This report discusses Sri Lanka’s small tanks. It presents information regarding the physical setting, the distribution patterns, the cascade systems the size-class distribution. It provides data and compares the small tanks in different districts. The report presents the historical development of these small tanks and their evolution. It focuses on five specific tanks and provides information on their status and uses. The hydo system and cascade system are also discussed in this report. The evolution of institutional farming and its integration with local farming systems in analysed in this report. It looks at the recent changes that have taken place in each of the five cascades due to government intervention and presents a general discussion regarding all five cascades. Present and future problems that small tanks face and will face are also analysed in relation to these five cascades. Based on the information provided, the report presents conclusions and suggestions on how best to move forward.