World Vision launches CAD 5mn project to address climate change impacts in the Dry Zone

World Vision Lanka and World Vision Canada recently launched a CAD 5 million project funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to address the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture communities in the dry zone of Sri Lankaand to build their resilience.

The project titled ‘Access Sri Lanka’ is a four-year project (2024-2028) that will directly support nearly 24,000 individuals from 5,640 households in Welikanda (Polonnaruwa district) and Rideemaliyadda (Badulla district) – areas highly vulnerable to drought and with underutilized village irrigation systems in need of rehabilitation.

A comprehensive two-day workshop was conducted with key stakeholders to draft and review the Project Implementation Plan. 

This event brought together relevant government authorities such as the Department of Agriculture, Mahaweli authority, Department of Irrigation, Climate change Secretariat and representatives from district and divisional secretariats of both project locations, including a distinguished guest from the Canadian High Commission in Sri Lanka representing Global Affairs Canada. 

“Empowering women in climate-adaptive farming practices requires addressing key challenges such as their limited access to technical knowledge, financial constraints, and inadequate market opportunities.By establishing dedicated marketplaces and promoting fair access to resources, we can unlock women’s potential in agriculture, driving both community resilience and economic growth. Projects like Mihikatha Lanka are vital to this, as it is givingwomen the tools to succeed, said Shayma Thanuja Kumari Gnanasiri (Women Development Officer, District Secretariat, Polonnaruwa).

The Access Sri Lanka Project - locally known as ‘Mihikatha Lanka’ in Sinhala and ‘Boomippen’ in Tamil, will equip communities, especially women farmers and women leaders with knowledge and techniques on climate-smart agriculture and help build resilience in food systems in order to ensure food security. The project has a special focus on enhancing gender equality and empowering and partnering with women in bringing about these sustainable solutions. 

“Through the Access Sri Lanka project, Canada is supporting communities most affected by climate change to build long-term resilience. By equipping women with the tools and knowledge to lead in climate-smart agriculture, this initiative not only strengthens food security but also advances gender equality. Together with World Vision, we are empowering communities to create a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada.

‘Climate change stands as one of our most pressing challenges, with regions like Welikanda and Rideemaliyadda facing prolonged droughts and intense rainfall that make sustainable farming a daunting task. Access Sri Lanka is, therefore, an initiative, building resilience in food systems while empowering women by recognizing and educating them as community leaders,” said  Felix Rathnasekara, Access Sri Lanka Project Manager (World Vision Lanka).

Access Sri Lanka will ensure 70 percent of the total direct beneficiaries constitute women, particularly landless women, widowed women, single women, women with disabilities and those belonging to marginalized ethnic groups.

The project will provide leadership training and mentorship for women community leaders and establish governance structures for sustainable land and watershed management.