On Jan. 19, 2021, at the invitation of Prof. Min Yang, Deputy Director of Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (RCEES, CAS), Director of CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Water and Environment (CAS-TWAS CEWE), the new ambassador of Sri Lanka to China, Dr. Palitha Kohona, and Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. K. K. Yoganaadan visited RCEES, CAS and attended the “2021 Workshop on Science and Technology Cooperation between CAS and Sri Lanka”.

Workshop on Science and Technology Cooperation between CAS and Sri Lanka held in RCEES, CAS

The workshop was hosted by Prof. Min Yang. Deputy Director of Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Mr. Zhenyu Wang, Director of Division of Asian and African Affairs Ms. Haihua Gong, Executive Director of ANSO Secretariat Prof. Jinghua Cao attended the workshop, as well as Dr. S. K. Weragoda from Ministry of Water Supply, Prof. Shameen Jinadasa from University of Peradeniya, Dr. Pubudu De Silva from Ministry of Health and representatives from other institutions were present online and on-site. Mr. Zhenyu Wang gave an overview of the international cooperation of CAS, and congratulated Chinese teams’ achievements in recent years. Prof. Jinghua Cao then introduced the works and accomplishments of ANSO in 2020. He also expressed an interest in the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. Prof. Yuansong Wei, Director of China-Sri Lanka Joint Research & Demonstration Centre for Water Technology (JRDC), introduced the progress of JRDC construction, CKDu etiology research, drinking water quality survey in rural communities, and professional talent cultivation.

Deputy Director of Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, Mr. Zhenyu Wang giving a welcoming address at the workshop

Prof. Jinghua Cao introducing the works and accomplishments of ANSO

Prof. Yuansong Wei introducing the progress of JRDC construction and other cooperation between Sri Lanka and China

In the concluding session, Dr. Palitha Kohona spoke highly of the cooperation already carried out between China and Sri Lanka. He expected to expand the fields of cooperation and strengthen the relationship and communication. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in China, as always, will provide support to the scientific and technological cooperation between both sides.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Dr. Palitha Kohona giving a speech

Speaking at the concluding session, Prof. Min Yang hoped the China-Sri Lanka JRDC would build an efficient cooperation mechanism. Toward the technical needs, CEWE would actively assist the Sri Lankan Ministry of Water Supply in formulating a scientific drinking water safety and security plan and provide a full range of technical support for implementing the plan.

Prof. Min Yang hosting the workshop

International Cooperation Office, RCEES, CAS
CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Water and Environment
China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology