A high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr. David Sislen, Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, visited the Southern Province to assess the progress and impact of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience and agricultural productivity through improved water management and modern agricultural technologies. Accompanying Mr. Sislen on the field mission, senior World Bank officials included Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives; Mr. Asela Dissanayake, Senior Operations Officer; Dr. Felipe Dizon, Senior Agriculture Economist; Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist; and Eng. (Ms.) Thiruni Liyanage, Co-Task Team Leader and Senior Water Resources Management Specialist.
Special Meeting at Hambantota District Secretariat
Key Highlights Shared with the Delegation The project team showcased significant milestones achieved in the project areas, including:
- Introduction and scaling of climate-smart farming technologies and water-efficient irrigation systems
- Enhanced participation of smallholder farmers and women in climate-resilient agriculture
- Improved productivity and sustainability of agriculture through mechanization and training
- Development of infrastructure such as tanks and channel lining for improved water
management
- Promotion of community-based approaches for long-term sustainability and local ownership
At the conclusion of the session, Mr. David Sislen expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the project team and the tangible results observed during the visit. He noted that CSIAP is making commendable progress toward building resilience among farming communities. The visit by the World Bank’s top officials reaffirmed the institution’s continued support for the CSIAP and its commitment to sustainable agricultural development in Sri Lanka.
Inspection
of the Murungawewa Tank Rehabilitation in Bandagiriya ASC under the Wilmanne Cascade System
Key
Rehabilitation Objectives and Scope
- Command Area Expansion: from 10.5 hectares to 12.5 hectares
- Tank Capacity Enhancement: from 40.74 acre-feet to 42.50 acre-feet
Components of the Rehabilitation Work: Construction and strengthening of Tank Bund (590 meters), Desilting of Tank Bed (6,500 m³), Construction of Concrete Canal, Construction of Tractor Crossings, Excavation of Kiul Canal (630 m³), Construction of Spill Structure (21 meters), Building of a Causeway, Canal Backfilling and Construction of Sluice Outlet. World Bank officials, during their walkthrough, commended the CSIAP team for the systematic approach being followed in the rehabilitation. They discussed technical aspects and shared views on long-term sustainability and climate adaptation strategies for small-scale irrigation schemes.
Traditionally, the farmers dependent on Murungawewa Tank could cultivate only during the Maha season due to unreliable water availability. Upon completion of this rehabilitation, farmers will be able to cultivate during Maha, Yala, and even the mid-season, ushering in significant opportunities to boost productivity, incomes, and rural resilience.
From Struggle to Strength: How the CSIAP empowered farmer Jinasiri Sudusinghe and his family
Farming Achievements:
- Cultivation of 8 acres, including 3 acres of paddy
- Crop diversity: Capsicum, Bitter Gourd, Luffa, Pumpkin, Mango, Chillies, and Rice
- Reduced irrigation costs from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 8,000 per month
- Income
increased from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 400,000 per month
Beyond personal gains, Mr. Sudusinghe’s initiative created employment for 15 daily workers, directly contributing to community development and rural economic upliftment. Speaking to the World Bank officials, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to CSIAP for empowering him to achieve such transformation.
Completed
Rehabilitation of Siyambalagaswewa Tank under Weerawila Cascade System
Key
Achievements:
- Tank capacity increased from 195.55 acre-feet to 217.75 acre-feet
- Construction of Tank Bund with Riprap (650 meters)
- Concrete canal system
- 3 Tractor crossings
- Spill construction (32 meters)
- New sluice structure
- Development of Agricultural Access Road
Post-rehabilitation, farmers can now cultivate during three seasons – Yala, Maha, and the mid-season, ensuring year-round agricultural activity and improved resilience to climate variability.
Outcomes Observed: Multiple harvests have increased household incomes, Improved food security at the community level, Enhanced land productivity and Reduction in migration for seasonal labour due to local job creation. The beneficiary farmers, during their meeting with the World Bank officials, expressed deep appreciation for the interventions that have revitalised agriculture, ensured stable livelihoods, and given them renewed hope for the future.
The field visits to Murungawewa, the Sudusinghe family farm, and Siyambalagaswewa Tank collectively highlighted the multi-dimensional success of the CSIAP — from infrastructure improvement to sustainable farming, from institutional support to real-world economic upliftment. The World Bank officials expressed their satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s journey toward climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation, and resilient rural economies.
