Practicing Sustainable Irrigation Management Through Indigenous Knowledge System: Case studies from Sri Lanka

Remains of the Sri Lankan ancient irrigation management system still exist exhibiting its proud civilizational past. The indigenous knowledge applied to construction of large tanks and irrigation management system is amazing. However, there are hardly any records pertaining to technology or methods used then. Most unfortunate fact is that the instruments employed to evolve such a massive construction work can hardly be traceable. Some concepts of water management system which gave a very significant focus to maintain ecological balance can be highlighted through the literature available, and also observing, and analyzing the existing structures built on indigenous knowledge. This investigation focuses to reveal the ancient irrigation management systems and understand the indigenous knowledge employed to such systems which maintained the balance of ecological resources. The investigation utilized rapid rural appraisal method, focus group discussions, and informal discussions with the communities around the ancient tanks and related irrigation systems.