Introduction:
The College of Military Engineering and Technology, Sri Lanka, held an insightful online webinar session organized by the Water Forum, aimed at addressing the critical issue of water security in the country. The webinar, titled "Addressing Water Security: Implementing Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants to Combat Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka," brought together experts, scholars, and stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions for the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka. The session, conducted via Zoom, featured distinguished speakers including Chairman of the Water Forum, Cmde(E) MCP Dissanayake, Moderator Dr. Nadeeka Miguntanna, and Guest Speaker Dr. Nishantha Kumarasinghe.
The Objective:
The webinar aimed to explore the pressing issue of CKDu in Sri Lanka, a chronic health condition that has affected numerous communities, especially in rural areas. The focus of the discussion was on implementing Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants as a potential solution to combat the escalating crisis.
Key Speakers:
- Cmde (E) MCP Dissanayake (Chairman, Water Forum): As the Chairman of the Water Forum, CMDE MCP Dissanayake is at the forefront of spearheading water-related initiatives in Sri Lanka. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in water management, he highlighted the urgency of addressing CKDu and emphasized the role of the Sri Lanka Navy, Kotelawala Defence University academia, and students in finding viable solutions. Also he described the evolution of the BWRO plants in Sri Lanka and he advised the young academia and professionals to do more researches on this area.
- Dr. Nadeeka Miguntanna (Moderator): Dr. Nadeeka Miguntanna, a distinguished expert in the field of water resources management, served as the moderator for the webinar. Her role involved facilitating the discussion, framing questions, and ensuring a comprehensive exchange of ideas.
- Dr. Nishantha Kumarasinghe (Guest Speaker): Renowned for his contributions to overcoming CKDu in Sri Lanka he played a vital role by sharing his knowledge with the forum and his insights were very useful and knowledgeable.
Key Takeaways:
The webinar brought to light various essential aspects, including:
CKDu Epidemic in Sri Lanka: Participants acknowledged the severity of CKDu, which has been a growing concern in Sri Lanka. Identifying the potential causes and exploring effective solutions were major areas of focus.
Water Security and Brackish Water RO Plants: The role of water security in safeguarding public health was emphasized. Experts discussed the feasibility of implementing Brackish Water RO Plants as a potential solution to provide safe drinking water and mitigate CKDu risks.
Collaborative Efforts: The session encouraged collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Navy, Kotelawala Defence University academia, and students, to work collectively towards a sustainable solution for CKDu with using renewable energy and also including treating the reject water.
Conclusion:
The online webinar organized by the Water Forum of the College of Military Engineering and Technology, Sri Lanka, proved to be a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of CKDu and water security. The engagement of key experts, scholars, and participants from diverse backgrounds paved the way for fruitful discussions on implementing Brackish Water RO Plants as a potential measure to combat CKDu in Sri Lanka. With more than 50 participants joining the webinar, the event demonstrated a collective commitment to finding innovative solutions and building a healthier, more secure future for Sri Lanka"'"s communities.
