CSL CER Coordinates Multi-Institutional MoU to Strengthen Scientific Research and Pollution Management of the Kelani River
The China–Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research (CSL CER), University of Ruhuna, initiated and developed a collaborative research project aimed at strengthening scientific research, environmental monitoring, and pollution management of the Kelani River. As part of this initiative, CSL CER successfully coordinated the establishment and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the University of Ruhuna, Lion Nation Foundation (Guarantee) Limited (LNF), the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) on 27 July 2026.
The MoU establishes a multi-institutional framework that combines the technical, scientific, financial, and regulatory expertise of the four partner organisations. The collaboration will support systematic water-quality monitoring, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, scientific modelling, identification of pollution hotspots, and dissemination of the research findings through national and international scientific publications and forums.
Under the collaboration, LNF will provide financial support for the implementation of the project. The CEA will undertake field sampling from the Kelani River, while laboratory analyses will be conducted using the facilities and technical expertise of the CEA and ITI.
The University of Ruhuna, through CSL CER, will contribute expertise in data management, statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific modelling of the analytical results. These activities will support the identification of spatial and temporal pollution patterns, determination of potential pollution hotspots, and generation of scientific evidence for sustainable river-basin management and pollution-control interventions. The University will also lead the preparation and publication of scientific outputs arising from the project.
The initiation, development, and successful coordination of this project and MoU by CSL CER demonstrate the Centre’s continued commitment to fostering multidisciplinary research partnerships and strengthening collaboration among universities, government institutions, research organisations, funding partners, and non-governmental organisations to address nationally important environmental challenges.
