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 (28^th) in the World Bank Office under the patronage of Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader [TTL] for CSIAP), and this mission continues from October 26 to November 10, 2025.

The primary objective of the mission is to assess the project's physical and financial progress toward the project's completion on December 31, 2025. The mission will: (i) assess the progress of ongoing tank rehabilitation contracts and other civil works that include downstream development and assess the risk of any non-completion, (ii) check the status of critical actions from previous missions including the farmer-level database and borrowers’ completion report; (iii) hand over activities that build the support base for the new Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project - especially the Cascade Management for Small tanks; and (iv) follow up preparation of the Bank’s Implementation Completion Report (ICR).

The mission team included Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL /Senior Water Specialist), Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant, Agriculture and Rural Development), Ms. Anula Harasgama (Senior Financial Management Specialist), Mr. Shanek Fernando (Senior Social Development Specialist), Ms. Sithara Attapattu (Consultant), Mr. Jayantha Ganesh (Consultant), Mr. Sarath Wickramartane (Institutional Development Consultant), Mr.  Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant), Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant), and Ms. Thanuja Androvita Gamage (Team Assistant) were also present in the World Bank Office. Ms. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author) also joined the mission remotely.  The CSIAP team included Deputy Project Directors, Specialists and Officers were led by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP.  Specialists and officers at the Project Management Unit of the CSIAP delivered subjective presentations before the World Bank Officials. During the mission  period, the team intends to meet with relevant staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation; Department of Agriculture; Department of Agrarian Development; Department of External Resources; National Planning Department; and the Project Management Unit. Other stakeholders will 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.