The University of Peradeniya witnessed a historic moment with the inauguration of the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC), heralding a new era of collaboration and innovation in water research.
Esteemed dignitaries, including Yaping Zhang, Deputy President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Prof DM Lamahewa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, graced the opening ceremony, marking the commencement of a promising venture.
The JRDC, now the largest water research facility in South Asia, boasts state-of-the-art technology and machinery dedicated to detecting harmful substances in drinking water.
With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) posing a significant challenge in Sri Lanka, particularly in agricultural regions, the advanced capabilities of the JRDC offer hope in addressing this menace by focusing on identifying and mitigating waterborne ailments’ root causes.
A generous gift from the People’s Republic of China, the JRDC symbolizes the strong bilateral ties between China and Sri Lanka. Beyond research, its mission encompasses providing essential services and education in water technology, including facilitating post-graduate courses for university students and introducing cutting-edge water treatment machines to ensure clean drinking water access, particularly in underserved areas.
The governance of the JRDC adopts a collaborative approach, with key stakeholders such as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, and the Chief Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences overseeing operations.
During the inauguration ceremony, attended by officials such as Water Supply Ministry Secretary and Senior Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuansong Wei, and JRDC Director, Dr. Suchitra Weheragoda, the commitment to advancing water research and technology was reaffirmed. Positioned as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, the JRDC is poised to drive innovation and offer solutions to address Sri Lanka’s pressing water challenges and beyond.
Source – dailymirror.lk
