Transforming Rural Lives through the CSIAP: The Story of the Kumara Family

Farmer Kumara's Paddy Field

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Sri Lanka is a  comprehensive initiative dedicated to improving the productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farmers, especially in provinces most vulnerable to climate change. Through targeted support, technical training, and modern infrastructure, CSIAP has empowered thousands of families to overcome traditional farming challenges and achieve sustainable livelihoods

Background: The Kumara Family’s Challenge
Mr. A. Nishantha Kumara and Ms. S.D. Ayesha Nilangani, a farming couple from Kawanthissapura in the Southern Province, struggled for years with irregular income and poor yields due to inadequate irrigation, unpredictable weather, and limited access to modern agricultural knowledge. Their main concern was ensuring a better future for their two school-going children, particularly through higher education.

 CSIAP Intervention and Support

Kumara and Nilangani are actively engaged in cultivation

Joining the CSIAP program in 2020 marked a turning point for the Kumara family. The project offered a comprehensive set of interventions tailored to their needs, including: technical training on sustainable climate-smart agriculture at the Thirappane Climate Smart Farmer Training School; specialized training on the proper use of fertilizer and leadership development; installation of a sprinkler irrigation system to ensure a reliable year-round water supply; access to high-quality, climate-resilient seeds such as green gram and groundnut; provision of a solar water pump, significantly reducing dependence on electricity for irrigation; an insect-proof net to protect crops from pests; and construction of an agro-well to guarantee continuous water availability. With these resources, the family diversified their cultivation—growing long beans and watermelon on three-quarters of an acre under protected conditions, and paddy on another three-quarters of an acre. The result has been a dramatic increase in both yield and income, with the family now earning a net profit of Rs. 150,000 per month. 

They are with the combined harvester purchased

Impact on Livelihood and Wellbeing
The CSIAP’s interventions have enabled the Kumara family to: cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of seasonal water shortages, purchase their own combine harvester by eliminating the need to borrow the same machine, support their children’s education, including purchasing a computer for online learning and improve food security, health, and home conditions.
The Kumara family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative  power of well-designed rural development initiatives. CSIAP’s holistic approach—combining infrastructure, technical training, and ongoing support—has not only improved their economic standing but also restored their dignity and confidence as farmers. 

A Model for Rural Development
The Kumara family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of well-designed rural development initiatives. CSIAP’s holistic approach—combining infrastructure, technical training, and ongoing support—has not only improved their economic standing but also restored their dignity and confidence as farmers.

Nilangani with AF Pathumi

Gratitude and Support
Their gratitude extends to the CSIAP team, whose support was instrumental in their success. They express their sincere thanks to Agriculture Facilitator (AF) Ms. Pathumi Dissanayake for her continuous support and encouragement. They  also acknowledge the valuable guidance and mentorship provided by the Agriculture Instructors, who worked closely with them throughout the process. The Kumara family now serves as an inspiration to neighboring farmers, demonstrating that with the right support, climate-smart agriculture can uplift entire communities and secure a sustainable future for rural Sri Lanka. 

“Thanks to CSIAP, our lives have changed. We can now provide for our children’s future and help others in our community do the same.” — Kumara family 

The Kumara family’s story encapsulates the broader impact of CSIAP: empowering rural families, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the environment. Their story mirrors those of other CSIAP beneficiaries across Sri Lanka, where the project has rehabilitated hundreds of tanks, introduced modern irrigation systems, and provided training and material support to thousands of farmers. These efforts have allowed families to cultivate more land, diversify crops, and consistently improve their incomes.

 Story and photographs by Pathumi Dissanayake,  Agriculture Facilitator, SP, CSIAP

Investing in Nature-Based Solutions: CSIAP’s Path to Climate Resilience

Is CSIAP investing in Nature-Based Solutions to build sustainable climate resilience and enhance ecosystems?
Yes. The World Bank–financed Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), implemented by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation (2019–2025), actively applies Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) using a Village Tank Cascade System approach. This strategy strengthens climate resilience, restores ecosystems, and improves climate-smart agriculture in vulnerable hotspot areas across 11 districts in six provinces.

1.Understanding Nature-Based Solutions in CSIAP
Nature-Based Solutions are actions that protect, manage, and restore ecosystems while addressing societal challenges such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. CSIAP’s adoption of NbS directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and aligns with Sri Lanka’s national climate commitments, including greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable development goals.

2.CSIAP’s Key Components Supporting NbS
CSIAP works through four integrated components:

• Agricultural Production and Marketing: Improves farm productivity, strengthens value chains, enhances market access, and builds the capacity of farmer organizations to ensure sustainable livelihoods and food security.
• Water Management through Cascade Systems: Rehabilitates and modernizes irrigation systems, promotes water-efficient technologies, and develops water harvesting and storage to ensure year-round water availability.
• Project Management: Establishes strong institutional, financial, procurement, environmental, and social safeguard systems to ensure coordinated and accountable implementation.
• Contingent Emergency Response: Enables rapid reallocation of resources to respond to climate shocks, floods, droughts, and other agricultural emergencies.
• Together, these components create a holistic, adaptive framework for climate-smart agriculture.

3.Major Nature-Based Interventions Under the CSIAP 
3.1 Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices
The CSIAP promotes sustainable, nature-positive farming practices, including:

•  Micro-irrigation (drip, sprinkler, micro-jet, rainhouse irrigation systems), crop diversification (green gram, cowpea, groundnut, black gram, paddy, chili, onion), inter-seasonal cultivation (green gram, cowpea, black gram), agronomic interventions (agro wells, solar water pumps, highland seeders, weeders, transplanters, poly tunnels, poly mulch, insect-proof nets, and mini tillers), climate-smart seed production, and climate-smart home garden development. A total of 44,155 farmers have adopted at least one improved Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practice, demonstrating widespread uptake across project areas.
• Regenerative agriculture, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimum tillage, to improve soil health.
• Erosion control through vegetation cover and conservation bunds.
• Use of compost and biochar to enhance soil fertility and sequester carbon.

3. 2 Tree-Based and Forest Interventions
The CSIAP recognises forests as critical for climate resilience through 

• Community-led reforestation and preschool-based tree planting programmes.
• Agroforestry and climate-smart home gardens that improve biodiversity and farm productivity.
• Catchment protection measures, such as the establishment of tree belts (e.g., Kattakaduwa-type green belts), to conserve water resources and restore degraded landscapes.

 3.3 Green and Climate-Smart Infrastructure
The CSIAP promotes environmentally sensitive infrastructure development, including:

•  Climate-smart farmer training schools (such as Thirappane) with eco-friendly designs and green concepts, where over 2,946 lead farmers (including 1,221 women) were trained between 2023 and 2025. 
• Rehabilitation of village tank systems to restore natural water flows: 457 tanks completed in 2024 and 185 ongoing in 2025. Following baseline surveys, participatory rural appraisal, hydrological studies, engineering surveys, and hotspot area agriculture development plans, designs and estimates were prepared to rehabilitate the village tanks using the cascade-based approach.
• Design of infrastructure based on environmental and social safeguards to ensure long-term sustainability of cascade systems.

3.4 Integrated Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection
The CSIAP integrates biodiversity conservation by:

• Establishing over 1,000 solar-powered movable electric fences to reduce human–wildlife conflict in multiple districts.
• Restoring catchments through tree planting, biodiversity-friendly land use, and bund construction. 
• Protecting wildlife corridors while improving crop security and farmer safety.

4. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Under the CSIAP
The CSIAP applies robust IWRM strategies, including:

• Integration of environmental safeguards into all physical works.
• Improvement of water quality through over 183 km of drainage canal rehabilitation and pollution control.
• Watershed management through village tank rehabilitation across 15 river basins.
• Restoration of over 1,500 agro-wells to promote sustainable groundwater use.
• Construction of saltwater intrusion control structures, including a 500-meter bund in Semmankuntru, Kilinochchi.
• Formation of 60 Cascade Management Committees and development of cascade-level water management plans to strengthen local governance.
• Capacity building, community mobilization, and participatory planning to empower local stakeholders.

 5.Sri Lanka’s Climate Commitments and CSIAP’s Contribution
Sri Lanka has committed to:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5% by 2030.
• Generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
• Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The CSIAP contributes to these national targets by:

• Enhancing carbon sequestration through tree planting and improved soil management.
• Reducing dependence on fossil fuel–intensive agricultural inputs.
• Strengthening climate-resilient rural livelihoods and green job opportunities.

 6. Outcomes and Case Study Highlights
The CSIAP’s NbS approach has delivered multiple co-benefits:

• 44, 155 people with enhanced resilience to climate risks (Number of people) CRI (The number of people adopted CSA practices can be reasonable assumed to have enhance resilience to climate risks.
• 6,976 people with enhanced resilience to climate risks – Youth (Number of people).
• 19,428 people with enhanced resilience to climate risks – Female (Number of people).
• 66,039 people with strengthened food and nutrition security (Number of people).
• 10,434 people with strengthened food and nutrition security – Youth (Number of people).
• 29,057 people with strengthened food and nutrition security – Female (Number of people).
• 4,120 Ha terrestrial and aquatic areas under enhanced conservation and management (Hectare (Ha)).
• Climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
• Economic growth via green job creation in agroforestry and land restoration.
• Biodiversity recovery through ecosystem-based planning and habitat restoration.

 7.Challenges and Moving Forward
Despite strong progress, CSIAP faces challenges, including:

• The need for stronger multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Limited monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
• Technical capacity gaps at grassroots levels.
• Funding constraints for long-term sustainability.

To address these, it is recommended to strengthen policy frameworks, promote public–private partnerships, empower communities through participatory approaches, and expand rational monitoring systems.

Conclusion
Nature-Based Solutions provide a cost-effective, scalable pathway for building climate resilience and restoring ecosystems. CSIAP demonstrates how integrated water management, climate-smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation can work together to deliver sustainable development outcomes. As climate risks intensify, scaling up NbS-inspired initiatives will be critical for Sri Lanka and other climate-vulnerable countries.

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

The Inspiring Story of Mr. W. G. Nandadewa and Family in Climate Smart Farming

Farming is a hardworking industry where dedication and commitment often yield amazing outcomes. In agriculture, age is not a limitation—intention and perseverance matter most. This is clearly seen in the story of senior farmer Mr. W. G. Nandadewa, aged 60, who continues to work tirelessly in the agricultural sector with the same vigour as a young farmer.

 A Family United by Agriculture
Mr. Nandadewa, based in Ranawarnawa under the Weeravila Agrarian Centre Division, is a shining example of lifelong commitment to farming. His wife, Mrs. M. Karunawathi (age 58), provides unwavering support and courage, managing her own climate-smart home garden with assistance from the Climate Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP). Their shared passion for agriculture has inspired their son, Mr. W. G. Dinesh Chathuranga (age 33), who has also embraced farming under his father’s guidance.

AF Ms. Nuwanthi exchanges ideas with the farmer

 Embracing Sustainable Farming Practices
Over many years, Mr. Nandadewa’s hard work and dedication have made him a highly experienced farmer. Recently, CSIAP provided him with a compost kit to produce organic compost fertiliser for his cultivation. Alongside the kit, he received specialised training in compost fertiliser production, enabling him to reduce his reliance on chemical fertilisers. Currently, Mr. Nandadewa cultivates pumpkins on half an acre of land using his own compost fertiliser. This sustainable approach not only benefits his crops but also sets a positive example for other farmers in the community. He is eagerly anticipating his maiden harvest, confident in the fruits of his labour.

Mentorship and Support
Mr. Nandadewa’s success is also attributed to the valuable guidance and mentorship from Mr. H. J. A. Malaka, Agriculture Instructor at Mattala, who has worked closely with him. He expresses deep gratitude to Agriculture Facilitator (AF) Ms. K. A. A. Nuwanthi and the entire CSIAP team for their continuous support and encouragement throughout his farming journey.

Story and photographs by K.A.A. Nuwanthi, Agriculture Facilitator, SP, CSIAP

Empowering Youth in Agriculture: The Story of Dinesh’s Long Bean Cultivation

The Climate Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is consistently committed to promoting and supporting young farmers across its project areas. As part of this mission, the CSIAP makes every effort to identify passionate and determined individuals who are eager to embrace modern, climate-smart cultivation practices. In the Southern Province, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP identified one such individual: Mr. W.G. Dinesh Chathuranga, a dynamic 33-year-old farmer from Ranawarana, within the Weerawila Agrarian Service Centre Division. Dinesh was inspired to pursue farming by his father, Mr. W.G. Nandadewa, who is also a beneficiary of the CSIAP. 

Cleaning up weeds

 A Journey of Dedication and Learning
Dinesh’s strong commitment and determination have set him on the path to becoming a successful farmer. His current long bean (Mea) cultivation stands as a testament to his perseverance and passion, especially as this marks his first experience as a young farmer. He was first identified through a CSIAP awareness programme conducted in his area. Recognising his potential, the project enrolled him in a three-day residential training at the Climate Smart Farmer Training School in Thirappane, where he gained in-depth knowledge of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies. To further build his capacity, Dinesh also received specialised training in compost fertiliser production, which enhanced his ability to maintain sustainable and eco-friendly cultivation practices. 

Support from Mentors and the CSIAP Team

The farmer was being guided by AF Ms. Nuwanthi 

Dinesh benefited greatly from the guidance and mentorship provided by Mr. H.J.A. Malaka, Agriculture Instructor at Mattala, who worked closely with him. Through the Farmer Business School programme conducted by Mr. Malaka, Dinesh was trained to approach his cultivation not just as a livelihood but as a viable business opportunity. In addition, Dinesh expresses deep gratitude to Agriculture Facilitator Ms. K.A.A. Nuwanthi and the wider CSIAP team for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout his journey.

Resources for Success
To ensure the success of his cultivation, CSIAP provided Dinesh with key agricultural inputs, including an insect-proof net and a drip irrigation system. With these resources, he successfully cultivated long beans on a quarter-acre plot of land.

Looking ahead
Dinesh is now eagerly awaiting his maiden harvest, a milestone that marks the beginning of a promising future in agriculture. The CSIAP extends its best wishes to Dinesh as he continues to grow as a climate-smart farmer and entrepreneur. His journey is an inspiring example for other young people to follow, proving that with the right support, training, and determination, success in farming is not only possible but rewarding.

 Story and photographs by K.A.A. Nuwanthi, Agriculture Facilitator, SP, CSIAP

The success of farmer Prabash: from struggle to sustainability through the CSIAP

 The Climate Smart Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is committed to transforming young farmers into successful agripreneurs by offering technical and infrastructural support. One inspiring example is Mr. H. A. Prabash Kumara, a 41-year-old farmer from Bathalaara village, located in the Nugayaya Grama Niladhari Division under the Wellawaya Agrarian Service Centre Division. Thanks to his determination and the strategic support from the CSIAP, Mr. Prabash has transformed his farming life and now serves as a role model for others in his community.

Farmer Mr. Prabash Kumara

 Before CSIAP: Struggles with Water and Profitability
“Before CSIAP, I struggled to cultivate my five acres of land,” recalls Prabash. “The biggest issue was water scarcity, and I made barely enough to cover labour costs, with no real profit.”

 Turning Point with the CSIAP Support
Everything changed when the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in Uva Province intervened. The project team identified Prabash’s needs and provided critical support: an agro-well to address chronic water shortages, a sprinkler irrigation system for his turmeric cultivation and an insect-proof net to protect his chilli crops. “These interventions were a real boost for me to move forward,” he says. With improved water access and crop protection, Prabash began cultivating: 1.5 acres of paddy, 3.5 acres of intercropped fields with pumpkin, mango, orange, gotukola, gherkin, tomato, and banana and long-term crops like guava and coconut. He proudly uses only rainwater and the agro-well water for his farming needs and even supplies water to five neighbouring families to help them continue their cultivation.

Managing his livestock

Sustainable Farming and Community Impact
Prabash has embraced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by using sticky containers to reduce insect damage, avoiding harmful chemicals and promoting healthier produce. He has also established his own plant nursery to meet the seedling demands of his crops. Transportation and sales of his produce are handled by himself, ensuring better market access and profit margins. With his thriving farm, he now provides employment to 12 individuals from Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, promoting social cohesion and inclusive development. In addition to crop farming, Prabash raises 15 goats and a donkey, using their droppings to produce compost fertiliser, which now makes up 50% of his fertilisation needs. He plans to expand his operations further with polytunnel cultivation, which will create more employment opportunities.

Farmer Mr. Prabash with AF Ms. Kasurika

Gratitude and Recognition
Prabash expresses his deep gratitude to the CSIAP, especially to Ms. W. M. Kasurika, Agriculture Facilitator in Wellawaya, for her unwavering guidance and support throughout his farming journey. He also extends his sincere thanks to Mr. D.V.C. Nishans, former Agriculture Instructor in the Wellawaya area and Mr. D. M. Sashika Priyankara, present Agriculture Instructor, whose technical expertise and dedicated assistance played a crucial role in the successful cultivation of his crops. The combined support and encouragement from three officers have been instrumental in his transformation into a successful agripreneur.

Today, Prabash earns a net profit of Rs. 200,000 per month, a remarkable turnaround from his earlier struggles. His journey is a testament to how targeted support, sustainable practices, and personal determination can change lives and uplift communities.

Farmer Mr. Prabash Kumara spoke with heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing how the CSIAP had transformed his life. “Thanks to CSIAP, my life has turned around, and now I help others grow with me,” he said, reflecting a deep sense of purpose and commitment to his community.

Photographs by Nuwan Dileepa, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, SP&UP, CSIAP
Story by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC&ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

The Field Visit Report on the Bundala Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II – CSIAP)

 
A field visit was conducted on 19 May 2025 to the Bundala Wewa Tank, part of the Wilmanna Cascade, under the Bundala Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II) initiative of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The objective of the visit was to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works, review environmental and social safeguard compliance, and monitor overall progress.

 The following officials participated in the visit:

• Dr. Sithara Attapattu, Consultant – Environment Safeguard, World Bank
• Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
• Mr. H.P.T. Sandaruwan, Environment Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Mr. T.D. Bandara, Social Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Technical Team, UP, CSIAP

 Bundala Wewa Tank, located within a wildlife-protected area, is undergoing rehabilitation under CSIAP Phase II to support sustainable agriculture for fifteen (15) beneficiary farmers cultivating 12 acres annually. All necessary approvals have been secured from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), and the beneficiary farmers did not lose their Yala paddy cultivation due to the tank rehabilitation, as the tank bund had already been damaged for the past three years.

 The rehabilitation of the Bundala Wewa Tank was undertaken by W M Siri Construction, with physical works having commenced on 2^nd May 2025. Bundala Wewa Tank — the final reservoir in the Wilmanna Cascade — is now at the heart of a transformative journey. Fed by five upstream tanks before draining into the sea, this once-deteriorating irrigation source is being rehabilitated under CSIAP Phase II to improve the livelihoods of 15 farmers and ensure sustainable cultivation for years to come.

During the visit, the team observed that:

• 
  Construction Progress: Canal works are underway but were temporarily halted due to heavy, unseasonal rainfall. The contractor has adapted by storing materials mid-way within the wildlife boundary due to vehicle access limitations.
• Environmental Management: The site saw minor vegetation clearance; however, vegetation burning was observed and must be immediately addressed. A commendable highlight is the creation of a 30-ft wide temporary wildlife water well within the tank—an excellent step toward wildlife-friendly rehabilitation.
• Wildlife Sensitivity: Bundala Wewa lies within a protected zone managed by the DWLC. Elephant and wildlife activity is common, and tank water is being managed with conservation in mind. No artificial drawdown was necessary due to pre-existing bund damage.
• Safety & Supervision: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards are being followed, with the Quality Assurance Inspector also serving as a temporary Safety Officer.

Farmer Challenges & Community Engagement:
For three consecutive Yala seasons, farmers were unable to cultivate due to a damaged bund, leading to economic hardship and flood damage. Though compensation isn't required this season, animal intrusions and lack of designated grazing areas continue to affect agricultural lands.

Yet, community involvement remains strong:

• A Social Audit Committee (SAC) is active onsite, including two very committed female members who monitor daily progress.
• SAC maintains a logbook with regular updates and participates in quality control, especially during key construction tasks like concreting.
• Farmers, having successfully completed their Maha crop, are optimistic about resuming year-round cultivation post-rehabilitation.

 Noteworthy Practices

• A wildlife water well to sustain fauna during construction
• Regular updates to SAC and visible female leadership in monitoring
• Community appreciation and support for the project
• Transparent environmental and safety compliance

Recommendations Going Forward

• Prevent Vegetation Burning: Contractors must be advised and monitored closely to halt this harmful practice.
• Strengthen Environmental Oversight: Regular visits by safeguard officers are essential to uphold E&S standards.
• Maintain the Wildlife Water Feeding Well: This temporary structure must remain until rehabilitation is complete.
• Enhance SAC Capacity: Additional training, especially on grievance handling, will improve local oversight and community trust.
• Sustain DWLC Coordination: Open channels with wildlife authorities are key to ensuring eco-sensitive implementation.
• Bundala Wewa’s story is one of resilience of land, water, wildlife, and people.

 Please click the Field Visit Report to read more.

Written by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganthan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP

Field Visit Report on the Murunga Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II – CSIAP)

A field visit was conducted on 19 May 2025 to the Murunga Wewa Tank, part of the Wilmanna Cascade, under the Murunga Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II) initiative of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The objective of the visit was to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works, review environmental and social safeguard compliance, and monitor overall progress.

 The following officials participated in the visit:

• Dr. Sithara Attapattu, Consultant – Environment Safeguard, World Bank
• Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
• Mr. H.P.T. Sandaruwan, Environment Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Mr. T.D. Bandara, Social Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Technical Team, UP, CSIAP

 Murunga Wewa Tank, located within a wildlife-protected area, is undergoing rehabilitation under CSIAP Phase II to support sustainable agriculture for nine (09) beneficiary farmers cultivating 30 acres annually. All necessary approvals have been secured from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), and beneficiary farmers have agreed to forego the 2025 Yala season to facilitate uninterrupted rehabilitation work.

The rehabilitation of the Murunga Wewa Tank was undertaken by CJ Construction, with physical works having commenced on 29 April 2025. During the visit, the team observed that:

•  Site Setup: A site office has been established, with machinery and laborers present; however, work was paused due to recent heavy rains.
• Construction Progress: Originally planned for completion in August 2025, the timeline has been extended to September due to unexpected rainfall over the last months.
• Environmental Compliance: Elephant and crocodile activity is common. DWLC regulations are strictly followed, including limiting work hours and retaining 30% of tank water for wildlife. A temporary elephant fence has been installed.
• Road Access: The road to the site remains in poor condition. DWLC has restricted road upgrades to protect the sensitive ecosystem.
• Site Conditions: No trees were removed; minor vegetation clearance was noted. Borrow pits and construction materials were observed; IA test reports are pending.
• Community Involvement: Farmers and SAC members have been engaged from the outset. SAC members were trained on material quality and site supervision. Due to wildlife threats, female SAC members face challenges in on-site participation.
• Livelihoods: An artificial drawdown was conducted. Farmers have requested compensation in the form of green gram seeds, which will be supplied in June.
• Good Practices: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures are in place, and the site logbook is being properly maintained.

Recommendations:

• Provide Livelihood Compensation: Expedite the distribution of green gram or alternative seed support by June 2025.
• Adjust Work Schedule: Re-plan construction to maximise dry weather windows.
• Enhance DWLC Coordination: Maintain daily communication to ensure environmental compliance.
• Safeguard Documentation: Clearly record and justify expenses (e.g., elephant fencing) for accountability and reimbursement.

The Murunga Wewa rehabilitation is progressing despite environmental and logistical challenges, with strong community engagement and adherence to environmental safeguards. The farming community appreciates the project’s support and anticipates full resumption of cultivation following project completion.

The Environment and Social Safeguard Officers provided guidance on addressing these concerns through community consultations and improved grievance redress mechanisms.  Recommendations were made to strengthen monitoring of safeguard compliance and ensure timely communication with stakeholders. The team commended the efforts of the contractor and project staff but emphasised the importance of maintaining standards in line with CSIAP guidelines and World Bank safeguard policies.

 Please click the Field Visit Report to read more.

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