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<p>Tank cascade systems (TCS) in Sri Lanka, which have sustained communities for over 2000&#xa0;years, are currently facing decline, threatening their effectiveness in flood control and drought mitigation. Despite their historical resilience, TCS have not been holistically studied for systematic management and maintenance. This study investigates the causes of TCS degradation using a qualitative research approach, including expert interviews, focus group discussions, an online survey, and geospatial analysis. Findings indicate that the collapse of small-scale filtering tanks, lack of systematic maintenance strategies, and rapid land use changes in catchment areas such as permanent cultivation and infrastructure development are primary contributors to the decline. Spatial analysis of the Habarana tank cascade system highlights significant reductions in catchment areas and ineffective sedimentation control, exacerbating the deterioration. The study suggests that integrating modern monitoring technologies with traditional governance frameworks and centralizing data collection can enhance the resilience of TCS, ensuring their long-term sustainability in Sri Lanka’s dry zone.</p>

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The decline of Sri Lanka’s tank cascade systems: causes, challenges, and pathways to sustainable management

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月9日

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  • Gayantha Kodagoda,
  • Nadika Jayasooriya,
  • A. H. T. Shyam Kularathna,
  • D. Y. Mudunkotuwa,
  • Gamini Ranasinghe

摘要

Tank cascade systems (TCS) in Sri Lanka, which have sustained communities for over 2000 years, are currently facing decline, threatening their effectiveness in flood control and drought mitigation. Despite their historical resilience, TCS have not been holistically studied for systematic management and maintenance. This study investigates the causes of TCS degradation using a qualitative research approach, including expert interviews, focus group discussions, an online survey, and geospatial analysis. Findings indicate that the collapse of small-scale filtering tanks, lack of systematic maintenance strategies, and rapid land use changes in catchment areas such as permanent cultivation and infrastructure development are primary contributors to the decline. Spatial analysis of the Habarana tank cascade system highlights significant reductions in catchment areas and ineffective sedimentation control, exacerbating the deterioration. The study suggests that integrating modern monitoring technologies with traditional governance frameworks and centralizing data collection can enhance the resilience of TCS, ensuring their long-term sustainability in Sri Lanka’s dry zone.