NBRO Collaboration with Vanderbilt University to Conduct a Research Implication – Climate Change on agriculture & hydro-power generation in Mahaweli Complex for building resilient settlements.
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) and the Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, USA plan to implement a collaborative research project in Sri Lanka.
The project, entitled "Policy - Infrastructure - Community Interdependency: The Next Frontiers in Dynamic Network" seeks to evaluate the dynamic and uncertain interdependencies between the agricultural and hydropower generation sector with a case study of the Mahaweli Complex. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop policy recommendations for enhancing the interdependencies between the two networks and improving the overall resilience of the Mahaweli Complex.
The representatives from Vanderbilt University, including Prof. Hiba Baroud and Tharindu de Silva, visited the NBRO on 09th May 2023 and had an initial discussion with the Director General.
They also met with the higher management officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Water Management Panel of Mahaweli Authority to gain a better understanding of the decision-making process for hydro power generation and water usage for agricultural purposes.
As part of the project, the team also had a field visit to Bowatenna Reservoir and Power Plant to gain practical insights into the implementation of decisions made by higher management. They also had a meeting with farmer organizations to discuss the implementation of decisions and the potential impacts of climate change.
The project is an important step towards building more resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This project has significant potential to enhance the resilience of the water management in Mahaweli Complex, which is a vital source of agricultural productivity and hydropower generation in Sri Lanka.
The project aligns with the goals and priorities of the NBRO, particularly with respect to promoting sustainable and resilient settlements in the country.
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