Application of performance assessment and benchmarking tool to help improve irrigation system performance in Sri Lanka

Performance improvement in irrigated agriculture in Sri Lanka is vital in view of the contribution it makes to the national economy, in addition to the livelihood of large numbers of people depending on irrigated agriculture and the competing demands that are emerging in the water resources sector. Taking into account the potential available for improvement in the irrigation sector, a performance assessment programme was initiated in 1997, starting with a smaller number of irrigation schemes gradually expanding to include other schemes. The indicators initially selected for assessment were simple but effective in categorizing schemes based on their performance and identifying where attention was required. Performance improvement interventions included both planning and management interventions. Continuation of the programme evolved into a programme of benchmarking where comparison of performance with other schemes or performance of the same scheme over a period was done and found to be effective as a tool for performance improvement. By joining the ICID, IPTRID, FAO, WB and IWMI assisted benchmarking initiative in 2002, it is further expected that this activity can be done more formally and effectively. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.