South Asia’s largest water research institute opens at Peradeniya Uni.

The China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology, the largest water research institute in South Asia, was inaugurated at the University of Peradeniya on Tuesday.

The opening ceremony was attended by Chinese Academy of Science Deputy President Yaping Zhang and Peradeniya University Vice Chancellor Prof. D. M. Lamahewa .

This state-of-the-art institute is furnished with advanced technology and machinery to detect harmful substances in drinking water, which are responsible for numerous ailments such as Chronic Kidney diseases which is rapidly spreading in the agricultural zones in the country. This institute is a gift from the People’s Republic of China.

The JRDC will conduct water research utilising cutting-edge technologies and offer amenities for both local and international experts interested in conducting studies on drinking water. Additionally, the JRDC is accountable for providing post-graduate courses to university students and introducing and installing state-of-the-art water treatment machines to ensure access to clean drinking water in challenging regions.

The governing body of this institution is composed of 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 Science.

Water Supply Ministry Secretary, Senior Professor of Chinese Academy of Science Yuansong Wei, Professor Yawei Wang, Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology Director Dr. Suchitra Weheragoda were present at the inauguration ceremony.