The CSIAP Opens Value Addition Center in Uyilankulam to Empower Local Farmers

In a significant step toward strengthening rural entrepreneurship and enhancing agricultural livelihoods, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) inaugurated a Value Addition Center in Uyilankulam yesterday (31st), under the Thunukka Agrarian Service Center Division of the Mullaitivu District.

The opening ceremony took place during the 11th and final Implementation Support Mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) and was graced by Dr. Sheu Salau, Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) of the World Bank for CSIAP, who formally declared the centre open. This newly established facility will be operated by the Malarum Pookkal Producer Society, a dynamic farmer-based organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable income generation within the local community. The Value Addition Centre is expected to play a vital role in enabling farmers—especially women and youth—to diversify their agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, and earn higher profits through processing and packaging.

To support these efforts, the CSIAP has equipped the centre with a range of modern machinery and tools, including a groundnut decorticator, chilli grinder, rice flour grinder, coconut oil extractor, bag closer machine, and weighing balance. These facilities will allow producers to transform their raw harvests into market-ready goods such as groundnut oil, rice flour, and spice powders, adding substantial value to their produce.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Salau commended the dedication of local farmers and emphasised the importance of such community-driven initiatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. “Value addition is a crucial link in the agricultural value chain. It empowers farmers to move beyond primary production and capture greater economic returns from their hard work,” he noted.

Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, and Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director (Northern Province), along with officials from the CSIAP and members of the farming community, participated in the ceremony. The event concluded with a tour of the facility and an interactive session where farmers shared their aspirations for expanding agro-based enterprises with CSIAP’s continued support. The establishment of the Uyilankulam Value Addition Center stands as another milestone in CSIAP’s mission to empower rural communities through climate-smart, market-oriented agriculture—paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous farming future in northern Sri Lanka.

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

The CSIAP Hands Over Tractors and Laser Land Levellers to Support Farmers

In a continued effort to strengthen climate-smart agriculture and improve land productivity, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) ceremonially handed over tractors and laser land levellers to key agricultural institutions for the benefit of farmers. Under this initiative, one set of tractors and a laser land leveller each was provided to the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Northern Province, and the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI), Bathalagoda. These high-value assets, amounting to Rs. 24 million, will be made available for farmers to hire through the respective institutions, ensuring broader access to modern, precision land preparation technologies.

Marking the occasion, Dr. Sheu Salau, Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) of the World Bank for CSIAP, handed over the symbolic key to Ms. Suganthiny Senthilkumaran, Director of Agriculture, Northern Province, at the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP (Northern Province) in Kilinochchi yesterday (31st). Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP (Northern Province), welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of mechanisation in achieving efficient water management and enhanced crop productivity in the dry zones.  The ceremony was graced by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP, who witnessed the handover, and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development of the World Bank, along with officials from government departments and staff of  the CSIAP.

 This initiative stands as a testament to CSIAP’s unwavering commitment to empowering farming communities through the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and sustainable land management practices. By introducing advanced equipment such as tractors and laser land levellers, the project not only enhances farm-level productivity and water-use efficiency but also contributes to building climate resilience among smallholder farmers across the areas where the CSIAP is being implemented. 

The event concluded on a positive note, as all participants—representing the World Bank, the CSIAP, and partner government institutions—joined together for a group photograph, symbolising their shared dedication to fostering a more sustainable and climate-smart agricultural future in Sri Lanka.

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

Borrower’s Implementation Completion Report Presented at the World Bank Office

A detailed report on the Preparation of the Borrower’s Project Completion Report of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) was presented to the  World Bank officials at  the World Bank Office today (29th). The report was prepared by Teams Pvt Ltd, and Prof. Wimal Gunawardena, Chairman of the company, presented the comprehensive findings. 

Participation of World Bank Delegation and Key Officials
The World Bank delegation included Ms. Nevena Ilieva (Operations Adviser), Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader [TTL] for CSIAP), The World Bank delegation included Ms. Nevena Ilieva (Operations Adviser), Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader [TTL] for CSIAP), Ms. Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL / Senior Water Specialist), Mr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Ms. Anula Harasgama (Senior Financial Management Specialist), Mr. Shanek Fernando (Senior Social Development Specialist), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant – Agriculture and Rural Development), Ms. Sithara Attapattu (Consultant), Mr. Jayantha Ganesh (Consultant), Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne (Institutional Development Consultant), Mr. Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant), Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant), and Ms. Thanuja Androvita Gamage (Team Assistant). Ms. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author) joined the mission remotely.

The CSIAP Leadership and Project Team Engagement
On behalf of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, together with the Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, and other key project officers, participated in the session. Their presence reflected the strong institutional commitment to ensuring the successful completion and evaluation of the project. Senior officials from Teams Pvt Ltd, the consulting firm responsible for preparing the Borrower’s Completion Report, were also in attendance. 

The Final Implementation Support Mission of the CSIAP Commences

The final implementation support mission of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning (28th) at the World Bank Office under the patronage of Dr. Sheu Salau, Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) for CSIAP. The mission, which runs from October 26 to November 10, 2025, aims to assess the project’s overall physical and financial progress as it approaches completion on December 31, 2025.

Key Objectives of the Mission
The mission will:
(i) review the progress of ongoing tank rehabilitation contracts and other civil works, including downstream development, and assess any potential risks of non-completion;
(ii) evaluate the status of critical actions identified during previous missions, particularly the farmer-level database and the borrower’s completion report;
(iii) oversee the handover of activities that form the foundation for the upcoming Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project, with a focus on Cascade Management for Small Tanks; and
(iv) follow up on the preparation of the World Bank’s Implementation Completion Report (ICR). 

The World Bank Mission Team
The mission team included Ms. Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL / Senior Water Specialist), Mr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Ms. Anula Harasgama (Senior Financial Management Specialist), Mr. Shanek Fernando (Senior Social Development Specialist), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant – Agriculture and Rural Development), Ms. Sithara Attapattu (Consultant), Mr. Jayantha Ganesh (Consultant), Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne (Institutional Development Consultant), Mr. Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant), Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant), and Ms. Thanuja Androvita Gamage (Team Assistant). Ms. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author) joined the mission remotely.

Engagement with CSIAP and Government Institutions
The CSIAP team, led by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, comprised Deputy Project Directors, Specialists, and Officers. Specialists and officers from the Project Management Unit (PMU) of CSIAP delivered thematic presentations before the World Bank officials. During the mission period, the team intends to visit areas where the CSIAP is being implemented and meet with relevant staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Agrarian Development; the Department of External Resources; the National Planning Department; and the Project Management Unit.  

Recognition of the CSIAP’s Founding Leadership
Meanwhile, at the project’s kickoff meeting held at the Department of National Planning held on 28th last month, Additional Director General Ms. S. A. Batagoda extended her sincere appreciation to Mr. S. Manoharan, Senior Consultant of the World Bank and the founding Task Team Leader of the CSIAP. She commended him for his visionary role in conceptualising and designing the project, as well as for laying a strong and strategic foundation that has enabled the CSIAP to progress steadily and deliver meaningful results for farming communities in climate-vulnerable hotspot areas.

The CSIAP Introduces QR Code for Easy Access to Cascade-Related Resources

Enhancing Access to Knowledge through Digital Innovation
The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has introduced a QR code system to provide convenient access to cascade-related print and electronic materials through the CSIAP website. This initiative is designed to promote transparency, knowledge sharing, and easy accessibility among project stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

Supporting the Cascade-Based Implementation Approach
With the commencement of the project’s second phase, CSIAP has shifted its full focus toward implementing all interventions through the cascade approach. This model emphasizes localized planning, integrated water and land resource management, and strong community participation, ensuring that development interventions are sustainable and responsive to grassroots needs.

Easy Access to Information and Project Resources
By scanning the QR code, users can instantly access a wide range of materials, including technical studies, progress updates, multimedia content, and success stories from cascade interventions implemented across different provinces. This digital feature simplifies information sharing while strengthening CSIAP’s communication outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Recognizing Sri Lanka’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage
The QR-enabled knowledge platform also highlights Sri Lanka’s Ellanga System, or Tank Cascade System, which has been designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This recognition underscores the global significance of Sri Lanka’s traditional cascade systems and reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting this unique agricultural heritage through modern, accessible knowledge-sharing tools.

The CSIAP Conducts Transect Walk to Strengthen Future CM Planning

A transect walk 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—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 North Central Province
Recently, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP in the North Central Province organised a transect walk at the Ranorawa Cascade. The event brought together nearly 80 participants, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Divisional Secretaries’ Offices of Nochchiyagama and Mahawilachchiya, the Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Department of Archaeology, Department of Land Use Policy Planning, Farmer Organisations, and representatives from CSIAP. 

Participants gathered at the Agrarian Service Centre (ASC), Ranorawa, under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP. Mr. R. P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP for North Central Province, explained the objectives and methods of the transect walk to the participants before the commencement.

Crossing the Cascade: Observations and Data Collection 
The participants were divided into four groups, each starting from a different location to ensure full coverage of the Ranorawa Cascade: Group 1, from Talawa Ela; Group 2, from Meegasdigiliya Tank; Group 3, from the Agrarian Service Centre, Ranorawa; and Group 4, from the Cascade Boundary.

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 four groups reconvened at the Agrarian Service Centre, Ranorawa, to present their findings and share field experiences.

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 Transeck 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 Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Two-Day Workshop on Developing CMC Handbook Commences at Hanthana

Mr. Wickramarathna conducting the workshop

A two-day residential workshop aimed at developing the Handbook on Cascade Management Committee (CMC), organized by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), commenced today (01st) at the Rathnasiri Wickramanayake National Training Centre (RWNTC), Hanthana. The event was held under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP. The workshop brings together Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Institutional Development and Capacity Building (IDCB) Specialists, and selected specialists from the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the CSIAP, to collaboratively design a comprehensive reference guide for strengthening CMCs across project areas. 

Purpose and Scope of the Proposed CMC Handbook
The proposed CMC Handbook serves as a practical guide to strengthen the planning, coordination, and management of cascade systems. It provides a common framework and reference point for all stakeholders engaged in cascade conservation and development. Drawing on field experience and expert knowledge, the handbook promotes an integrated, landscape-based approach that balances environmental sustainability with community and institutional needs. 

Key Objectives of the CMC Handbook
Specifically, the handbook aims to:

• Provide clear guidance to CMC members, government officials, partner agencies, Farmer Organisations (FOs), and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) on their roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures in managing cascade landscape systems.

  

  Mr. Bandulasena addressing the audience

• Strengthen collaboration and coordination among government agencies, farmer organisations, local communities, and development partners to achieve shared objectives in cascade and landscape management.
• Promote coordinated action among relevant government agencies, local authorities, and communities to ensure efficient use of resources and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Enhance institutional capacity of CMCs and partner organisations to effectively plan, monitor, and evaluate cascade-related interventions.

Technical Facilitation and Expert Guidance 
Serving as the workshop facilitator, Mr Sarath Wickramaratne, Senior IDCB Consultant at the World Bank, guides participants through interactive sessions, discussions, and technical inputs. His expertise is expected to enrich the process of developing a practical and implementable handbook that will empower CMCs to effectively manage cascades, promote participatory decision-making, and ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture systems. 

Emphasis on Institutional Strengthening and Community Participation

Speaking at the opening session, Project Director Mr. Bandulasena highlighted the importance of institutional strengthening and community participation in cascade management, emphasising that the forthcoming handbook will serve as a key tool in building resilient and inclusive agricultural communities.  The two-day programme will comprehensively cover key aspects of Cascade Management Committees (CMCs), including their organisational structures, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, decision-making frameworks, accountability and governance mechanisms, as well as their integration with relevant provincial- and national-level institutions. The outcomes of this workshop are expected to lay a strong foundation for the development of standardised practices and operational guidelines, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of CMCs in supporting CSIAP’s overarching objective of promoting climate-smart and sustainable agricultural development.

 

World Bank Review Mission Emphasizes the Importance of CMCs and Guideline Development 

Dr. Salu addressing participants during the mission

Dr. Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), highlighted the role of the Cascade Management Committees (CMCs), their functions, and the need to develop comprehensive guidelines, as well as the associated requirements, during the World Bank Review Mission held at the Project Management Unit (PMU) earlier this year. The discussion took place in the presence of CSIAP’s Deputy Project Directors, Specialists and Officers, led by Project Director Mr. Saman Bandulasena, along with members of the World Bank team, including Ms. Anula Harasgama, Senior Financial Management Specialist, Ms. Thiruni Liyanage, Co-TTL and Water Resources Management Specialist; Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist; Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development; Ms. Saumya Srivastava , Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author.