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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for GKP Knuckles
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DTSTART:20230101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251004T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251004T150000
DTSTAMP:20260504T204708
CREATED:20251104T054717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T054847Z
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SUMMARY:Project Launches Landmark Paddy Field Consolidation Programme at Rajangana
DESCRIPTION:Dumbara Haritha Saviya Project Launches Landmark Paddy Field Consolidation Programme at Rajangana\nRajanagana\, Sri Lanka — October 2025 \nSri Lanka’s journey toward modern\, efficient\, and climate-resilient agriculture took a bold step forward this week as the Dumbara Green Empowerment Project officially launched the Paddy       Field     Consolidation   Programme at Rajangana Yaya 18. \nUnder the leadership of Hon. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe\, Deputy Minister of Irrigation and Lands\, and Mrs. Chandika V. Ethugala\, Additional Secretary and National Project Director of the Dumbara Green Empower Project\, the initiative aims to revolutionize rice cultivation by improving land use efficiency\, irrigation management\, and mechanization. \n“Our goal is to raise paddy yield to 100–110 bushels per acre\,” said Dr. Ranasinghe. “This programme will be a key driver in achieving that national target.”\nWhy It Matters?\n \nFor decades\, Sri Lanka’s paddy fields have been divided into small\, irregular plots\, which limit productivity. The new programme merges these plots into larger\, well-planned fields — complete with dedicated access roads and systematic irrigation channels. \nThe first phase at Rajangana consolidates 108 acres of land\, benefiting 69 farming families and more than 740 individuals. This effort marks a major stride in transforming Sri Lanka’s traditional rice farming into a climate-smart agricultural model\, ensuring higher yields and improved livelihoods for rural communities. \n \nFrom Local Pilot to National Model\nThe concept builds upon a successful pilot project previously implemented at Nachchaduwa in collaboration with the Japanese Institute of Irrigation and Drainage (JIID). Following its success\, the Government of Sri Lanka now plans to expand the initiative across all operational areas under the Dumbara Green Empower Project\, and eventually\, throughout the country.This expansion underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable agriculture\, resource efficiency\, and inclusive rural growth. \nTowards a Greener\, Smarter Future\n \nAccording to Mrs. Chandika V. Ethugala\, this initiative strengthens climate-resilient agriculture in the Knuckles watershed region\, safeguarding vital water sources for both irrigation  and household use downstream.\n“This is not just a land programme\,” Mrs. Ethugala emphasized. “It’s about securing water\, livelihoods\,  and sustainability for future generations.”\nThrough innovative farming practices\, better irrigation planning\, and technology-driven field management\, the Dumbara Green Empower Project seeks to promote environmental stewardship and economic resilience among Sri Lanka’s rural communities \nKey Highlights\n\n108 acres of fragmented paddy land consolidated\n69 families from the Sri Vijaya Farmers’ Organization participating\n740+ beneficiaries expected to gain from improved irrigation and access\n\nLooking Ahead\n \nThe Dumbara Green Empower Project envisions scaling up this model to other regions\, supporting national goals for food security\, climate adaptation\, and sustainable development. With strong government support and international collaboration\, the project sets thefoundation for a smarter\, greener agricultural future for Sri Lanka. \n \nStay Updated\nFollow the Dumbara Green Empowerment Project on official channels for real-time updates\, farmer stories\, and insights from the field — as Sri Lanka leads a new era in sustainable agriculture.
URL:https://gkp.lk/event/project-launches-landmark-paddy-field-consolidation-programme-at-rajangana/
CATEGORIES:List Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251001T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251001T170000
DTSTAMP:20260504T204708
CREATED:20251022T041021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T095156Z
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SUMMARY:A Governance Structure for Integrated Watershed Management in the Knuckles Region
DESCRIPTION:Dumbara Haritha Saviya Introduces a Governance Structure for Integrated Watershed Management in the Knuckles Region\nIntroductory meeting held on 1st October 2025 at the Swiss Dale Hotel\, Matale\, to introduce the proposed watershed management structure under the Knuckles Project\, aimed at fostering integrated and sustainable  watershed  management. \nIn a major step toward sustainable environmental management\, the Dumbara Haritha Saviya Project under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has introduced a comprehensive Sub-Watershed Governance Structure designed to enhance integrated watershed management in the Knuckles region\, covering the Matale and Kandy districts. \n \nThe introductory and stakeholder consultation program was successfully held at the Swissdale Hotel in Matale\, with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders representing government agencies\, partner institutions\, and community groups. The event was graced by Hon. Gamagedara Disanayaka\, State Minister of Buddhasasana\, Religious and Cultural Affairs\, and Chairman of the Matale District Coordinating Committee. Also present were Mr. L.P. Madanayaka\, District Secretary of Matale; senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture\, Livestock\, Lands and Irrigation; and Ms. Chandika Ethugala\, National Project Director of the Dumbara Haritha Saviya Project. \nMore than 100 representatives from key state institutions\, including District and Divisional Secretaries\, Directors of Planning\, and Assistant Secretaries\, attended the session. The meeting focused on the urgent need for a structured\, collaborative\, and effective approach to managing the Knuckles sub-watersheds\, ensuring the protection and sustainable use of the region’s vital natural resources. \nDelivering the opening presentation\, Ms. Chandika Ethugala outlined the objectives and significance of the proposed governance structure\, emphasizing the importance of coordinated management for long-term watershed resilience. Mr. Nimal Gunasena\, Project Consultant\, provided a detailed explanation of the operational framework and implementation strategy\, followed by an interactive discussion moderated by Mr. Vikum Rajapaksha and Mr. Thusara Nayanananda\, where participants shared insights and recommendations for improving local-level governance mechanisms. \n \nThe session also featured a presentation by Dr. Lakshman Rodrigo and Mr. Navarathna Kandegama from the International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF)\, a key partner institution of the project. They introduced the concept of an Inter-Institutional Committee for Green Valuation\, underscoring the importance of recognizing the ecological and economic value of watershed services through institutional collaboration. \nIn addition\, the Media and Communication Unit of the Dumbara Haritha Saviya Project showcased a series of educational\, environmental\, and cultural programs implemented across schools and rural women’s groups in the Matale and Kandy districts. These initiatives reflect the project’s strong community engagement approach and its commitment to raising awareness on sustainable land and water management. \nConcluding the event\, Ms. Chandika Ethugala expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and confirmed that the Sub-Watershed Governance Structure and Green Valuation Committees would be established promptly\, incorporating stakeholder feedback and recommendations. \nThis milestone marks a significant advancement in building a coordinated and inclusive governance framework for the Knuckles region—one that fosters collaboration\, promotes green valuation\, and safeguards the integrity of its watershed ecosystems for future generations. \n“Through collective action and sustainable governance\, we can ensure the long-term health of our watersheds and the wellbeing of the communities that depend on them.” \n 
URL:https://gkp.lk/event/dumbara-haritha-saviya-introduces-a-governance-structure-for-integrated-watershed-management-in-the-knuckles-region/
CATEGORIES:Activity 3.1.1,List Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241224T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241224T133000
DTSTAMP:20260504T204708
CREATED:20251010T071816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T072522Z
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SUMMARY:A field experience sharing program with the GCF Knuckles Project staff on the Nachchaduwa Maha Irrigation Project Farmland Integration Study Pilot Project.
DESCRIPTION:A key component of the Dumbara Green Empowerment Project is climate-resilient\, sustainable land and water management\, or the maintenance of improved land and water management in the upper catchment and lower valley farmlands to protect agricultural production from the adverse effects of climate change\, and the efficient use of agricultural machinery is a priority. Before initiating appropriate activities in the Anuradhapura District\, which falls within the project area\, there was a need to identify a more appropriate methodology. \n  \nAlso\, in line with these components\, the most appropriate active pilot project was identified to identify effective regulations to increase the yield of irrigated paddy cultivation in the lower valley farmlands\, through the “Nachchaduwa Farmland Integration Project” implemented by the Irrigation Management Division of the Ministry of Irrigation. Based on the results obtained from this pilot study project implemented in Nachchaduwa\, transformative results were observed in terms of increasing the yield of paddy cultivation in the upper watersheds and large farmlands in the lower valleys\, making the use of machinery more efficient\, and maintaining proper water management. \nThe Minister of Agriculture\, Livestock\, Lands and Irrigation\, Mr. Lal Kantha\, and the Anuradhapura District Parliamentarian\, Mr. Susantha Kumara\, also joined the field inspection in Pitalaya to increase the intensity of cultivation and land productivity by consolidating these farm lands. After the field inspection\, a follow-up discussion was held with the participation of the Minister\, consisting of various heads of departments and representatives of farmer organizations who contributed to the success of the farm land consolidation project. \nAt that time\, all parties presented their views on the success achieved by this project and representatives of farmer organizations explained to the council how their harvest had increased rapidly. \nAfter the views of those parties\, Minister Lal Kantha\, who addressed the council\, stated that\, in view of the multifaceted progress made by the Farm Land Consolidation Project\, it should not only be used to achieve the objectives of the Knuckles Project but also be introduced to the country as the second agricultural revolution in the entire country. \nDuring the implementation of the Farm Land Consolidation Project\, the then Director of the Irrigation Management Division\, the current Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Irrigation and the National Project Director of the Knuckles Project\, Mrs. Chandika V. Athugala\, as well as heads of state institutions\, the Project Staff of the Knuckles Project\, and heads of farmer organizations participated in this event.
URL:https://gkp.lk/event/a-field-experience-sharing-program-with-the-gcf-knuckles-project-staff-on-the-nachchaduwa-maha-irrigation-project-farmland-integration-study-pilot-project/
LOCATION:Nachchaduwa\, Anuradhapura\, Nachchaduwa\, Anuradhapura\, Sri Lanka
CATEGORIES:List Events
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