Water Convention on March 22
Disna MUDALIGE
 A
Water Convention has been organised for the first time in Sri Lankan
history to mark World Water Day which falls on March 22, Water Supply
and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.
The theme of this year's World Water Day is Water Cooperation. The
three day convention commencing on March 20 would be an opportunity to
share technical knowledge on water management, Gunawardena said.
Addressing a press conference at the Information Department
yesterday, the minister said the Convention would be attended by local
stakeholders and participants from Asian countries including Malaysia,
Thailand and Singapore.
The inauguration of the Convention will be held under President
Mahinda Rajapaksa's patronage.
A discussion on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which has become a
serious issue in the country, has been facilitated in the afternoon
session of the first day with the participation of stakeholders
including the academic community.
The second day is for sessions under four main topics including
climate change and disaster management, sewerage management, water
resources management and investment for water and sewerage projects.
Four research papers have been selected for each topic.
The minister said an expedite water supply project to extend water
supply to 100,000 consumers within a month would commence parallel to
this event. He said the National Water Supply and Drainage Board will
reduce Rs 4,000 from the annual water bill of a selected person with
disabilities.
Ministry Secretary A Abeygunawardena said an awareness raising walk
has been organised on World Water Day from Vihara Maha Devi Park to
BMICH with the participation of about 1,200 participants. An exhibition
with 60 stalls will also be held at the BMICH.
He said competitions for schoolchildren have also been conducted
parallel to this day. He said the government's aim is to make Sri Lanka
the hub of water technology and industry.
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