The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has commenced the rehabilitation of two key minor irrigation systems—Weerakatiya Wewa and Gamunu Wewa—located in Pelwatta, under the Buttala Agrarian Service Centre Division in Uva Province. With a total investment of Rs. 71.8 million, this intervention aims to enhance water security, boost paddy cultivation, and build climate resilience among local smallholder farmers.

The rehabilitation of the Weerakatiya Wewa officially began on 3rd July 2025 to enhance water availability and improve the livelihoods of local farming communities. 

• Improvement of the 800-meter-long bund, which is crucial for strengthening the tank’s structural integrity and ensuring long-term water storage.
• Rehabilitation of the existing spillway to manage overflow during the rainy season and reduce the risk of flooding.
• Construction of 122 new farm turnouts, which will improve water distribution directly to individual farmlands.
• Installation of a new sluice gate to regulate water release more efficiently and equitably across the command area

Doubling Cultivation Capacity

This expansion is expected to significantly increase paddy production during both Yala and Maha seasons, enhance food security, and improve the household incomes and livelihoods of the local farming community. The rehabilitation is expected to directly contribute to the following outcomes: Increased cropping intensity due to reliable irrigation, Reduction in water losses thanks to improved water control structures and Improved climate resilience for smallholder farmers through sustainable water resource management.

PMU Officials Witnessed the Rehabilitation Work
The commencement of the Weerakatiya Wewa Rehabilitation project was marked by the presence of a team from the Project Management Unit (PMU),  CSIAP. The 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. Additionally, Mr. T.D. Bandara, Gender Development Officer from the office of the Deputy Project Director for the Southern and Uva Provinces, also participated in the event. This collaborative effort highlights the integrated approach towards environmental, social, and gender considerations in the rehabilitation of the Weerakatiya Wewa.

Gamunu Wewa Rehabilitation  to Enable Year-Round Paddy Cultivation in UP

The rehabilitation already commenced this year

• Channel lining for 300 meters to reduce seepage and ensure efficient delivery of irrigation water
• Bund strengthening to enhance the safety, storage capacity, and resilience of the tank
• Spillway rehabilitation to allow for safe and controlled water overflow during peak rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding or structural damage

Improved Water Access for Smallholder Farmers
Gamunu Wewa currently supports 15 farmer families who use the tank’s water to cultivate paddy during the Yala and Maha seasons. However, limited storage capacity and outdated infrastructure have prevented them from utilizing water during the mid-season, constraining productivity and income.

With the completion of rehabilitation work, the tank will be able to store and distribute water more efficiently, enabling cultivation across all three cropping seasons — Yala, Maha, and the inter-monsoonal mid-season. This means: Increased cropping intensity and better land utilization, Improved income stability through additional harvests, Reduced risk of crop failure due to improved irrigation control and Greater resilience to climate variability, especially prolonged dry spells

Sustainability and Farmer Empowerment
The CSIAP places a strong emphasis on sustainability and community participation. Following the rehabilitation, the operation and maintenance of Gamunu Wewa will be handed over to the local farmer organization, ensuring community ownership and encouraging participatory irrigation management. This project is expected not only to enhance agricultural output but also to serve as a model for scalable interventions in other small-scale tanks in the province.

Monitoring, Guiding and Directing by the DPD, SP&UP
Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP  in the Southern and Uva Provinces, plays a key leadership role in the rehabilitation of irrigation tanks in the province. He actively monitors the progress of each project site, ensuring that work is carried out efficiently and in accordance with technical standards and project timelines. By providing strategic direction and practical guidance to his staff, implementing agencies and contractors, he ensures that each assigned task is executed with precision and dedication. His commitment to quality and timely implementation significantly contributes to the success of the CSIAP’s infrastructure development efforts.

Story and photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-07-04