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.

Content Designer and Consultant Editor of the CMC Handbook, Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, emphasized the critical importance of this handbook and its role in shaping the future of Cascade Management. He highlighted how the handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for planners, practitioners, and policymakers by integrating traditional knowledge with modern management principles. According to him, the handbook provides practical frameworks and strategic insights that support informed decision-making, capacity building, and community participation.

Mr. Wickramarathne addressing the audience

Mr. Wickramaratne further explained that the handbook contributes significantly to the long-term sustainability of the Tank Cascade System by promoting ecosystem-based management, resilience to climate change, and the protection of hydrological and ecological functions. Through this approach, the handbook strengthens efforts toward sustainable water management, agricultural productivity, and environmental conservation, ensuring that the Tank Cascade System continues to benefit future generations. 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. 

A significant milestone moment was marked when the CMC Handbook was formally presented to Hon. Minister Lal Kantha by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of CSIAP. This symbolic presentation underscored the importance of the handbook as a strategic knowledge resource for strengthening Cascade Management practices. The occasion reflected the collective efforts of stakeholders involved in its development and highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable management of the Tank Cascade System through informed policy guidance and practical implementation.  

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                                              Mrs. Latheesha 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.

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP and 
Photographs by Samal Perera, MALLI