In an effort to enhance workplace communication and ensure professional email etiquette, the Climate Smarty Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) conducted the third-of-fourth Office Email Training Programmes for its employees in Northern and Eastern Provinces.  The training aimed to improve email writing skills, foster efficiency, and minimize miscommunication in professional correspondence. The training session, held yesterday (19^th) at the Management Development Training Institute in Uppuveli, Trincomalee, was attended by Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists & Officers and Supporting Staff across two provinces.

 Led by Mr. Danushka Gangoda, Manager with Mr. Uvindu Anuradha, Assistant Manager and Mr. K.V.D Lahiru Sulochana, Team Lead, SLT Digital (Pvt) Ltd, the programme covered essential topics such as structuring emails effectively, maintaining a professional tone, avoiding spam emails, creating groups to send emails, sending heavy files efficiently. Trainers demonstrated best practices for crafting subject lines, using appropriate salutations, and ensuring emails are both informative and to the point. Additionally, guidelines on email security and confidentiality were discussed to help employees recognize phishing attempts and safeguard sensitive company information. The CSIAP Staff actively participated in interactive exercises and real-world scenarios to practice their email-writing skills. The session also included a Q&A segment, allowing attendees to address specific challenges they face while communicating via email.

Welcoming participants, Mr. R. Umakanthan, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP in Eastern Province said “The ability to write clear, concise, and professional emails is a crucial skill in today’s corporate environment. we aim to equip our staff with the necessary tools to enhance their communication skills and productivity.”

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many employees appreciating the practical insights and actionable takeaways from the training. Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP in Northern Province accompanied his Northern Province Staff.Mr. D.V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist coordinated this training programme and Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, CSIAP organized it.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The workshop, which is organized by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), aimed at setting up a comprehensive farmer database, commenced this morning (20th) at the Project Management, bringing together Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from six provinces. The initiative seeks to enhance data collection and execute a Farmer Database with the support of Agriculture Facilitators working in 47 Agrarian Service Center Divisions where the CSIAP is being implemented.  

This database will serve as a centralized repository of farmer profiles, crop production, and training. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, the Project Director of CSIAP, emphasized the importance of maintaining the database. A well-structured database will allow CSIAP to make informed decisions.

Participants will engage in discussions on Project M&E Expectations of the World Bank, Theory of Change and Results framework, Project Reporting Requirements and ICR framework, Results Framework Indicators and data Requirements, Preparation of MySQL Data Base Structure and Analysis, Finalizing the Excel Data Structure for collection of Farmer and Tank Level data and by Provinces,  Identifying other Project Outcomes not captured under RF Indicators- contribution to the Economic, Social and Environmental outcomes, Surveys, Results Stories and ToR of Borrowers report/ and Planning Project Completion Event and Way forward and time plan. two group exercises on calculating Results Farmwork Indicators and calculating Results Farmwork Indicators- continuing will be conducted during the workshop. 

Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist, Consultant Mr. Jagath Senevirathna, and Mr. Udara Wijerathne of the World Bank contributed to this workshop. Monitoring and Evaluation Officers; Ms. Asoka Koralage from PMU, Mr. W.M.D. R. Wickramasinghe from NWP, Ms. W.A.D.B.W. Arachchi from NCP, Mr. M.M.A.Abrar from NP, Ms. K.Kartiga from EP, and Mr.K. L. N. Dileepa from SP&UP attended this workshop. Mr. D.V. Bandulasena, IDCB Specialist, Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi and Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, GDO were also present.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced the second of four Office Email Training Programmes for its staff at the Deputy Project Directors’ Offices in North Western and North Central Provinces this morning (18th) at the National Training Center, in Pothuhera, Kurunegala. This training aimed to improve the professionalism, efficiency, and clarity of email correspondence. It covered key topics such as writing emails, creating contact lists & groups, customizing texts & tables, transferring heavy files and avoiding spam emails.  

The CSIAP staff actively participated in discussions and hands-on activities, making the training engaging and insightful. Feedback from attendees indicated a significant improvement in their understanding of email etiquette, with many expressing appreciation for the initiative. Mr. Danushka Gangoda, Manager, Mr. Uvindu Anuradha, Assistant Manager and Mr. K.V.D Lahiru Sulochana, Team Lead, SLT Digital (Pvt) Ltd, conducted this programme. Mr. H.M.P Bandara, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP in North Western Province and Mr. R. P.M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP in North Central Province were also present.  Mr. D.V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist coordinated this training programme and Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, CSIAP organized it.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The progress review meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), which is essential for assessing a project's current status, identifying challenges, and ensuring alignment among Project Staff, was held this morning (03rd) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation. This meeting helps maintain momentum and provides a platform for discussing updates, risks, and the next steps of the CSIAP. Mr. S.M. Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP presented the project's progress with Subject Specialists and Officers.   Ms. Latheesha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development), chaired the meeting, which discussed key points such as Project Status Update, Key Issues and Challenges, Upcoming Milestones and Deliverables. Senior Officials of the ministry also attended this meeting.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

A team of the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) led by Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, embarked on a three-day field visit in Eastern Province to assess the ongoing activities and progress of the CSIAP. This visit, held from 27^th to 29^th this month, aimed to evaluate the implementation status, identify challenges, and engage with stakeholders to ensure the project's objectives are being met effectively.

Mr. Anees’s ability to manage the role's demands with such confidence, professionalism, and grace is truly commendable. Whether guiding the team, making critical decisions, or simply being a source of support and encouragement, he excelled in every aspect. He not only demonstrated that the Eastern Province team stayed on track to accomplish CSIAP’s objectives, but he also handled challenges with grace and professionalism. His ability to lead with such confidence and competence has been an inspiration to everyone. 

The Outgoing Deputy Director’s hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and the CSIAP is incredibly grateful for the effort he puts into ensuring the continued success of ground-level project activities during his time. The impact he has made while covering this role has been invaluable, and the CSIAP is so grateful for his contributions. The CSIAP thanks him once again for stepping up and going above and beyond to make a difference.