A field visit was conducted on 19 May 2025 to the Bundala Wewa Tank, part of the Wilmanna Cascade, under the Bundala Wewa Rehabilitation (Phase II) initiative of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The objective of the visit was to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works, review environmental and social safeguard compliance, and monitor overall progress.

 The following officials participated in the visit:

• Dr. Sithara Attapattu, Consultant – Environment Safeguard, World Bank
• Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP
• Mr. H.P.T. Sandaruwan, Environment Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Mr. T.D. Bandara, Social Safeguard Officer, UP, CSIAP
• Technical Team, UP, CSIAP

 Bundala Wewa Tank, located within a wildlife-protected area, is undergoing rehabilitation under CSIAP Phase II to support sustainable agriculture for fifteen (15) beneficiary farmers cultivating 12 acres annually. All necessary approvals have been secured from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), and the beneficiary farmers did not lose their Yala paddy cultivation due to the tank rehabilitation, as the tank bund had already been damaged for the past three years.

 The rehabilitation of the Bundala Wewa Tank was undertaken by W M Siri Construction, with physical works having commenced on 2^nd May 2025. Bundala Wewa Tank — the final reservoir in the Wilmanna Cascade — is now at the heart of a transformative journey. Fed by five upstream tanks before draining into the sea, this once-deteriorating irrigation source is being rehabilitated under CSIAP Phase II to improve the livelihoods of 15 farmers and ensure sustainable cultivation for years to come.

During the visit, the team observed that:

• 
  Construction Progress: Canal works are underway but were temporarily halted due to heavy, unseasonal rainfall. The contractor has adapted by storing materials mid-way within the wildlife boundary due to vehicle access limitations.
• Environmental Management: The site saw minor vegetation clearance; however, vegetation burning was observed and must be immediately addressed. A commendable highlight is the creation of a 30-ft wide temporary wildlife water well within the tank—an excellent step toward wildlife-friendly rehabilitation.
• Wildlife Sensitivity: Bundala Wewa lies within a protected zone managed by the DWLC. Elephant and wildlife activity is common, and tank water is being managed with conservation in mind. No artificial drawdown was necessary due to pre-existing bund damage.
• Safety & Supervision: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards are being followed, with the Quality Assurance Inspector also serving as a temporary Safety Officer.

Yet, community involvement remains strong:

• A Social Audit Committee (SAC) is active onsite, including two very committed female members who monitor daily progress.
• SAC maintains a logbook with regular updates and participates in quality control, especially during key construction tasks like concreting.
• Farmers, having successfully completed their Maha crop, are optimistic about resuming year-round cultivation post-rehabilitation.

• A wildlife water well to sustain fauna during construction
• Regular updates to SAC and visible female leadership in monitoring
• Community appreciation and support for the project
• Transparent environmental and safety compliance

Recommendations Going Forward

• Prevent Vegetation Burning: Contractors must be advised and monitored closely to halt this harmful practice.
• Strengthen Environmental Oversight: Regular visits by safeguard officers are essential to uphold E&S standards.
• Maintain the Wildlife Water Feeding Well: This temporary structure must remain until rehabilitation is complete.
• Enhance SAC Capacity: Additional training, especially on grievance handling, will improve local oversight and community trust.
• Sustain DWLC Coordination: Open channels with wildlife authorities are key to ensuring eco-sensitive implementation.
• Bundala Wewa’s story is one of resilience of land, water, wildlife, and people.

Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-05-22