The Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is a seven-year initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Designed to revive and restore Sri Lanka’s ancient cascade systems, the project takes a river basin/sub-basin approach to strengthen climate resilience in the Dry Zone, with a focus on the Malwathu Oya, Mi Oya, and Yan Oya river basins.

By addressing technical, financial, and institutional barriers, CRIWMP enhances integrated water management to safeguard livelihoods and improve community resilience against climate change. The project advances the modernization of village irrigation systems, sustainable drinking water solutions, climate smart agriculture for vulnerable communities while strengthening weather forecasting and early warning systems. Through these interventions, CRIWMP is supporting communities adapt to climate challenges while securing Sri Lanka’s water resources for future generations.

The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka’s premier higher education institution, has long been at the forefront of research, innovation, and policy development in addressing climate change and sustainability challenges. Within this effort, the Faculty of Agriculture is a key partner in the symposium, contributing expertise, fostering research collaborations, and providing critical evaluation to advance discussions on climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture. Further, the Faculty actively supports the development and assessment of research initiatives, ensuring that innovative, science-based solutions are created to address the challenges posed by climate change in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.