The Field Visit Report on the Bundala Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II – CSIAP)

 
A field visit was conducted on 19 May 2025 to the Bundala Wewa Tank, part of the Wilmanna Cascade, under the Bundala Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II) initiative of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The objective of the visit was to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works, review environmental and social safeguard compliance, and monitor overall progress.

 The following officials participated in the visit:

• Dr. Sithara Attapattu, Consultant – Environment Safeguard, World Bank
• Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
• Mr. H.P.T. Sandaruwan, Environment Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Mr. T.D. Bandara, Social Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Technical Team, UP, CSIAP

 Bundala Wewa Tank, located within a wildlife-protected area, is undergoing rehabilitation under CSIAP Phase II to support sustainable agriculture for fifteen (15) beneficiary farmers cultivating 12 acres annually. All necessary approvals have been secured from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), and the beneficiary farmers did not lose their Yala paddy cultivation due to the tank rehabilitation, as the tank bund had already been damaged for the past three years.

 The rehabilitation of the Bundala Wewa Tank was undertaken by W M Siri Construction, with physical works having commenced on 2^nd May 2025. Bundala Wewa Tank — the final reservoir in the Wilmanna Cascade — is now at the heart of a transformative journey. Fed by five upstream tanks before draining into the sea, this once-deteriorating irrigation source is being rehabilitated under CSIAP Phase II to improve the livelihoods of 15 farmers and ensure sustainable cultivation for years to come.

During the visit, the team observed that:

• 
  Construction Progress: Canal works are underway but were temporarily halted due to heavy, unseasonal rainfall. The contractor has adapted by storing materials mid-way within the wildlife boundary due to vehicle access limitations.
• Environmental Management: The site saw minor vegetation clearance; however, vegetation burning was observed and must be immediately addressed. A commendable highlight is the creation of a 30-ft wide temporary wildlife water well within the tank—an excellent step toward wildlife-friendly rehabilitation.
• Wildlife Sensitivity: Bundala Wewa lies within a protected zone managed by the DWLC. Elephant and wildlife activity is common, and tank water is being managed with conservation in mind. No artificial drawdown was necessary due to pre-existing bund damage.
• Safety & Supervision: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards are being followed, with the Quality Assurance Inspector also serving as a temporary Safety Officer.

Farmer Challenges & Community Engagement:
For three consecutive Yala seasons, farmers were unable to cultivate due to a damaged bund, leading to economic hardship and flood damage. Though compensation isn't required this season, animal intrusions and lack of designated grazing areas continue to affect agricultural lands.

Yet, community involvement remains strong:

• A Social Audit Committee (SAC) is active onsite, including two very committed female members who monitor daily progress.
• SAC maintains a logbook with regular updates and participates in quality control, especially during key construction tasks like concreting.
• Farmers, having successfully completed their Maha crop, are optimistic about resuming year-round cultivation post-rehabilitation.

 Noteworthy Practices

• A wildlife water well to sustain fauna during construction
• Regular updates to SAC and visible female leadership in monitoring
• Community appreciation and support for the project
• Transparent environmental and safety compliance

Recommendations Going Forward

• Prevent Vegetation Burning: Contractors must be advised and monitored closely to halt this harmful practice.
• Strengthen Environmental Oversight: Regular visits by safeguard officers are essential to uphold E&S standards.
• Maintain the Wildlife Water Feeding Well: This temporary structure must remain until rehabilitation is complete.
• Enhance SAC Capacity: Additional training, especially on grievance handling, will improve local oversight and community trust.
• Sustain DWLC Coordination: Open channels with wildlife authorities are key to ensuring eco-sensitive implementation.
• Bundala Wewa’s story is one of resilience of land, water, wildlife, and people.

 Please click the Field Visit Report to read more.

Written by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP

Field Visit Report on the Murunga Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II – CSIAP)

A field visit was conducted on 19 May 2025 to the Murunga Wewa Tank, part of the Wilmanna Cascade, under the Murunga Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II) initiative of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The objective of the visit was to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works, review environmental and social safeguard compliance, and monitor overall progress.

 The following officials participated in the visit:

• Dr. Sithara Attapattu, Consultant – Environment Safeguard, World Bank
• Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
• Mr. H.P.T. Sandaruwan, Environment Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Mr. T.D. Bandara, Social Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Technical Team, UP, CSIAP

 Murunga Wewa Tank, located within a wildlife-protected area, is undergoing rehabilitation under CSIAP Phase II to support sustainable agriculture for nine (09) beneficiary farmers cultivating 30 acres annually. All necessary approvals have been secured from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), and beneficiary farmers have agreed to forego the 2025 Yala season to facilitate uninterrupted rehabilitation work.

The rehabilitation of the Murunga Wewa Tank was undertaken by CJ Construction, with physical works having commenced on 29 April 2025. During the visit, the team observed that:

•  Site Setup: A site office has been established, with machinery and laborers present; however, work was paused due to recent heavy rains.
• Construction Progress: Originally planned for completion in August 2025, the timeline has been extended to September due to unexpected rainfall over the last months.
• Environmental Compliance: Elephant and crocodile activity is common. DWLC regulations are strictly followed, including limiting work hours and retaining 30% of tank water for wildlife. A temporary elephant fence has been installed.
• Road Access: The road to the site remains in poor condition. DWLC has restricted road upgrades to protect the sensitive ecosystem.
• Site Conditions: No trees were removed; minor vegetation clearance was noted. Borrow pits and construction materials were observed; IA test reports are pending.
• Community Involvement: Farmers and SAC members have been engaged from the outset. SAC members were trained on material quality and site supervision. Due to wildlife threats, female SAC members face challenges in on-site participation.
• Livelihoods: An artificial drawdown was conducted. Farmers have requested compensation in the form of green gram seeds, which will be supplied in June.
• Good Practices: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures are in place, and the site logbook is being properly maintained.

Recommendations:

• Provide Livelihood Compensation: Expedite the distribution of green gram or alternative seed support by June 2025.
• Adjust Work Schedule: Re-plan construction to maximise dry weather windows.
• Enhance DWLC Coordination: Maintain daily communication to ensure environmental compliance.
• Safeguard Documentation: Clearly record and justify expenses (e.g., elephant fencing) for accountability and reimbursement.

The Murunga Wewa rehabilitation is progressing despite environmental and logistical challenges, with strong community engagement and adherence to environmental safeguards. The farming community appreciates the project’s support and anticipates full resumption of cultivation following project completion.

The Environment and Social Safeguard Officers provided guidance on addressing these concerns through community consultations and improved grievance redress mechanisms.  Recommendations were made to strengthen monitoring of safeguard compliance and ensure timely communication with stakeholders. The team commended the efforts of the contractor and project staff but emphasised the importance of maintaining standards in line with CSIAP guidelines and World Bank safeguard policies.

 Please click the Field Visit Report to read more.

Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP