Sampath Bank has officially commenced the restoration work at Dewagiriya Wewa in Melsiripura, a project inaugurated with the presence of Chairman Harsha Amarasekera. This marks another step in the Bank’s dedication to preserving Sri Lanka’s rural irrigation heritage through its ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ tank restoration programme. The initiative aims to support agricultural activities and meet the daily water needs of farming families across several surrounding villages.
Conducted in collaboration with the Parakrama Farmers Association and with technical support from the Department of Agrarian Development District Office in Kurunegala, this project represents the ninth tank restoration undertaken by Sampath Bank in 2025 under ‘Wewata Jeewayak’. It addresses the increasing vulnerability of village-level irrigation systems, which are vital for sustaining livelihoods in areas affected by unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Dr. Lalith Weragoda, Chief Human Resource Transformation Officer at Sampath Bank, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “As climate change places increasing pressure on rural communities, restoring village water sources such as Dewagiriya Wewa strengthens water security, reduces crop risk, and supports healthier local ecosystems with long-term socio-economic benefits. Tank restoration is not merely a matter of engineering but a practical investment in resilience and in preserving a way of life that has sustained this nation for centuries. ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ reflects our commitment to stand alongside communities that continue to carry the responsibility of national food security.”
Dewagiriya Wewa serves a crucial role beyond agriculture, supporting residents in nearby villages such as Diddeniya, Siyambalangamuwa, and Neeramulla for various daily uses. Despite its historical capacity to support a larger farming base, the tank’s efficiency has been compromised by years of silt accumulation and the proliferation of aquatic weeds, increasing farmers’ vulnerability during dry spells.
The restoration efforts will focus on dredging and removing accumulated sludge, rehabilitating the tank bund, clearing invasive aquatic plants, and restoring water distribution channels and the spillway. These measures aim to re-establish the tank as a reliable source of irrigation and community water supply.
The project benefits from the active participation of local farmers and residents, fostering a collective sense of ownership and ensuring long-term sustainability. Through ‘Wewata Jeewayak’, Sampath Bank continues to align its sustainability agenda with impactful, on-the-ground actions, promoting environmental stewardship while supporting social stability, economic continuity, and the resilience of Sri Lanka’s rural communities.
Photo Caption: Sampath Bank officials at the groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of the project. The event included the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, with Harsha Amarasekera, Chairman, Sampath Bank PLC; Ajantha de Vas Gunasekara, Executive Director / Chief Financial Officer, Sampath Bank PLC; Ravindra Gunawardane, Chief Manager – Branch Banking, Sampath Bank PLC; Samantha Pushpakumara, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Agrarian Development – District Office, Kurunegala; and Anjali Goonetilake, Chief Manager – Marketing, Sampath Bank PLC, while Nuwan Pathirana, Chief Manager – Head of Sustainability Department, Sampath Bank, addresses the gathering.
