Sampath Bank's 'Wewata Jeewayak' CSR program brings life to the Nagollagama Ratmale reservoir

Sampath Bank, which initiated the social welfare project ‘Wewata Jeewayak” to revive large irrigation systems that have stood and contributed to feeding the nation but were dilapidated with the passage of time, brought to life yet another irrigation system when the Nagollagama Ratmale reservoir was successfully restored and gifted to the people.

The Kurunegala District in the North-western province is home to many farming communities. The Ratmale reservoir and the irrigation system, which served the people of the area by providing water for the paddy fields in Mahawa, Nagollagama and Ratmale villages, was dying over time bringing hardship to the livelihood and threatening the economy of the farming community of the area. When the capacity of the Ratmale reservoir, a large irrigation system spread over 35 acres, became very minimal, the very existence of the reservoir was at stake. As the water from the reservoir was no longer available to cultivate the ‘Yala’ and ‘Maha’ seasons, Ratmale Mahawewa Parakum Farmers' Association entrusted the restoration of the reservoir to Sampath Bank placing their faith in the bank's 'Wewata Jeewayak' CSR program.

Sampath Bank commenced the restoration work of the Ratmale reservoir by fulfilling the request of the farmers. As the first step, the aquatic plants that were encroaching on the lake were removed and dredging of the lake was carried out to retain more network capacity. Next, the dilapidated embankment of the reservoir was repaired, which strengthened the bearing capacity of the reservoir. Thereafter, they proceeded to restore the canal and dam system thereby giving farmers the opportunity to improve their livelihood. Within a short period of time, Sampath Bank was able to successfully transform the reservoir into a perfect irrigation system, and handed it over to the farming community, thereby ushering in a “spring before spring” to the village and the farmers.

Going beyond, Sampath Bank also played a significant role in commencing another important initiative in partnership with the Department of Agrarian Development. Accordingly, a Farmers' Association for Production Revival headed by females of Ratmale with the goal of uplifting their living conditions was formed and through that the development of a mushroom cultivation model village in Rathmale will be carried out. During the event Sampath Bank also handed over the initial capital requirements to the Farmers' Association for Production Revival which will notably be the very first such Farmers' Association for Production formed by the Department of Agrarian Development of Kurunegala District.

Participating at the event, Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager - Marketing & Customer Care of Sampath Bank stated, “Today is sure to be a very special day not only for Sampath Bank but also for the farmers of the area. It is our belief that these irrigation systems will be a leading factor in the upliftment of a rural economy, especially through Sampath Bank's 'Wewata Jeewayak' CSR program, which will be revived for the agro-industrial activities of the farmers. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the staff of Sampath Bank, the Department of Agricultural Development and other government institutions, the officers and members of the Farmers' Associations and all the local residents who contributed to the successful completion of these programs. Several irrigation systems are currently being renovated under the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ CSR program. In the future, Sampath Bank will work to continue the long-term program of restoring reservoirs by restoring them and handing over those irrigation systems to the farmers.”

Sampath Bank commenced the 'Wewata Jeewayak' CSR project about two decades ago with the aim of restoring the dying traditional irrigation systems and contributing to the upliftment of agriculture to strengthen the economy of the farmers in the dry region that supplies rice to the country. The restoration of the lake system to provide the water necessary for the cultivation of both the Yala and Maha seasons will increase the economy of the farmers and enhance the economic development of the rural areas. The importance of an environmentally balanced lake is also emphasized here. Through this program, which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the upliftment of the agricultural industry, agribusiness, and various other livelihoods are assured.

Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including introducing ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, slip-less banking and adaptation of block-chain technology to name a few. As part of its visionary 2022 approach, the bank is steadily transforming itself into a ‘tech company engaged in banking,’ from the traditional approach of a bank adopting technology.