Reviving Tradition, Building Resilience

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, where water is as precious as gold, the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) has breathed new life into the remnants of an ancient hydraulic civilization. By restoring the ecological components of village tank cascade systems, the Green Climate Fund financed CRIWMP project implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka has not only enhanced water management but also revitalized livelihoods and built climate resilience in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

The Wisdom of the Past Meets Modern Innovation

For centuries, Sri Lanka’s dry zone communities relied on intricate cascade systems—networks of interconnected tanks and reservoirs—to manage water for agriculture, drinking, and ecosystems. These systems were ingeniously designed with ecological components like tree belts, sediment traps, and interceptors, each playing a vital role in sustaining water resources, natural resources and livelihoods. However, decades of neglect, environmental degradation, and climate change have left many of these systems in disrepair, threatening the livelihoods of thousands.

CRIWMP recognized the potential of these traditional systems—by blending traditional knowledge with modern technology, the project has revived critical components of the cascade ecosystem, such as:

• Tree Belts (Gasgommana): These strips of trees along tank bunds act as wind barriers, reduce evaporation, and create habitats for fish and wildlife. They also trap sediment, ensuring cleaner water in the tanks.
• Sediment Filters (Godawala): Once a common feature, these filters prevent silt from entering the tanks, maintaining water quality and storage capacity.
• Interceptor Zones (Kattakaduwa): Located downstream, these areas act as natural bio-filters, absorbing pollutants and salts while supporting salt-tolerant vegetation.

A Cascade of Benefits

The restoration of these traditional components has had a transformative impact on the dry zone. Take the Moragoda Tank, for example. Once a barren, broken-down dam, it is now a thriving reservoir that supports year-round cultivation. Farmers who once struggled to grow a single crop now harvest twice or even thrice a year, thanks to the reliable water supply.

But the benefits go beyond agriculture. The restored cascade systems have:

• Enhanced Ecosystems: Tree belts and sediment traps have reduced soil erosion, improved water quality, and created habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife.
• Boosted Livelihoods: With increased water availability, farmers have diversified into fisheries, livestock, and home gardens, creating new and sustainable income streams.
• Strengthened Climate Resilience: By recharging groundwater and maintaining water levels during dry periods, the cascades have buffered communities against droughts and erratic rainfall.

 Voices from the Field

The success of CRIWMP is best told through the voices of the farmers whose lives have been transformed. Mr. H. M. Premaratne, Chairman of the Sri Sumangala Farmer Organization of Mamunugama, Kurunegala, shares, “There used to be a filter called ‘Godawala.’ Water filtered through it into the village tank, and the ecosystem was good. But over time, it disappeared. Silt and water both started flowing into the tank, filling it up. Through the project’s support we built four filters just like the old ‘Godawala.’ Now, even when muddy water comes from the front, only clean water enters the tank. The tank is always full, and our farming community cultivates two or three seasons happily.”

1. H. M Samantha Manjula Rajapakse, Chairman of the Pahala Aliya Wetuna Wewa Farmer Organization, Siwalakulama cascade, Anuradhapura, also attests “When we came here five or six years ago, there was no lake—just a broken dam, and an empty plot of land that had been abandoned for fifty years. We relied on rainwater to cultivate our paddy fields, and we could only grow one season. Then the CRIWMP project came to our village. At first, we didn’t even know what they were doing. But when the farmers and officers sat together, discussed, and created awareness, we understood the importance of their work. We joined hands with them as a farmers’ organization.”

He continued, “The CRIWMP project didn’t just repair the tank bund. They brought plants, gathered the farmers and villagers, and restored traditional components like the Kattakaduwa and Gasgommana. Today, we see a beautiful forest cultivation around the lake. The problems of silt washing into the lake and water evaporation have been solved. The water is clear, and even during the dry season, the water level doesn’t drop as much as before. We now cultivate both seasons, and there’s enough water for it. We did not know that the gasgommana had such purpose like this. We are truly thankful to the project for giving us this opportunity.”

Economic and Cultural Revival

CRIWMP’s approach is not just about water management—it’s about preserving a way of life. The project has rekindled pride in traditional practices, showing how ancient wisdom can solve modern challenges. Farmers who once viewed the old systems as relics of the past now see their value and actively participate in their maintenance.

Moreover, the project has fostered a sense of community. By bringing together farmers, government agencies, and local organizations, CRIWMP has created a collaborative framework for sustainable development. “We are not the same farmers we were when we started this project. We’ve gained so much knowledge about water management and climate-smart agriculture. We had heard about the old tank, but it was CRIWMP that brought it to life for us again. Now, we have a tank for our future generations. We can proudly show them this tank and say, ‘This is ours.’ We are very happy about it,” says R. H. M Samantha Manjula Rajapakse.

This interdisciplinary approach has ensured that solutions are holistic, addressing not just water management but also agriculture, fisheries, environmental conservation, and has had a hand in reviving the the dry-zone ecosystem.

A Model for the Future

CRIWMP’s success lies in its ability to integrate natural resource management with livelihood improvement and climate resilience. By restoring traditional cascade systems, the project has demonstrated that sustainable development is not about reinventing the wheel but about building on what already works.

As Sri Lanka faces the growing challenges of climate change, CRIWMP’s model offers a blueprint for resilience. It shows that by valuing traditional knowledge, fostering community engagement, and leveraging modern technology, we can create a future where both people and nature thrive.

A Legacy for Generations

The story of CRIWMP is one of hope and transformation. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and respect for tradition. As the farmers of Mamunugama and Siwalakulama proudly say, “We now have a tank for our future generations.” CRIWMP has inculcated that the dry zone’s cascades are not just a relic of the past—they are a foundation for a resilient and prosperous future.

By restoring the ecology of the dry zone, CRIWMP has not only secured water and livelihoods but also reconnected communities with their heritage. In doing so, it has shown that the path to climate resilience is paved with the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future.