A Story of Hope and Gratitude

Testimony of Mr. M. Upali

After decades of crop damage due to flooding, 65-year-old farmer Upali now cultivates safely year-round, thanks to tank rehabilitation. “This has brought us security and a future,” he says.

“I am 65 years old, a farmer from Harigala village, married with three children. My family depends entirely on our two acres of paddy land. Life has never been easy. In the past, farming costs were manageable, but now everything has become expensive. A simple clay pot costs over Rs. 10,000, and ploughing costs between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000 for two rounds. Despite these challenges, we work hard ourselves to avoid falling into debt.

This tank, Harigala Gama Wewa, is an ancient irrigation system located near the historic Yudaganawa, Gunawardena, and Amba Kola tanks. For years, we could cultivate only during one season. But with improvements, we now cultivate both Yala and Maha seasons.

However, for over 25 years, we faced a serious problem. During the rainy season, the tank’s faulty outlet caused floods that washed sand into our paddy fields, damaging about seven to eight acres each year. Despite raising this issue repeatedly, no solution came. We were told that repairs would only happen after other tanks like Gunawardena were completed.

Today, I speak with a heart full of gratitude. Thanks to the rehabilitation of the tank and the strengthening of the bund and outlet canal, we no longer fear the rains. If not for this intervention, the recent rains would have once again ruined our fields with sand. Instead, the water now flows safely through the new canal, protecting our lands.

For the first time in decades, I can sit peacefully on the new embankment and watch the water flow smoothly without fear, without damage. In fact, I’ve planted 40 areca palms along the canal bank, something I never imagined possible before. Our community feels a renewed sense of hope. Our children can now cultivate without anxiety, and we are confident that our harvests will increase.

On behalf of all the farmers here, I extend our deepest thanks. This is more than an infrastructure project it has brought dignity, security, and a future to our farming families.”