Sampath Bank's ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ Breathes New Life Into Puttalam for Over 200 Families

Dedicated to empowering communities across Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank set forth on a mission to support the nation’s farming community through the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ Programme. The programme aims to strengthen local harvesting by reviving traditional irrigation systems that can be restored to increase agriculture for farmers. Through the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ programme, the Kohombagas Tank at the Mahakumbukkadawala Divisional Secretariat of Puttalam District has been revived and handed over to the local farmers which brought renewed hope and opportunities to them. 

The Kohombagas Tank supports the cultivation of 64 acres, serving over 76 farming families and around 150 nearby families who rely on it for their daily needs. However, a malfunctioning irrigation system has complicated their daily tasks. Key components like the feeder canal, tank bund, spill and irrigation canal have not been renovated for a long time, preventing the Tank from retaining water. As a result, farmers have struggled to cultivate their crops even for one season. In response to a heartfelt plea from local farmers, Sampath Bank initiated the renovation of the Kohombagas Tank under the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ programme. This initiative has empowered farmers to effectively pursue agriculture, ensuring abundant harvests during both the yala and maha seasons.

Dr. Lalith Weragoda, Chief Human Resource Officer at Sampath Bank, expressed his thoughts on the project, “The ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ CSR programme stands as a flagship social endeavour by Sampath Bank. We’re renovating 21 Tanks across the island creating a rich environment for farmers to thrive in their agricultural pursuits. This initiative not only strengthens local agriculture but also cultivates a positive perspective towards farming within the society. It’s a significant triumph for both our institution and the nation at large.”

The traditional irrigation system in Sri Lanka serves as the backbone of local agriculture, and it is an astounding design that has been highly praised locally and internationally. Crafted with the sophistication to rival modern irrigation technologies, this ancient legacy stands proud as a symbol for Sri Lanka with the rest of the world. In recognising the challenges faced by farmers due to the neglect of these systems, Sampath Bank embarked on the unique ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ programme, aimed at empowering affected agricultural communities and reviving the local irrigation sector. This initiative highlights the bank's unwavering dedication to transforming lives through nurturing sustainable growth. 

Left to Right - Manoj Akmeemana, Senior Deputy General Manager of Sampath Bank for Credit Administration, Debt Recovery and Legal and G. K. S. Pushpakumara, Deputy Commissioner for Agricultural Development, handing over the revived Kohombagas Tank to the community.