On September 18, 2023, final-year students of the Department of Geography at the University of Peradeniya embarked on a field visit to explore the Upper Watershed Management Project Sites, situated in the heart of the Uma Oya basin. The primary objective of this study was to physically identify the watershed and its geographical features, components, processes, and watershed management activities, following the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom. The core area of the study was Bogahakumbura in the Upper Watershed Management Project area. This educational excursion was Guided by Professor Muditha Prasannajith Perera, who serves as the course coordinator in “Watershed Management- GGY 4018”. Further, Assistant Lecturer Ms. Sithumini Rathnayaka joined the field visit, and Mr. Mahinda Bandara who is one of the former Social Mobilizers of UWMP, also joined in the field. Students sought to understand the implementation of watershed management strategies and their impact on the environment and community.
Field observations, field measurements, interviews, and discussions were completed covering well-rounded educational experiences for 80 students.
Remarkably, despite the Upper Watershed Management Project being completed a few years ago, it was revealed that watershed management strategies relevant to land, water, forest, and community development, are still actively applied in this region, benefiting many farmers. Certain shortcomings in the project were also uncovered during this field visit. These experiences offer students practical insights, enhance their analytical skills, and develop their ability to interact with the real world and diverse perspectives, all of which are invaluable for their academic and future careers.
The field visit to the Welimada not only bridged the gap between theory and practice but also identified the real-world impact of watershed management in the aspects of hydrology, ecology, and production basis. While challenges persist, the success of the regional community proves the potential for positive change. This field visit highlighted the need for holistic post-project evaluation and the importance of scaling up such successful models to benefit communities across the country. It was a remarkable journey of learning and discovery, with the pivotal role of practical experiences in shaping the students’ understanding of complex applied geographical subjects like watershed management.
