News
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.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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