Reviving Fields, Restoring Lives: Yaka Wewa’s Journey to Resilience

Reviving Hope’: Climate Resilience Through Small Tank Rehabilitation

In the quiet village of Yaka Wewa, the land tells stories of generations of farmers who have depended on its ancient tanks to survive. For decades, the Yaka Wewa Tank, built centuries ago, sustained the community’s crops, nourished their livelihoods, and shaped the rhythm of daily life. But over time, neglect, old age, and climate pressures took their toll. By 2025, three of its sluice gates were broken, water flow was inconsistent, and the fields that once flourished lay half-fallow during the Yala season. Families struggled with water scarcity, yields declined, and hope began to fade.

That is when SLCDF stepped in. Recognizing the urgent need to restore water security and strengthen the resilience of farming communities, SLCDF launched a comprehensive rehabilitation project, combining tank restoration with climate-smart agricultural practices. The approach was simple yet transformative, repair the tank, reintroduce water to the fields, and empower farmers to manage both water and crops sustainably.

The work began in September 2025. Under careful supervision, the three damaged sluice gates were completely reconstructed, and a new bathing Place was added to serve the community. SLCDF worked closely with the Yaka Wewa Samagi Farmers’ Organization to mobilize farmers, share knowledge about climate-resilient crops, and encourage sustainable farming techniques. From the first day, the project was more than concrete and stone — it was about reviving livelihoods, confidence, and community spirit.

When the tank was ceremonially reopened in February 2026, the change was visible and tangible. Where only 25 acres could be cultivated during the Yala Cultivation season before, farmers could now plan to irrigate over 100 acres. Water flowed steadily, crops thrived, and 64 families once again had the security to plan for their future.

The success of the Yaka Wewa Tank project illustrates a powerful lesson, restoring an ancient tank is not just about water, it is about restoring hope, resilience, and the ability of communities to thrive in the face of climate challenges. Today, Yaka Wewa stands as a model for how small-scale, community-driven interventions, guided and supported by SLCDF, can transform rural landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and ensure a more secure and sustainable future.

Through this story, SLCDF continues its mission: to empower communities, restore critical infrastructure, and build climate resilience across rural Sri Lanka.