Sampath Bank Begins Restoration of Another Five Tanks to Uplift 1,112 Farming Families Across 2,182 Acres of Paddy Lands

Sampath Bank proudly marked the groundbreaking ceremony of five more tanks under its flagship sustainability initiative, the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ tank restoration programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to empowering rural farming communities across Sri Lanka. This new phase of the initiative is set to uplift the livelihoods of 1,112 farming families while rejuvenating 2,182 acres of paddy lands.

The restoration effort spans five strategically vital tanks such as the Divuldamana Wewa – Damminna, Manik Wewa – Dimbulagala, Awwadukulam Wewa – Senapura, Ketthapahuwa Wewa – Maho, and Ketan Wewa – Hambantota. The Divuldamana Wewa will support 637 farming families and revitalise 1,575 acres of paddy land, while Manik Wewa in Dimbulagala and Awwadukulam Wewa in Senapura are set to benefit 65 and 150 farming families cultivating 161 and 155 acres, respectively, with technical support provided by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority. Meanwhile, Ketthapahuwa Wewa in Maho and Ketan Wewa in Hambantota will uplift 160 and 100 farming families across 131 and 160 acres of paddy land, under the guidance of the Department of Agrarian Development. The restoration work across these tanks will include repairing tank bunds and sluice gates, removing accumulated sludge, clearing invasive aquatic plants, and constructing water distribution canals to ensure consistent irrigation.

Commenting on the milestone, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank, said, “As a bank deeply rooted in the heart of our communities, we recognise the transformative power of water in shaping resilient livelihoods. Through the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ initiative, we are breathing new life into our irrigation system that sustain generations of farmers, enabling them to cultivate with confidence and contribute to our nation’s food security. This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to creating sustainable value while honouring the heritage and vitality of rural Sri Lanka.”

This initiative also reflects Sampath Bank’s strong commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, where environmental stewardship and community empowerment go hand in hand. Through its investment in sustainable agriculture and rural development, the Bank continues to play a vital role in building a more inclusive and resilient future for Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 2001, the ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ programme has revitalised numerous tanks across the island, reaffirming Sampath Bank’s dedication to driving socio-economic progress while preserving Sri Lanka’s rich agrarian heritage. As work begins on these five tanks, the Bank continues its journey of nurturing communities, empowering farmers, and strengthening the nation’s agricultural future.