The World Bank’s 13th support mission to the CSIAP commenced in Southern

The World Bank Team of the 13th Implementation Support and Review Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning (02nd) in Southern Province to monitor, assess, and evaluate the progress of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP).  This mission allows the World Bank Officials to observe the implementation and outcomes of initiatives, identify challenges, gaps, or areas for improvement and ensure that resources are being used effectively. 

The World Bank Team led by Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau with Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Prof. V.K. Ravichandran witnessed Rehabilitated Tanks, Electric Fencing, Spillways, Field Cannels, Sluice Gates, Cultivation Fields and a Cascade Management Committee Meeting in areas in Southern Province where the CSIAP is being implemented. The World Bank Team had opportunities to meet farmers benefiting from the CSIAP. Finally, both Southern & Uva Provinces' Progress Review Meeting was held to observe subject-wise progress at the Deputy Project Director’s Office in Southern & Uva Provinces in Thanamalwila. Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Southern and Uva Provinces facilitated this World Bank Mission in Southern with his staff.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU and Thamindu Sandaruwan, SP&UP, CSIAP 

World Bank Officials Meet Secretary of Agriculture to Review CSIAP's Progress

World Bank officials, led by Dr. Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL) and Mission Leader of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), met Mr. D. P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, this morning (29th) to review the progress of the project. The discussion focused on key milestones achieved under CSIAP and strategies to address remaining challenges in order to successfully achieve the project’s development objectives.

During the meeting, the World Bank team reaffirmed its strong commitment to working closely with the Ministry to ensure the continued success of CSIAP. Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in implementation while strengthening coordination to overcome operational and technical challenges. It was also noted that the next project review mission is scheduled to take place in six months.

Senior officials of the Ministry participated in the meeting alongside Mr. Sumith Chandana, Project Director of CSIAP, Mr. H. M. P. Bandara, Deputy Project Director, as well as subject specialists and officers of the project. The meeting reflected the shared commitment of all stakeholders to advancing climate-smart agriculture and improving the resilience and productivity of Sri Lanka’s farming communities

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP 

The 13th Implementation Support and Review Mission of the CSIAP commenced

The World Bank Officials visited the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) this morning (28th) to assess the overall development progress of the CSIAP and its effectiveness in delivering project development objectives. Representing the World Bank, Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau led the World Bank Team. Mr. Sumith Chandana, Project Director attended this meeting with the CSIAP team of Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists and Officers.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

Micro Irrigation Systems Introduced to 3,787 Farmers at a Cost of Rs. 589 Million

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), financed by the World Bank and implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, is promoting micro irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience. With a total investment of Rs. 589 million, 3,787 farmers across the project area have been equipped with advanced irrigation solutions to optimize water use and improve crop yields.

The project operates in 47 Agrarian Service Divisions across 11 districts in six provinces—North West, North Central, North, East, South, and Uva. Its primary aim is to increase agriculture and water productivity, particularly for farmers vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Distribution of Micro Irrigation Systems
Micro irrigation technologies provided under CSIAP include sprinkler irrigation systems, drip irrigation systems, micro jet systems, and rain hose systems. These systems were distributed to farmers across the project area, with 549 farmers in the North Western Province, 840 farmers in the North Central Province, 693 farmers in the Northern Province, 502 farmers in the Eastern Province, 691 farmers in Uva Province, and 512 farmers in the Southern Province.
By delivering water directly to the root zone at appropriate intervals, micro irrigation enables higher crop yields even under water-scarce conditions. Farmers also benefit from fertilizer application through the irrigation system, allowing for year-round cultivation and increased income from off-season crops.

Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability
To date, CSIAP has rehabilitated 1,142 agro wells, cultivating 1,112 hectares of land and achieving a yield of 3,082 metric tons. In these fields, solar-powered sprinkler and drip irrigation systems have been installed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs for farmers. Currently, 707 hectares of land within the project area are being cultivated using micro irrigation systems, demonstrating the significant impact of these climate-smart interventions on agricultural productivity and sustainability.

By Frank Jayasinghe, Agriculture Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Changing from a Traditional Farmer to a Modern Agricultural Innovator

The Year-End National Project Steering Committee of the CSIAP held at MoA

The year-end National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) Meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) was held this morning (24th) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The NPSC, which is set up at the ministry to provide governance, and strategic oversight, take the overall responsibility for executing the CSIAP and support throughout the project's lifecycle, is chaired by the ministry’s secretary Mr. M. P. N. M. Wickramasinghe.

The committee's existence ensures that the CSIAP aligns with the organization's goals, delivers value, and adheres to budgetary and timeline constraints. Their involvement is crucial to the project's success, where alignment with project goals is essential. The NPSC essentially bridges the gap between senior management and the project team, providing strategic support and ensuring the project delivers the intended value. The NPSC will consist of key officials of the major stakeholder agencies of the central government and provincial government to provide policy guidance to the project and to ensure CSIAP’s objectives are achieved.

The CSIAP's Project Director Mr. Sumith Chandana attended this meeting with Deputy Project Director (PMU) Mr. H.M.P. Bandara and subject specialists. Chief Secretaries of provinces where the CSIAP is being implemented, Senior Officials of implementing agencies and some Provincial Deputy Project Directors of the CSIAP joined the meeting remotely along with World Bank Officials.  Ms. Latheesha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) and Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena, Director (Development) of the ministry were also present at this meeting.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

How Does the CSIAP Align with National Policy?

Strengthening Livelihoods, Driving Technology Adoption, Promoting Sustainability, and Empowering Women: Insights from the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Sri Lanka

The World Bank–financed Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is being implemented by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation (2019–2025). The Project Development Objective of CSIAP is to enhance the productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farming communities in selected climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in Sri Lanka. This strategy strengthens climate resilience, restores ecosystems, and promotes climate-smart agriculture in vulnerable hotspot areas across 11 districts in six provinces of the country.

The CSIAP Integration Framework establishes a strategic alignment between project components and government policy objectives through interconnected pillars. At its core, the framework emphasizes People- and Environment-Centric Economic Development with the village tank cascade–based approach, focusing on improving livelihoods, reducing rural poverty, enhancing income opportunities, promoting gender equality, and fostering socio-economic empowerment within communities. This includes actively promoting gender-responsive development approaches by ensuring equitable access to resources, skills, and opportunities for women farmers and vulnerable groups, thereby strengthening women’s economic participation in rural economies. The approach also contributes to national poverty reduction goals by improving access to livelihoods, markets, and social services.

This pillar is complemented by the Technology-Based Society, which leverages innovation, digitalization, and technological advancements to drive modernization and enhance efficiency across all sectors—including improving women’s access to digital advisory services, climate-smart technologies, online agriculture platforms, and market information systems. CSIAP’s role in promoting digitalization aligns with national efforts to create a more connected, technology-enabled rural economy.

Underpinning these development initiatives is the critical pillar of Sustainable Environmental Management, which ensures environmental sustainability and climate resilience are integrated into every aspect of project implementation. CSIAP’s environmental focus incorporates gender-sensitive considerations, recognizing that women often face disproportionate burdens from climate shocks and therefore benefit significantly from climate-smart agriculture, water-saving technologies, and sustainable natural resource management through the village tank cascade–based approach. This approach also aligns with national objectives under the “Clean Sri Lanka” vision by promoting environmentally responsible land, water, and ecosystem management.

Together, these three pillars create a comprehensive and balanced framework addressing economic growth, technological advancement, environmental stewardship, poverty reduction, and gender equality simultaneously—ensuring that CSIAP initiatives contribute meaningfully to both immediate community needs and long-term sustainable development goals in alignment with broader government policy priorities.

Component-wise Policy Integration for Agriculture Production and Marketing
The Component-wise Policy Integration for Agriculture Production and Marketing demonstrate a comprehensive alignment across the strategic pillars and the development of physical resources. Under People- and Environment-Centric Economic Development with the village tank cascade–based approach, the component aims to increase farmer incomes through improved productivity and market access, create employment opportunities along the agricultural value chain, enhance food security and nutrition, empower smallholder farmers with skills and resources, and develop agri-entrepreneurship and rural enterprises. These interventions contribute directly to rural poverty reduction, while placing special emphasis on women’s economic empowerment by supporting women-led enterprises, increasing women’s participation in value chain development, and strengthening women’s leadership roles in various community and governance structures.

The Technology-Based Society pillar introduces precision agriculture and smart farming techniques, implements digital market platforms for better price discovery, expands mobile-based extension services, adopts modern post-harvest technologies, and integrates weather forecasting and crop monitoring systems. By empowering rural communities with digital solutions, the component supports national digitalization efforts and ensures women also gain equitable access to digital tools, online learning, and market opportunities.

The Sustainable Environmental Management dimension promotes climate-smart agriculture, encourages organic and sustainable farming methods, strengthens soil fertility and conservation measures, reduces chemical dependency through integrated pest management, and supports resilient crop varieties. These strategies support the Clean Sri Lanka national vision by reducing environmental pollution, safeguarding ecosystems, and encouraging sustainable production systems. Gender equality is integrated throughout by reducing women’s workload and supporting safer, more sustainable farming practices.

 Additionally, the Development of Physical Resources component strengthens agricultural infrastructure, including storage and processing facilities, rural market facilities, cold chain systems, and improved rural road networks. These developments reduce market barriers, expand income opportunities, and support rural poverty reduction. They also facilitate women’s participation by improving mobility, expanding market access, and strengthening women-led cooperatives and enterprises—creating a gender-inclusive, digitally connected, and environmentally sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

 Water for Agriculture
The Water for Agriculture component showcases a multifaceted approach that addresses critical water resource challenges across all strategic dimensions. 
Under People- and Environment-Centric Economic Development with the village tank cascade–based approach, the component ensures reliable water access for enhanced crop yields and income, reduces vulnerability to drought and climate variability, creates employment opportunities in irrigation maintenance, and supports year-round cultivation and livelihood diversification. Incorporating gender-responsive water governance mechanisms ensure women’s participation in Farmer Organizations and Cascade Management Committees, reduces time burdens related to water collection, and expands opportunities for women in irrigated agriculture—all contributing to poverty reduction through improved economic resilience 

The Technology-Based Society pillar introduces efficient irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems, solar-powered irrigation solutions, and digital tools for water resource planning using GIS and remote sensing. The integration of user-friendly monitoring technologies supports national digitalization goals and particularly benefits women by simplifying daily tasks, improving productivity, and increasing engagement in decision-making processes.

The Sustainable Environmental Management dimension promotes water conservation, watershed protection, soil salinity prevention, integrated water resources management, and rainwater harvesting—strengthening climate resilience and environmental health. These measures actively support the Clean Sri Lanka initiative by promoting eco-friendly practices that preserve water quality, reduce pollution, and enhance landscape sustainability.

The Development of Physical Resources component rehabilitates irrigation systems, constructs water harvesting structures, develops canal and distribution networks, and expands groundwater recharge systems and micro-irrigation facilities. These improvements support vulnerable communities, enhance agricultural productivity, reduce women's physical burdens related to water management, and contribute to broader national goals related to poverty reduction, digitalization of resource management systems, and transitioning towards a Cleaner, Greener Sri Lanka with equal opportunity for all—leveraging the village tank cascade–based approach to maximize community benefits.

By Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP