Naval Social Responsibility project reaches significant milestone, foundation stone laid for 1000th RO plant

Marking another special milestone in the Naval Social Responsibility project which is being implemented under the direct supervision of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commodore Manjula Hewa Battage, the Deputy Area Commander of Northwestern Naval Command laid the foundation stone for the 1000th Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant at Sri Sumana Vidyalaya in Palukadawala, Mahawa on 20th March 2024. The funds needed for this particular project will be made possible by the National Lottery Board.

Leveraging its technical expertise, the Navy Research and Development Unit initiated the establishment of brackish water, sea water, and medical-grade RO plants as part of a community care service conducted by the Navy for the well-being of communities across the island, vulnerable to kidney disease.

Reverse Osmosis technology has long been recognized as a successful desalination method globally. However, due to the substantial financial burden associated with importing and installing such machines, the Sri Lanka Navy's Research and Development Unit has innovated a cost-effective solution for water desalination, meeting necessary standards.

Commenced in 2015, the first brackish water RO plant was installed in the Kadawatrambewa area of the Medawachchiya Divisional Secretariat in the Anuradhapura district. This project has successfully produced 957 brackish water RO plants and 16 seawater RO plants, spanning across 13 districts throughout the island so far. Following the inception of this project, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of kidney patients, as indicated by data.

Additionally, the medical grade RO plants have been fabricated through this initiative and deployed in 26 government hospitals across the island by ensuring a reliable water supply for dialysis units.

The milestone event was also attended by Senior Coordinator (Naval Social Responsibility Project) Commander Buddhika Randimal, government officials from the area, senior and junior officers from the Northwestern Naval Command, officials from the National Lottery Board, the Principal, teaching staff and children of the school and residents.