SLCSAC Hosts a Workshop to Develop National Competency Standards for CSA

The Workshop Introduction and NVQ Presentation by Ms. Theja Malkanthi 

In a significant move towards formalising agricultural vocational training in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Climate Smart Agriculture Centre (SLCSAC) conducted a comprehensive workshop today at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to develop a National Competency Standard for Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture (CSA) Practices. The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), Ministry officials, agriculture experts, curriculum developers, and training providers, with the objective of aligning Climate Smart Agriculture training programmes with the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) framework. 

Currently, the Farm Business Development Course and Climate Smart Agriculture Practices Course—conducted under the World Bank-funded Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP)—offer vital knowledge and skills to farmers across 11 districyts in the dry zone. These courses are delivered through the Farm Training School in Thirappane and Farm Business Schools established at farmer sites, primarily at Agrarian Service Centres. While these programs have significantly enhanced the vocational competencies of participating farmers, they are not yet aligned with the NVQ framework, and therefore lack formal accreditation, limiting their value at both national and international levels.

Welcoming participants to the workshop by Ms. Udula Sedara

Addressing this gap, today's workshop focused on formulating a National Competency Standard that would provide the foundation for recognising CSA training under the NVQ framework. Once adopted, this standard would enable training institutions to offer NVQ-certified courses, increasing the credibility, transferability, and employment potential of the skills acquired by farmers.

The initiative is also expected to support Sri Lanka’s broader goals of sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security by equipping rural communities with skills that are officially certified and market-relevant. The development of this competency standard will undergo further review and validation in consultation with industry stakeholders and technical experts before it is finalised and endorsed by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).

The workshop was held in collaboration with the TVEC, the apex body for vocational education and training in Sri Lanka. Marking the importance of this initiative, Dr. Dilrukshi Herath, Assistant Director of NVQ at TVEC, participated in the event, representing the national authority responsible for implementing and monitoring the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) framework.

The main objectives of the workshop were:

1. To raise awareness of the availability of CSA-related training programs or any bridge programs currently operating under the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) system, and to explore how these may be aligned with the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF).
2. To aware the availability of a National Competency Standard (NCS) for CSA-related courses and, if unavailable, to explore how existing courses conducted at the Farm Training School in Thirappane and through Farmer Business Schools can be mapped and accredited through the national system.
3. To develop and formulate a structured CSA course tied to specific job functions, with the goal of producing a recognized National Competency Standard and Curriculum. This would allow the program to operate as a demand-driven, accredited course that meets the needs of both learners and the agriculture sector.

Dr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo

The SLCSAC was established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation (MALLI), operating within the Agri Technology Division of the MALLI. It serves as the institutional mechanism to sustain and scale up the impactful initiatives pioneered by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). As part of its inaugural activity, SLCSAC has embarked on the process of obtaining National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) accreditation for Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) training courses—an essential step toward formalizing agricultural competencies and promoting vocational excellence. The Centre, currently headed by Acting Focal Point Director Dr. Vindhaya Basnayake, is mandated to deliver NVQ Level 1 to 4 certified programs in the future.

The design and coordination of the NVQ accreditation process for SLCSAC were led by Dr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo, Agribusiness and Value Chain Specialist for the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Speaking at the event, Dr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo noted, “This is a transformative step towards professionalizing climate-resilient farming. By aligning our training efforts with national qualifications, we ensure that our farmers receive the recognition they deserve and this workshop marks a pivotal moment in bridging the gap between practical agricultural training and formal vocational certification. “By developing a recognised competency standard, we are empowering farmers and building a resilient agricultural workforce for the future.”, he further added.

The Keynote Address on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), and the Sri Lanka Climate Smart Agriculture Centre (SLCSAC) was delivered by Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist at the World Bank. A speech on CSIAP Sustainability and Capacity Building Programming with a Focus on Resource Mobilisation was delivered by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). Additionally, the Workshop Introduction and NVQ Presentation was delivered by Ms. M.P. Theja Malkanthi, former Assistant Director (NCS Development & Curriculum Development) at National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). Dr. Dilrukshi Herath, Assistant Director (National Vocational Qualification Division), TVEC, elaborated on the contributions of the TVEC to the training programmes on Climate Smart Agriculture conducted by the SLCSAC.  

Supporting this initiative, Development Officers from MALLI's AgroTech Division—Ms. Udula Sedara, Ms. Hashini Peiris, and Ms. M.L.F. Shifani —played a key role in organizing the event, with logistical arrangements efficiently managed by Mr. Mahela Kumarasiri. High-level officials from the Department of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, Meteorological Department, Agriculture Research Station in Mahailluppallama, Paddy Research Institute in Bathalagoda, Natural Resources Management Centre, the World Bank, CSIAP, and the private sector also attended the workshop.

Written and photographed by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP.

Tree Planting Initiative under CSIAP Takes Root in Northern Province

In celebration of World Environment Day and as part of the project's ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the Northern Province successfully organized a tree planting activity on 05 June 2025 in Kilinochchi. The event was conducted under the Mallikairu Cascade Plan, aiming to promote ecological sustainability and enhance green cover in irrigated farming areas.

A total of 300 trees—including Karanda and Kumbuk species—were planted in strategic locations within the Kattakaduwa area of the Parayan Tank, Pidaripallam Tank, and Uppuvil Tank. These sites are located under the jurisdiction of the Akkarayan Agrarian Service Center (ASC) in the Kilinochchi District. The activity was carried out in collaboration with local farming communities, project officers, and regional agricultural authorities, under the patronage of Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Northern Province.

This initiative aligns with CSIAP’s core objectives to: Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, Enhance green cover in agricultural landscapes, Support biodiversity conservation and Create awareness among farming communities about environmental protection.

During the event, Deputy Director Mr. George Babu emphasised the importance of integrating tree planting into climate-smart agricultural systems, stating: "Trees play a vital role in protecting water resources, enriching soils, and safeguarding livelihoods—especially in the face of climate change."

The CSIAP remains committed to enhancing the resilience of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector through environmentally sound initiatives like this. This initiative not only commemorates World Environment Day but also reinforces the project's broader goals of climate resilience, watershed conservation, and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Story by  Ms. S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer, Northern Province, CSIAP

The wrap-up Meeting of the CSIAP Commences at the MALLI with WB Officials

The Wrap-up Meeting of the World Bank-funded Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced today at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation (MALLI), bringing together senior officials from the World Bank, the Ministry, and the CSIAP project team to review the project’s implementation progress and finalize the next steps.

 The meeting marks the conclusion of the World Bank Technical Support Mission held from June 11–17, 2025. The session was chaired by Mr. D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry, with the World Bank delegation led by Mr. Tomas Ricardo Rosada Villamar (Practice Manager). Other key participants included Dr. Sheu Salau (Task Team Leader – TTL), Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL and Senior Water Resources Management Specialist), Dr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development), Mr. Jagath Seneviratne (Consultant for Monitoring & Evaluation), and Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Consultant for Agribusiness & Marketing).

Purpose of the Wrap-Up Meeting
The wrap-up meeting marks the culmination of a World Bank Technical Mission or project review, serving several vital functions:

• Presentation of Mission Findings: The World Bank team shared preliminary findings, assessments, and recommendations from their mission.
• Review of Project Progress: Achievements, challenges, and the status of project components were discussed in detail.
• Discussion of Agreed Actions: A list of agreed actions was finalized for implementation before project closure.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The meeting provided a platform for active engagement among Ministry officials, World Bank representatives, and project staff.

Project Achievements and Next Steps
Dr. Sheu Salau announced that the CSIAP has been honored with the prestigious South Asia Vice President’s Award this year, congratulating the entire team on this outstanding achievement.

Looking ahead, under Phase II of CSIAP, 173 tanks are scheduled for rehabilitation in 2025. Of these, 15 tanks may see work extend beyond December if rainfall exceeds expectations. All tanks are currently under rehabilitation, with Dr. Salau confirming that the required funds are fully committed and no cancellations are anticipated during the current mission. 

Agreed Actions and Strategy

The following key actions and strategies were agreed upon:

• Complete Procurement: All RFQ items and related activities to be completed by July 30, 2025.
• Utilize GOSL Funds: Any operational cost increases beyond committed IDA funds will be covered by the Government of Sri Lanka funds.
• Minimize Variation Orders: Avoid or minimize VOs; if necessary, VOs must be proactively issued by DPD offices in consultation with DAD and PID by July 31, 2025.
• Finalize Training: All planned training activities (worth USD 0.72 million) to be completed by November 30, 2025.
•  Monthly Billing: Contractors to ensure monthly submission of bills.
• Additional Support: DAD and PID will receive extra support for suspension handling and bill processing through two consultations (2 days per week), and a vehicle will be hired at each DPD office until October 31, 2025.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena (Director, Development, MALLI), Mr. Saman Bandulasena (Project Director), as well as specialists and officers of the CSIAP.

Story by: Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
Photograph by: Ms. Gayani Dassanayake, PMU-CSIAP

A remarkable success through Watermelon Cultivation by a farmer in Kilinochchi

The CSIAP celebrates the World Environment Day in Trincomalee, EP

Planting a tree on the preschool premises

In celebration of World Environment Day— the United Nations' principal platform for encouraging global awareness and action to protect our planet— the Deputy ProjectDirector’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the Eastern Province recently organized a successful tree planting activity and educational programme at Kattukulam Navalar Preschool in the Trincomalee District.

This inspiring initiative brought together preschool children, teachers, parents, and local community members to raise awareness about environmental conservation and promote sustainable green practices. To mark the occasion, a tree was ceremoniously planted on the school premises, symbolising our shared responsibility to restore and protect the environment. In addition, 26 coconut saplings were distributed among the school children, encouraging them to plant and nurture these trees in their own gardens— a meaningful step towards fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

 Mr. T. Sekaran, Social Safeguard Officer of the CSIAP in the Eastern Province and coordinator of the event, delivered an engaging lecture on environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of tree planting and the significance of World Environment Day. He was ably assisted by Mr. S.H.S. Eshan, Environmental Safeguard Officer, and Ms. U. Sameeha, Agriculture Facilitator (Kuchchaveli & Pulmoddai), who helped organize and facilitate the programme.  Their efforts were carried out under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Sampasivam Naveendranthas, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Eastern Province.

Through this impactful effort, the CSIAP reaffirms its dedication to protecting the planet and nurturing a greener, healthier future for all. Every tree planted today is a step towards restoring our ecosystems and combating climate change.

Let’s continue to nurture nature— because there is “Only One Earth.”

Story by T. Sekaran, Social Safeguard Officer, CSIAP in the Eastern Province

Recognition of Excellence: The CSIAP Wins SAR VPU Team Award 2025

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has been honoured with the prestigious South Asia Region Vice Presidency Unit (SAR VPU) Team Award for the Fiscal Year ending in 2025. This distinguished recognition is awarded by the World Bank to teams and projects that demonstrate exceptional performance, strong collaboration, and a measurable impact on development across the South Asia region.

The SAR VPU Team Awards highlight initiatives that embody the World Bank’s core values, including integrity, innovation, teamwork, and a results-oriented approach to development challenges. Receiving this award signifies that CSIAP has not only achieved its project objectives but has also contributed meaningfully to sustainable agricultural development and climate resilience.

Out of a highly competitive pool of 81 nominated projects, only 19 projects, including CSIAP, were selected for this honour in 2025. This selection reflects the project’s outstanding achievements, effective implementation, and its ability to deliver tangible benefits to stakeholders, particularly in strengthening agricultural systems and improving livelihoods. 

This recognition further reinforces CSIAP’s position as a model project within the region, showcasing best practices in project execution, stakeholder engagement, and impactful results aligned with global development priorities. 

Technical Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project commences

Dr.  Salau reviews the project progress 

Dr. Sheu Salau , Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) for Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) and his World Bank team arrived in the Project Management Unit this morning to commence the Technical Mission of the CSIAP. The primary objective of this mission is to assess the progress of the project's implementation. Additionally, the mission will: (i) review the status of committed funds and determine if partial cancellation is necessary; (ii) evaluate the readiness to conclude all activities by December 31, 2025; (iii) engage with sector authorities in ongoing policy discussions and World Bank analytics; and (iv) participate in the PROGREEN consultation event focused on landscape governance. 

Multidisciplinary World Bank Team Supports Final Phase Assessment
The mission team included Eng. (Ms) Thiruni Liyanage, Co-TTL and Senior Water Resources Management Specialist, Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Consultant for  Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Jagath Seneviratne, Consultant for  Monitoring & Evaluation and Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo, Consultant for Agribusiness & Marketing.

High-Level Consultations Planned with National and Provincial Stakeholders
During this period, the team intends to meet with relevant staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation; Department of Agriculture; Department of Agrarian Development; Department of External Resources; National Planning Department; Chief Secretaries of the North Central, North Western, Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Uva Provincial Councils; Project Management Unit; and six provincial Deputy Project Directors (DPDs).

Field Assessments and Beneficiary Engagement to Validate Project Impact
The team will also conduct field visits to selected CSIAP project sites to assess on-ground implementation, interact with beneficiaries, and gather feedback on project outcomes. This mission is a key milestone in ensuring that CSIAP delivers its intended impact and aligns with national development goals and climate resilience strategies. The PMU team, comprising Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, and Officers, was led by Mr. K.V. Athula, Deputy Project Director of the PMU, during this meeting.