Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong has stated that China will persist in offering strong backing to the China-Sri Lanka Joint Water Technology Research and Demonstration Center. The ambassador made these remarks during the signing ceremony of a tri-partite agreement involving the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development of Sri Lanka, and the University of Peradeniya.
Ambassador Qi expressed China’s empathy for the people of Sri Lanka, particularly those suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin (CKDu). He highlighted the positive response and robust support from the Chinese government for project proposals related to the prevention and treatment of CKDu put forward by Sri Lanka.
“China has assisted in the construction of three projects in Sri Lanka related to the prevention, treatment, and tracing the cause of CKDu, with a total investment exceeding 2 billion RMB. These projects include a water supply pipeline network, a kidney disease hospital in Polonnaruwa – the largest in South Asia, and the China-Sri Lanka Joint Water Technology Research and Demonstration Center (JRDC),” said Ambassador Qi.
Prof. Wei Yuansong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasized the growing cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, particularly in addressing the issue of CKDu. The JRDC focuses on research related to the causes of CKDu, improvements in drinking water and water environment, as well as joint research and talent cultivation.
“The signing of the tripartite agreement is the best commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, marking a new stage for the JRDC. In the future, we will continue to actively promote China-Sri Lanka water science and technology cooperation to make the JRDC a leading center benefiting people in both countries,” Prof. Wei stated.
