Visiting FTS and meeting members of CMC in NCP by World Bank Officials

During the Progress Review Meeting in the North Central Province, the team of World Bank led by  Dr.  Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader along with  Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramarathne and Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the World Bank visited Farmer Training School (FTS) at Thirappane to see its current progress. They also engaged in a pleasant conversation with the farmers who were on a three-day residential programme to find out their views on the FTS.

World Bank Officials also participated in the meeting of the Cascade Management Committee (CMC) held at the National Institute of Post Harvest Management (NIPHM). Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Deputy Project Director (PMU) Mr. H.M. P. Bandara, Mr. S.M. Seelarathna, Deputy Project Director (NCP) and senior staff of the CSIAP were present. 

The Progress Review Meeting of the CSIAP in the North Central Province held

The Progress Review Meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the North Central Province (NCP) was held with the participation of the World Bank officials in the office of the Chief Secretary in the NCP recently. This meeting, which has been chaired by Mr. L.J.M.G.Chandrasiri Bandara, Chief Secretary, NCP, was held to assess the status and advancement of the CSIAP’s activities in the province and to discuss achievements, challenges, and next steps. The World Bank Officials visit every province once in six months to collaborate with others, stay aligned with the project goals, receive feedback, contribute to decision-making, and address challenges effectively.

The World Bank Team headed by Dr.  Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader attended this meeting with  Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramarathne and Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the World Bank. Senior Officials of implementing agencies, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Deputy Project Director (PMU) Mr. H.M. P. Bandara, Mr. S.M. Seelarathna, Deputy Project Director (NCP) and senior staff of the CSIAP were present. 

Youth Agri Entrepreneurship Model Villages Programme in Southern by the CSIAP

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Projector or the CSIAP  is investing Rs. 559 million to develop Kavantissapura and Julpallam villages located in Yodhakandiya Agriculture Service Center area of Hambantota as agricultural model villages. The CSIAP aims to develop these villages in tandem with the Youth Agri Entrepreneurship Model Villages Programme implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture. Agricultural inputs including seeds, micro-irrigation systems, insect-proof nets, polytunnels, and water pumps worth Rs. 40 million have been provided to these villages where there are about 4979 beneficiary farmers. The program to develop these two villages as model villages were declared opened by Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Agriculture,  on 10^th this month in Kavanthissapura and Julpallam.

Under this model village programme, it plans to modernize agriculture, attract youth to agriculture, improve the living conditions of beneficiary farmers, promote climate smart agriculture technology, exchange experiences among beneficiary farmers and promote climate smart home gardens. Apart from this, the CSIAP takes the initiative to  support crops such as mangoes, oranges, papayas, pomegranates and wood apples, as well as flowers, mushrooms, chilies, capsicum and vegetables identified by the Participatory Rural Approach (PRA) which was carried out with the participation of the beneficiary farmers.

 Also, the CSIAP plans to rehabilitate tanks, agricultural roads, common & individual agro wells, and provide micro-irrigation systems, water pumps operated using solar panels, water motors operated by electricity and fuel, rainwater tanks to collect water for home gardens, polythene bags and seeds for home gardening. Cultivation in polytunnel, floriculture targeting sacred places and crop cultivation with micro irrigation in insect-proof nets will also be promoted. Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Deputy Project Director (PMU) Mr. H.M. P. Bandara,  Deputy Project Director (Southern) Mr. Mahinda Suwandaarachchi, Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP were present in the programme which was organized by the  Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, CSIAP & Pathum Rasanjan, Ministry of Agriculture

Workshop on Cascade Management Committee and strengthening of FO

The two-day Workshop on Cascade Management Committee and strengthening of Framer Organization held at the Agrarian Training Institute at Phothuhera recently was charred by Eng. R. M. B. Rajakaruna, Project Director of Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project. Lectures on different topics were delivered as follows

• Operations and maintenance of rehabilitated tanks by Mr. ‘Sumith Chandana, Commissioner, DAD with R. P.M. Dissanayake, ID&CB Specialist (Southern), CSIAP
• Forming of Cascade Farmer Organization by Mr. R. Vijayakumar, Commissioner, DAD with Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, WM Specialist (PMU), CSIAP
• Why CSIAP applies cascade management approach in the tank by Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant, the World Bank
• Is the Cascade Management Committee another jargon by Mr. Sarath Wickramarathna, Consultant, the World Bank
• Progress of Cascade Management Committee by Mr. D.V. Bandulasena, ID&CB Specialist (PMU), CSIAP
• Legalization of Cascade Management Committee under the Agrarian Development Act by Mr. Eranga Athapaththu, Assistant Commissioner, DAD.
• Presentation on Legalization of Cascade Management Committee  

 Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP attended this workshop 

The First-Ever CSIAP Transect Walk Conducted in Babawa Cascade, SP

 

A transect walk, which is a serious of observations performed while walking across a geographical area (village, tank catchment, cascade, etc.) by observing, asking, listening, looking and producing a transect diagram, has been designed under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) to collect essential data for developing future work plans of the Cascade Management Committees (CMCs). This hands-on approach enables the collection of vital information on natural resource use, water resources, and geographical features of cascades (Ellanga)—forming the foundation for a practical and sustainable management plan. The main objective of the transect walk is to create a detailed cascade profile that will support the development of a comprehensive management plan to enhance water productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cascade ecosystem.  

Field Exercise in the Six Provinces
The Deputy Project Director’s Offices of CSIAP in North Western, North Central, Northern, Eastern, Uva and Southern provinces organised transect walks based on cascades in its project areas. The event brought together many participants, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Divisional Secretaries’ Offices, the Department of Forest Conservation, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Department of Archaeology, Department of Land Use Policy Planning, Farmer Organisations, the Department of Agrarian Development, and representatives from the CSIAP.  

Participants gathered at designated locations in each province under the patronage of the CSIAP Deputy Project Directors’ Offices. Prior to commencement, the objectives and methodology of the transect walk were clearly explained to all participants. Subsequently, the groups proceeded on the walk up to their respective designated destinations. 

Crossing the Cascade: Observations and Data Collection 
The participants were divided into groups, each starting from a different location to ensure full coverage of Cascade. Throughout the walk, the groups observed, studied, and collected data on the following key aspects: Soil variations and geographical features, Agricultural lands and mangrove ecosystems, Environmental degradation and tank-based ecosystem status, Wildlife presence (both harmful and harmless), Agricultural land use patterns, Misuse of forest reserves and related livelihood activities, Socioeconomic conditions of the local community and Damages caused by various constructions. At the end of the field activity, all groups reconvened at places where commenced their transect walk in the morning, to present their findings and share field experiences.

The CSIAP’s First-Ever Transect Walk Held in the Babawa Cascade
The first-ever transect walk planned under the CSIAP was yesterday (16th) organised by the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Southern Province in  the Babawa Cascade, marking a significant milestone in promoting participatory cascade management. The event brought together over 70 participants, including members of Cascade Management Committees and relevant government officials.

Participants gathered at the designated area of the Babawa Cascade and were divided into three groups. Each group undertook a transect walk from different starting points, collectively covering the entire Babawa Cascade up to the final reservoir, the Babawa Lake.

* The first group commenced their walk from the Ellanga boundary above Tabarawa Lake, passing through Tambarawa Lake, Muliththan Lake, Karabidangu Lake, Maila Gus Lake, Karuvala Bend, Rotawala Lake, Deiyange Lake, Bandu Lake, and Halemba Lake, before reaching Babawa Lake, covering a distance of approximately 10 km.

* The second group began their transect walk from Panagammana Tank, proceeding via Bandu Lake and Halemba Lake to Babawa Lake, covering around 11 km.

 * The third group started from Millatta Lake and walked through Julpatana Lake, Aliwala, Muwan Lake, and Mailattha, finally reaching Babawa Lake, covering a distance of approximately 8 km.

 This transect walk provided an important platform for stakeholders to observe cascade-level conditions firsthand, identify issues related to water management and ecosystem health, and strengthen coordination among community members and government institutions for sustainable cascade management.Mr. M.S.K. Suwandaarachchi, Deputy Project Director, and Mr. R.P.M. Dissanayake, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist of the CSIAP at the Southern Provincial Office, led the transect walk with the support and active participation of the project staff

Building a Scientific Cascade Management Plan
Using the data and observations gathered during the transect walk, CSIAP aims to develop a scientific and practical cascade management plan. This plan will address critical issues related to hydrology, geology, geography, livelihood development, and local economic interconnections. It will also take into account existing and proposed constructions, ecosystem status, cropping patterns, irrigation management challenges, and command area linkages. Based on this information, new and detailed cascade maps will be created to support data-driven planning.

The Value of a Cascade Profile
Using this information from the Transect walk, CSIAP will develop a new series of cascade maps and profiles that highlight the interconnections between catchments and tank networks—providing a comprehensive understanding of the Ranorawa Cascade’s dynamics. A cascade profile is a vital management tool that illustrates the relationships among natural, agricultural, and human systems within a cascade. It helps identify resource use patterns, environmental challenges, biodiversity status, and socioeconomic realities of surrounding communities. This profile serves as a common reference for multiple agencies, encouraging collaboration and informed decision-making. It also supports farmers and local authorities by offering clear insights into land use, water availability, and ecosystem health.

Building Awareness and Cooperation
Beyond data collection, the transect walk promotes awareness and cooperation among stakeholders. It provides an opportunity for local politicians, policymakers, stakeholder institutions, and farming communities to understand the condition of their cascades and recognise the importance of proactive conservation measures. Through shared learning, the initiative strengthens coordination among institutions and communities, ensuring that natural resources are managed collectively and responsibly.

Towards Sustainable Rural Development
Through such scientific and community-driven initiatives, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project continues its mission to empower Cascade Management Committees, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote the sustainable management of natural resources. The CSIAP’s long-term vision is to ensure that rural communities thrive in harmony with nature—protecting, conserving, and improving their village environments for generations to come. 

By Samantha Mallawaarchchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP 

The Provincial Progress Review Meeting of the CSIAP being held at MoA

 

The Provincial Progress Review Meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) chaired by Ms. Lathisha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) is being held presently (04^th) at the Ministry of Agriculture.  Provincial Deputy Project Directors of the CSIAP attended the meeting via video conferencing. Ms. Renuka Rathnayaka, Director (Development) Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna and senior staff of the CSIAP were physically present. 

Please click Images to see more photos of the meeting

Let us invest in our planet

Preserving Tank Cascade Systems to build Agroecological Landscape Resilience in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka  (Special article on
International Mother Earth Day)

Sri Lanka’s tank cascade systems promote an important traditional water management strategy that has been used for centuries to build agricultural resilience in the dry zone. These are a series of small reservoirs or tanks that are interconnected through canals, designed to capture and store rainwater during the wet season and provide irrigation water during the dry season and a part of Sri Lanka’s hydraulic civilization. These systems interconnect small human-made reservoirs which capture seasonal rainwater for agriculture, household, and environmental purposes and are considered the lifeblood of communities in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Tank cascade systems have helped to address drought and flood mitigation historically. They help to build agricultural resilience in the dry zone, those are:

Sustainable water supply: tank cascade systems provide a sustainable water supply for irrigation, particularly during the dry season when rainfall is limited. This can help to reduce crop losses due to water stress and increase agricultural productivity.

Drought mitigation: tank cascade systems can also help to mitigate the impact of droughts by storing water during the wet season and releasing it during the dry season. This can help to ensure that crops have access to water during periods of prolonged drought.

Increased crop diversity: tank cascade systems can support increased crop diversity by providing water for a range of crops, including paddy, vegetables, fruits, and spices. This can help to reduce the risk of crop failure due to pests or diseases and provide a more varied and nutritious diet for local communities.

Improved soil fertility: tank cascade systems can also improve soil fertility through the deposition of sediment and nutrients in the tanks and canals. The use of organic fertilizers and other CSA practices can further enhance soil fertility, leading to increased crop yields.

Cultural heritage preservation: tank cascade systems are an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and have been maintained and improved over centuries by local communities. The preservation and promotion of these systems can help to maintain cultural traditions and support sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.

Tank cascade systems are remarkable and one of the most efficient water management systems in the world. In ancient times, these systems functioned sustainably, in harmony with the environment, and were maintained by the communities that benefitted from them.

The World Bank-funded Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) brings together various disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing the agricultural and irrigation sector in Sri Lanka and promote more sustainable, resilient agricultural and water management practices. The CSIAP improves access to irrigation for smallholder farmers in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas of Sri Lanka through the rehabilitation of tanks and cascade systems. This helps to improve water management and reduce the negative impacts of irrigation on the environment. By promoting more efficient and sustainable use of water resources, the CSIAP contributes to the resilience of mother earth by reducing the negative impacts of water use on ecosystems and promoting more sustainable use of water resources.

The CSIAP initially planned to develop 122 cascades in 11 districts in Sri Lanka. For that, the CSIAP has already completed the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) at the tank level, hydrological assessments including the water balance study, engineering survey, and prepared Hotspot Area Agriculture Development Plans (HSAADPs) based on the 47 agrarian service centre divisions covering 256 GN divisions in 11 districts and 06 provinces. With the reduction of project funds during the country’s economic crisis, CSIAP is able to develop nearly 60 cascades only with available funds. The following table explains the ongoing tank rehabilitation and cascade development in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in Sri Lanka.

The Cascade development is not a simple intervention. As I already mentioned, the intervention is interrelated with multiple sectors, multi-disciplinary subjects, and multi-stakeholders. Therefore, CSIAP is be careful when taking the steps to develop the cascades in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas. According to the community’s point of view, the rehabilitation of tanks and the cascade developments are related to the livelihood of the people, the balance of ecosystems including biodiversity, and the prevention of disasters etc. People from the community say that “when you touch the tank or cascade for the rehabilitation intervention, you must think that you are touching the heart of the community in the village. Tanks and cascade are not a physical infrastructure, those are feeling of the community”.

As I already mentioned, CSIAP started the tank rehabilitation and the cascade development interventions by doing multiple studies, surveys, and screening to ensure that no harm to the ecosystem and the community in the climatically vulnerable hotspot area. To avoid and prevent the impacts and the risks, CSIAP conducted the PRA, hydrological assessments, engineering survey, HSAADP, PIR, and environmental and social screening for the cascades and the tanks in the climatically vulnerable hotspot areas. The cascade development is an integrated intervention. Therefore, CSIAP ensured that tank rehabilitation and cascade development works are done without harm to the ecosystem and the community.

CSIAP is rehabilitating and developing the different types of tanks in a cascade with different functions (forest tanks, tanks for water purification/ silt trapping, tanks for seasonal cultivation with no permanent settlements, and village tanks). A village tank consists of many components, each serving a specific purpose to maintain the integrity and hydrological connectivity of the system. With the absence of this integrity, the small tank cascade systems fail to deliver the ecosystem services and socio-cultural benefits such as the provision of water for irrigation and other domestic uses, water purification, groundwater recharge, flood management, erosion control, provision of food, medicines, raw materials, recreational benefits, cultural and spiritual bonding, habitats for wildlife, and carbon sequestration.

The components of a village tank are a stream (seasonal stream), a filter (a strip of grass and reeds on the periphery of the water body that acts as a filter to trap silt), a water hole (an upstream sediment trap), a windbreak of trees (an area planted with large trees that act as a windbreak to minimize evaporation from the surface of the tank), soil ridge (an upstream bund to manage soil erosion and sedimentation), and interceptor (the stretch between the tank bund and paddy fields). This acts as a downstream wind barrier, reduces tank seepage, and prevents sodium, magnesium, and iron from entering the paddy land, paddy field, and drainage.

We can say that pocket of biodiversity can be identified in the tank cascade system. Or we can say that tank cascade systems are rich in biodiversity. Tank ecosystems create a mild microclimate that supports a variety of flora and fauna that otherwise would not have inhabited the climatically vulnerable hotspot areas. The long-term sustainability of tank cascades depends on the holistic understanding of socio-ecological aspects and requires a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach. In this way, CSIAP is establishing the Cascade Management Committees (CMCs) with the relevant stakeholders in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in Sri Lanka. 

It is most important to point out that, the CSIAP always ensures the long-term knowledge management and transparency of investments in tank management to ensure community ownership. Also, the project is promoting community-centred tank rehabilitation. We identified that more cost-effective compared to third-party contracting.

The CSIAP has conducted sufficient cascade-wise technical studies required before rehabilitation work. Cascades-based approaches are helping sustainable agroecological landscapes, cascade-based climate adaptation, and cascade-based disaster risk reduction. In this project, we implemented a cascade-based approach for tank rehabilitation and cascade development, while blending the scientific results with traditional indigenous knowledge and practices. We successfully brought back the community lead maintenance and management of tanks, without losing the vital contribution made by the stakeholder agencies. The achievements of the project will be highly significant. Key lessons learned from the CSIAP can be used about cascades in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas on how to empower communities with the means and knowledge to embrace their heritage and environment and become self-sufficient.

Article Written By Sharmila Thirhiharan, Gender Development Officer,
Project Management Unit, Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project
Photographs by Deputy Project Director's Office (Southern)