The implementation of the Tsunami Livelihood Restoration Project

It is time to report progress in the implementation of our relief activities in the Hambantota district. Subsequent to the post-tsunami livelihood needs assessment study in the Hambantota district it was decided to address some of the problems in the agriculture sector, particularly in view of the fact that agriculture receives less attention in the present intervention programs by different NGOs.

In discussion with the farmers, farmer societies, Hambantota Range Director of the Irrigation Department, and other agency officials it was decided to undertake the following support activities:

Rehabilitating Paibokka and Karagasara anicut

The Tsunami damaged a number of small irrigation structures in the Hambantota range. Two anicuts were selected by IWMI for rehabilitation and these two anicuts service about 500 acres (200 ha) of irrigated lands. IWMI has provided Rs 818,000 to rehabilitate these two anicuts and the access roads to these anicuts. The proposal was prepared by the Irrigation Engineer of Hambantota, and the Irrigation Department has kindly agreed to undertake the work. IWMI will monitor the activity until the rehabilitation is completed. We have also kept the Ministry and the Irrigation Department head office informed of the proceedings.

On behalf of IWMI, Priyantha Jayakody handing over a cheque for Rs 818,000 to the Range Director, Irrigation Department, Hambantota (2005/7/03)

Damaged anicuts

Provide a revolving fund for the Andaragasyaya “Ranketha” Farmer Organization

Members of this newly formed farmer organization are badly affected by the tsunami and all of them are paddy farmers. Agrarian Services Department has established this organization to substitute an ineffective one to ensure farmers work together for their own upliftment. They have been given agricultural implements, but require financial support to meet their day to day farming needs. We have donated Rs 200,000 to be operated as a revolving fund to provide micro-credit facilities to these farmers. We will also provide support and training to establish this as an effective organization and will monitor its progress regularly. One of our Field Assistants will attend these farmer meetings on a regular basis for a stipulated period of time.

On behalf of IWMI, Priyantha Jayakody handing over a cheque for Rs 200,000 to the treasurer of the Ranketha Farmer Organization (2005/7/03)

Provide funds to build a permanent store for Magama “Shakthi” Farmer Organization

Members of this farmer organization are also badly affected by the tsunami and all of them are upland farmers. Their cultivation plots are along the Kirindi Oya river banks. This is a strong active organization with a reserve of funds. Their urgent need is a fertilizer store and a community hall for their Farmer Organization (FO). IWMI has agreed to provide them funds up to Rs 200,000 in stages for the material cost of the building and the FO also is expected to contribute some funds and provide labor to construct this building. This project will be monitored by the Divisional Secretary Tissamaharama (who was present at the foundation laying) and IWMI.

Divisional Secretary Tissamaharama at the foundation laying ceremony (2005/07/11)

On behalf of IWMI, Priyantha Jayakody is handing over a cheque for Rs 100,000 to the president of the Shakthi FO (2005/7/03)