Browsing by Author "Wijekoon, WMSM"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

item: Conference-Full-text
Institutional reforms in minor (village tank) irrigation sector of sri lanka towards sustainable development
Wijekoon, WMSM; Gunawardena, ERN; Aheeyar, MMM
Abstract: This paper reviews the institutional reforms taken place in minor irrigation systems in Sri Lanka by contrasting those observed during pre-colonial and colonial periods with those after the independence. Formal or informal institutions have governed the operation and performance of the minor irrigation systems with continuous change of authority. While the earlier reforms focused on the irrigation sector with quicker benefits and lower political risks, recent reforms have covered macro institutions, where the benefits are gradual with high political risks. In ancient irrigation system management, decision making and implementation were taken by communities themselves under the feudal system of “Rajakariya” ensuring sustainability and maintaining village ecosystem. With the abolishing of “Rajakariya” system after the arrival of British rulers, the authority was shifted from the community to the government along with the trend of irrigation system management towards centralization and bureaucracy. After independence, though the minor irrigation system management was the responsibility of beneficiary farmers, the authority of the systems was continuously changed between different government agencies. Now, minor irrigation systems are governed by the Department of Agrarian Development and/ or Provincial councils towards sustainability goals while emphasizing the different stakeholder involvement through enforcement of formal and informal rules and procedures. The government continues the commitment to reform because it provides evidence for the political and economic stability, tactical benefits, timely consideration of stakeholders’ perception and information towards the required change.
item: Conference-Full-text
Water Pollution in a Natural Stream and Its Impacts on Society and Environment: A Review of Studies on Meda Ela, Sri Lanka
(2016-01-04) Kumara, GMP; Perera, MDD; Wijekoon, WMSM; Pathmarajha, S; Dayawansa, NDK; Mowjood, MIM; Galagedara, LW
Abstract: Meda Ela which originates from Kandy Lake and runs through Kandy city is considered to be one of most polluted tributaries of Mahaweli River. The objective of the study was to critically review the published research findings related to Meda Ela pollution to existing problems, research gaps and the means to rectify the situation. The review was carried out under the categories of socio-economic background, land use changes, sources of pollution, solid and waste water disposal, water quality, cost due to water pollution, economic benefits and major stakeholders and their interactions of Meda Ela. Study identified a very high urbanization rate in the watershed during the last decade compared to previous 30 years. Major point sources include the hospital, bus stand, railway station, central market and the residences on either side of Meda Ela. According to the literature, elevated pollution levels are reported during wet season and NO- 3, NH+ 4, PO3- 4, suspended solids, heavy metals, DO, BOD and COD showed above threshold limits. This is an indication of non-point source pollution which is responsive to hydrological conditions. Impacts of water pollution include vector borne diseases such as Dengu and Chickengunya, bad odour, flash floods and contamination of shallow groundwater with heavy metals. The social and management setup in the watershed is very complex since many stakeholders are involved in polluting and managing Meda Ela. The analysis revealed that the relationship among different stakeholders is highly diverse and as a result, their contribution to control water pollution in Meda Ela is also very different. Hence, a strong connection should be established between community and other stakeholders to develop an efficient and effective management plan to safeguard Meda Ela stream and its watershed.