Sri Lanka can adopt Hong Kong’s seawater flushing technology to conserve potable water

Hong Kong has developed a technology of using sea water for flushing toilets and Sri Lankan government can use this technology to save potable water, Director of Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong Dr. CHUI Ho Kwong Samuel said in a recent event in Colombo.

Addressing an Awareness Workshop on Water Technology 2024, jointly hosted by Central Environment Authority (CEA), Joint Research and Demonstration Center (JRDC) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, on 02 July, at Center of Excellence for Water and Sanitation in Ratmalana he said “Sri Lankan government can use this technology effectively. This system has benefits of very low cost low energy consumption and it saves lot of potable water.”

During this event, Hong Kong Environment Protection Department (HKEPD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Sri Lanka’s Central Environment Authority (CEA). The MoU allows the two countries to exchange professionals and share knowledge on water management issues including wastewater treatment.

Dr. Samuel stated that his department plans to provide training courses for Sri Lankan officials and scholars, enabling them to effectively control pollution.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Min Yang, from Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said cooperation with China will help Sri Lanka to use expertise of practitioners in Hong Kong and China to upgrade air and water quality of Sri Lanka. Professor Ming Yang said this initiative will help Sri Lanka to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.

CEA Chairman Venura Fernando said CEA is collaborating with various international organizations to leverage technological advancements in the world for the country’s advantage.

“China has provided assistance to Sri Lanka in several areas through the Belt and Road Initiative. China has done a lot to help us achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Our officials visited Hong Kong last year and saw themselves the technological advancement achieved. We want to have same technology in Sri Lanka”, he said.Director of the Joint Research and Demonstration Centre for Water Technology, SK Weragoda was also present.