Resilient Irrigation Practices in Sri Lanka's Tank Cascades

Sri Lanka's ancient cascade tank systems have sustained rural communities for centuries, but climate change, water scarcity, and deteriorating infrastructure now threaten their survival. This book presents field-based evidence, innovative methodologies, and actionable recommendations for enhancing water use efficiency in village irrigation tanks, with a focus on the Dry Zone's most vulnerable farming communities. Drawing from the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP), the authors document lessons learned from three major tank cascades-Palugaswewa, Mamunugama, and Medde Rambewa-covering both Maha and Yala seasons. Using hydrological monitoring, water balance models, and participatory approaches with farmers, the research reveals significant variations in irrigation duty, identifies causes of inefficiency, and demonstrates practical measures such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), crop diversification, collective resource management, and climate-smart irrigation scheduling. More than a technical study, this book is a practical guide for policymakers, development practitioners, irrigation engineers, researchers, and farming communities seeking sustainable solutions for small-scale irrigation. Its integrated recommendations-ranging from infrastructural improvements to farmer capacity-building-offer a blueprint for climate adaptation in water-dependent rural economies.