The project area is dry and hilly, and agricultural land formerly used for rice cultivation has been abandoned because of the lack of water. Severe soil erosion due to deforestation has further reduced the productivity of the land and silted up existing irrigation channels. Crop yields are consequently low and the farmers in the area are struggling to make a living.

PLAN International aims to help the farmers to restore the land and thus raise agricultural incomes through an integrated irrigation and re-afforestation project. This will provide water for the cultivation of 131 hectares, and re-afforest 25 hectares of land currently used for slash-and-burn cultivation. An existing irrigation scheme will be rehabilitated and farmers trained on water management. Trees will be planted along the banks of the irrigation channels, and tree caretakers will earn income from the sale of the tree products.

To irrigate and bring into cultivation land in Balagolla and Karametiya villages which has been abandoned, and to increase the income of the farmers.

To provide water to 131 hectares of abandoned paddy land by rehabilitating the 1.5 mile long B2 irrigation canal of the existing Komarika Ela irrigation scheme, reconstructing the distribution canals, and improving the 7 mile long main canal.

To train 50 farmers in water management and the maintenance of the irrigation channels.

To reduce the rate of soil erosion and deforestation by planting trees, and to increase the income of the participants through the sale of tree products.

To stabilise 25 hectares of land by planting 28,400 trees on the west bank of the 8.5 mile long Komarika Ela main canal, including the B2 canal.

• 131 hectares of abandoned paddy land will be irrigated; the main and second branch canals will be rehabilitated; distributary canals will be re-constructed; 50 members of Farmers' Societies will receive training in maintenance.
• 28.400 trees will be planted, 57 caretakers will be trained to care for trees.