Minister and other distinguish other distinguished guests observe as Mr.  Mallawaarachchi explains the CSA Centre’s social media platforms

The establishment of the CSAC is being widely recognized as a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to address the growing challenges posed by climate change to agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods. The CSAC is a key component of the Climate-Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) funded by the World Bank and, the center has been equipped with modern information and communication technology facilities and other essential resources to ensure effective and efficient operations. 

Following the inauguration of the CSAC, K. D. Lal Kantha officially launched the Centre’s social media platforms, including its blog, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube channels. Addressing the gathering, Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist of the CSIAP and the initiator of the social media platforms, briefed the Minister and other distinguished guests on the features of the blog, highlighting its role in knowledge dissemination and its effectiveness as an information-sharing platform.

 A key feature of the Centre is its role as a coordination mechanism. It will facilitate collaboration among multiple ministries, departments, and government agencies involved in climate-related agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development. This is particularly important in a context where numerous climate-related programmes are currently being implemented by different institutions, often with limited coordination. Officials noted that the CSAC will help harmonize policies, programmes, and investments, ensuring better alignment, reducing duplication of efforts, and maximizing the overall impact of climate-related interventions in the agricultural sector.

Vision for a Sustainable Agrifood System
The Centre has articulated a clear vision of becoming Sri Lanka’s national Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture, while also positioning the country as a regional leader in South Asia. Its broader goal is to support the transformation of the agrifood system into one that is productive, resilient, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

The mission of the Centre is to mainstream and scale up climate-smart technologies, practices, and policies across the country. This will be achieved through its role as a national platform for coordination, facilitation, and knowledge sharing aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agricultural development.

Key Objectives and Functions
The CSAC will focus on several key objectives, including strengthening national coordination on climate-smart agriculture, facilitating the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable practices, and promoting research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination. It will also play a vital role in building institutional and human capacity. Training programmes, technical workshops, and awareness campaigns will be conducted for ministry officials, extension officers, farmers, and agribusiness stakeholders. These initiatives aim to enhance the practical implementation of climate-smart approaches at all levels.

Another major focus area will be supporting evidence-based policymaking. By generating data, sharing lessons learned, and providing analytical insights, the Centre will contribute to more informed decision-making in national agricultural and climate policies.

Strengthening Knowledge and Partnerships
As a knowledge hub, the CSAC will consolidate research findings, best practices, and field experiences from across the country. It will facilitate collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to scale up successful climate-smart solutions. Importantly, the Centre will not directly implement all programmes. Instead, it will work in partnership with relevant stakeholders to ensure that initiatives are effectively planned, coordinated, and executed.
 
Strategic Importance for the Future
The establishment of the CSAC comes at a critical time, as Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector faces increasing pressure from climate variability, extreme weather events, and resource constraints. By providing a centralized institutional mechanism, the Centre is expected to significantly enhance coordination and long-term planning in the sector.
 
Among the anticipated outcomes are improved policy coherence, increased adoption of climate-smart technologies by farmers, strengthened institutional capacity, and better access to climate information and innovation. Ultimately, the CSAC is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring national food security while promoting environmentally sustainable farming systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve natural resource management.

A Step Toward Resilient Agriculture
In summary, the launch of the CSAC represents a forward-looking initiative aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape. By integrating policy support, technology, training, and innovation, the Centre is poised to drive the country toward a more resilient, productive, and sustainable future in agriculture. The Centre will serve as a cornerstone institution in Sri Lanka’s response to climate change, benefiting not only farmers but the entire nation. 

Ahead of the official opening of the CSAC, a ceremonial event was held at the main auditorium of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, setting the tone for what officials described as a transformative initiative for Sri Lanka’s agricultural future.
 
Pre-Inauguration Event Marks Milestone for CSAC
The pre-inauguration programme was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne, with the participation of senior government officials, development partners, technical experts, and stakeholders from across the agricultural sector. The event served both as a formal welcome to distinguished guests and as a platform to highlight the strategic importance of establishing a dedicated CSAC.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. W. M. U. K. Ratnayake, Additional Secretary of the Agri-Technology Division of the Ministry, outlined the vision and core objectives of the newly established Centre. She emphasized that the CSA Centre is not merely an institutional addition, but a critical national response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change to Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. Dr. Ratnayake elaborated that the Centre aims to serve as a national hub for innovation, coordination, and knowledge-sharing, enabling the systematic scaling up of climate-smart technologies and practices. She further highlighted that strengthening resilience among farming communities, improving productivity, and ensuring sustainable natural resource management remain at the heart of the Centre’s mandate.  

Secretary to the Ministry, D. P. Wickramasinghe, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of institutional coordination and long-term planning. He pointed out that the Centre would play a key role in aligning various programmes implemented by different agencies, thereby enhancing efficiency and ensuring better outcomes for farmers. 

Adding an international perspective, Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the global relevance of climate-smart agriculture and commended Sri Lanka for taking a proactive step in establishing a dedicated institutional mechanism. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s continued support for initiatives that promote resilience, sustainability, and innovation in agriculture.

Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project, shared insights into ongoing efforts to introduce climate-resilient irrigation and farming practices. He explained that the CSAC would further strengthen these initiatives by providing a centralized platform for coordination, technical guidance, and knowledge dissemination. 

The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. B.M.V.S. Basnayake, Director of the Agri-Technology Division. She expressed appreciation to all dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for their contributions and support in making the establishment of the CSAC a reality.

The auditorium event not only marked the ceremonial beginning of the Centre but also reinforced the collective commitment of national and international stakeholders toward building a climate-resilient agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. It set the stage for the official opening that followed, symbolizing a unified step forward in addressing the challenges of climate change through innovation, collaboration, and strategic action. 

The Climate-Smart Agriculture Center is a key component of the Climate-Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project and will function as a national hub to promote climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices across Sri Lanka. To ensure effective and efficient operations, the center has been equipped with modern information and communication technology facilities and other essential resources.

Operating under the Agricultural Technology Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, the center will serve as a national platform to advance climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices nationwide. It has been designed as a specialized institutional platform dedicated to promoting sustainable, innovative, and climate-resilient agricultural development. The center will also provide strategic guidance, technical leadership, and institutional support for initiating, planning, implementing, and scaling climate-smart agriculture initiatives across the country.

A central feature of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Center is its role in facilitating collaboration among institutions, departments, and government agencies involved in agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development. Its goal is to become a national center of excellence for climate-smart agriculture, leading the transformation of Sri Lanka’s agri-food system into one that is productive, resource-efficient, resilient, and environmentally sustainable. It also aims to position Sri Lanka as a regional leader in climate-smart agriculture in South Asia.

The center is expected to enhance policy coherence, promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve access to climate information and innovation. It will also contribute to the development of data-driven policies that support climate-resilient agriculture. The establishment of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Center represents a strategic step toward ensuring national food security and long-term agricultural sustainability. By integrating technology, policy support, training, and digital innovation, the center will play a vital role in transforming Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector into a more resilient and sustainable system.

With the launch of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Center, it will become the country’s central mechanism for advancing climate-smart agriculture, supporting farmers and institutions in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.

About CSIAP
The CSIAP aims to enhance the productivity and climate resilience of smallholder agriculture in selected, highly vulnerable hotspot areas. The project operates across 11 districts in six provinces within Sri Lanka’s dry zone, focusing on sustainable agricultural development and improved irrigation systems.

Six Years of Impactful Content
Over the past six years, the CSIAP blog has consistently delivered rich and informative content, including:

• Project updates and key achievements
• Success stories from farming communities
• Field-level innovations and practical solutions

The blog highlights major interventions such as Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, tank rehabilitation initiatives, social safeguard measures, capacity-building programs, and agricultural marketing efforts. Through these efforts, the platform has played a vital role in promoting sustainable irrigation development and climate-resilient farming practices. 

Growing Global Reach
Since its inception, the blog has attracted 223,418 visitors worldwide, reflecting its increasing relevance and credibility in the field of climate-smart agriculture. This milestone underscores a growing global interest in evidence-based agricultural development initiatives.

 Audience by Country
The CSIAP blog’s readership reflects a truly global footprint, with strong engagement from a diverse range of countries. Sri Lanka leads with 31.5k readers, followed closely by the United States (28.4k), Singapore (23.8k), and the Netherlands (22.8k). Significant audiences are also recorded from Brazil (18.7k) and Hong Kong (11.1k), demonstrating the blog’s reach across both regional and international knowledge communities.

Further contributions to the readership come from countries such as Russia (8.27k), Germany (5.53k), Vietnam (5.09k), and the United Kingdom (5.04k). Additional engagement is seen from Mexico (4.48k), India (3.88k), France (3.76k), China (3.41k), and Canada (2.49k). The blog also attracts readers from Argentina (2.36k), Spain (1.99k), Bangladesh (1.88k), and Indonesia (1.56k), while a substantial 37.4k audience originates from other countries. This wide geographic distribution highlights the blog’s growing international relevance and its role as a trusted source of information on climate-smart agriculture.

 By Operating Systems
Analysis of user access patterns indicates that the majority of readers engage with the CSIAP blog through Windows-based devices, accounting for 122k users. Macintosh follows with a significant 73.8k users, while mobile platforms such as Android (16.7k) and iPhone (6.14k) contribute a notable share of the audience. Linux users account for 3.78k visits, and a smaller proportion of readers access the blog through other systems, including Unix, iPad, and specific Android versions. These figures suggest that while desktop usage remains dominant, mobile accessibility continues to play an important supporting role.

By Browsers
In terms of browser usage, Google Chrome overwhelmingly dominates access to the CSIAP blog, with 202k users, reflecting its widespread global popularity. Other browsers such as Firefox (8.29k) and Safari (5.59k) also contribute to the readership, alongside Mobile Safari (2.67k), which indicates continued mobile engagement. Additional access comes from EdgiOS (1.88k), MSIE (1.07k), and Samsung Browser (938), while a smaller number of users rely on other browsing platforms. Overall, the data highlights Chrome as the primary gateway for users, while also confirming the blog’s compatibility across multiple browsing environments.

 By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

A Growing Knowledge-Sharing Platform
Over the past six years, the blog has consistently featured project updates, success stories, and field-level innovations. It highlights major interventions, including Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, tank rehabilitation initiatives, social safeguard activities, capacity building programs, and agricultural marketing efforts. Through timely and informative content, the blog has strengthened awareness of sustainable irrigation development and climate-resilient agricultural practices implemented under the project. Since its inception, the blog has attracted 150,021 visitors worldwide, underscoring its growing recognition and relevance in the field of climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. The readership milestone reflects not only the volume of visitors but also the increasing interest in evidence-based agricultural development initiatives.

Steady Growth and Expanding Global Reach
The CSIAP blog previously surpassed 125,000 readers on 10 November 2025 and continued its upward momentum by recording an additional increase of 15,000 readers by 26 January 2026. Today, on 12 February 2026, the blog proudly crossed the 150,000 readership milestone. This consistent growth demonstrates the effectiveness of CSIAP’s communication strategy and its commitment to disseminating timely, relevant, and impactful information. The milestone further reinforces the blog’s role as a trusted digital platform for sharing knowledge on climate-smart irrigation, agricultural resilience, and sustainable rural development both in Sri Lanka and across the globe.

By Countries
The CSIAP Blog continues to demonstrate its strong and expanding global presence, reaching a total readership of over 150,000 worldwide. Sri Lanka leads with 30.8k readers, reflecting the strong national engagement with project activities and knowledge products. Internationally, the blog has attracted significant readership from the Netherlands (22.5k), Singapore (20.1k), and the United States (16.4k), highlighting its growing global relevance. Other notable audiences include Hong Kong (11k), Brazil (8.23k), Russia (7.14k), Vietnam (3.73k), Mexico (3.2k), China (2.89k), Germany (2.73k), and France (1.97k). The United Kingdom (1.63k), India (1.23k), Canada (999), Sweden (958), Argentina (793), Austria (676), and Australia (614) also contribute to the international readership, while an additional 12.4k readers connect from various other countries. This diverse geographic distribution clearly reflects CSIAP’s expanding knowledge-sharing footprint across continents.

By Browsers
In terms of browser usage, Google Chrome dominates readership with 130k users, demonstrating the blog’s strong accessibility across mainstream platforms. Firefox (7.36k), Safari (4.63k), and Mobile Safari (2.67k) also account for significant traffic, indicating engagement from both desktop and mobile Apple users. EdgiOS (1.87k), MSIE (1.01k), Samsung Browser (932), CriOS (452), and other mobile browsers further illustrate the wide range of devices and platforms through which readers access CSIAP content. A smaller segment (584) uses other browsers, reflecting the blog’s compatibility across multiple digital environments.

By Operating Systems
The operating system data further confirms the blog’s broad technological reach. Windows users represent the largest share with 70.1k readers, followed closely by Macintosh users at 53.3k, underscoring strong desktop engagement. Mobile access is also significant, with Android users numbering 16.1k and iPhone users at 5.71k, alongside iPad users (401). Linux (3.54k) and Unix (445) users indicate engagement from academic and technical communities, while smaller segments include Android 11 (82), compatible systems (189), and other operating systems (154). Overall, these insights demonstrate that the CSIAP Blog is successfully reaching a wide, technologically diverse, and globally distributed audience, strengthening its role as a trusted platform for climate-smart agriculture knowledge sharing.

Below are three separate congratulatory messages marking the 150,000 global readership milestone.

Dr. Sheu Salau

This achievement reflects the dedication of the project team and partners who ensure that technical work is translated into accessible and impactful content. Knowledge sharing is not merely about visibility—it is about learning, collaboration, and scaling good practices. We congratulate the team and look forward to seeing CSIAP continue to inspire practitioners, policymakers, and development partners worldwide. 

Mr. D.P. Wickramasinghe

Message from Mr.D. P. Wickramasinghe,

As a World Bank–funded initiative implemented under this Ministry, the CSIAP plays a vital role in supporting resilient agricultural systems and improved livelihoods. The strong international readership affirms that Sri Lanka’s experiences and innovations are contributing to global knowledge. We commend the project team for their professionalism and dedication, and we encourage continued efforts to strengthen communication and knowledge dissemination for sustainable agricultural development.

Mr. Saman Bandulasena

Message from Mr. Saman Bandulasena,  Project Director – CSIAP

This growing global readership demonstrates that the experiences and lessons emerging from CSIAP resonate beyond national borders. As a World Bank–funded project implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, we remain committed to strengthening evidence-based communication, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and sharing knowledge that supports climate-smart development both locally and internationally. 

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

 CSIAP produced three cascade-related videos
The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has placed strong emphasis on the cascade system, which is a traditional and highly integrated water management system found mainly in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. To improve awareness, participation, and sustainable management of cascades, the CSIAP produced three cascade-related videos in three languages: Introduction to Cascade, Transect Walk, and Cascade Management Committee. Each video highlights a key aspect of cascade-based development and community involvement.

The Introduction to Cascade video explains the concept and importance of the cascade system. A cascade is a network of small tanks (reservoirs), canals, paddy fields, forests, and villages that function together within a micro-catchment area. Water released from one tank flows into the next, ensuring efficient use of rainwater. This system supports irrigation, domestic water needs, livestock, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge. The video emphasizes how cascades are not just irrigation structures but socio-ecological systems that connect people, land, and water. It also highlights the need to protect cascades from degradation caused by poor land use, deforestation, and climate change.  Videos in Sinhala, Tamil and English

The Transect Walk video focuses on a participatory field-based approach used by CSIAP to understand cascade conditions. A transect walk involves walking systematically across the cascade landscape with farmers, community members, and technical officers. During this walk, participants observe land use patterns, tank conditions, canals, bunds, vegetation, soil erosion, and water flow paths. This method helps identify problems such as siltation, damaged structures, encroachments, and water losses. The video demonstrates how local knowledge is combined with technical expertise to plan improvements. Transect walks also strengthen community ownership, as farmers actively contribute to identifying issues and solutions within their cascade. Videos in Sinhala, Tamil and English

Overall, CSIAP activities based on cascades aim to rehabilitate tanks, improve irrigation efficiency, strengthen farmer organizations, enhance climate resilience, and protect ecosystems. By combining technical improvements with community participation and traditional knowledge, CSIAP ensures that cascades continue to support livelihoods, food security, and sustainable water management for future generations.

Appreciation and Sincere Gratitude
Our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks are extended to Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), for his outstanding contribution in conceptualising and coordinating the production of the three high-quality cascade-related videos. Mr. Bandulasena’s vision and knowledge  were instrumental in transforming complex concepts related to cascades into clear, engaging, and informative visual content. His leadership in coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including technical experts, field teams, media professionals, and language specialists—ensured that the videos were not only technically accurate but also accessible to diverse audiences across different regions.

The successful production of these videos reflects his dedication, meticulous planning, and ability to harmonise inputs from various parties while maintaining high production standards. His commitment went well beyond routine responsibilities, demonstrating genuine passion and hard work to ensure the final outputs effectively support awareness-raising, community participation, and the sustainable management of cascades under the CSIAP. 

Mr. Mallawaarachchi handing over the book to Hon. Minister

The collection features articles covering key project activities under Component 1: Agriculture Production and Marketing and Component 2: Water for Agriculture. In addition, it includes compelling success stories that reflect the project’s commitment to social inclusion and demonstrate the tangible impact the CSIAP has made on improving farmers’ livelihoods across project areas. Together, these articles present a comprehensive narrative of the CSIAP’s contribution to climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management, and inclusive rural development. 

Articles published on the CSIAP's web and across CSIAP's social media platforms, including the CSIAP blog, reached a global audience of over 146,000 readers. The highest engagement came from Sri Lanka (30.6k), followed by the Netherlands (22.5k), Singapore (19.4k), the United States (15.8k), and Hong Kong (11k). Significant readership was also recorded in Brazil (7.88k), Russia (7.09k), Vietnam (3.6k), Mexico (3.15k), China (2.66k), Germany (2.64k), and France (1.89k). Additional audiences were reached in the United Kingdom, India, Sweden, Canada, Argentina, Austria, and Australia, with a further 11.3k readers from other countries—highlighting the CSIAP’s strong and diverse international reach. 

Mr. Mallawaarchchi was the foundational architect of the CSIAP's entire digital presence, a role he has meticulously executed since the project's inception in 2019. This involved far more than merely creating accounts; it required profound strategic foresight to first define the project's online identity, from establishing a consistent brand voice and visual aesthetic to identifying key target audiences and plotting a long-term content strategy aligned with the CSIAP's core mission. Please click on Showcasing CSIAP Excellence to read.

Photograph by Samal Perera, MALLI

CMC book is being presented to the minister by Mr. Saman Bandulasena

The handbook is expected to serve as a key reference for Cascade Management Committees, government agencies, farmer organisations, and development partners, supporting more integrated, participatory, and sustainable approaches to cascade and landscape management across the country. 

This handbook provides a common framework and reference for all stakeholders engaged in cascade conservation and development. Drawing on field experience and expert knowledge, it promotes an integrated, landscape-based approach that balances environmental sustainability with community and institutional needs.

Prof. Wickramasighe delivering his speech

Specifically, the handbook seeks to provide clear and practical guidance to Cascade Management Committee (CMC) members, government officials, partner agencies, Farmer Organisations (FOs), and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) by clearly defining their roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures in the management of cascade landscape systems. By establishing a shared understanding of institutional mandates and processes, the handbook supports more effective and accountable governance of cascade systems at the local and landscape levels. 

The CMC Handbook launch ceramony  in full swing

The handbook also promotes coordinated action among relevant government agencies, local authorities, and communities to ensure the efficient use of financial, technical, and natural resources. Through improved alignment of plans and activities, it seeks to minimize duplication of efforts, reduce institutional overlaps, and enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of cascade-related initiatives.

Furthermore, the handbook focuses on strengthening the institutional capacities of CMCs and partner organisations to effectively plan, monitor, and evaluate cascade-related interventions. By enhancing skills, systems, and tools for evidence-based decision-making, it supports the implementation of well-coordinated, climate-resilient, and sustainable cascade management practices across Sri Lanka.

Content Designer and Consultant Editor of the CMC Handbook, Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, emphasized the critical importance of this handbook and its role in shaping the future of Cascade Management. He highlighted how the handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for planners, practitioners, and policymakers by integrating traditional knowledge with modern management principles. According to him, the handbook provides practical frameworks and strategic insights that support informed decision-making, capacity building, and community participation.

Mr. Wickramarathne addressing the audience

A significant milestone moment was marked when the CMC Handbook was formally presented to Hon. Minister Lal Kantha by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of CSIAP. This symbolic presentation underscored the importance of the handbook as a strategic knowledge resource for strengthening Cascade Management practices. The occasion reflected the collective efforts of stakeholders involved in its development and highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable management of the Tank Cascade System through informed policy guidance and practical implementation.  

The event featured addresses by several distinguished speakers, including Hon. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation; Mrs. Latheesha P. Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation (MALLI); Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the World Bank; Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director  and Mr. D. V. Bandulasena, Institutional and Capacity Development Specialist, CSIAP. 

Minister Lal Kantha                                                          Dr. Athula Senarathne                                              Mrs. Latheesha Liyanage                                                Mr. Saman Bandulasena                                       Mr. D.V. Bandulasena

In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the importance of strengthened institutional coordination, community participation, and capacity development in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s Village Tank Cascade Systems, while emphasising the role of the newly launched CMC Handbook in supporting sustainable, climate-resilient cascade and landscape management practices. 

The event was attended by World Bank Officials, senior government officials, including Chief Secretaries, District Secretaries, representatives of implementing agencies, and CSIAP staff, reflecting the high-level institutional commitment to cascade-based water resource management and climate-resilient agricultural development in Sri Lanka.

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP and 
Photographs by Samal Perera, MALLI