On November 19, 2025, the Kothmale West Divisional
Secretariat took a decisive step toward environmental sustainability and
resource protection by hosting a comprehensive awareness programme on the Integrated
Watershed and Water Resources Management Project.
Given Kothmale's geographical importance as a vital catchment
area for the nation's water supply, the sustainable management of its water
resources is a matter of national significance. This timely initiative focused
on educating key field officers on conservation strategies and establishing a
decentralized structure for local water management.
Key Milestone: Formation of Micro-Watershed Planning
Committees
A major highlight of the day’s proceedings was the formal
establishment of multi-disciplinary micro-watershed level planning
committees. These committees are designed to act as localized task forces
that will monitor, plan, and execute eco-friendly strategies to protect small
streams, springs, and water absorption zones within the division.
Multi-Sectoral Officer Participation
The success of watershed management relies entirely on a
collaborative, multi-sectoral approach. The workshop saw active participation
from a diverse group of key administrative and field officials, including:
- Grama
Niladhari Officers & Development Officers: To drive community-level
awareness and grassroots execution.
- Samurdhi
Managers: To
integrate watershed conservation with community livelihood development.
- Agricultural
Research & Production Assistants: To promote sustainable farming practices that
prevent soil erosion and water pollution.
- Land
Use Planning Officer: To provide technical expertise on proper land zoning and protection
of vulnerable slopes.
Securing Our Water Future
Through the Integrated Watershed and Water Resources
Management Project, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat aims to mitigate
the risks of landslides, soil degradation, and water scarcity. By empowering
public officers with the right knowledge and organizational structure, the
Secretariat is ensuring that the natural heritage of Kothmale is preserved for
generations to come.
"Protecting our water resources is a shared
responsibility. The establishment of these micro-watershed planning committees
marks the beginning of a structured, scientific, and community-driven approach
to environmental preservation in our division."
