• Pre-screening and Scanning: All high-risk sites, particularly those near forested or formerly conflict-affected areas, must undergo thorough pre-screening to detect potential hazards and prevent future delays.
• Mine Clearance Certification: No rehabilitation activities may resume without an official clearance certificate from accredited mine action authorities. The Vavetti Kulam site has since received formal certification from The HALO Trust.
• Safety Screening and Stakeholder Engagement: Hazard assessments and structured safety briefings are now mandatory to safeguard workers and surrounding communities.
• Awareness Programs: Comprehensive sessions on landmine awareness and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) protocols will be conducted for contractors and Social Audit Committee members at all CSIAP sites.

 Before recommencing rehabilitation activities, The HALO Trust completed a final clearance and completion survey at Vavetti Kulam. The resulting mine clearance report was submitted to the PMU and the World Bank for official record. As a final precaution, awareness and safety training will be held for all site workers and Social Audit Committee members, underscoring CSIAP’s commitment to ensuring safety and community involvement. This incident highlights the critical importance of conflict-sensitive planning and robust risk management in post-conflict development initiatives. The full documentation—including certificates, correspondence, and photographs—is available in the official project records.

Please click Identified Antipersonnel Landmines at the Vavetti Kulam Tank Site in Mullaitivu District  to read it, and click the Clearance Certificate to read it.

By Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Safeguard Division, PMU, CSIAP

The comprehensive report outlines significant progress and updates on environmental and social safeguard compliance and monitoring across all project areas. It highlights our continued commitment to sustainable irrigation infrastructure development, livelihood protection, stakeholder engagement, biodiversity conservation, and robust grievance redress mechanisms.

The CSIAP extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders and partners whose collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this milestone

Highlights of the report include:

• Environmental and Social screening of 179 irrigation schemes
• Progress on tank rehabilitation and cascade management
• Clearances from the Forest Department and the Department of Wildlife Conservation
• Livelihood impact assessments and mitigation strategies
• Active functioning of Social Audit Committees and Grievance Redress Mechanisms
• Community participation and gender-inclusive development
• Success stories include solar-powered electric fences for crop protection
• Implementation of the Code of Conduct to prevent Gender-Based Violence
• Environmental and Social Impact Management Plan (ESMP) Monitoring with the Photo evidence.

The report also documents lessons learned, good practices, and province-wise monitoring summaries across the CSIAP’s target areas. The full report is now accessible through our website under the "Publications" section. 

In addition to that, please click  The Bi-Annual Safeguard Progress Report on 20th March 2025  to read the report and click  Annexes of the above report to refer.

By Sharmila Shnamuganthan, Safeguard Division, PMU, CSIAP

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has intensified efforts to expedite its ongoing tank rehabilitation programme in the North Western Province (NWP). A special progress review meeting on tank rehabilitation work with contractors was held this morning (May 8) at Mahagethara Holiday Resort in Kurunegala, chaired by Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP. Mr. H.M.P. Bandara, Deputy Project Director for the NWP, warmly welcomed participants and outlined the meeting’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, accountability, and adherence to timelines in achieving project milestones.

During the session, Mr. Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP reiterated the urgency of completing all rehabilitation works within the stipulated timeframe. He stressed the pivotal role of contractors in ensuring the successful implementation of this crucial initiative, which aims to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity in the region. The meeting was organised and facilitated by Mr. Bandara and his dedicated provincial team, reflecting their continued commitment to the timely delivery of the project’s objectives. Senior officials from the Department of Agriculture Development in Kurunegala and Puttalam also attended the meeting, contributing their insights and support to the tank rehabilitation initiative.

Mr. R.M. Wijerathna, a 57-year-old farmer from Koskotagolla, Rambe, actively participated in on-site Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training under the CSIAP project. In addition to this, he received further training at the CSA Farmer Training School in Thirappane. With support from the project, Mr. Wijerathna was provided with a solar pump and a micro-irrigation system to enhance his agricultural practices. before the interseason period, he received groundnut and green gram seeds, as well as insect-proof nets to support intercropping. He also cultivates Cavendish bananas with assistance from the project. His successful adoption of CSA practices caught the attention of Mr. Bandulasena, Project Director of CSIAP, who visited his field during the NWP’s progress review to witness the farmer’s achievements firsthand.

Mr. G.B. Chandana, a 51-year-old farmer from Moragoda, Rambe, has successfully cultivated tomatoes with the significant support of the CSIAP He was provided with a micro irrigation system, poly mulch, tomato seeds, insect-proof netting, and GI pipes, which greatly enhanced his cultivation practices. Mr. Chandana also received practical training both onsite and at the CSA Farmer Training School in Thirappane, equipping him with valuable knowledge and skills in climate-smart agriculture. 

Mr. H.G.V.G. Nimal Karunarathna, a 61-year-old farmer from Moragoda, Rambe, received essential support from the CSIAP to successfully cultivate capsicum and chili. The project provided him with a micro irrigation system, poly mulch, and insect-proof netting with GI pipes, along with capsicum and MICH1 chili seeds. To further enhance his skills, Mr. Karunarathna participated in onsite CSA training as well as formal training at the CSA Farmer Training School in Thirappane. The farmer is exchanging views on his cultivation with Mr. S.G.I.P. Karunarathna, the Agriculture Instructor in Rambe, who consistently provides guidance and support.

Mr. S.G.I.P. Karunarathna, Agriculture Instructor in Rambe, conducts the Farmer Business School Training Programme on behalf of the CSIAP for members of the Other Field Crops Producer Society in Potthuwepitiya, Mahawewa. Mr. Karunarathna makes his utmost effort to develop the business and marketing skills of CSIAP farmers, contributing significantly toward achieving the project's development objectives. In addition to his work on capacity building, he also provides invaluable technical guidance and support to help farmers in Rambe cultivate successfully. The CSIAP sincerely appreciates the dedicated service he continues to provide to uplift the farming community.

A special thanks to Ms. Imesha Disanayake, Agriculture Facilitator in Rambe, for her dedication and tireless efforts toward the betterment of farmers. Her consistent presence at the ground level and strong rapport with the farming community have been instrumental in driving progress toward our project development objectives. We also extend our sincere appreciation for providing the necessary information and photographs that contributed to the writing of this article. 

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

More specifically, the CSIAP’s NPSC's mission includes

• Reviewing project progress and performance.
• Ensuring the project aligns with national agricultural and climate resilience goals.
• Addressing major policy, financial, and administrative issues.
• Approving annual work plans, budgets, and strategic directions.
• Facilitating coordination among different agencies and stakeholders.
• Ensuring risks are identified and mitigation strategies are in place.
• Supporting the sustainability and scalability of project outcomes.

Top officials from the MALLI, the World Bank, the Implementing Agencies, and the Chief Secretaries of the respective provinces were also present at the meeting. The CSIAP team, led by Project Director Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, also participated in the meeting, along with Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, and Project Officers.

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is actively promoting an agro-tourism village in Siyambalagaswewa, located in Kawantissapura of the Southern Province, under the visionary guidance of the Project Director. This initiative aims to enhance rural livelihoods, showcase sustainable farming practices, and attract visitors to experience the rich agricultural heritage of the region. This initiative aligns with the current government's mandate to strengthen agro-tourism across the country. As a key development project, CSIAP is committed to supporting and advancing this national priority. Agro-tourism not only supports rural livelihoods but also fosters a deeper connection between people and the land.

Sri Lanka, currently grappling with a foreign exchange crisis, could greatly benefit from promoting agro-tourism as an  unique opportunity for the country to earn foreign currency by attracting international visitors seeking authentic rural experiences. By showcasing traditional farming practices, local cuisine, and cultural heritage, agro-tourism not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also boosts tourism revenue. Visitors from abroad are often willing to spend on farm stays, organic produce, guided tours, and handicrafts—directly injecting foreign currency into rural economies. This blend of agriculture and tourism helps diversify income sources for farmers, strengthens local economies, and contributes positively to a nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

Benefits of Agro-Tourism: Agro-tourism offers a unique blend of agriculture and tourism, providing a range of benefits for both rural communities and visitors. Key advantages include:

1.     Economic Development: It creates an additional source of income for farmers and boosts local economies by attracting tourists.

2.    Employment Opportunities: It generates jobs in rural areas, reducing migration to urban centres.

3.    Cultural Exchange: Visitors gain insight into rural lifestyles, traditions, and agricultural practices.

4.    Education and Awareness: Tourists, especially students, learn about sustainable farming, food production, and environmental conservation.

5.     Rural Revitalisation: Infrastructure and public services often improve as a result of increased tourism activity.

6.    Preservation of Agriculture: It encourages farmers to maintain traditional farming methods and conserve biodiversity.

A team comprising subject specialists and officers, accompanied by the Project Director from the PMU, visited the Kawantissapura area today (25th) as part of the initial steps toward establishing an agro-tourism village. This initiative aims to integrate sustainable agriculture with tourism, enhancing local livelihoods, promoting environmental stewardship, and showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the region. The visit l included discussions with local farmers, site assessments, and planning sessions to identify opportunities for community involvement and long-term benefits.  Mr. Thisara Bandara, Gender/Social Safeguard Officer of the CSIAP in the Southern and Uva Provinces, briefed the PMU team on the concept of the Agro-Tourism Village. Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Southern and Uva Provinces, along with his provincial officers were also present.

A high-level meeting was held today  (10th) at the World Bank Office in Colombo to successfully complete the Climate Smart Agriculture Project-related work by December 2025.  The meeting brought together representatives from the World Bank Dr. Sheu Salau (Senior Agriculture Economist/Task Team Leader (TTL) for the CSIAP), Ms. Thiruni Liyanage (Co-TTL /Water Resources Management Specialist), Dr. Athula Senaratne (Senior Agriculture Specialist), Ms. Anula Harasgama (Senior Financial Management Specialist and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development), and Specialists and Officers led by the CSIAP's Project Director Mr. Saman Bandulasena to reflect on the accomplishments of the project and discuss strategies going forward. This session highlighted major milestones achieved, challenges overcome, and the collective efforts that drove the initiative to completion.