The Impact of Climate Change on Traditional Water Systems in Sri Lanka: A Citizen Science Approach

Mgr. Athauda Mudiyanselage Kasun Mahesh Udurawana

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Dry Zone is one of the most ecological and agricultural regions in Sri Lanka, which encompasses. From the time of Early Historic era this region has been sustained by traditional irrigation infrastructure. These structures were engineered in early times, are the most remarkable pre-industrial engineering achievements in Asia. Paddy cultivation and domestic water security were maintained through this system. Yet majority of cultivation activities rely upon rainwater via monsoon rainfalls. Aim of the study is examine the multidimensional impacts caused by climate change on traditional water systems within the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. The experiences and perceptions of the community members about the ecological knowledge and observed environmental consequences were documented to assess the nature of weakening in traditional tank and canal infrastructure attributable to climate change and to know the extent of those effects on various groups on various ways. It also aimed to study how the decline of traditional water systems and its impacts. The research adopted a qualitative methodology with thematic analysis to analyze the primary data. A structured questionnaire comprises of 32 open ended questions were gather responses from 107 members living in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. The participants came from different occupations to represent a wide range of community experiences. The collected data were analyzed through repeated coding and grouped into major. Citizen science is core method as people affected are the suitable group to gather data to reach the aim of the research. According to the findings climate change is pervasive and experienced by members of the community very highly through the dry Zone. Majority of participants’ response that detected significant changes in rainfall patterns, about the rising temperature, extreme weather events and frequency of such events. The tank reservoirs used in ancient times irrigation systems is presently experiencing deterioration with the declining water level and reducing the quality of water, due to the negligence of government and the responsible authorities. Hence, agricultural livelihood has affected severely, with compelling farmers to choose alternative pathways for the survival. Despite all the challenges communities living over the Dry Zone are demonstrating adoptive strategies to manage the invers situation on their own. People willingly participate in water monitoring initiatives. This study concludes that climate change constitutes an existential threat to the traditional water systems and water-dependent livelihoods of Sri Lanka's Dry Zone, and that current institutional responses are profoundly inadequate to the scale and urgency of this threat. The findings carry significant implications for national water policy, agricultural extension services, public health programming, and the design of climate adaptation governance at multiple scales. This study advocates for a transformative reorientation of Dry Zone water.

Keywords

Climate Change, Citizen Science, Dry Zone Sri Lanka, Traditional Water Systems, Tank Cascade Irrigation, Community Adaptation, Thematic Analysis, Water Governance, CKDu, and Livelihoods.

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 2. 6. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 25. 6. 2026
• Vedoucí: RNDr. Jakub Trojan, MSc
• Oponent: Mgr. et Mgr. Marek Lichter, Ph.D.

Masarykova univerzita

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Geography of Global Environmental Change / Geography of Global Environmental Change