Exceptional Performance at the "South Asia Youth Water Challenge 2023": Progress Update

We are pleased to inform you that our Department of Agricultural Systems students have performed exceptionally well in the recent "South Asia Youth Water Challenge 2023" competition, organized as part of World Water Day 2023 by Global Water Partnership South Asia (GWP-SAS).

Students participated in the competition in five-member teams and submitted two compelling proposals. The proposal submitted by the team "Agricultural Systems & Management" focused on building farmer resilience to climate change and water risks. The other proposal the "Agricultural Economics & Extension" group submitted addressed the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable economic and urban development.

Despite stiff competition, I am excited to share that both of our proposals reached the top eight in the first round. Subsequently, in the second round, which took place virtually on the evening of 28th June, a comprehensive oral presentation was followed by a vigorous Q&A session with an expert panel.

I am thrilled to announce that the results of this second round have been released, and according to GWP-SAS (https:/www.gwp.org/en/gwp-SAS/WE-ACT/change-and-imat/Nws-anld-Activities/2023/2nd-round-saywc-2023/  ), four teams, including our "Agricultural Economics & Extension group – appeared under the team name "Water Guardians," have been selected for the final round from across the entire South Asian Region. This is a moment of great pride for our faculty and a testament to our students' abilities to translate their knowledge into practical applications.

The final round will take place at the end of August 2023, where industry experts will evaluate a detailed proposal and a PowerPoint presentation to award the winning grant. The "Water Guardians" are currently refining their project proposal under the guidance of industry experts and the following academic staff members of the department: Dr. Sumali Dissanayake, Dr. Chinthaka Karalliyadda, Mr. Kapila Premarathna, and Mr. Amila Lankapura.

This experience reflects the excellence of our academic program and our commitment to addressing interrelated issues in the region. I hold high hopes that our students will stand a strong chance of winning this global grant, which would further enhance the reputation of our faculty. We will keep you informed of the outcome of the competition.