The CSIAP's Interventions for Strengthening Cascade Systems in Sri Lanka

 CSIAP produced three cascade-related videos
The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has placed strong emphasis on the cascade system, which is a traditional and highly integrated water management system found mainly in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. To improve awareness, participation, and sustainable management of cascades, the CSIAP produced three cascade-related videos in three languages: Introduction to Cascade, Transect Walk, and Cascade Management Committee. Each video highlights a key aspect of cascade-based development and community involvement.

The Introduction to Cascade video explains the concept and importance of the cascade system. A cascade is a network of small tanks (reservoirs), canals, paddy fields, forests, and villages that function together within a micro-catchment area. Water released from one tank flows into the next, ensuring efficient use of rainwater. This system supports irrigation, domestic water needs, livestock, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge. The video emphasizes how cascades are not just irrigation structures but socio-ecological systems that connect people, land, and water. It also highlights the need to protect cascades from degradation caused by poor land use, deforestation, and climate change.  Videos in Sinhala, Tamil and English

The Transect Walk video focuses on a participatory field-based approach used by CSIAP to understand cascade conditions. A transect walk involves walking systematically across the cascade landscape with farmers, community members, and technical officers. During this walk, participants observe land use patterns, tank conditions, canals, bunds, vegetation, soil erosion, and water flow paths. This method helps identify problems such as siltation, damaged structures, encroachments, and water losses. The video demonstrates how local knowledge is combined with technical expertise to plan improvements. Transect walks also strengthen community ownership, as farmers actively contribute to identifying issues and solutions within their cascade. Videos in Sinhala, Tamil and English

The Cascade Management Committee (CMC) video highlights the institutional arrangement created to ensure sustainable cascade management. The CMC is a community-based organization consisting of farmer organization representatives, women’s groups, village leaders, and relevant officers.  Its role is to coordinate planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of cascade-level interventions. The committee promotes collective decision-making, conflict resolution, and equitable water distribution. The video emphasizes how strong local institutions are essential for long-term success and resilience of cascade systems. Video in Sinhala, Tamil and English

Overall, CSIAP activities based on cascades aim to rehabilitate tanks, improve irrigation efficiency, strengthen farmer organizations, enhance climate resilience, and protect ecosystems. By combining technical improvements with community participation and traditional knowledge, CSIAP ensures that cascades continue to support livelihoods, food security, and sustainable water management for future generations.

Appreciation and Sincere Gratitude
Our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks are extended to Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), for his outstanding contribution in conceptualising and coordinating the production of the three high-quality cascade-related videos. Mr. Bandulasena’s vision and knowledge  were instrumental in transforming complex concepts related to cascades into clear, engaging, and informative visual content. His leadership in coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including technical experts, field teams, media professionals, and language specialists—ensured that the videos were not only technically accurate but also accessible to diverse audiences across different regions.

The successful production of these videos reflects his dedication, meticulous planning, and ability to harmonise inputs from various parties while maintaining high production standards. His commitment went well beyond routine responsibilities, demonstrating genuine passion and hard work to ensure the final outputs effectively support awareness-raising, community participation, and the sustainable management of cascades under the CSIAP.