As
part of its efforts to improve rural livelihoods, the Climate Smart Irrigated
Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has constructed concrete channel linings alongside
agricultural roads in farming areas of the dry zone where the project is being implemented.
These channel linings help prevent water wastage by reducing seepage, ensuring
that more water reaches farmers’ fields, especially during dry periods. At the
same time, the adjoining roads have been improved to make it easier for farmers
to access their lands, transport agricultural inputs, and carry their produce
to markets. , thereby strengthening climate-resilient farming systems in
climate-vulnerable hotspot areas. This
combined development of irrigation and road infrastructure brings multiple
benefits: it saves water, improves farm productivity, reduces transport costs,
and strengthens the overall resilience of farming communities to climate
change. By connecting farms more effectively to irrigation water and local
markets, the CSIAP is not only improving agriculture but also helping to build a
better future for rural families across the dry zone of Sri Lanka.
To
monitor the progress and ensure quality standards, a team from the Project
Management Unit (PMU) visited the Southern Province today (02nd) to inspect the ongoing
construction activities under Phase II of the project. The visiting team
included Ms. Aruni Premathilake, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist;
Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist; and Ms. Sharmila
Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer. They were
joined by Mr. T.D. Bandara, Gender Development Officer, and Mr. Chandana
Pathirana, Technical Officer from the office of the Deputy Project Director for
the Southern and Uva Provinces. During the field visit, the officials reviewed
the construction of channel linings and agri-roads, interacted with site supervisors and contractors, and ensured compliance with
environmental and social safeguard measures. The visit also served to gather community
feedback and assess the benefits of the infrastructure for local farming
families.
As part of its mission to enhance the resilience and
productivity of Sri Lanka’s irrigated agriculture, officials of the Climate
Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) conducted an inspection visit to
multiple channel lining and agricultural road construction sites within the Bandagiriya
Agrarian Service Centre Division, which falls under the Malala ara cascade system.
These infrastructure developments aim to ensure consistent water availability
for cultivation and improve access to remote agricultural fields, thereby
empowering farming communities to engage in year-round paddy cultivation.
Infrastructure Development in ArabaddaIn the Arabadda
area, a 1,525-meter-long channel lining, along with an agricultural access road
is currently under construction. This initiative, valued at Rs. 46 million, is
being carried out by Liyanage Constructions Company. Once completed, the
project will directly benefit 192 farming families who cultivate around 300
acres of paddy fields. The availability of a lined irrigation channel and a
stable access road will allow these farmers to effectively carry out
agricultural activities in both the Yala and Maha cultivation seasons, reducing
dependency on unpredictable rainfall and addressing past challenges caused by
water scarcity and poor infrastructure.
Major Construction Works in KokaraA larger-scale intervention is ongoing in the Kokara
area, where Adambawa and Sons Company is constructing 3,200 meters of
irrigation channel lining and 1,500 meters of agri road. This project, valued
at Rs. 45 million, is designed to enhance the water distribution network and
transportation facilities for farmers in both Kokara and Arabadda. The improved
irrigation infrastructure will support the efficient delivery of water to paddy
lands, while the upgraded road network will ease the transport of inputs and
harvests, thereby improving market access and reducing post-harvest losses.
Uplifting Agriculture in ThammannawaIn Thammannawa, a strategic project being implemented
by Pearl Construction Company involves the construction of 2,100 meters of
channel lining and 1,000 meters of agri road at a total cost of Rs. 58.9
million. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly benefit 150
farmer families, enabling them to cultivate 300 acres of paddy in both major
cultivation seasons. Notably, farmers in Thammannawa previously faced acute
water shortages and were only able to engage in cultivation during the Maha
season. With the new channel lining ensuring efficient water flow and
retention, farmers will now be able to cultivate during both Yala and Maha,
thereby increasing their productivity and household income.
Support to Farmers in AnukkanwewaFurther strengthening the agricultural potential of
the region, C J Construction Company has undertaken a smaller yet impactful
project in Anukkanwewa, constructing 400 meters of channel lining along with an
agri road, at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.7 million. This intervention is also
expected to benefit farmlands in neighboring Thammannawa, by enhancing water
conveyance and field accessibility across the two areas.
Engagement with Farmer Organisations
During the inspection, the CSIAP officials met with Mr.
U.H. Nimal Jayathilaka, the Chairman of the Thammannawa and Anukkanwewa Farmer
Organization. Mr. Jayathilaka shared valuable feedback and expressed his
appreciation for the timely interventions. He noted that the infrastructure
upgrades not only provide long-term solutions to irrigation challenges but also
uplift the morale of the farming community by opening new opportunities for
consistent agricultural production and livelihood improvement.
The
tour was effectively coordinated and facilitated by Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayeke,
Deputy Project Director for the Southern and Uva Provinces, who played a key
role in organizing site visits and ensuring the smooth execution of the
itinerary. His guidance and support were instrumental in providing the visiting
officials with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing project activities
and community impacts within the province.
Story
and photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU,
CSIAP.
Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-07-02
