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 

Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-05-08