Many irrigation systems in the dry zone of Sri Lanka have water shortage problems. In spite of the fact that water shortage is a problem, water consumption is very high during land preparation which takes prolonged periods of time. This paper analyzes the impact of institutional interventions on efficient water management, especially during the land preparation period, based on research conducted in Huruluwewa, Rajangana, Nuwarawewa and Minneriya irrigation schemes in maha season (wet season which is from October to mid January) 2001/2002. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors behind prolonged periods of land preparation so that system managers and farmer communities can develop appropriate interventions to reduce water consumption during this period.

The core of this study involved an examination and analysis of certain key features of the traditional small tank cascade systems: a) the location and design of the systems in the past b) the hydro-system which considers the overall hydrological balance and groundwater conditions c) maintenance and tank use d) tank management and integration with local farming systems.

The guidelines are the first comprehensive, global instrument on tenure and its administration to be prepared through intergovernmental negotiations.The guidelines set out principles and internationally accepted standards of responsible practices for the use and control of land, fisheries and forests. They provide guidance for improving the policy, legal and organizational frameworks that regulate tenure rights; for enhancing the transparency and administration of tenure systems; and for strengthening the capacities and operations of public bodies, private sector enterprises, civil society organizations and people concerned with tenure and its governance.The guidelines place the governance of tenure within the context of national food security, and are intended to contribute to the progressive realization of the right to adequate food, poverty eradication, environmental protection and sustainable social and economic development.

Sri Lanka is a country with vast spatial and seasonal variations of water supply and demand. Statistics in the form of aggregated information at national level sometimes mask issues of local water scarcity. But when the same indicators are used at subunit level, a substantial area of the country comes under severe water-scarce conditions. Knowledge of subunit level water scarcities is very important because most of the food requirement of the country at present comes from water-scarce regions and projected additional requirements are also to be met by the same regions.