The World Bank officials, visiting the implementation sites of the CSIAP as part of the 14th Implementation Support Mission, were warmly welcome CSIAP’s beneficiary farmers in North Central Province. This mission is designed to ensure that the project is progressing as planned, identify challenges, and provide technical assistance wherever needed to facilitate effective implementation. 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. Saumya Srivastava (Agriculture Specialist and CSIAP ICR Author), Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan (Senior Consultant, Agriculture and Rural Development), Jagath Seneviratne (Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant) and Mr. Sanjiva Rodrigo (Value Chain and Agribusiness Consultant) of the World Bank joined the mission.

Here’s an overview of what it generally entails:

• Monitor project progress: Evaluate whether the project is progressing according to the planned timeline, budget, and outcomes.
• Identify and resolve problems: Detect any issues early on in terms of environmental/social safeguards. and work with the client to resolve them.
• Ensure compliance: Ensure that the project aligns with and adheres to World Bank policies such as financial management, procurement, environmental and social safeguards etc.
• Strengthen capacity: Provide technical support or training to implementing agencies as required.
• Documentation: The mission typically results in an Aide-Memoire that outlines key findings, recommendations, and agreed next steps, and may be accompanied by a Management Letter if deemed necessary.

 The following activities are carried out during a Mission:

• Field visits to project sites
• Meetings with implementing agencies and beneficiaries
• Review of financial records and procurement documentation
• Discussions on risks and mitigation strategies

The World Bank Officials visited several sites in Anuradhapura as follows:

The World Bank officials began their field visit from ‘Etaurulewa Wewa (Lake)’ in ‘Nabadawewa’ Cascade, a stunning lake nestled among cherished trees, now undergoing rehabilitation under the second phase of the CSIAP. As they took in the scenic beauty and ongoing rehabilitation work, the officials engaged in a warm and insightful exchange with members of the Social Audit Committee under ‘Etaurulewa Wewa’ of the Farmers at ‘Samagi’ Farmer Organization, headed by Mr. Susil Rajapaksha. This Social Audit Committee is the community-led group which plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability by closely monitoring the progress of the lake’s rehabilitation process. The visit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, where officials and farmers openly discussed the rehabilitation efforts and their broader impact. Amidst the conversation, farmers candidly shared the everyday challenges they face and expressed heartfelt requests for essential support, such as the installation of elephant fences to protect their crops and drying machines to help preserve their harvests. The visit was not just a review of progress, but a vibrant exchange of ideas, concerns, and aspirations for sustainable development. 

The next stop on the visit took the officials to Mr. Sujeewa Rajapaksha’s farm in ‘Nabadawewa’, where innovation and sustainability are visibly taking root. With support from CSIAP, Mr. Sujeewa has embraced modern agricultural techniques, his fields now flourish under a drip irrigation system and protective insect nets, both provided through CSIAP. As he proudly walked the officials through his farm, he explained how these technologies have revolutionized their water use, allowing every drop to be maximized in an area where water scarcity is a key concern. Beyond infrastructure, Mr. Sujeewa highlighted the holistic support offered by CSIAP, including ongoing training, technical guidance, and advisory services. He also received an agro well and a solar-powered system, significantly reducing the cost and effort of accessing water for irrigation. With visible gratitude, he shared that one of his family members had the opportunity to attend the Agriculture Training Programme at the Farmer School in ‘Thirappane’, which is initiated under CSIAP to empower local farmers with climate-smart agricultural skills and knowledge. His story stood as a testament to how targeted support and innovation can transform lives and livelihoods.   The journey continued to Mr. Susil Rajapaksha’s home, where the officials were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by him and a group of fellow farmers. Among them was Mrs. Swarnalatha, who graciously shared her story, one of resilience, transformation, and newfound opportunity. With a quiet pride, she spoke of how life has changed since becoming involved with the CSIAP. Together with her husband, she cultivates rice in their paddy fields while maintaining a flourishing home garden that provides not only for their family but also generates extra income through the sale of surplus produce. A passionate cultivator, she has ventured into growing ‘naimiris’, a local variety of bonnet chilli, and even sells the chilli plants, which has become a rewarding and steady source of income. She credited the CSIAP for offering much more than materials; it brought knowledge, guidance, and confidence. The installation of an agro well and a solar-powered system significantly reduced their water-related costs, while training sessions and technical support introduced them to climate-smart practices such as drip irrigation and the use of insect-resistant nets. What stood out most in Mrs. Swarnalatha’s testimony was her belief that the change brought about by CSIAP was not merely beneficial but truly transformative. ‘It’s not just our family that has grown,’ she said with heartfelt sincerity, ‘the whole village has started to thrive.’ Her story encapsulated the spirit of community empowerment and sustainable development that CSIAP aims to cultivate.  

Next, the officials made their way to ‘Nabadawewa Lake’, one of the region’s most expansive and breathtaking lakes in ‘Nabadawewa’ Cascade, to commemorate a significant milestone, the unveiling of the plaque marking the commencement of its rehabilitation under the second phase of CSIAP. Set against a stunning natural backdrop, the moment carried both symbolic and practical weight, signalling a renewed commitment to preserving and revitalizing this precious water resource. During their visit, the officials engaged in a warm and productive conversation with members of the Social Audit Committee from the ‘Nabadawewa’ Farmer Organization, led by Mr. K. Dissanayake. This committee plays a vital role in community-led monitoring, ensuring that every step of the rehabilitation process remains transparent, accountable, and in tune with local needs. The officials took time to observe the committee’s ongoing work and appreciated their active involvement in overseeing such a critical initiative. Their discussions extended into the technical and logistical aspects of the rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of collective effort in restoring the lake to its full ecological and agricultural potential.

The journey then led the officials to ‘Horanakkarayagama’ in ‘Puliyankadawala’, where they visited the vibrant farm of Mrs. Deepika Kumari, a place where collective spirit and sustainable farming go hand in hand. Alongside her fellow farmers, she cultivates the land not just with dedication, but with a deep sense of community and innovation. Welcoming the visitors with genuine warmth, Mrs. Kumari proudly showcased the transformative support they have received through the CSIAP. With enthusiasm, she spoke of the facilities now powering their efforts, an agro well and solar system that have lifted the burden of water scarcity, drip irrigation systems that make every drop count, and insect-proof nets and polytunnels that protect their crops while promoting sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. These tools, she emphasized, have not only enhanced productivity but also ensured resilience in the face of changing weather patterns. More than the infrastructure, however, she expressed deep appreciation for the guidance and technical expertise provided by CSIAP, support that has empowered her and her community to farm smarter, greener, and together

Mr. K. Premathilake shared his experience, describing the remarkable transformation brought about by the introduction of laser-levelled paddy fields. Compared to the past, this modern approach has made a remarkable difference. Tasks that once took days are now completed in hours. From ploughing to planting, every step is easier, more efficient, and far less time-consuming. For these farmers, this technology hasn’t just improved the land, it has given them back precious time and energy to invest in growing their future. Furthermore, the officials had the opportunity to witness how the rehabilitated ‘Horanakkarayagama Lake’ was now sustaining vibrant agricultural activity during the ‘Yala’ season, a striking contrast to past limitations. As they moved through the fields, they saw farmers making the most of every drop, not only through improved irrigation but also by embracing innovation. One such example was Mr. K. Wijayakumara, who demonstrated how he had transitioned to using modern seed-sowing technology this season, a leap forward from the more traditional methods he employed before CSIAP was implemented. His story reflected a broader shift, where access to water and technology is not just transforming farming practices, but reshaping futures.

Next, the officials visited Mr. S.M.S. Samaraweera and his group of enthusiastic farmers, who proudly introduced their forward-thinking initiative, the ‘group village’ concept. This idea revolves around unity, shared purpose, and land consolidation, where farmers contribute their individual plots of land to create a collective farming system. Together, they cultivate crops, pool their resources, and share the rewards. A simple yet powerful example came from Mr. Samaraweera himself, he owns an agro well on his land, but instead of keeping it for personal use, he willingly shares it with his fellow farmers, ensuring water access for all. This spirit of cooperation marks the beginning of a new era, where collective resource use is not just about survival, but about creating pathways to prosperity. The vision does not stop at the field, the group aims to scale up, directly connecting with local markets and exporters, turning their collaborative effort into a sustainable, market-driven enterprise.

At last, the officials arrived at the meeting of the ‘Nabadawewa’ Cascade Management Committee (CMC), held at the serene and historic ‘Nambakada’ Raja Maha Viharaya, a beautiful temple nestled in the heart of ‘Nambakada’. Born from the CSIAP initiative, the CMC was established with a vital mission, to protect, sustain, and breathe new life into the delicate and interconnected ‘Nabadawewa’ Cascade system. The gathering was more than just a meeting, it was a living example of collaborative governance in action. Representatives from key government bodies sat alongside local beneficiary groups, all united by a shared commitment to preserving the cascade's natural heritage. Through inclusive dialogue and strategic planning, the CMC is crafting a roadmap for long-term conservation and sustainable water management, ensuring that these ancient waters continue to nourish both land and life for generations to come.

Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, graced the occasion alongside a team of specialists from the Project Management Unit, bringing their insight and expertise to the field. The entire World Bank Mission in the North Central Province was organized and facilitated by Mr. R.P.M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP in the North Central Province and the provincial staff. With the unwavering support of his committed provincial team, Mr. Dissanayake, ensured that every step of the mission was both meaningful and impactful, weaving together coordination, collaboration, and community engagement into a truly memorable visit.

Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-04-09