The symposium will bring together professionals from the fields of water, agriculture (crops, livestock, poultry, aquaculture), drinking water, meteorology, disaster management, and environmental sciences from across Sri Lanka, creating a collaborative platform to advance development and academic discourse on water and climate resilience. By fostering the exchange of innovative ideas and research, the event aims to provide critical insights into how communities can leverage integrated resource management to drive transformative shifts in river basin management and beyond. The symposium will specifically target the key challenges and barriers to climate resilience faced by vulnerable communities, offering a unique opportunity to influence and shape policies that address these pressing concerns at local and national levels.

This symposium presents a timely opportunity to highlight and publicize the valuable lessons learned from the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) and other similar projects and research work, with direct relevance to policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners. Participants will engage in evidence-based discussions on the intersection of policy, science, and practice, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies. The event’s diverse format—including keynote speeches, research paper presentations, poster sessions, and field visits—will offer a comprehensive view of real-world applications and best practices. Moreover, parallel panel discussions will unite development agencies, sector partners, and academia, encouraging cross-sector collaboration to address challenges and seize opportunities in water and climate resilience. The symposium is expected to generate actionable outcomes that will not only influence ongoing projects but also inspire new approaches in integrated water management and climate adaptation, strengthening the resilience of communities in the face of future climate challenges