World Bank Strengthens Marketing Capacities of Ambanpola Producer Association

In a significant step toward strengthening market-oriented agriculture in the Kurunegala district, Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo, Agribusiness & Marketing Consultant of the World Bank, engaged with members of the Ambanpola Producer Association (PA) to guide and support them in expanding their marketing capabilities. The discussion took place during the second day of the two-day Action Plan 2025 preparation workshop of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), conducted at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa.

 Strengthening Market-Oriented Agriculture
The session focused on equipping the producer group with targeted strategies to enhance their role in competitive agri-value chains. Market Access Facilitation, Capacity Building, Institutional Support, and Infrastructure Development formed the core pillars of the discussion. Through this holistic and market-driven approach, the Ambanpola PA is expected to improve its bargaining power, strengthen collective marketing efforts, increase producer incomes, and move toward long-term, sustainable growth.

Promoting Strategic Practices for Fair Pricing
Mr. Rodrigo emphasized the need for strategic branding, improved post-harvest practices, and stronger buyer linkages. He highlighted that producer organizations that function cohesively and adopt market-smart practices are better positioned to negotiate fair prices and secure consistent market opportunities. The interactive session also enabled participants to share the challenges they face—such as fluctuating market prices, limited storage capacity, and lack of transport facilities—allowing technical experts to propose practical and sustainable solutions.

 Leadership and Expert Guidance
The discussion was conducted under the guidance of Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, who reiterated the project's commitment to empowering farmer organizations through targeted institutional and marketing interventions. The session was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Kumuduni Gunasekara, Agri-Business & Market Linkage Development Specialist (PMU); Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist (PMU); and Mr. Hemantha Dissanayake, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist (NWP).

A Roadmap for Enhanced Marketing and Livelihoods
Their collective expertise ensured that the Ambanpola PA received a clear roadmap to enhance its marketing operations as part of the broader Action Plan for 2025. This initiative marks another step forward in CSIAP’s efforts to strengthen producer institutions, improve livelihood resilience, and drive climate-smart, market-oriented agricultural development across Sri Lanka.

A provincial-wise group discussion began to finalise the Action Plan 2025 of CSIAP

Subject Specialists and Officers at the Project Management Unit and provincial offices along with Provincial Deputy Project Directors started discussing to finalise the Action Plan 2025 of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) under the supervision of Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director,  in the second half of the first day of two-day workshop on Preparation of Action Plan 2025 being held at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa.

Climate Smart Agriculture Technology for Catchment Development in Sri Lanka

Mr. Rasika Thusitha Kumara, Social Mobilize Specialist (Climate Smart Agriculture) from Palm Foundation in Vavuniya delivered a special lecture on Climate Smart Agriculture Technology for Catchment Development in Sri Lanka during the two-day workshop on Preparation of Action Plan 2025 for the CSIAP held at Irrigation Training Institute at Galgamuwa today (09th) with the Tamil interpretation given by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Gender Development Officer, Project Management Unit, CSIAP.

A two-day workshop on Preparation of Action Plan 2025 commences at ITI

                         Mr. Bandulasena                                      Mr. Manoharan                                                 Mr. Senevirathne                                     Mr. Rodrigo

To accomplish the objectives of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) by the end of 2025, a two-day workshop on Preparing the Action Plan 2025 commenced at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa, this morning (09th). Welcoming all participants, Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP stated the project’s goals to be achieved and how project staff work together towards objectives. Mr. S. Manoharan, Senior Consultant of the World Bank, delivered a lecture on Planning the CSIAP’s Activities (Irrigation, Water Management & Project Completion) for 2025, Mr. Jagath Seneviratne, Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant of the World Bank delivered a lecture on Monitoring & Evaluation of CSIAP and preparation for Project Completion, and Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo Agribusiness & Marketing Consultant of the World Bank delivered a lecture on New Agribusiness and Marketing Strategy for the CSIAP.

The preparation of the provincial plan at the levels of the deputy project director's offices and the finalization of the overall action plan will be discussed tomorrow. Group Works for the Preparation of the Subject-wise Plan and the Preparation of the Provincial Plan will be conducted during this workshop.Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP attended this workshop.

The CSIAP's EP Office commences its work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

In line with the “Clean Sri Lanka” national initiative, the official ceremony for the commencement of duties of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Eastern Province was held in the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in Trincomalee under the patronage of Action Deputy Project Director Mr. H. B. Anees, with the participation of the project staff. This marks a significant step in CSIAP’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, responsible waste management, and cleaner public spaces across the nation.

The CSIAP's NP Office commences its work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

 In line with the “Clean Sri Lanka” national initiative, the official ceremony for the commencement of duties of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Northern Province was held in the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in Kilinochchi under the patronage of Deputy Project Director Mr. George Babu, with the participation of the project staff. This marks a significant step in CSIAP’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, responsible waste management, and cleaner public spaces across the nation.

The CSIAP's NCP Office commences its work with ‘Clean Sri Lanka'

In line with the “Clean Sri Lanka” national initiative, the official ceremony for the commencement of duties of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in North Central Province was held in the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in Anuradhapura under the patronage of Deputy Project Director Mr. R. P. M Dissanayake, with the participation of the project staff. This marks a significant step in CSIAP’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, responsible waste management, and cleaner public spaces across the nation.