriculture.

CSIAP Acts Swiftly to Restore Livelihoods of Farmers Devastated by Severe Weather

Damages caused to the project areas

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP)  has initiated a comprehensive damage assessment to fully understand the impact of the recent severe weather conditions that affected the areas where the CSIAP is being implemented. This investigation covers an extensive range of areas, including farmlands, standing and newly planted crops, vital agricultural inputs, minor and major anicuts, agricultural access roads, agro-wells, water distribution channels,  and tanks. Staff from the Provincial Deputy Project Director's Office, led by the Deputy Project Directors of each province, are  conducting systematic inspections to document the extent of losses with accuracy and transparency. The assessment process also includes gathering photographic evidence, geo-tagging affected sites, and collecting testimonies from farmers to ensure that even the most remote and vulnerable communities are accounted for.   

In order to respond swiftly to the urgent needs of farmers, the CSIAP has already planned an initial support package aimed at helping affected families restart cultivation without delay. As part of this measure, the project will distribute essential seeds—such as paddy, vegetable, and other priority crops—so that farmers can resume production in line with the national cultivation calendar. This intervention plays a critical role in sustaining the country’s food supply chain, especially during a period when disruptions in production could create shortages and further strain household food availability. By supporting farmers at the earliest stage, CSIAP aims to reduce the financial burden on rural families, restore agricultural activity, and stabilise local markets. 

Following the completion of the detailed investigation, the CSIAP will move into a rapid response and rehabilitation phase. This will involve immediate actions to repair and restore damaged irrigation structures, including strengthening or reconstructing anicuts, clearing and reshaping water channels, and ensuring that tanks are desilted and made fully functional to support upcoming cultivation seasons. Rehabilitation of agricultural access roads will be prioritised to maintain connectivity between farms, villages, and markets, enabling farmers to transport inputs and sell their produce without disruptions. 

Special attention will be given to households that have been severely affected by flooding, landslides, and prolonged heavy rainfall. CSIAP will coordinate with local government institutions and disaster management agencies to provide targeted assistance to uplift the living standards of these families. This may include support for restoring home gardens, replacing damaged tools and inputs, and ensuring that communities receive the necessary technical guidance to recover quickly and sustainably.