The National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), University of Peradeniya (UoP) and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) organized a one-day seminar, “Water Research for Sustainable Development”, in concurrence with the World Water Day-2021. The event was held on 19th March 2021, at the Cyril Ponnamperuma Auditorium, NIFS, Kandy.

Prof. S. Senewera, Director NIFS welcomed the gathering. Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya graced the occasion as the chief-guest and delivered a speech at the programme. Prof. S.H.P.P. Karunaratne, Deputy Vice- Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Prof. Athula Sumathipala, Chairman, NIFS along with many distinguished guests graced the event.

Mr. A.C.M. Nafeel, Additional Secretary (Development), Ministry of Water Supply addressed the gathering on Government's Focus on SDG6 - Clean Water and Sanitation. A speech was delivered on water resources development in Sri Lanka by Eng. (Mrs.) W.N.C. Wickramasinghe, Director of Irrigation, Water Resources Planning Branch, Irrigation Department. Prof. M.I.M. Mowjood, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya and Prof. R. Weerasooriya, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy also enlightened the audience by delivering speeches on University Water Research and Directions, and Summery National Centre for Water Quality Research – Role of Basic Research, respectively.

Two technical sessions were conducted to discuss present water-related challenges in the nation. Dr. S.K.Weragoda, Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology, Ministry of Water Supply, Dr. Thushara Chaminda, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, and Dr. Anurudda Karunarathna, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya participated as eminent resource persons in the first technical session which was moderated by Prof. G.B.B. Herath, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. In the second technical session Dr. Pubudu Silva, Ministry of Health, Mr. D.N.D.S. Gunatilleke, NWSDB and Prof. Nimal Gunawardena, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya participated as the distinguished resource persons and the session was moderated by Dr. Herath Manthrithilakae, International Water Management Institute.

This event brought together the influential researchers in the water/wastewater sector and the government water authorities, offering an ideal platform to discuss present water-related challenges that retard development programs in the nation.