As part of a recent field visit, the Project Director and team visited the Thambarawewa tank under the Babewa Cascade in Uddakandara, which was rehabilitated under the CSIAP initiative.The visit showcased the significant benefits of the rehabilitation efforts. Local farmers shared that they are now able to cultivate during the Yala, Maha, and inter-season periods without experiencing water scarcity.Farmers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to CSIAP for restoring the tank, which has greatly enhanced their agricultural productivity and overall livelihoods.

During the  field visit, the PMU team also visited the Rotawalawewa tank in Uddakandara, which has been successfully rehabilitated under the CSIAP initiative. Thanks to the rehabilitation, farmers in the area can now cultivate during all three agricultural seasons—Yala, Maha, and inter-season—without concerns over water availability. The farming community expressed their sincere gratitude to CSIAP for restoring the tank, which has brought renewed hope and stability to their livelihoods. Additionally, a 4.3 km-long elephant fence was erected by the project to protect 65 acres of cultivated land from wild elephants, further ensuring the safety and sustainability of farming in the area.

Karawdiganawewa tank in Uddakandara has been selected for rehabilitation under Phase II of the CSIAP initiative.The planned interventions include: Bund improvement Spill improvement, Desilting of the tank and Construction of water distribution channels. Once completed, the rehabilitated tank will cover approximately 15 acres of agricultural land and directly benefit 15 farming families in the area. This effort is part of the CSIAP’s  ongoing commitment to improving irrigation infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of rural farming communities. Marking the commencement of the rehabilitation work, the Project Director symbolically operated a backhoe on the tank bund, officially launching this vital phase of development.

As part of the CSIAP’s  ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, laser land levelling is scheduled to be carried out in Muwanwewa, Uddakandara, covering approximately 30 acres of paddy fields. This intervention is expected to improve water-use efficiency, reduce input costs, and support uniform crop growth — ultimately contributing to increased yields and sustainable farming practices for the local farming community.

A special coordination meeting was held at the Training Centre and Resort in Bogahapalassa, Kavanthissapura, bringing together contractors and implementing agencies involved in the ongoing construction work under the project. During the meeting, the Project Director stressed the urgency of completing the remaining activities and called on all contractors to expedite progress while strictly adhering to the agreed timelines. The discussion also focused on identifying key challenges currently hindering smooth implementation. Stakeholders worked collaboratively to explore practical solutions to these issues, with the shared goal of ensuring steady and efficient progress on the ground.

Stakeholders are encouraged to extend their full cooperation to support this momentum. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the timely delivery of key milestones and maximising impact on the ground. The CSIAP Staff in Southern has enhanced coordination with local stakeholders, optimised resource allocation, and introduced streamlined processes to improve efficiency. We are confident that these measures will contribute to faster progress and more effective outcomes.

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has provided a solar-powered water pump to three farmers in Siyambalagaswewa, Kawantissapura, to aid in the cultivation of seven acres of farmland, including four acres of paddy fields. The beneficiaries of this initiative are Mr. G.M. Upali Wijerathna (50), Mr. S. Premala (51), and Mr. M.A. Gayan (39), who are now better equipped to manage irrigation sustainably and efficiently. Mr. Harsha Sandaruwan, the Agriculture Instructor in Thissamaharama, is offering technical guidance and support to ensure the successful cultivation and optimal use of the solar pump system.

Mr. Sudath Vidanagamage, a 51-year-old farmer from Amarawewa, received a solar-powered water pump to support the cultivation of various crops on his 7-acre farmland. With the help of this solar pump, he is now growing banana, mango, brinjal, papaya, lemon, manioc, okra, and luffa gourds more efficiently. The introduction of solar technology has significantly reduced his operational costs—saving him approximately Rs. 80,000 per month in electricity expenses. This sustainable solution not only supports Mr. Vidanagamage's livelihood but also promotes eco-friendly farming practices in the area.

The field visits were organised and facilitated by Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Southern and Uva Provinces, with the support of his provincial staff.

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP