IFRM Report Bulk Water Allocation

M. Sc.
in Integrated Water Resources Management

Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture ( PGIA)
University of Peradeniya
Interdisciplinary Field Research Methodology (IFRM)

ISSUES IN WATER MANGEMEMENT IN SANDARESGAMA
VILLAGE IN MAHAWELI SYSTEM H
Course Coordinator : Dr. N D K Dayawansa

Group Members
D. M. P. N. K. Dissanayake : IWRM/16021
K.R. HETTIARACHCHI : IWRM/16401
V.VIMALADHAS : IWRM/16403
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLE..........................................................................................................................4
LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................................5
LIST OF APPENDICES...............................................................................................................6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................................7
PREFACE.8
1. INTRODUCTION TO MAHAWELI
SYSTM............................................................................................................................9-12
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE MAHAWELI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
1.2 MAHAWELI SYSTEMS
1.3 WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE MAHAWELI SYSTEMS
1.4 INTRODUCTION TO MAHAWELI SYSTEM H
2. WATER MANAGEMENT IN MAHAWELI SYSTEM H ..13-22
2.1 WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN MAHAWELI SYSTEM H
2.2 INTRODUCTION TO KALAWEWA
2.3 BULK WATER ALLOCATION
2.4 INVOLVEMENT OF FARMERS FOR WATER MANAGEMENT IN
MAHAWELI SYSTEM H
3. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AREA.............................................................23-26
3.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AREA
3.2 WATER MANAGEMENT IN KADURUWEWA FARMERS
ORGANIZATION
3.3 ROLE OF WATER MASTER IN KADURU WEWA FO & SWARNBOOMI FO
3.4 ISSUES RELATED TO THE WATER RESOURCE

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4. THE FIELD RESEARCH...........................................................................................27-36
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
4.3 SPQR ANALYSIS
4.4 WORK PRORAMME FOR THE FIELD RESEARCH
4.5 METHODOLOGY
5. COMPILING THE COLLECTED DATA/
CALCULATION..........................................................................................................27-41
5.1 CALCULATIONS
5.2 COMPILING THE COLLECTED DATA
6. ANALYZING THE COLLECTED DATA......................................................................42
7. CONCLUSION.......43
8. DISCUSSION.....................................................................................................................44
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................45
APPENDICES...........................................................................................................................46
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Details of Kaduruwewa Farmer Organization

Table 2. Details of Swarnaboomi Farmer Organization
Table 3. SPAR Analysis - Problems
Table 6. Summary of Water Duties
Table 7. Data Collection Kaduruwewa FO
Table 8. Data Collection Swarnaboomi FO
Table 9. Data Collection Summary
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Mahaweli Development Programmed and Special Areas

Figure 2. Water Management in Mahaweli Development Programmed
Figure 3. General view of Kala Wewa
Figure 4. Water Issuing Diagram in System H
Figure 5. Water Distribution Plan in System H
Figure 6. The structure of the bulk water allocation
Figure 7. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (Field Canal Level)
Figure 8. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (D Canal Level)
Figure 9. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (Block Level)
Figure 10. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (Project Level)
Figure 11. Farmers involvement in bulk water allocation
Figure 12. Monitoring of water allocation for the year 2014 Yala Season
Figure 13. Mahaweli System "H" Water Duty in Past Maha seasons
Figure 14. Mahaweli System "H" Water Duty in Past Yala seasons
Figure 15. Location of Sandaresgama village
Figure 16. kaduruwewa
Figure 17. Discussion with Ms. Wajira (Irrigation Engineer - Mahaweli Authority)
Figure 18. Discussion with Balasooriya (Agri.reasearch and production assistant)
Figure 19. Discussion with Mr.Upul (president Kaduru wewa farmers organization)
Figure 20. Questionnaire survey
Figure 21. Transect Walk to Kaduruwewa
Figure 22. Transect Walk to Yoda Ela / Jaya Gaga
Figure 23. Map of the study area
Figure 24. Chart of Data Analysis
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Presentations
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude
to
Our lecturer
Dr. N D K Dayawansa
Senior Lecturer
Department of Agriculture Engineering
University of Peradeniya
Your guidance helped us in all the time of the field visit and writing
of this report.
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PREFACE
This field research has been carried out as an assignment for the Interdisciplinary Field
Research Methodology (IFRM) module of the IWRM at PGIA, University of Peradeniya.
The field research was conducted to identify the most efficient method of water management in
Mahaweli system H (Between a storage tank system & direct Mahaweli supply system).
Hence, this report would be helpful for those who are interested in learning about water
management in Mahaweli system and at the same time it may be of great interest for the
students who perform a similar study at university level.
Our personal goal was to research on water management in irrigation, and try to use our
knowledge in practice while imparting our knowledge with other students and professionals.
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO MAHAWELI SYSTEM
1.1 Introduction to the Mahaweli Development Programme

The Mahaweli development progamme is known to be one of the largest multi-functional
development programme under taken not only in Sri Lanka but also, the South East Asia. The
implementation of this programme was originally assigned to the Mahaweli development
board established by the legislative act no. 14 of 1970.
The main purposes of carrying out the programme were generation of hydroelectric power,
controlling flood, making irrigation facilities for dry zone cultivation, settlement of landless
and unemployed families by constructing and developing physical and social infrastructure
required for human habitation by using the waters of the Mahaweli River. Increase local
agricultural production and create employment opportunities for the people were among the
other expected purposes.
The Master Plan of Mahaweli Development Programme was prepared with the assistance of
UNDP and FAO and recommended for step wise implementation over a period of 30 years.
The programme, included irrigation development of about 365,000 ha and hydro power
development of 470 MW in capacity. For the purpose of identification, the whole development
area was divided into projects, referred to Systems A to M.
The step wise implemented Mahaweli Development Programme was would have lasted about
30 years from 1975. The newly appointed J. R. Jayewardene government in 1977 decided to
speed up the programme and complete it within its term of office of 6 years. According to that
the Accelerated Mahaweli Programme (AMP) was implemented with a revision of the Master
Plan in 1977. Which was consist of 12 projects and mainly confined to four head works in
initial works of the programme, including the construction of Kotmale, Victoria, Maduru Oya,
Randenigala dams and the downstream development of about 60,000 ha in Systems B and C
and the Minipe anicut, the Right Bank Trans basin Canal and the Ulhitiya and Ratkinda
reservoirs. To implement the project plan in the balance areas proposed by the Master plan and
also Gazetted areas, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka was established in 1979 by an Act of
Parliament with a mandate.
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As the end of 1995, all the head works of the AMP had been completed and were functioning.
Feasibility studies were scheduled to be completed in respect of the proposed Moragahakanda
Project.
1.2 MAHAWELI SYSTEMS
System B
System C
System G
System H
Uda walawe
System L
Victoria/ Kotmale
Huruluwewa
System D
Figure 1. Mahaweli Development Programmed and Special Areas
1.3 Water Management in the Mahaweli Systems

The management of the water resources of the Mahaweli Project is entrusted to the Water
Management Panel (WMP) which is headed by the Director General; MASL consists of all
Heads of Government Agencies concerned with the management and operation of the
Mahaweli Project. The Director, Water Management Secretariat functions as the Secretary of
both the Policy Planning Panel and the Mahaweli Water Management Panel, and this helps to
maintain the necessary communication link between the two panels. The WMP is also
responsible for the overall cultivation programmes in the areas served by the Mahaweli Project.
The WMP is assisted in its works by a technically specialized Water Management Secretariat
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(WMS) constituted within the MASL. It is responsible for the operational planning and co
ordination responsibilities of the WMS extend to the other operating agencies as well. The
WMS provides information and recommendations to the WMP to assist it in reaching its
operational policy decisions. Once the decisions are made, the monitoring of the total
programme is directed by the WMS.
Figure 2. Water Management in Mahaweli Development Programmed
1.4 Introduction to Mahaweli System H

System H is the first area to be settled under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Program,
The scheme started in 1975 with the settling of approximately 500 families in the area. This
program of settlement was accelerated from 1978 by the new government.
System H is an irrigated settlement scheme where a total of 24,000 families will ultimately be
settled. The project area consists of a total of 43,725 hectares. Each settler was given an
irrigable allotment of 1 hectare (2.5 acres) and a highland allotment of 0.2 hectare (0.5 acres).
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Water diverted from the Mahaweli River at Kandy (Polgolla) is another diversion at
Bowatenne, into three main storage tanks that serve System H. The tanks are Kandalama,
Dambulu Oya and Kalawewa. An intricate irrigation network was designed to distribute water
throughout the scheme.
There are two cultivation seasons. One is the Maha or main season where rain occurs during
the northeast monsoon from October to January. Maha Irrigation water supplements the rain
fed cultivations of the season. The other season is the Yala, where cultivation is done from
May to August and the water requirement must be met mainly from irrigation.
The main crop cultivated in this area is paddy. Almost 100%of cultivation in Maha is paddy
and the tendency is to cultivate paddy in Yala as well. However, as water is a limiting factor
during the Yala season, the authorities have tried to encourage the growth of other field crops
instead. Crops that can be grown successfully are: chili, cowpea, soybean, sesame, black gram,
green gram, and peanut. The consumption of water in the cultivation of other field crops is
much lower than for paddy. The profits that accrue from the cultivation of subsidiary food
crops are equal to or more than that of paddy.
Community development plays a very important role in the management of System H. Farmers
and farmer leaders are trained regularly in agriculture, water management, marketing and
credit, community development, etc.
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CHAPTER 2
WATER MANAGEMENT IN MAHAWELI SYSTEM H
2.1 Water Distribution System in Mahaweli System H

Water diverted from the Mahaweli River at Kandy (Polgolla) is another diversion at
Bowatenne, into three main storage tanks that serve System H. The tanks are Kandalama,
Dambulu Oya and Kalawewa. An intricate irrigation network was designed to distribute water
throughout the scheme.
Kalawewa is the majour water storage tank in the system H.
2.2 Introduction to Kalawewa

This reservoir was built by the King Dhathusena who ruled the country during 455 473 CE in
the 5th century.
After completion of construction of Kala Wewa, the king built another tank called Balalu
Wewa nearby and connected the two tanks together making the biggest tank in Sri Lanka. His
son King Mahinda II who ruled the country during 777 797 CE expanded the tank further.
Water of the tank was transferred to the This Wewa in Anuradhapura by an ancient 54 miles
(86.9 km) long canal called Jaya Ganga alias Yoda Ella which has a fine slope of one feet per
mile but according to some historians it is one inch per mile.
First restoration to the tank is done by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The tank was
renovated several times in the past as in the period of British Governor Sir William Henry
Gregory (18721877) and Sir Arthur
Hamilton-Gordon (18831890). After the
British rule in the country and in 1958, the
tanks bund was reconstructed connecting
the tank with Balalu Wewa.
Being one of main storages in the Mahaweli

Irrigation Scheme since 1976, the tank
serves to the population in the North Central
Sri Lanka.
Figure 3. General view of Kala Wewa
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Basic Parameters of Kala Wewa;
a) Reservoir
Catchments Area - 842 sqkm
Maxm height - 14.8m
Length of the dam - 6.50km
Crest Width - Varying from 10 to 30m
Maxm Flood Level - 131.37m MSL
Full Supply Level - 129.24 m MSL
Minm drawdown level - 118.87m MSL
Total Capacity - 123.30 MCM
b) Spillway
Spillway Capacity - 1767 m3/sec
i) Clear Over flow Section
Type - Masonry Ogee
Length - 183.49m
Crest level - 129.24m MSL
ii) Type of Gates - Radial
No of Gates - 02 Nos
Size of gates - 6.1 W x 6.10H (mxm)
Sill level - 123.14m MSL
ii) Breaching Section
Length - 152.40 m
Crest level - 131.37 m MSL
c) Sluices
i) Left Bank Sluice (1976)
Discharge - 400 Cusecs

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Reinforced Concrete Structure, twin barrel (1.5mx1.83m
ii) Balaluwewa Goda Ela Sluice (rehabilitated in 1887)
Rectangular dressed stone masonry.
iii) Kalawewa Goda Ela Sluice (rehabilitated in 1887)
Twin barrel (4ftx2ft) dressed stone masonry in rectangular shape.
iv) Kalawewa Yoda Ela Sluice Restored in 1885
Dressed stone masonry with 3 slide gates, d/s single barrel with outlet portal
structure.
v) Right Bank (Jaya Ganga)Sluice (1976 - 1887)
Reinforced concrete structure, 3 barrels.
Figure 4. Water Issuing Diagram in System H

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Figure 5. Water Distribution Plan in System H
2.3 Bulk Water Allocation

At the beginning, Planning of Irrigation Water Management was carried out by Mahaweli
Officers. Farmers were not directly involved in the planning. In 1998, Mahaweli Restructuring
and Rehabilitation Programme (MRRP) was launched. Under that Project, decentralize the
management of Mahaweli Authority and convert its role to a facilitator to Farmer organizations
Major components of MRRP are; System rehabilitation, Institutional Development, Water

management.
The major concepts of MRRP are;
to involve farmers in planning
to obtain a gross idea of how much water allocated for the season.
The D-Canal Farmer Organization (DCFO) has the flexibility of adjusting the
issues as required by the farmers within the allocation.
Bulk water allocation is practiced at three levels as follows;
System Level Allocation at Water Management Panel
Block level allocation by the Project Management Committee.
DCFO level allocation by the Block level sub Committees

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Main objective of the bulk water allocation can be identified as follows;
Directly participate farmers for the water management.
Farmers know their allocated water quantity and use their water quantity.
Farmers train to cultivate according to the plan.
Train to save water.
Train to prepare a suitable cultivation plan
The stages of bulk water allocation is as follows;
1. Farmer prepares a suitable cultivation plan for the season.
2. Field Canal Group prepares FC canal cultivation plan for the season
3. DCFO Prepares D canal cultivation plan for the season.
4. Sub committee prepare block cultivation plan for the season.
5. Forward and getting approval for the special project meeting.
6. Arrival for water service agreement.
7. Forming the water time table.
8. Requesting of water.
9. Noted the water name board.
10. Recording jointly water

measurement.
11. Follow up the balance water.
12. Dividing of water according

to the water management plan
for the D canal.
13. Proper water management in

the farm.
14. Preparing Cultivation

progress report and water
management progress report.
Figure 6. The structure of the

bulk water allocation
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Field Canal level water requirement is calculated by using the following format.
Figure 7. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (Field Canal Level)
D Canal level water requirement is calculated by using the following format.
Figure 8. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (D Canal Level)

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Block level water requirement is calculated by using the following format
Figure 9. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (Block Level)
Project level water requirement is calculated by using the following format
Figure 10. Format used for Calculating of Water Quota (Project Level)
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2.4 Involvement of farmers for water management in Mahaweli system H
Farmers are involved for the bulk water allocation in three levels as; Field canal team farmers,
Distributor Canal Farmer Organization farmers & Block Level Sub Committee farmers.
Figure 11. Farmers involvement

in bulk water allocation
1. Field canal team (10-15) farmers
A field canal leader is responsible for organizing the rotational water issues and
scheduling within the field canal.
2. Distributor Canal Farmer Organization (100-200) farmers
preparation of the Seasonal Allocation Plan
deciding on the water allocation a DCFO
water distribution and monitoring within the D-canal (water master )
keeping records of water issues to each canal
Maintaining the notice board at the Distributory canal head to make aware of
the water schedule.
3. Block Level Sub Committee (4000-5000 farmers)
Constitute of the members of the DCFOs.
responsible in allocating water among the D-Canals

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There are three meetings to discuss & finalize the bulk water allocation. They are;
Pre Cultivation Meeting
Water Panel Meeting
Cultivation Meeting
In Pre Cultivation Meeting they discussed about the; Water availability, Crop types , Crop
extents, Rough estimate on water requirement, Repair & Maintenance works of canals &
Cultivation time table.
In Water Panel Meeting they discussed about the; Power requirement in bulk, Availability of
water, Crop types, periods and extent.
In Cultivation Meeting they confirm the Crop types, Crop periods, Crop extents, Cultivation
loan & Insurance & Distribution of fertilizer.
Monitoring of water allocation, water duty, cultivated extent for the year 2014 was done by the
Mahaweli Authority. (Figure 12,13,14)
Figure 12. Monitoring of water allocation for the year 2014 Yala Season
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Figure 13. Mahaweli System "H" Water Duty in Past Maha seasons
Figure 14. Mahaweli System "H" Water Duty in Past Yala seasons
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CHAPTER 3
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AREA
3.1 Introduction to the study area

Sandharasgama village is situated in 391 GN division in Palugaswewa closer to Eppawala
town. Two main Farmers Organization are there named as, Kaduruwewa FO &
Sandaresgama FO. Kaduruwewa FO, water source is Kaduruwewa which is fed by Jaya
ganga and Sandaresgama FO, water source is direct Mahaweli system fed by Jaya ganga. Part
of the Sandaresgama FO is taking water from the Palugaswewa which is fed directly from
Mahaweli syatem.
Figure 15. Location of Sandaresgama village

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Here the Farmers Organization named as Kaduruwewa where 37 families are living and
cultivating about 16 Hectares of paddy land. Their water source is Kaduruwewa which is fed
by Jaya ganga (Yoda ela). Jaya ganga is maintained by Mahaweli Authority. Water flowing in
Jaya ganga is from Kala wewa which is about 29 km away from the village.
Figure 16. Kaduruwewa
Kaduruwewa Farmers Organization is in operation since 1978. Present leader of this

organization is Mr.Upul. Land ownership of farmers are varying from 0.25 Ac to 2.5 c.
Farmers tend to cultivate Samba (BG 458, BG 367, BG 450) during Maha season and
Nadu (BW 366, BG 300, BG 350) in Yala.
Extend of cultivation 16 ha
Number of families 37
Seasons of cultivation Maha and yala
Varieties in Maha and Yala Samba (BG 458, BG 367, BG 450)

Nadu (BW 366, BG 300, BG 350)
Water source Reserved in tank, fed to tank from Jaya ganga

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Swarnaboomi Farmers Organization is in operation since 1978. Present leader of this

organization is Mr.Epitawala. Land ownership of farmers are varying from 0.25 Ac to 2.5 c.
Farmers tend to cultivate Samba (BG 458, BG 367, BG 450) & Nadu (BW 366, BG 300,
BG 350) during Maha season. They usually cultivate short term varieties in Yala season as
Corn, Soya, Bean, Undu to avoid any unexpected water lacking. Fields which are under the
Palugaswewa tends to cultivate paddy n both seasons.
Extend of cultivation 15 ha under Palugaswewa

72 Ha under direct Mahaweli- H
Number of families 16 Palugaswewa
74- direct Mahaweli- H
Seasons of cultivation Maha and Yala
Varieties in Maha and Yala Palugaswewa- Paddy (both season)

Direct Mahaweli- Maha -Paddy, Yala - Corn, Soya, Bean,
Undu
Water source Direct Mahaweli system (SD 8 canal) & Overflow from
Kaduruwewa
3.2 Water Management in Kaduruwewa Farmers Organization

Water master operates the field canal by morning 6 am and closes it by evening 6 pm.
Normally, the irrigation time for 0.5 Ac of land is about 1 hr, which is commonly agreed by the
members of farm organization. Mahaweli Authority is used to feed water to the tank in a
season which is determined by the Authority. It is about 0.5 cusec(ft3/s) these days and it will
be delivered in 3 days interval. Also, whenever the inadequacy of water is experienced in the
tank, they used to acknowledge it to the Mahaweli Engineer.
Kaduruwewa farmers are used to get the yield in Maha is 55 busels/Ac and 45 bussels/ Ac in
Yala (use tons per ha). This Farmers organization is used to gather once in two months. And
the decisions they make here are as followings,
The variety to be cultivated in the coming season
The time to start the cultivation

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Dead line to start the cultivation
Allocation of water to each field
Other water related and organization issues in particular
There are 3 sluice outlets in the Kaduruwewa. Farmers used to receive water from Left and
Right hand sides of the tank. Middle one is used to get operated only during droughts to keep
the survival of the crops under command area. They have two different supply systems of
water, one is supplying from the tail end to top, and the second is top to tail. Farmers prefer tail
to top supplying system, because it reduces the wastage of water and the time taken to reach
the fields.
3.3 Role of Water master in Kaduru wewa FO & Swarnboomi FO
Control the amount of water to be delivered to each fields is the main duty of the Water Master
( Jala Palak).
While he delivers the water there will be a joint measurement by Mahaweli Authority
It depends on the extent of cultivation
Time of delivery ( Open Valve) is depending on the water requrement
He is paid by the farmers organization
3.4 Issues related to the water resource
1. Priorities of the water are Drinking, Domestic use and then the Cultivation.
2. Clearing and maintaining the field canal is done by the farmers them-selves and it is
not up to the expectation.
3. No maintenance of sluices, bund and the spill leads to wastage of water.
4. Allocation of water among farmers arise problematic situations.
5. No penalty on farmers on clearing the canals gives an advantage to those who not
cooperating.
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CHAPTER 4
THE FIELD RESEARCH
4.1 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the procedures, methods that have been followed to
implement the field research. Following sub topics are included to this chapter as; Field
Research objectives, SPGR Analysis & methodology etc.
4.2 Objectives of the study

Identify the issues in water management in Sandaresgama Village.
Suggest solutions for the issues of water management in Sandaresgama Village.
4.3 SPQR Analysis

Based on the Water Management system of the Sandaresgama village SPQR Analysis was
done.
S - Situation
In our study area ( Sandaresgama Village) two main Farmers Organizations can be identified
named as, Kaduruwewa FO & Sandaresgama FO. Kaduruwewa FO, water source is
Kaduruwewa which is fed by Jaya ganga and Sandaresgama FO, water source is direct
Mahaweli system fed by Jaya ganga. Part of the Sandaresgama FO is taking water from the
Palugaswewa which is fed directly from Mahaweli syatem.
Comparing the two farm organizations, Kaduruwewa farm organization is well managed
with their Kaduru wewa water source, meanwhile the Swarnaboomi farmer organization is
having many problems with their water requirement. (Direct supply from Mahaweli system)
Water received from the Mahaweli is not sufficient for their cultivation & there is no place to
store the water (only for the areas which are directly fed by Mahaweli system). But also there
are some issues regarding the water management in Kaduru wewa FO, as; Water received from
the Mahaweli is not sufficient for their cultivation, The supplying water from the head is not
sufficient to reach tail, Infrastructure facilities are also in a bad situation.
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P Problem
Situation Problem
Water received from the Mahaweli is not Mahaweli Authority has limited their water
sufficient for their cultivation supply due to lack of rain
There is no place to store the water for Kaduruwewa & Palugaswewa is supply
some areas water only for a limited area
Infrastructure facilities are also in a bad Lack of funds from the government
situation.
Table 3. SPAR Analysis - Problems
Q Questions
1. Why water received from the Mahaweli is not sufficient for their cultivation?
2. How much water allocates from Mahaweli system( both Yala & Maha seasons)?
3. How much of water actually required for the cultivation?
4. Who is involving in the water management?
5. What are types of crops they are cultivating?
6. What is the extent of cultivation?
7. What is the type of soil?
8. Who do the maintenance of the tanks & canals?
9. What is the yield of bath Yala & Maha seasons?
10. What is the best method of water management ( tank of direct sypply)?
R - Response
Develop a methodology to assess different objectives as; key informant interviews,

questionnaire survey, transect walk.
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4.4 Work Proramme for the Field Research
1. One day Field Visit (25/11/2016)

One day field visit was done to Mahaweli Authority - system H & to the
Sandaresgama village.
There a small discussion was made with Eng.Vajira Gunasekara, Irrigation
Engineer in Mahaweli Authority& Mr. Upul, President of kaduruwewa farmers
organization to identify the issues regarding water management within the study
area.
First Transit walk was done through Sandaresgama village Palugaswewa area to
take a good understating about the study area.
2. Four days Field Visit (30/03/2017-02/04/2017)
Day 1 (30/03/217)
Transect walk at Kaduruwewa FO
Discussion with Mr.T.A. Nadhasiri the treasurer of the Kaduruwewa Farmers
organization
Prepared the day-1 report
Day 2 (31/03/217)
Conduct key person interview in swarnaboomi and sandharesgama (key informant
interviews)
o Visited Mahaweli Authority System H & discussed with Eng.Vajira
Gunasekara, Irrigation Engineer in Mahaweli Authority
o Discussion with Mr. Upul, President of kaduruwewa farmers
organization
o Discussion with Mr. Balasooriya (Agri.reasearch and production
assistant)
o Discussion with Mr. Balasooriya (Agri.reasearch and production
assistant)
o Discussion with Mr. Epitawela (president, Swarnaboomi farmers
organization)
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Compile the collected data

Day 2 progress presentation
Day 3 (01/04/217)
Conduct the questionnaire survey with randomly selected farmers in Swarnaboomi
& palugaswewa FOs
Conduct key person interview in swarnaboomi and sandharesgama (key informant
interviews)
Transect walk
Collect the information in the Farmers organization meeting in sandharesgama.
Calculations of the collected informations and find the water duty and compare it
with Mahaweli authiritys data.
Day 4 (02/04/2017)
Extract the information collected and analyze the findings
Discussing the major issues
Finding the key points to be addressed
Address the problems and solving methods
3. Progress Presentation (13/05/2017)
4. Final Presentation & Report (03/06/2017)
4.4 Methodology
Study was conducted in six main levels.
Data Collection
Mapping of the study area
Compiling the collected data
Analyzing the collected data
Discussion
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Conclusion/ proposal
4.4.1 Data Collection

Data collection was done basically by using three main methods. Those are;
Key informant interviews
Conducting questionnaire survey
Transect Walk
Four day field research survey was done to collect the data (from 30th March to 2nd April).
4.4.1.1 Key informant interviews

Several discussion were done with following mentioned key persons.
Eng. Vajira Gunasekara (Irrigation Engineer - Mahaweli Authority)
Mr. Balasooriya (Agri.reasearch and production assistant)
Mr. Upul (president Kaduru wewa farmers organization)
Mr. Epitawela (president, Swarnaboomi farmers organization)
With the interview made with Eng. Vajira Gunasekara (Irrigation Engineer - Mahaweli
Authority) following areas were discussed;
Mahaweli System H
Study area Sandaresgama Village
Water Quota & Water allocation
Water Management in System H
Role of Water master
Involvement of farmers in water allocation
Issues related to water allocation
Problem solving methods in

practice
Figure 17. Discussion with Ms. Wajira

(Irrigation Engineer - Mahaweli
Authority)
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With the interview made with Mr. Balasooriya (Agri.reasearch and production assistant)
following information were collected;
Number of farmers organization in 391 GN division
Number of farmers in each organization
Extend owned by of each farmer
Last season cultivation extend
Problems related to water management
Role of the water master
Figure 18. Discussion with

Balasooriya (Agri.reasearch and
production assistant)
With the interview made with Mr. Upul (president Kaduru wewa farmers organization)
following information were collected about the Kadurugaswewa FO;
Extend of cultivation 16 ha
Number of families 37
Seasons of cultivation Maha and yala
Varieties in Maha and Yala Samba (BG 458, BG 367, BG 450)
Nadu (BW 366, BG 300, BG 350)
Water source Reserved in tank, fed to tank from Jaya ganga
Amount of water receives from 1.5 ft3/s

Mahaweli

IFRM 33
Figure 19. Discussion with

Mr.Upul (president Kaduru wewa
farmers organization)
With the interview made with Mr. Epitawela (president, Swarnaboomi farmers organization)
following information were collected about the Swarnaboomi FO;
Extend of cultivation 15 ha under Palugaswewa

72 Ha under direct Mahaweli- H
Number of families 16 Palugaswewa
74- direct Mahaweli- H
Seasons of cultivation Maha and Yala
Varieties in Maha and Yala Palugaswewa- Paddy (both season)

Direct Mahaweli- Maha -Paddy, Yala - Corn, Soya,
Bean, Undu
Water source Direct Mahaweli system (SD 8 canal) & Overflow
from Kaduruwewa
Amount of water receives from Palugaswewa 0.5 ft3/s
Mahaweli Direct Mahaweli system -7.5 ft3/s

IFRM 34
4.4.1.2 Conducting questionnaire survey

Questionnaire survey was done to collect more information about the research area. 20 farmers
of Sandaresgama village were questioned.
Swarnaboomi Farmer Organization
Direct Mahaweli 5 Nos.
From Palugas wewa 5 Nos.
Kaduru Wewa Farmer Organization
Head End - 5 Nos.
Tail End 5 Nos.
Figure 20. Questionnaire survey

IFRM 35
4.4.1.3 Transect Walk

More details of the study area was collected through a transect walk.
Figure 21. Transect Walk to Kaduruwewa
Figure 22. Transect Walk to Yoda Ela / Jaya Gaga

IFRM 36
4.4.2 Mapping of the study area

Study area was mapped by using Google Earth. Kaduruwewa tank, Command area,
Distribution canals, roads & sluice gates were located in the map.
Figure 23. Map of the study area

IFRM 37
CHAPTER 5
COMPILING THE COLLECTED DATA / CALCULATIONS
5.1 Calculations
Calculations were done by using the collected data during the field survey. Water duty was
calculated for the main three farmer organizations.
1. Kaduruwewa FO fed by Kaduruwewa
2. Swarnaboomi FO fed by Palugaswewa area
3. Swarnaboomi FO fed by Direct Mahaweli system

Water received is 1.5 cusec
That is equals to 0.123 m3 s-1
1. For land preparation they receives water 3 days continuously
That is equals to;
= 1.5 X 0.041 X 24 X 60 X 60 m3
= 31,881.6 m3 for 16 Ha
= 1992.6 m3 for 1 Ha
This (31,881.6 m3) is for 16 Ha of extent and for one Ha receives about 1992.6 m3 of water
initially for land preparations.
2. For sowing and growing, 6 days in a week for 15 hrs a day for 4 weeks
That is equals to;

= 0.123 X 15 X 60 X 60 X 6 X 4 m3
= 159,408 m3 for 16 Ha
= 9,963 m3 for 16 Ha
Total amount received is equals to 1992.6+ 9,963 m3/Ha = 11 955.6 m3/ ha
Water duty for Kaduruwewa is 11,955/10,000 = 1.1955 m

Water received is 0.5 cusec
That is equal to 0.041 m3/s
IFRM 38
1. For Land preparation water is released for 15 days 24 hrs a day
Total amount is equals to;

= 0.041 m3/s X 60X60X24s X 15 days
= 53136 m3 for 16 Ha
= 53136/16 = 3321 m3/ha
2. For seeding water is released for 3 days in a week for 3 weeks
Total amount released is

= 0.041 m3/s X 60X60X24s X 3 days/ week X 3 weeks
= 31 881.6 m3 for 16 ha
= 31 881.6/16 = 1992.6 m3/ ha
3. Growing water is released for 3 days per week for 7 weeks
Total amount released is equals to

= 74390.4 m3/16 ha
= 74390.4/16 = 4649.4 m3/ ha
4. Maturity water is released in 2 days in a week for 8 weeks
Total amount of water released for maturity is equal to

= 56678.4 m3/16 ha
= 3542.4 m3/ha
Total water released for a season is = 3321+1992.6+4649.4+3542.4 = 13505.4 m3/ ha

Water duty is equals to 13,505.4/10,000 = 1.3505 m

Water received in 7.5 ft3/s
that is equals to 0.212325 m3/s
1. For land preparation water is received for 14 days for 24 hrs
That is equals to
= 0.212325 X 60 X 60 X 24 X 14
IFRM 39
= 256,828.32 m3 for 87 Ha
= 2952.05 m3/ha
2. For sowing water is received for 3 days for 3 weeks continuously for 24 hrs
That is equals to
= 0.212325 X 60 X 60 X 24 X 9
= 165,103.92 m3 for 87 Ha
= 1892.75 m3/ha
3. For growing water is released for 4 days in a week for 7 weeks 24 hrs a day
That is equals to
= 0.212325 X 60 X 60 X 24 X 28
= 513,656.64 m3 for 87 Ha
= 5,904 m3/ha
4. For maturity water is released for 2 days in a week for 8 weeks 24 hrs a day
That is equals to
= 0.212325 X 60 X 60 X 24 X 16
= 293,518.08 m3 for 87 Ha
= 3,373.8 m3/ha
Total amount of water allowed to 1 Ha is equals to

= 2952.05 m3 +1892.75 m3+5,904 m3+3,373.8 m3 = 14,126.77 m3/ ha
Water duty in Sanderesgama direct Mahaweli is equals to
14,126.77 m3/ ha/10,000 ha = 1.412677 m
Summary
Location 1. Kaduruwewa FO 2. Swarnaboomi FO 3. Swarnaboomi FO

fed by Kaduruwewa fed by Palugaswewa fed by Direct
area Mahaweli system
Water duty 1.1955 1.3505 1.4129
Table 6. Summary of Water Duties

IFRM 40
5.1 Compiling the Collected Data

Kaduruwewa- head end

Family No.
Paramete Avarag
r No. Parameter 1 2 3 4 5 e
1 Extend of cultivation (Acre) 0.25 0.5 1 1 2 0.38
2 Type of crop - Maha (2016) Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy
3 Type of crop - Yala (2016) Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy
1.183 1.183 1.183 1.183

4 Water Duty - Maha (2016)-m 1.1832 2 2 2 2 1.1832
1.195 1.195 1.195 1.195

5 Water Duty - Yala (2016)-m 1.1955 5 5 5 5 1.1955
Mudd Mudd Mudd Mudd
6 Type of soil Muddy y y y y Muddy
F-Canal maintenance done by
7 farmers Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
8 Yield- Maha-(2016)(ton/hec) 3.8 3.7 4 4.1 3.8 3.88
9 Yield- Yala (ha)-2016-ton/hec 3.2 3.1 3.3 3.4 3.2 3.24
Kaduruwewa- tail end

Family No.
Paramete Avarag
1 Extend of cultivation (Acre) 1 1.5 1 1 2.5 0.56
1.183 1.183 1.183 1.183

4 Water Duty - Maha (2016)-m 1.1832 2 2 2 2 1.1832
1.195 1.195 1.195 1.195

5 Water Duty - Yala (2016)-m 1.1955 5 5 5 5 1.1955
Mudd Mudd Mudd Mudd
8 Yield- Maha-(2016)(ton/hec) 3.7 3.6 3.8 3.75 3.6 3.69
9 Yield- Yala (ha)-2016-ton/hec 3.1 3.3 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.3
Table 7. Data Collection Kaduruwewa FO

IFRM 41
Swarnabomi- Palugaswewa Family No.

Parameter
No. Parameter 1 2 3 4 5 Avarage
1 Extend of cultivation (Acre) 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 1
4 Water Duty - Maha (2016)-m 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33
5 Water Duty - Yala (2016)-m 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.3505
6 Type of soil Muddy Muddy Muddy Muddy Muddy Muddy
F-Canal maintenance done
7 by farmers Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
8 Yield- Maha-(2016)(ton/hec) 3.8 3.1 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.4
9 Yield- Yala (ha)-2016-ton/hec 3.5 3 3.2 3 3.3 3.2
Swarnaboomi - Direct
Mahaweli
Family No.
Paramete Avarag
1 Extend of cultivation (Acre) 2.5 0.25 2.5 2 0.25 0.6
not not not not not not
2 Type of crop - Maha (2016) done done done done done done
not
3 Type of crop - Yala (2016) Corn done Corn Corn Soya Corn
4 Water Duty - Maha (2016)-m done done done done done done
5 Water Duty - Yala (2016)-m 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.14
Mudd Mudd Mudd Mudd
8 Yield- Maha-(2016)(ton/hec) done done done done done done
not
3.1 2.6 2.7 2.4
9 Yield- Yala (ha)-2016-ton/hec done 2.16
Table 8. Data Collection Swarnaboomi FO

IFRM 42
CHAPTER 6
ANALYZING THE COLLECTED DATA
Comparison of relevant parameters with the Farmer Organizations was done.
1. 2. 3.Swarnabomi- Swarnaboomi
Kaduruwewa- kaduruwewa- Palugaswewa - Direct
head end tail end Mahaweli
Extend of cultivation 0.38 0.56 1 0.6
(Hec)
Water Duty - Maha 1.18 1.18 1.33 Not Done
(2016)-m
Water Duty - Yala (2016)- 1.20 1.20 1.35 1.14
m
Yield- Maha- 3.88 3.69 3.40 Not Done
(2016)(ton/hec)
Yield- Yala (ha)-2016- 3.24 3.30 3.20 2.16
ton/hec
Table 9. Data Collection Summary
Data Analysis
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Extend of Water Duty - Water Duty - Yield- Maha- Yield- Yala
cultivation Maha Yala (2016)- (2016)(ton/h (ha)-2016-
(Hec) (2016)-m m ec) ton/hec
1. Kaduruwewa- head end 0.38 1.18 1.20 3.88 3.24
2. kaduruwewa- tail end 0.56 1.18 1.20 3.69 3.30
3.Swarnabomi- Palugaswewa 1 1.33 1.35 3.40 3.20
Swarnaboomi - Direct Mahaweli 0.6 0.00 1.41 0.00 2.16
Figure 24. Chart of Data Analysis

IFRM 43
CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSSION
Water duties of Swarnaboomi - direct mahaweli is 1.4129677, Kaduruwewa is

1.1955 and Palugaswewa is 1.3505 in the year of 2016.
Water duty becomes low when theres a small storage tank is available closer to the
cultivation area
Compare with Palugaswewa, Kaduruwewa receives less amount of water still they
are able to cultivate with adequate water
Their management systems and the cooperation of farmers in taking decisions

ensures the succesful cultivation throught the season
Farmers can utilize the water whenever they need it with less wastage compared to
direct Mahaweli supplies.
High efficiency and equity (as every FO gets the same amount of water)
Nested institutions allow close contact across vertical level and strong relationship
between farmers and local officers.
Inhabitants (Farmers) in System H use natural resources in the area sustainably for
their livelihoods and improve their standards of living by managing their economic
activates in the best possible manner adopting modern technology.
Allocation of fund to maintain the main channels and storage tanks will enhance the
cultivation as farmers couldnt do so.
IFRM 44
CHAPTER 8
DISCUSSION
Bulk water allocation system is working fairly good in this area where a small
storage tank is available and the direct Mahaweli water receivers having problems
in doing cultivation compared to those who do under storage tanks
Kaduruwewa farmers are strictly following the instructions and they take
participatory decisions and work accordingly to achieve the best they can do in a
particular season.
Palugaswewa farmers receive water from excess flow of Kaduruwewa and direct
Mahaweli allocations and they have adequate amount to share among them.
Palugaswewa farmers tend to go for sharing of lands whenever they feels shortage
of water to cultivate in a season, where as direct mahaweli water receiving faremers
in Sandarasgama village are not in such position to share the lands among them
whenever they feels shortage of water. Therefore this creates a problematic
situation among farmers.
The sharing system could be practiced to eradicate such situations once an

institution monitors the sharing of lands to cultivate.
Even though the bulk water allocations are successful compared to the past there
are still improvements required to make it complete success. Such as
o Involvement of the buyers for other field crops
o Enhance the farmers with the allocation systems i.e. trainings, work shops
o Aware farmers before the land preparation to restrict their crop production
extend to the recommended levels
o Improving the storage facilities for other field crops and also for paddy
IFRM 45
References
Presented data - Mahaweli Authority, System H, Thabuththegama

Water scheduling for better yield in paddy cultivation A study from Mahawei H of
Sri Lanka, T N Wickramarachchi
System H of the Mahaweli Development project, Sri Lanka, WMS Report
http://mahaweli.gov.lk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahaweli_Development_programme

IFRM Report Bulk Water Allocation

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M. Sc.

in Integrated Water Resources Management

Interdisciplinary Field Research Methodology (IFRM)

Course Coordinator : Dr. N D K Dayawansa

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE MAHAWELI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

1.2 MAHAWELI SYSTEMS

1.3 WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE MAHAWELI SYSTEMS

1.4 INTRODUCTION TO MAHAWELI SYSTEM H

2. WATER MANAGEMENT IN MAHAWELI SYSTEM H ..13-22

2.1 WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN MAHAWELI SYSTEM H

2.2 INTRODUCTION TO KALAWEWA

2.3 BULK WATER ALLOCATION

2.4 INVOLVEMENT OF FARMERS FOR WATER MANAGEMENT IN

3. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AREA.............................................................23-26

3.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AREA

3.2 WATER MANAGEMENT IN KADURUWEWA FARMERS

3.3 ROLE OF WATER MASTER IN KADURU WEWA FO & SWARNBOOMI FO

3.4 ISSUES RELATED TO THE WATER RESOURCE

4. THE FIELD RESEARCH...........................................................................................27-36

4.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

4.3 SPQR ANALYSIS

4.4 WORK PRORAMME FOR THE FIELD RESEARCH

5. COMPILING THE COLLECTED DATA/

5.2 COMPILING THE COLLECTED DATA

6. ANALYZING THE COLLECTED DATA......................................................................42

Table 1. Details of Kaduruwewa Farmer Organization

Figure 1. Mahaweli Development Programmed and Special Areas

Foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude

Department of Agriculture Engineering

Research Methodology (IFRM) module of the IWRM at PGIA, University of Peradeniya.

students who perform a similar study at university level.

1.1 Introduction to the Mahaweli Development Programme

1.2 MAHAWELI SYSTEMS

Figure 1. Mahaweli Development Programmed and Special Areas

1.3 Water Management in the Mahaweli Systems

Figure 2. Water Management in Mahaweli Development Programmed

1.4 Introduction to Mahaweli System H

2.1 Water Distribution System in Mahaweli System H

Kalawewa is the majour water storage tank in the system H.

2.2 Introduction to Kalawewa

Being one of main storages in the Mahaweli

Basic Parameters of Kala Wewa;

Catchments Area - 842 sqkm

Maxm height - 14.8m

Length of the dam - 6.50km

Crest Width - Varying from 10 to 30m

Maxm Flood Level - 131.37m MSL

Full Supply Level - 129.24 m MSL

Minm drawdown level - 118.87m MSL

Total Capacity - 123.30 MCM

Spillway Capacity - 1767 m3/sec

i) Clear Over flow Section

Type - Masonry Ogee

Crest level - 129.24m MSL

ii) Type of Gates - Radial

Size of gates - 6.1 W x 6.10H (mxm)

Sill level - 123.14m MSL

ii) Breaching Section

Crest level - 131.37 m MSL

i) Left Bank Sluice (1976)

Discharge - 400 Cusecs

Reinforced Concrete Structure, twin barrel (1.5mx1.83m

ii) Balaluwewa Goda Ela Sluice (rehabilitated in 1887)