Low-lying agricultural areas in Kesbewa Urban Council, Sri Lanka are facing rapid urbanization and increased flood risks due to projected climate change impacts. Where paddy lands have been abandoned, recurrent flooding has damaged infrastructure, utilities, and the local economy. The Ministry of Agriculture recognizes that maintaining drained paddy areas functions as buffer zones that store water and regulate drainage, while also increasing local food production as a climate adaptation strategy that improves livelihoods and food security.

1. Low-lying agricultural areas in Kesbewa Urban Council (Sri Lanka) are facing rapid urbanisation.

2. Coupled to projected climate change impacts, flood risks are expected to increase

3. Indeed, where low-lying paddy lands are abandoned, this has resulted in recurrent
flooding and related damage to infrastructure, utility supply and the urban economy in
some parts of Kesbewa area

4. The Ministry of Agriculture, Western Province realised that well-maintained and well-
drained paddy areas function as buffer zones in which water is stored and drainage
regulated

5. Increased localised food production serves triple wins as a climate adaptation strategy,
reducing of dependence on food imports and improving livelihood conditions (source
image: Janathakshan)

6. Urban and peri-urban agriculture are now being integrated in municipal development
plans and well as a provincial climate change action plan (source image: Western
Province).