To realize the country’s maritime ambitions and nurture a stable ocean region, the Sri Lanka Navy leverages its resources, manpower, and modern technology with utmost efficiency and effectiveness, playing a pivotal role in national security. As the nation’s maritime guardian, the Navy’s advanced technology and expertise, along with its social responsibility initiatives, provide significant relief and benefits to the public.
In 2015, as an initiative leveraging its technological capabilities, the Sri Lanka Navy’s Research and Development Unit embarked on a social responsibility project to manufacture Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants. The installation of Reverse Osmosis plants, initiated to address the public’s demand for safe drinking water, stands out as a key service under the Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) project.
Following the recognition of the project as a crucial national initiative to eliminate the kidney disease from the country, a Presidential Task Force was established to oversee its implementation. In 2019, the responsibility for the project was handed over to the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine.
While RO plant technology is widely recognized as an effective water treatment method globally, the country faces significant financial burdens to import and install these units. As a solution to that, the Sri Lanka Navy developed and produced a cost-effective RO plant that meets the necessary standards. It played a crucial role in providing safe drinking water as a resolve to the widespread issue of chronic kidney disease prevalent in 13 districts across the island.
In December 2015, the Sri Lanka Navy’s Reverse Osmosis plant initiative began with the establishment of the first plant in the Kadawathrambewa area of the Medawachchiya Divisional Secretariat in the Anuradhapura district. This project has since advanced, reaching a significant milestone with the installation of the thousandth RO plant in the Galgamuwa area. The Sri Lanka Navy’s success in securing substantial donations from both local and international benefactors has greatly empowered its ability to provide RO plants to schools, religious institutions, hospitals, and communities across the island lacking access to safe drinking water. This support stands as a significant triumph for the public welfare as well.
Since the inception of this project, a total of 1,000 RO plants have been installed, with 161 in the Northern Province, 340 in the North Central Province, 149 in the Northwestern Province, 54 in the Central Province, 10 in the Western Province, 13 in the Sabaragamuwa Province, 22 in the Southern Province, 155 in the Uva Province, 92 in the Eastern Province, and 4 units on major vessels of the Sri Lanka Navy. The Ministry of Health’s kidney disease data shows a decline in the number of patients since the Navy’s RO plant project began, indicating the project’s positive impact.
In 2017, the Naval Research and Development Unit commenced the manufacturing of medical-grade reverse osmosis (RO) plants specifically designed for use in Hemodialysis Units in government hospitals. These RO plants adhere to the highest standards set for ultrapure water to run hemodialysis. The Navy’s innovative medical-grade RO plants, known for their high quality and cost-effectiveness, are experiencing a surge in demand from hospitals seeking to install them. To date, 26 medical-grade RO plants have been installed across 25 government hospitals. The Navy’s Research and Development Unit remains committed to repairing and maintaining all RO plants they have installed, including the medical-grade systems.
The Sri Lanka Navy achieved a significant milestone in its Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) efforts with the opening of its 1,000th Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant at Sri Sumana Vidyalaya in Palukadawala, Galgamuwa on 05th June 2024. The opening of the new facility was held under the auspices of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and the Chairman of National Lotteries Board, Dr. Chameera C. Yapa Abeywardena. This project was successfully completed as a result of the Navy’s technical expertise and funding from the National Lotteries Board. The Navy’s Research and Development Unit is implementing this magnanimous initiative with a view to provide safe drinking water to various areas across the island, addressing the public’s needs.
The Navy’s high-quality, cost-effective RO plants significantly enhance access to safe drinking water for communities across the island. For the continuation of this NSR project, numerous individuals, groups, and corporations have provided significant support to the Navy, enabling them to extend the project’s benefits to the public.
The post Communities benefit from 1,000 Reverse Osmosis plants delivered by Naval Social Responsibility project appeared first on DailyNews.