Community engagement and pollution mitigation at Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka

A collaborative project successfully demonstrated sustainable pollution mitigation at Kandy Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and culturally significant landmark in Sri Lanka. By integrating wastewater management technologies—such as floating wetlands and an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR)—alongside community engagement initiatives, the study achieved measurable improvements in water quality. The research, conducted by the University of Peradeniya and Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, also fostered long-term cooperation among local authorities, schools, and government agencies. Post-project developments included expanded sewerage systems, centralized wastewater treatment, and the integration of Kandy Lake into urban planning, underscoring the project's lasting impact on heritage preservation and environmental sustainability.

Jinadasa, K. B. S. N., Weragoda, S. K., Valencia, E., Sim, S. T. V., & Ng, W. J. (2018). Community engagement and pollution mitigation at Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka. Water Practice and Technology, 14(1), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2018.109