WATER MANAGEMENT

The Irrigation Department (ID) will implement the project with USAID technical assistance. The Left Bank System in Gal Oya will be modernized, e.g., by restoring eroded banks or control gates, and reshaping field channels to provide flows which meet delivery schedules. A master planning and research program will be established in Gal Oya and Uda Walawe. The program, which will utilize farmer assistance, will consist of a drain and river flow measurement program; preparation of plans to optimize the Left and Right Bank main canal operations and to meet water needs without water waste or structural damage to field channels. A study will be undertaken of the revised field channel layouts and the water management features which allow the return flows to re-enter these channels. To encourage farmer participation in the project, various models of farmer organizations will be designed and tested and some 19,000 farmers will be organized to take part in determining water allocation, reconstructing or rehabilitating field channels, and in operating and maintaining these channels. The ID will establish a water management training school at Galgamuwa for annual long- and short-term training to 15 engineers and 80 current and 40 new technical assistants. Short courses for 150 ID personnel and farm leaders, and a one-week course in laboratory and field equipment for 160 National Diploma and Technology students will also be provided. Finally, 20 policymakers and GSL officials will take observation training tours in nearby countries. The capability of the Extension Service (ES) to provide onfarm water management will be upgraded by the training of two agricultural instructors in soil-water-plant interrelationships; annual in-service training for 80 agricultural extension workers; training for 480 farmer leaders; and a 3-month training course for the ES training staff. ID will establish a Central Support Office to administer, monitor, and maintain the project.