Abstract:
Being an advanced water management mechanism, Sri Lankan tank cas-
cades are popular for its well-known approaches to ecological resilience and sustain-
ability. These ecological systems harmonized very well with the traditional govern-
ance system of ancient Sri Lanka, guaranteeing the smooth overall functioning of the
social organization. However, the integrated strategies that powered the harmoniza-
tion between water management systems and socio-economic systems have yet to be
adequately explored. Thus, the present study explores the indigenous governance
strategies that integrate cascade-based ecological systems with social organization.
With its exploratory nature and inductive approach, the present study employs a qual-
itative methodology, where data from ante-narratives were collected from literary
sources, including research findings, seminal writings and archival records. Collected
data were coded and categorized to identify the themes focussing on governance strat-
egies. Accordingly, 34 initial codes emerged, which were later sorted into 14 catego-
ries and summed up in three themes. It was found that the caste and Rajakari systems
were the key structural arrangements that systematized the occupational engagement
of the people in traditional administration system. At the same time, people willingly
assume the responsibilities of preserving, maintaining and upgrading the common re-
sources they utilized, including cascade-based system, forming a unique communal
work system. Thus, the governance strategies identified in the present study include
participatory decision-making, shared accountability and responsibility, mutual sur-
vival and benefits, self-sufficiency, and coexistence with the environment. Further, it
was observed that collective property rights were upheld over individual rights in
times of necessity. Most importantly, the rewards were attached to the service perfor-
mances, fostering strong connectivity between rights and obligations. Thus, it can be
concluded that the traditional social organization of Sri Lanka had unique governance
strategies that integrated the social organization. These integrated strategies are di-
rectly relevant to core concerns of sustainability.
