Sri Lanka decision proposals

Choose a proposal to see the Sri Lankan method, the data needed and an example. Review the related decision with the institution.

Institution

Review forest-to-nonforest transitions before choosing field visitsLand Use Policy Planning Department

Pending review

Data needed: Two dated forest classifications, matched definitions, reference samples and area estimates.
Method: Report forest-to-nonforest change and forest gain separately. Use reviewed area estimates and report their uncertainty.
Example: A fictional comparison reports 12 ha of forest loss and 4 ha of forest gain. Review the 12 ha loss separately.
Next step: Send uncertain transitions for a field check.
Check in review: Confirm current land classifications, comparable map dates and source rights.

Government of Sri Lanka · Sri Lanka Forest Reference Level, modified submission
Sri Lanka modified submission, Sections 9–10, Tables 10-2 and 10-3, and Section 12

Compare paddy practices using rainfall and irrigation togetherNatural Resources Management Centre

Pending review

Data needed: Paddy grain mass, rainfall volume and all irrigation volume for the same plot and season.
Method: Divide seasonal paddy grain yield by the total volume of rainfall and irrigation, including land preparation.
Example: Fictional values of 3,600 kg, 2,000 m³ rain and 4,000 m³ irrigation give 0.60 kg/m³.
Next step: Compare plots only when water and yield use the same boundary.
Check in review: Confirm how rainfall, land preparation and grain moisture are measured.

Chandrapala and colleagues, Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka · Irrigation Water Requirements and Grain Yields
Table 5 and accompanying discussion, printed pp. 91–92

Find handling stages with the most measured crop damageDepartment of Agriculture

Pending review

Data needed: Initial sample mass, damaged mass, crop, stage and sample protocol.
Method: Mechanical damage (%) = 100 × measured damaged mass ÷ initial sample mass.
Example: A fictional tomato sample with 9 kg damaged out of 150 kg has 6% measured mechanical damage.
Next step: Check the handling stage with the highest comparable damage rate.
Check in review: Agree sampling and damage definitions with postharvest staff.

Sri Lankan postharvest research team · Present Status of Postharvest Practices and Losses of Economically Important Fruits and Vegetables in Sri Lanka
Section 2.2, equation 1

Check whether a seasonal paddy production return is consistentDepartment of Agrarian Development

Pending review

Data needed: Net harvested hectares and average crop-cutting yield for the same district and season.
Method: For paddy, estimated production = net harvested area × average yield. Yield = production ÷ matching net harvested area when derived from compatible totals.
Example: Fictional values of 320 net ha and 4,250 kg/ha give 1,360 tonnes.
Next step: Return a production record for checking if the figures do not reconcile within the stated rounding.
Check in review: Agree the district release version and rounding tolerance.

Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka · Statistical Abstract 2025, Agriculture
Explanatory notes, Paddy yields and Paddy production

Review reservoir storage under a constant-withdrawal scenarioIrrigation Department

Pending review

Data needed: Current storage, a reviewed scenario threshold and average daily withdrawal.
Method: Under the study's constant withdrawal assumption, days = (storage − drought threshold storage) ÷ average daily withdrawal.
Example: Fictional inputs of 26 MCM, 20 MCM threshold and 0.3 MCM/day give 20 days.
Next step: Take the scenario to the reservoir team with the stated assumptions.
Check in review: Confirm the site threshold and account for forecast inflows and other releases.

Irrigation Department, Sri Lanka · World Water Day articles 2026
Reservoir drought resilience study, section 2 Methodology

Compare expected paddy production by Mahaweli blockMahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka

Pending review

Data needed: Block, season, net harvested area and matching average yield.
Method: Multiply net harvested area by the matching estimated average yield. Convert kilograms to tonnes if needed.
Example: A fictional block with 500 net ha and 4,600 kg/ha gives 2,300 tonnes.
Next step: Check the block forecast against the latest accepted paddy returns.
Check in review: Confirm area basis, timing and whether the yield is measured or assumed.

Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka · Paddy Statistics 2023 Yala Season
Introduction and Mahaweli block-level tables

Check forest conversion area before estimating emissionsForest Department

Pending review

Data needed: Mapped forest-to-nonforest areas, validation sample and approved emission factor.
Method: Report forest-to-nonforest change and forest gain separately. Use reviewed area estimates and report their uncertainty.
Example: If a fictional 50 ha mapped loss has no validation sample, request an area check before using it in an emissions estimate.
Next step: Ask the inventory team for a reviewed area estimate and its uncertainty.
Check in review: Confirm the local forest definition, applicable factor and uncertainty method.

Government of Sri Lanka · Sri Lanka Forest Reference Level, modified submission
Sri Lanka modified submission, Sections 9–10, Tables 10-2 and 10-3, and Section 12

Compare station drought signals using published SPI bandsDepartment of Meteorology

Pending review

Data needed: Quality-checked monthly rainfall, accumulation period, fit period and fitted probability.
Method: Fit the stated precipitation distribution by accumulation period and transform cumulative probabilities to standard-normal values. Use the published SPI bands.
Example: A fictional fitted cumulative probability of 0.08 converts to SPI about −1.41, in the moderately dry band.
Next step: Refer the result to a climatologist for review with local conditions.
Check in review: Confirm zero-rainfall treatment, station history and fit. Any warning is a separate authorized process.

Sri Lankan researchers, published in Climate · Monitoring the Meteorological and Hydrological Droughts in the Largest River Basin (Mahaweli River) in Sri Lanka
Methods, Standardized Precipitation Index, and drought classification

Compare district paddy yield with the matching major-scheme benchmarkProvincial Departments of Agriculture

Pending review

Data needed: Actual district or scheme yield and DCS benchmark for the same irrigation and season class.
Method: Relative yield = actual paddy yield ÷ expected paddy yield from the corresponding major irrigation systems.
Example: A fictional 4.5 t/ha against a matching 5.0 t/ha benchmark gives a relative yield of 0.90.
Next step: Review production conditions before choosing an extension visit.
Check in review: Confirm which benchmark is suitable and use equivalent area and yield bases.

Lakmali, Gunawardena and Dayawansa, University of Peradeniya · Comparative Performance Assessment of Major Irrigation Systems in Upper Deduru Oya Basin
Table 4, printed p. 347

Find a missing or late procurement stage before contract awardProject Management Unit

Pending review

Data needed: Approved procurement time schedule, latest completion evidence and assessment date.
Method: Use the approved procurement time schedule to check the dates and sequence of the pre-contract activities.
Example: A fictional bid evaluation has no signed completion record after its scheduled date. Ask the procurement owner to confirm status.
Next step: Use the approved schedule to find the delayed or unconfirmed stage.
Check in review: Confirm the applicable procurement process and any approved schedule revisions.

National Procurement Commission, Sri Lanka · Procurement Manual 2024, Goods, Works and Non-consulting Services
Section 4.1.5 and Annexures VI–VII, Procurement Time Schedule

Check restoration results using survival and water turbiditySub-Watershed Integrated Delivery Teams

Pending review

Data needed: Baseline and follow-up turbidity for the same station, plus survival checks for a dated sapling cohort.
Method: Check water turbidity and sapling survival separately against the agreed monitoring baseline.
Example: A fictional site has complete survival observations and no comparable turbidity follow-up. Schedule the missing measurement before reporting both outcomes.
Next step: Report the measured indicators and gaps to the sub-watershed team.
Check in review: Confirm measurement intervals, sites, cohort and attribution before assessing improvement.

UNDP BIOFIN and Revenues for Nature · Payments for Ecosystem Services in Sri Lanka
Functional buffer-zone case, p. 23

Check the estimate for a chargeable survey requestSurvey Department

Pending review

Data needed: Survey request, current Surveyor General circular and district estimate.
Method: The district office prepares an estimate for a chargeable survey. Apply the relevant Surveyor General circular. Refer unclear or special costing cases through the Provincial Surveyor General.
Example: A fictional request has a chargeable survey type but no approved estimate. Request the estimate from the district office.
Next step: Use the district estimate to confirm the job's charge with the responsible officer.
Check in review: Confirm the circular, delegated authority and any special case.

Survey Department of Sri Lanka · Departmental Survey Regulations, sixth edition
Chapter IV, clauses 4.5 and 4.11, pp. 5–6

Check which local teams should receive an issued landslide bulletinDisaster Management Centre

Pending review

Data needed: Official NBRO bulletin, affected divisions and authorized DMC contact route.
Method: Check the relevant 24-hour rainfall evidence and soil-water status against the archived NBRO warning and its stated criteria.
Example: A fictional bulletin includes a division absent from the dispatch list. Flag the route for DMC confirmation.
Next step: Trace the issued bulletin through the authorized dissemination chain.
Check in review: Confirm the current contact list and agency responsibility.

National Building Research Organisation and JICA · Local Sediment Disaster Management Plan for Morawakakanda
Section 6.1, Table 13, printed p. 44

Return incomplete geotechnical clearance applications for evidenceNational Building Research Organisation

Pending review

Data needed: Development type, application form, applicable planning clearance and attached plans.
Method: Check the relevant planning-clearance or authority letter and supporting application documents before technical referral.
Example: A fictional excavation case omits the required authority letter. Request the missing letter before technical referral.
Next step: Send a complete case to the responsible technical officer.
Check in review: Confirm the current document guide and clearance type.

National Building Research Organisation, Sri Lanka · Geo-technical Clearance
Application evidence and preliminary planning clearance

Check whether a wetland proposal requires environmental screeningCentral Environmental Authority

Pending review

Data needed: Project description, scale, site coordinates, sensitive area evidence and applicable gazette entry.
Method: Check project type, scale and sensitive location against the prescribed-project rules. Refer a matching project for determination of the IEE or EIA route.
Example: A fictional wetland proposal is within a potentially prescribed category. Refer it to CEA with the verified site and scale.
Next step: Ask CEA or the designated agency to determine the assessment pathway.
Check in review: Confirm the location, current Gazette entry and competent agency.

Central Environmental Authority, Sri Lanka · Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure in Sri Lanka
Procedure summary, prescribed projects and Project Approving Agencies

Check whether a district estimate is precise enough to compareDepartment of Census and Statistics

Pending review

Data needed: Survey estimate, design-based standard error, reporting geography and survey release.
Method: Approximate 95% interval = estimate ± 1.96 × design-based standard error where the normal approximation is appropriate.
Example: A fictional LKR 60,000 mean with an SE of LKR 2,000 has an approximate interval of LKR 56,080 to 63,920.
Next step: Check the interval and survey coverage before publishing a comparison.
Check in review: Confirm the appropriate interval method and release criteria with DCS.

Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka · Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2005, study description
Data appraisal, sampling errors and 95% confidence

Follow up industrial wells missing metered-use evidenceWater Resources Board

Pending review

Data needed: Applicable industry, well record, WRB-supervised safe-yield assessment, approval and meter record.
Method: Check for a WRB-supervised safe-yield assessment and relevant approval. The directive also requires daily metering records for covered industry wells.
Example: A fictional industry well has meter readings but lacks the approval for its safe yield. Refer the file to WRB.
Next step: Request the current approval and check the daily metering record.
Check in review: Confirm whether the directive applies and who can view or act on the record.

Government of Sri Lanka · Groundwater use directives, Gazette 2010/23
Gazette 2010/23 (linked on WRB Acts & Gazettes), paragraphs 2–4, p. 2A and Annex 01

Prioritize areas with many households collecting water off premisesNational Water Supply and Drainage Board

Pending review

Data needed: District or sector household count, off-premises water-facility count and reference period.
Method: Calculate a household share as 100 × households in the specified facility category ÷ households in the same frame.
Example: The 2024 census reports 7.8% nationwide and 29.4% in Jaffna. Use those published shares as a planning comparison.
Next step: Ask local officers to verify service conditions before choosing an appraisal area.
Check in review: Confirm current household geography, coverage and recent changes.

Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka · Census of Population and Housing 2024, Final Report
Section 11.6, Tables 11.9 and 11.10, printed pp. 191–192

Ask for mining rehabilitation evidence before closure reviewGeological Survey and Mines Bureau

Pending review

Data needed: Site and licence type, rehabilitation report, mining engineer and submission status.
Method: Check the mining engineer’s rehabilitation report against the licence and site records before closure review.
Example: A fictional closure request has site photos and no engineer’s rehabilitation report. Return it for the missing document.
Next step: Refer the complete file for GSMB review.
Check in review: Confirm the applicable licence conditions and closure procedure.

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Sri Lanka · Licensing Application Forms
Instructions for mine rehabilitation report

Compare wholesale price margins relative to the producer priceHARTI

Pending review

Data needed: Farmgate and wholesale prices in LKR/kg for the same crop, grade and period.
Method: Wholesale margin (%) = 100 × (wholesale price − producer price) ÷ producer price.
Example: Fictional prices of LKR 120/kg at farmgate and LKR 168/kg wholesale give a wholesale margin of 40% of the farmgate price.
Next step: Check the matched market chain where a comparable margin is unusually high.
Check in review: Confirm comparable grades, periods and market coverage. Review actual costs separately.

Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Sri Lanka · HARTI Research Report 144
Calculation of marketing margins, printed p. 52

Review export price movements using the published unit value indexExport Development Board

Pending review

Data needed: CBSL export value and volume indices for the same month and base.
Method: Divide the export value index by the export volume index. Multiply the ratio by 100 when presenting a base-100 index.
Example: June 2025 indices of 158.9 and 185.8 give a unit value index of 85.5, rounded.
Next step: Review index movements before investigating specific products or markets.
Check in review: Confirm series revisions and the base year. Use a commodity-specific source for a price per kilogram.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka · CBSL Glossary and trade index definitions
Export Unit Value Index entry

Recheck district budget use separately from physical completionDistrict Secretariats

Pending review

Data needed: Approved period allocation, actual spending and verified physical progress.
Method: Budget utilization (%) = 100 × spending for the period ÷ allocation for that period. Report physical progress separately.
Example: A fictional LKR 6 million spent from LKR 10 million allocated is 60% budget use. Record the verified physical figure separately.
Next step: Ask the project officer for evidence when the budget and delivery stories diverge.
Check in review: Confirm the phased budget, reporting period and evidence for progress.

National Audit Office, Sri Lanka · Financial Sector Modernization Project 2023 audit
Section 2.1, financial progress and physical progress, printed p. 3

Check the village paddy parcel return before district reportingGrama Niladhari Officers

Pending review

Data needed: Season, village or tract, parcel list, and each parcel's sown and harvested record.
Method: Use the DCS parcel-by-parcel enumeration for the season to check that the sown and harvested extent is reported for each parcel.
Example: A fictional village return has two parcel entries with no harvested status. Follow up those two records before submitting the return.
Next step: Check against the DCS parcel listing and report the verified return.
Check in review: Confirm the current form and role of the local reporting officer.

Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka · Statistical Abstract 2025, Agriculture
Explanatory notes, Paddy yields and Paddy production

Allocate shared canal maintenance by registered paddy areaFarmer Organizations

Pending review

Data needed: Applicable Central Province irrigation scheme, verified paddy-land register and maintenance extent.
Method: Allocate applicable shared maintenance extents in proportion to the registered paddy land extent.
Example: For a fictional 100 m length and registered shares of 2 and 3 ha, the proportional lengths are 40 m and 60 m.
Next step: Take the proportional proposal to the irrigation committee for confirmation.
Check in review: Confirm statute applicability, measured work sections and register entries.

Central Provincial Council, Sri Lanka · Central Provincial Irrigation Statute No. 5 of 2017
Section 13(3)(b), printed p. 6A

Check a drinking-water sample before referring it for lab testingPlantation Workers/Community Groups

Pending review

Data needed: Sample matrix, collection information, requested test and accredited laboratory scope.
Method: Match a potable-water sample to the lab's potable-water matrix and its listed SLS 614 reference before test referral.
Example: A fictional community sample is potable water. Check the lab’s SLS 614 listing before submitting it for the relevant tests.
Next step: Refer the sample using the lab's current submission and sampling instructions.
Check in review: Confirm current lab scope and sampling procedure. Interpret results through the authorized officer.

National Institute of Health Sciences, Sri Lanka · Food and Water Microbiology
Accepted samples and SLS standards, Potable water row

Check food export inspection evidence before packaging approval is assumedProcessors and Exporters

Pending review

Data needed: Establishment registration, inspection record, destination and product category.
Method: Check the establishment registration evidence and factory inspection status before referring an application for the applicable export certificate.
Example: A fictional exporter has registration evidence but no completed factory inspection. Refer the missing prerequisite to FCAU.
Next step: Verify the inspection record and relevant destination conditions with the competent authority.
Check in review: Confirm the current export certificate procedure and commodity requirements.

Food Control Administration Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka · Export Certification Procedure
Registration and factory inspection prerequisites for export certification

Check the evidence for a green activity claim against the taxonomyBanks and Finance Institutions

Pending review

Data needed: Claimed activity, taxonomy edition, metric evidence and environmental safeguards.
Method: Match the economic activity to its taxonomy row and check the activity-specific metric, threshold and do-no-significant-harm evidence.
Example: A fictional efficiency claim names a sector but supplies no metric evidence. Request the record required for that activity.
Next step: Refer the activity evidence for specialist review.
Check in review: Confirm the current taxonomy row and evidence. Any lending decision follows its own review.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka · Sri Lanka Green Finance Taxonomy
Environmental objectives, guiding principles and metric and threshold columns

Estimate a metered water contribution for a watershed pilotPES Intermediaries

Pending review

Data needed: Metered usage by block, reviewed block prices and the fixed service charge.
Method: Multiply metered consumption in each tariff block by the applicable block rate. Add the fixed service charge separately.
Example: Fictional rates and volumes of 5 units at LKR 10, 3 at LKR 15 and a LKR 100 service charge give LKR 195.
Next step: Review the scenario and show any agreed conservation allocation separately.
Check in review: Confirm the authorized tariff, block limits, billing period and conservation agreement.

UNDP BIOFIN and Revenues for Nature · Payments for Ecosystem Services in Sri Lanka
Weerapana water supply and Kanneliya watershed case, pp. 31–32