Use seawater for flushing instead of freshwater, Hong Kong-based scientist tells Sri Lanka

• Says this system has benefits of very low cost and low energy consumption

Director of Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong Dr. CHUI Ho Kwong Samuel said that the Hong Kong Environment Protection Department (HKEPD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) through which professionals will be exchanged between the two countries to share the knowledge on total water management issues including wastewater treatment.

He stated that the agreement will offer knowledge and skills in water treatment technology to Sri Lanka.

 “We bring the idea of how we can control the pollution and also how to tackle the climate change issues,” he added.

Speaking at the Awareness Workshop on Water Technology 2024 jointly hosted by Central Environmental Authority, Joint Research and Demonstration Centre (JRDC) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently at the Centre of Excellence for Water and Sanitation in Ratmalana, Dr. Samuel said Hong Kong has unique technology of using seawater for flushing.

“Sri Lankan government can use this technology effectively. This system has benefits of very low cost and low energy consumption. It saves a lot of potable water,” he said.  Dr. Samuel stated that his department plans to introduce two models to Sri Lanka. He expressed hope that these models would provide training courses for Sri Lankan officials and scholars, enabling them to effectively control pollution.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Min Yang, from Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the CEA entered into an agreement with the Environment Protection Department, Hong Kong and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to share the expertise in the water treatment and related areas with Sri Lanka.

He said that the Awareness Workshop on Water Technology is also part of this initiative. “This cooperation will help Sri Lanka to tap the enormous expertise achieved by Hong Kong and China in this field to upgrade the air and water quality of Sri Lanka.