The CSIAP Northern Province Plants 1,800 Trees to Strengthen Cascade Ecosystems

Tree Plantation Drive Implemented Across Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts Under Cascade Management Plans

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) – Northern Province successfully carried out a large-scale tree plantation programme recently, planting 1,800 trees across six Agrarian Service Centre (ASC) divisions in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. The initiative was implemented as part of the Cascade Management Plan, with the objective of restoring ecosystems, enhancing environmental resilience, and supporting climate-smart agriculture practices in the northern province.

 A variety of environmentally and economically valuable tree species—including Neem, Indian beech (Pungan), Mee, Arjun, and Mahua—were planted, contributing to soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and long-term livelihood benefits for farming communities.

Tree Plantations Implemented in Kilinochchi District
In the Kilinochchi District, a total of 1,200 trees were planted across four cascades under three Agrarian Service Centres:

• Pandivetti Cascade – 300 trees planted under Mulankavil ASC
• Mallikai Aru Cascade – 300 trees planted under Akkarayan ASC
• Paththinippai Cascade – 300 trees planted under Poonagary ASC
• Siththanodai Upper Cascade – 300 trees planted under Poonagary ASC

These plantations aim to strengthen watershed protection, reduce land degradation, and improve the sustainability of irrigation systems within the cascade areas.

Plantation Activities in Mullaitivu District
In the Mullaitivu District, 600 trees were planted across two major cascades:

• Peraru Cascade – 300 trees planted under Puthukkudiyiruppu ASC
• Kachchakodi Aru Cascade – 300 trees planted under Mulliyawalai ASC

The selected locations were identified based on ecological needs and their potential to enhance water retention, reduce erosion, and support climate resilience in farming landscapes.

Leadership, Guidance, and Environmental Oversight
The programme was conducted under the guidance and supervision of Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP – Northern Province. Ms. S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer of CSIAP – Northern Province, played a key role in coordinating and overseeing the environmental aspects of the plantation activities, ensuring alignment with safeguard standards and sustainability objectives.

Contributing to Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture
This tree plantation initiative reflects CSIAP’s broader commitment to integrating environmental conservation with agricultural development. By strengthening cascade ecosystems, the project contributes to improved water management, enhanced climate resilience, and long-term benefits for farming communities in the Northern Province. 

The CSIAP Staff Celebrate the Commencement of Work for the New Year 2026

Today, January 1, 2026, marked the first working day for the staff of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The Project Management Unit (PMU) staff celebrated the occasion with a small yet meaningful gathering this morning, which included lighting of the oil lamp, a speech by the Project Director Mr. Saman Bandulasena, and the sharing of Kiribath (milk rice) along with other sweetmeats.

 Addressing the staff, the Project Director said, "As we welcome 2026, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all our staff and stakeholders. May the New Year bring you good health, happiness, and continued success.

The CSIAP sincerely thanks all officers, drivers, and team members who dedicated their time and effort to the successful closure of the Project. Your professionalism, commitment, and unwavering support have been instrumental in achieving CSIAP’s objectives and leaving a lasting positive impact on the farming communities we served. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate your invaluable contributions throughout the life of the Project. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey."

He added, "The past six years have been a testament to our collaborative efforts in the project area. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, overcome challenges, and laid a strong foundation for future success. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and the positive impact we continue to make as we move forward toward achieving CSIAP’s goals. Leading such a talented and passionate team has been a profound privilege. Your collective efforts have not only advanced CSIAP’s objectives but have also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose. Again, I wish you a Happy New Year. May 2026 be a year of great accomplishments, personal growth, and success."

The event was attended by CSIAP specialists and officers, who joined in the celebration and welcomed the New Year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Photographs by Gayani Dassanayake, PMU-CSIAP

The CSIAP Wishes You a Happy and Prosperous 2026

Celebrating the Successful Completion of the Project (2019–31 December 2025)

As we welcome the New Year 2026, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) extends its warmest wishes to all stakeholders, partners, farmer communities, and staff for a year filled with good health, peace, and prosperity.

This New Year marks a historic milestone for the CSIAP, as the Project successfully completed all planned project tasks on 31 December 2025, bringing to a close its implementation period from 2019 to 31 December 2025. Over these six years, the CSIAP has played a pivotal role in advancing climate-resilient irrigated agriculture across Sri Lanka through sustained investments in infrastructure development, farmer capacity building, institutional strengthening, and market-oriented agricultural practices.

The achievements realised during this period are the result of strong collaboration and unwavering commitment from farmer organisations, government institutions, development partners, and the dedicated CSIAP team at national, provincial, and field levels. Together, these efforts have strengthened rural livelihoods, enhanced agricultural productivity, and improved the resilience of farming communities to climate change. The impacts of these efforts will continue well beyond the project’s lifespan, supporting livelihoods and contributing to national food security.

As the CSIAP transitions from implementation to legacy, the foundations laid between 2019 and 2025 will continue to deliver long-term benefits to the agricultural sector and the nation. We express our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this journey and take pride in the lasting impact created through collective action.

With hope and optimism, the CSIAP looks forward to the future inspired by the successes of the past.

Happy New Year 2026!