Irrigation water, management, and privatization of irrigation delivery systems - Sri Lanka
Date
2000-06
Authors
Seneviratne, Lakshamane W., author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
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Abstract
Sri Lanka has a long history of hydraulic civilization for the last 2600 years of recorded history. Present day farmers use surface water and effective rainfall for their cultivation in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. But in the dry zone areas available surface water is not sufficient and hence water is collected into reservoirs. Traditions and conventions govern water use. A few reservoirs generate hydropower in addition to irrigation and water supply. Construction of reservoirs is a state duty and land was allocated to farmers under the Land Development Ordinance. The Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Engineering and Construction Agency maintained the irrigation systems from the commencement and hence operation and maintenance cost was paid by the state. The farmers were not taxed but cultivation was for rice under accepted principles. During the last 40 years, measures were taken to improve the crop yield by substitution of hybrid varieties and improved irrigation water management to optimize net income to the farmer. However many projects are not yielding sufficient income to the farmer and state liability is continuing. Formation of farmer organizations and raise the standard to stable farmer companies were tried but handing over of over all responsibility is not decided yet. The paper discusses the benefits and losses of the proposed system.
Description
Presented at the 2000 USCID international conference, Challenges facing irrigation and drainage in the new millennium on June 20-24 in Fort Collins, Colorado.