19/10/2026
When water becomes a source of conflict, the solution must begin with the community.
In Hurulunikawewa, Anuradhapura, a water distribution structure has remained unrepaired for over 35 years. Today, the imbalance between two farmer canals means some families struggle to get enough water for their paddy fields, while others face flooding. Behind these competing challenges are livelihoods at risk, harvests affected and tensions that have persisted for years.
But the community is ready to change that.
Through the EU-funded REDEFINE project, Chrysalis has selected **Diriya Womenโs Organisation** to lead a community-driven effort to rehabilitate the water distribution structure between Farmer Canals No. 39 and 40.
The ambition goes beyond repairing concrete and controlling water flow. It is about building a fairer system for sharing a resource every farming family depends on, reducing tensions between farmer groups and strengthening the communityโs ability to withstand an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Women, farmers and young people will help shape the solution, establish shared rules for water management and take collective responsibility for sustaining the improvements.
Because lasting peace is not only about resolving conflict when it erupts. It is also about addressing the everyday challenges that divide communities and finding fair, collective solutions.
In Hurulunikawewa, a better way to share water could help build a stronger foundation for both livelihoods and peace.
