The CSIAP Launches CMC Handbook to Safeguard Village Tank Cascade Systems

CMC book is being presented to the minister by Mr. Saman Bandulasena 

The Cascade Management Committee (CMC) Handbook—designed as a practical and comprehensive guide to strengthen the planning, coordination, and management of cascade systems—was officially launched today (30th) by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) at a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation (MALLI). The event was held under the patronage of Hon. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, underscoring the Government’s strong commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s traditional Village Tank Cascade Systems through improved institutional coordination and climate-resilient water and land management practices.

The handbook is expected to serve as a key reference for Cascade Management Committees, government agencies, farmer organisations, and development partners, supporting more integrated, participatory, and sustainable approaches to cascade and landscape management across the country. 

This handbook provides a common framework and reference for all stakeholders engaged in cascade conservation and development. Drawing on field experience and expert knowledge, it promotes an integrated, landscape-based approach that balances environmental sustainability with community and institutional needs.

Prof. Wickramasighe delivering his speech

Specifically, the handbook seeks to provide clear and practical guidance to Cascade Management Committee (CMC) members, government officials, partner agencies, Farmer Organisations (FOs), and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) by clearly defining their roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures in the management of cascade landscape systems. By establishing a shared understanding of institutional mandates and processes, the handbook supports more effective and accountable governance of cascade systems at the local and landscape levels. 

In addition, the handbook aims to strengthen collaboration and coordination among government agencies, farmer organisations, local communities, and development partners. By promoting inclusive participation and shared decision-making, it encourages stakeholders to work collectively towards common objectives in cascade and landscape management, thereby enhancing coherence, trust, and long-term sustainability of interventions.

The CMC Handbook launch ceramony  in full swing

The handbook also promotes coordinated action among relevant government agencies, local authorities, and communities to ensure the efficient use of financial, technical, and natural resources. Through improved alignment of plans and activities, it seeks to minimize duplication of efforts, reduce institutional overlaps, and enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of cascade-related initiatives.

Furthermore, the handbook focuses on strengthening the institutional capacities of CMCs and partner organisations to effectively plan, monitor, and evaluate cascade-related interventions. By enhancing skills, systems, and tools for evidence-based decision-making, it supports the implementation of well-coordinated, climate-resilient, and sustainable cascade management practices across Sri Lanka.

Marking the occasion, a special speech was delivered by Prof. Danthurae Wickramasinghe, Chair of Management Accounting at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, England, who made the keynote address on the role of the Cascade Management. 

The event featured addresses by several distinguished speakers, including Hon. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation; Mrs. Latheesha P. Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation (MALLI); Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the World Bank; Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director  and Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional and Capacity Development Specialist, CSIAP. 

            Minister Lal Kantha                                   Dr, Athula Senarathne                            Mr. Sarath Wickramarathne                            Ms. Lathessha Liyanage                                    Mr. Saman Bandulasena                         Mr. D.V. Bandulasena

In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the importance of strengthened institutional coordination, community participation, and capacity development in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s Village Tank Cascade Systems, while emphasising the role of the newly launched CMC Handbook in supporting sustainable, climate-resilient cascade and landscape management practices.

The event was attended by World Bank Officials, senior government officials, including Chief Secretaries, District Secretaries, representatives of implementing agencies, and CSIAP staff, reflecting the high-level institutional commitment to cascade-based water resource management and climate-resilient agricultural development in Sri Lanka.

Photographs by Samal Perera, MALLI