Anuradhapura District Research Articles

Rhizobia inhabiting <em>Clitoria ternatea</em> L. in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka: An assessment of stress tolerance and genetic diversity

Legume-Rhizobial symbiosis plays a greater agronomical and ecological significance as it provides fixed nitrogen through Biological Nitrogen Fixation. <em>Clitoria ternatea </em>is a leguminous plant that hosts a wide range of rhizobial strains. Even though it is a widely distributed plant, comprehensive information and studies conducted on the rhizobial - <em>C.</em> <em>ternatea </em>symbiosis is lacking in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to identify different stress-tolerant rhizobial strains inhabiting root nodules of <em>C.</em> <em>ternatea </em>growing in seven selected locations of Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka<em>. </em>Twenty-eight pure rhizobial colonies were isolated and they were separately grown in ½ Lupin broths and were subjected to four different physiological conditions, pH, temperature, salinity, and drought. Most of the isolates were well-grown within the pH range of 5.0-8.0, the temperature range of 30-35°C and at 0.2% Polyethylene glycol-8000 (PEG) concentration. There was no observable pattern in the growth of rhizobial strains in different physiological conditions. The twelve rhizobial strains which showed high tolerance to extreme physiological conditions were subjected to a combination of physiological stress conditions of pH 8.0, temperature 36°C, 3.0 % NaCl and 0.4 % PEG. The maximum growth in combination physiological study was observed in a strain collected at the Palugaswewa site. According to the dendrogram prepared by the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) profile, twelve strains are genetically diverse, as they belonged to11 clusters at 69.89 % of similarity level. These stress-tolerant rhizobial strains could be used for further studies on cross-inoculation of crop legumes as an alternative to the nitrogenous fertilizers.

The Level of Effective Internal Control System of Licensed Commercial Banks in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka: A Comparative Study

The Level of Effective Internal Control System of Licensed Commercial Banks in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka: A Comparative Study

Impact of Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Household Food Security in Small-scale Paddy-Cattle Farming Systems in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka

The Paddy-Cattle Integrated Farming System (PCIFS) is one of the dominant farming systems in the dry zone, Sri Lanka which contributes to the well-being of small-scale farmers. These systems are subjected to high risk and uncertainty uttered by poor productivity and food insecurity related issues. Hence, the study aimed at investigating the impacts of adoption for sustainable agricultural practices on household food security in PCIFS in Anuradhapura district. A survey was employed to gather data from 300 randomly selected paddy-cattle integrated farmers. Descriptive and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Farming experience, age of respondents, income from milk, awareness on sustainable agricultural practices, training participation and gender were identified as the factors affecting the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Further, household income (p&lt;0.1), age, farming experience, and adoption for sustainable agricultural practices significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected on the Food Consumption Score while household size (p&lt;0.1), access to credits, and adoption for sustainable agricultural practices significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced the Household Food Insecurity Access Score. The study concludes that the adoption for sustainable agricultural practices ensure sustainable and food secured farming systems in the Anuradhapura district. The results suggest the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices among the paddy-cattle integrated farmers.

The mismatch between canteen guidelines and their implementation at canteens in medical institutions in Anuradhapura District.

The 'Guidelines for a healthy canteen in workplaces' (guidelines) was published in 2013 by the Ministry of Health to improve food choices & healthy eating of working community. To determine the extent of implementation of guidelines in canteens at medical institutions in Anuradhapura District. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on random working days in canteens providing all three main meals in medical institutions in Anuradhapura District in August and September 2018. Data were collected by observing the canteen and interviewing the canteen owners according to guidelines. Scoring was done according to a scoring system to obtain a percentage. Ten canteens were included in the study. The median number of customers per canteen was 200 (IQR 100-625). The highest and lowest scores by canteens for overall implementation were 41.8% and 14.1%, while the mean among all canteens was 29.2%. Average percentages for healthy carbohydrate, fruit, snacks, and oil options were 15.2%, 20.0%, 8.8%, and 28.2% respectively. Availability of healthy dairy and use of standard coconut oil was 0.0%. Safe drinking water and hand-washing with soap were available only in 6 and 4 canteens respectively. Implementation of food safety measures was 32.5%. None of the canteens had any posters/ guides regarding healthy eating and none of the owners were aware of the guidelines. The level of implementation of the canteen guidelines was highly unsatisfactory among the canteens in medical institutions in Anuradhapura District.

Seasonal Variations in Groundwater Quality and Hydrogeochemistry in the Endemic Areas of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka

Groundwater quality and geochemical processes were investigated in the endemic areas of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka. Representative groundwater samples (n = 60) were collected from 30 dug wells located in the Anuradhapura district, over the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, major cations and major anions. Calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate ion combinations are predominant in this groundwater, and the simultaneous occurrence of high hardness (382–394 mg/L as CaCO3), alkalinity (364–379 mg/L as CaCO3) and ionicity is a salient characteristic. Alkalinity, TDS, hardness, and magnesium exceeded the safe limits for drinking in over half of the samples, regardless of the season. The major ion chemistry (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and HCO3−) is primarily governed by the weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals, ion exchange, and evaporation which is accelerated by the semi-arid climate. Fluoride and chloride inputs are regulated by dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals and anthropogenic causes, respectively. Saturation indices suggested supersaturation of carbonates and silicates, and undersaturation of evaporites and fluorite. Persistent high ionicity, and hardness of groundwater that is seldom impacted by seasonal variations might be playing a vital role in the genesis of CKDu.

Effectiveness of a health promotion intervention to address determinants of child neglect in a disadvantaged community in Sri Lanka

BackgroundChild neglect is a form of child maltreatment and it is a neglected area of research. As similar to other forms of maltreatment, neglect also results in negative health outcomes for children. Child neglect is concentrated in disadvantaged communities. The community-centered health promotion approach empowers communities to identify and address determinants of perceived health issues. This study aimed to implement a health promotion intervention to enable a disadvantaged community to address determinants of child neglect and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.MethodsA quasi-experimental study design was used. Two disadvantaged communities in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka with similar socio-demographic characteristics were purposively selected as the experimental and control study settings. The mothers who have at least one child in the age range 5–18 years were included in the sample. The sample included 42 mothers from the experimental group and 44 mothers from the control group. The elder children of mothers in the experimental group were selected to be the agents of change. A health promotion intervention was implemented only with the experimental setting. The steps of the intervention included; (1) identifying prevention of child neglect as a goal, (2) understanding the determinants, (3) analyzing determinants and identifying actions and (4) implementing and modifying the actions. The total study duration was 1 year, with the intervention taking an average of 6 months. Data were collected at both pre and post-intervention phases from mothers and children through interviewer-administered questionnaires.ResultsMothers of the experimental group improved their knowledge on child neglect significantly in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). In the post-intervention phase, there were significant differences in attitudes related to child neglect between experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Following the health promotion intervention, mothers of the experimental group had significantly improved their practices related to the safety, education, nutrition of children, relationships with the child and social support for child caring (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group.ConclusionsThe health promotion intervention was effective in addressing the selected determinants of child neglect in a disadvantaged community. Children could act as active agents of change to deliver the interventions to their mothers (perpetrators).

Geo-spatial distribution of hydrological nephrotoxic characteristics in Kalawewa and Tissawewa reservoirs in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Reservoirs are one of the major water resources subjected to different forms of pollution due to anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals and water hardness are a particular concern due to their potential toxic effect and bio-accumulate ability. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to analyze the spatial distribution of selected heavy metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Arsenic (As)) and total water hardness in Kalawewa and Tissawewa reservoirs, Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka. Cd, Pb, and As contents of water samples were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS-Agilent-7800). Total water hardness values were analyzed based on Ca and Mg concentrations of water samples. Spatial distribution patterns of analyzed heavy metals and total water hardness values were interpolated using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) and Spatial autocorrelation tool in ArcMap 10.2.2 software. Overall, the mean heavy metal concentrations in two reservoirs complied with World Health Organization agricultural water standards. The mean total water hardness values of the two reservoirs reflect “very hard water”, and the distributions of analyzed heavy metals and water hardness were higher in the center. As long term exposure to nephrotoxic heavy metals adversely affects human health, taking all necessary changes before consumption can be recommended.

Disease burden and adverse pregnancy outcomes due to cardiovascular conditions complicating pregnancy in Sri Lanka: a protocol

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the commonest indirect medical cause of maternal deaths worldwide, both in high-income and low and middle-income countries. To minimize the effects of CVD in pregnancy, proper risk assessment and appropriate referral is required. In Sri Lanka, cardiovascular disease complicating pregnancy is a significant cause of maternal mortality, second only to postpartum hemorrhage. Screening for CVD in pregnancy in Sri Lanka is limited to a routine clinical assessment. Evidence-based guidelines are yet to be developed, and this deficit may have resulted in a substantial underestimation of the CVD burden. This study aims to determine the burden of CVD in early pregnancy and develop a risk prediction model to be used in field pregnancy clinics in Sri Lanka to reduce CVD effects in pregnancy. Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Following registration to the antenatal care, pregnant women fulfilling the eligibility criteria were invited to attend a special clinic at their relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area. Risk assessment was done through history and a clinical examination, and suspected/probable cases were referred for an echocardiogram by a consultant cardiologist. All the recruited participants in the first trimester were prospectively followed up and screened again between 24–28 weeks of the period of amenorrhoea (POA). Antenatal ward admissions with CVD complicating pregnancy will be extracted, and a telephone interview will be carried out between 6–12 weeks after the expected delivery date to cover postpartum morbidities. Discussion This proposed study will be the largest of its kind carried out in the local setting. The study's findings will be beneficial for policymakers to develop guidelines to reduce maternal cardiovascular disease morbidities and mortalities in Sri Lanka.

Impacts of Water Scarcity Induced Adaptation Strategies on Livelihood and Household Food Security of Farming Community of Horivila-Palugaswewa and Sivalakulama Cascades of Sri Lanka

The Dry Zone of Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to water scarcity and hence, adaptation is considered as the key approach in reducing its impacts, especially in the agriculture sector. In this context, a study was conducted to investigate the impacts of farm level and community level adaptation strategies for water scarcity on livelihood and household food security of farmers in Horivila-Palugaswewa and Sivalakulama cascades in Anuradhapura District. Questionnaire survey with two purposive sampling with adapted and non-adapted groups was used for data collection. Use of alternative water source (agro-wells), kekulama or bethma cultivation, and home gardening with vegetable and fruit cultivation were the main strategies considered to distinguish adapted group from the non-adapted group. Man n-Whitney-U test and two sample t-test were used to check statistical significance (p&lt;0.05) of desired outcomes of the strategies. Results showed that adapted group in Sivalakulama cascade has the seasonal ability of paddy cultivation and secured a marketable yield of paddy in Maha season whilst the harvest obtained from other crops in both Yala and Maha seasons were higher for the adapted group in Horivila-Palugaswewa cascade. The amount of paddy kept for household consumption in Maha season was higher for the non-adapted group for both cascades. Other than the few benefits shown above, the adaption of farm level and community level strategies for water scarcity did not comprehen sively contribute to the development of livelihood or household food security of farmers in the selected study sites.

Situated adaptation: Tackling the production of vulnerability through transformative action in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone

Drawing attention to the production of vulnerability across scales in Sri Lanka, we contribute to knowledge of why certain people and social groups are vulnerable. We build our contribution on the theoretical application of ‘situated adaptation’. A situated analytical approach identifies, assesses, and responds to the everyday realities and politics of those living in climate changed environments. It highlights uneven geographies of vulnerability and opportunity, while identifying new imaginations and possibilities for transformative action that counter the production of vulnerability. We illustrate the utility of ‘situated adaptation’ by filling an empirical gap relating to experiences of political-economic and environmental change in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone. We detail situated experiences by drawing on field research in the Anuradhapura District, revealing how the lives and livelihoods of farmer participants are structured by a productivity-vulnerability paradox. We demonstrate how a prevalent adaptation-development paradigm (whereby development and adaptation programs co-exist in theory and practice) is unable to address the structural drivers of vulnerability in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone. A situated adaptation approach both explains why this is the case and highlights opportunities for alternative transformative actions, potentially identifying a more democratic and egalitarian politics of co-determining socionatural change.

Sustainability of Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka: Exploring Cascade Anatomy and Socio-Ecological Nexus for Ecological Restoration Planning

Village Tank Cascade Systems (VTCSs) in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka have evolved as sustainable ecosystems through human interventions to ensure water availability and other services for people and their environs during the last few millennia. However, VTCSs are vulnerable to global environmental changes resulting in continual deterioration of ecological health and hydro-socio-ecological status, crucial for the food and livelihood security of rural farming communities in the dry zone. This paper seeks to explore resource systems of the Mahakanumulla VTCS located in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka to (i) identify the spatial metrics linked to the sustainability and socio-ecological resilience of the VTCS, and (ii) determine interactions among system elements and their impacts on productivity and restoration challenges. The spatial analysis was conducted using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), recent digital topographic map layers and Google Earth images to understand the spatial distribution and ensemble of tank environs. Participatory field assessment data were also used to determine socio-ecological nexus and factors that contribute to the reduction of ecological productivity of VTCS. The study revealed that the ensemble of tank environs is significant for providing regulatory and supporting ecosystem services (ES) and synergistic relationships with provisional ES of the VTCS. Results also revealed that the complex land-water-biodiversity-climate and food nexus that determines the productivity of the VTCS could be adopted in VTCS ecological restoration planning. The study presents a comprehensive framework to analyse causal factors and processes leading to reduction of overall productivity linked with variables of socio-ecological properties, vulnerability and resilience of the VTCS landscape.

How costly is the first prenatal clinic visit? Analysis of out-of-pocket expenditure in rural Sri Lanka - a country with free maternal health care

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the magnitude of and factors associated with out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) during the first prenatal clinic visit among pregnant women in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, which provides free maternal healthcare.MethodsThe study design was a cross-sectional study, and the study setting was 22 Medical Officers of Health (MOOH) areas in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. Data of 1389 pregnant women were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.ResultsThe mean OOPE of the first prenatal clinic visit was USD 8.12, which accounted for 2.9 and 4.5% of the household income and expenditure, respectively. Pregnant women who used only government-free health services (which are free of charge at the point of service delivery) had an OOPE of USD 3.49. A significant correlation was recorded between household expenditure (rs = 0.095, p = 0.002) and the number of pregnancies (rs = − 0.155, p < 0.001) with OOPE. Education level less than primary education is positively contributed to OOPE (p < 0.05), and utilizing government-free maternal health services lead to a decrease in the OOPE for the first prenatal clinic visit (p < 0.05).ConclusionDespite having free maternal services, the OOPE of the first prenatal clinic visit is high in rural Sri Lanka. One-fifth of pregnant women utilize private health services, and pregnant women who used only government-free maternal health services also spend a direct medical cost for medicines/micronutrient supplements.

APPLICATION OF AGRICULTURAL LOAN IN MUSLIM COMMUNITY: A STUDY BASED ON KEKIRAWA DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT OF ANURADHAPURA IN SRI LANKA

Agriculture plays most important role in Sri Lankan economy like some other developing nations in South Asia such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. In this way, the agricultural farming sector is identified as a key tool for the economic development in Sri Lanka and it helps to effectively utilize the invaluable resources of the country such as green lands and appropriate climate as it should be and to significantly boost the wealth of the country as well. Furthermore, as it helps to expand the level of GDP, the Interest rates as well as the inflation rates are mostly estimated at present depending on the level of agricultural cultivation sector in the country. It is noteworthy to point out at this occasion that as Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural nation the most people are involving in individual and joint venture farming activities. At the same time, it is also very important to mention here that most people who involve in agricultural cultivation reach the banks and financial institution for the purpose of getting loans to meet their agricultural financial needs. In this context, this research aims to identify the loan systems which are implemented in agricultural sector among the Muslim community, especially among Muslim farmers who are living in Kekirawa divisional secretariat in Anuradhapura district. The research would be extremely significance due to there is no sufficient previous studies find concerning with agricultural loan systems among Muslim community in particular research area in Sri Lanka. This research is designed as mixed method with the inclusion of qualitative and quantitative data which collected in term of finding the correct solutions and providing appropriate recommendations. The findings of the research reveals that the farmers who live in Kekirawa divisional secretariat of Anuradhapura do not depend and connect with banks or other financial institutions to get any advances, but they use to fulfil their needs of capital for farming from money lenders, shopkeepers, friends relatives and NGOs. Therefore, the system should be introduced under the Islamic banks and financial institutions to promote the Shariah compliance products and interest free loan systems not only for Muslim farmers but also to all citizens who wish to involve in agricultural cultivations. Moreover, NGOs and shopkeepers who provide agricultural credit services should be adapted in accordance with the Islamic Shariah compliance. KEY WORDS: Agriculture, Loan Systems, Farmers, Kekirawa. Shariah Compliance, Islamic Banks

Raising awareness on economic burden and health impacts of tobacco smoking to reduce smoking behavior among constructing site workers in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka

Raising awareness on economic burden and health impacts of tobacco smoking to reduce smoking behavior among constructing site workers in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka

Empowering school students to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco use through health promotion principles in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka

Empowering school students to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco use through health promotion principles in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka

Are imported cases the reason for increase in incidence of dengue in Anuradhapura District during the recent years?

The AMJ is a peer-reviewed, triannual health journal published by Anuradhapura Clinical Society (ACS).The Journal strives to be a forum for all health professionals to publish original research and review articles in their area of expertise. The AMJ publishes articles in clinical medicine, public health and health promotion. Our priority is given to manuscripts on health related issues which affects the communities living in rural tropical communities. Established as a journal in 2006 as a publication parallel to ACS annual scientific sessions, the journal was relaunched as a proper journal in 2013. Anuradhapura Medical Journal is a member of COPE and is included on DOAJ.Cover Image: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) brain image of a left-sided ischaemic stroke.The image shows time to peak (TTP) perfusion map of the brain with prolongation of TTP in hypoperfused regions of the left hemisphere identified as patchy areas highlighted in red.Dr. Hemal Senanayake

Economic burden of out-of-pocket expenditure, productivity cost during pregnancy and COVID-19 impact on household economy in a cohort of pregnant women in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka; A study protocol.

Background: Investigating the out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) associated with maternal health is important since OOPE directly affects the affordability of health services. Global evidence suggests the importance of capturing the productivity cost during pregnancy in terms of absenteeism and presenteeism. Furthermore, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the household economy needs to be further evaluated as pregnant women are one of the most vulnerable groups. This study aims at determining the economic burden of OOPE, productivity cost, and COVID-19 impact on pregnant women's household economy in a cohort of pregnant women in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. Methods: The study setting is all 22 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. The study has three components; a follow-up study of a cohort of pregnant women to assess the magnitude and associated factors of OOPE and to assess the productivity cost (Component 1), a qualitative case study to explore the impact and causes of the OOPE under free health services (Component 2) and a cross-sectional study to describe the effects of COVID-19 outbreak on household economy (Component 3). The study samples consist of 1,393 and 1,460 participants for components one and three, respectively, and 25 pregnant women will be recruited for component two. The data will be analyzed using descriptive, parametric, and non-parametric statistics for the first and third components and thematic analysis for the second component. Discussion: With the lack of evidence on OOPE, productivity loss/cost in terms of maternal health, and COVID-19 impact on household economy in Sri Lanka, the evidence generated from this study would be valuable for policymakers, health care administrators, and health care practitioners globally, regionally, and locally to plan for future measures for reducing the OOPE, productivity loss/cost, and minimizing the economic hardship of the COVID-19 outbreak during pregnancy.

Factors Affecting the Adoption Level of Good Agricultural Practices by Cucurbit Farmers in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka

Aims: The primary focus of this empirical study was to investigate the factors influencing the level of GAP adoption for cucurbit vegetable in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka.&#x0D; Study Design: Three-stage purposive and proportionate sampling &#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Province of Sri Lanka in 2018. &#x0D; Methodology: Primary and secondary data were used in the study. The primary data were collected mainly through a field survey using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The total sample size was 120. Key informant interviews (KII), and a focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted to triangulate data and information obtained from the questionnaire survey and to obtain additional qualitative information. Descriptive analytical techniques, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and the General Linear Model (GLM) were employed for the data analysis. &#x0D; Results: Results revealed that 40% of respondents are moderate level GAP adopters, whilst about 68% practiced more than half of the recommended GAPs. The results of ANOVA revealed that farmers who adopted a higher proportion of GAPs earned a higher farming income, than those who practiced a moderate or low proportion of GAPs. Similarly, when compared to moderate and poor level GAP adopters, the average cost of production of higher-level adopters decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The results of the regression analysis revealed that farmer awareness of GAPs, farmer education level, farming experience, farming income, and cost of cultivation have a significant (p &lt; 0.05) effect on the level of GAP adoption by cucurbit farmers.&#x0D; Conclusion: Awareness of GAPs, farmer education level, farming experience, and farming income significantly affect the adoption level of GAPs. Policy priority should be given to planning for a long-term farmer awareness program on GAPs through proper training and extension programs.

Comparative Analysis of Sustainability in Paddy Monoculture and Paddy-Maize Rotation Farming Systems in Sri Lanka

The use of composite indicators is considered to be a unique approach for evaluating the sustainability of farming systems. This study attempted to compare the sustainability of paddy monoculture and paddy-maize rotation farming systems in the Anuradhapura district through developing indicators for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Using a cluster sampling method, 100 farmers randomly from each farming system. Data collected through a pre-tested questionnaire were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. According to the Total Sustainability Index (TSI), 72% of the farmers of paddy monoculture farming systems and 83% of the farmers of paddy-maize rotation farming systems were sustainable with TSI ranging from 0.5 to 1. Regression results revealed that cost of production per acre, off-farm income, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical usage per acre, level of integrated pest management were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influencing on the paddy monoculture farming system; whereas total on-farm income per acre, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical use per acre, level of integrated pest management for paddy-maize rotation farming system were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influencing on the sustainability of paddy-maize rotation system. The study concludes that both the paddy-maize rotation system and paddy monoculture farming system are sustainable while the paddy-maize rotation farming system reflects higher sustainability in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.

Water resource development planning around village cascades: piloting of a scientific methodology in Yan Oya river basin of Sri Lanka

AbstractIn the dry zone of Sri Lanka experiencing hydrological and weather extremes, non-availability of validated scientific data on stream-flows and groundwater stocks for sufficient time periods, and the presence of large numbers of small and large tanks that divert the water from the streams, make water resource planning a very complex challenge. An integrated modelling exercise was carried out: first using a hydrological simulation model to assess the annual and seasonal water flows of Yan Oya basin of Anuradhapura district and its seven sub-watersheds for 30 years and their dependability; then using a water balance model to analyze the extent to which the current water demands of five selected cascades are being met from the supplies available; and assessing the scope for augmenting the existing storage capacity of the tanks to reduce the irrigation deficits. This article presents the results of the study with regard to: the basin flows and their variability; and water balance scenarios for five selected cascades, with and without modifications in tank storage capacity. The article also discusses how the results from such integrated modelling studies should be used by irrigation planners for taking water management decisions for the basin with decentralized storages like tanks.