At the end of 2024, Chinese scientist Wei Yuansong received an extraordinary honor: a set of commemorative stamps issued by Sri Lanka featuring his portrait.
This rare tribute recognized his decade-long commitment to providing communities with safe drinking water and fostering scientific collaboration between China and Sri Lanka.
The connection of Wei, a leading expert in water pollution control, with Sri Lanka began in 2013 when S.K. Weragoda, a Sri Lankan researcher trained in China’s water and sanitation program, sought his assistance in addressing a pressing public health crisis: Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu).
Since 1990, CKDu had affected over 40,000 people in Sri Lanka, with early studies by the World Health Organization linking the disease to groundwater used for drinking.
In August 2014, Wei embarked on his first research trip to Sri Lanka, marking the start of a challenging, yet transformative, journey. Alongside Weragoda, he traveled for hours each day along rugged roads to reach the most severely affected regions. They visited households, engaged with villagers, and worked tirelessly to understand the epidemic’s root causes.
However, their efforts were initially met with skepticism. At that time, experts from multiple developed countries had already carried out studies and assistance in the Asian country.
“Many locals believed that Chinese researchers, like others before them, were only interested in publishing papers, not in solving the problem,” Wei recalled. Despite these obstacles, the team persisted with sustained communication and concrete steps of cooperation, gradually earning the trust of communities.
Their perseverance paid off. In March 2015, China and Sri Lanka signed an agreement to jointly investigate CKDu and improve drinking water safety. Since then, Wei and his team have made frequent visits to Sri Lanka, conducting in-depth research and developing tailored water treatment solutions.
Today, at 55, Wei continues to lead the Laboratory of Water Pollution Control Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), driving innovation in environmental governance and international cooperation.
The issuance of Sri Lankan stamps honoring Wei not only celebrates his contributions but also underscores the power of cross-border scientific partnerships in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Wei’s unwavering dedication, alongside his team, has brought about big changes in Sri Lanka. Notably, the CAS facilitated the construction of four water treatment facilities in regions severely affected by CKDu. These facilities now provide safe drinking water for more than 5,000 villagers and 1,300 schoolchildren.
Additionally, the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC) has been in service since 2021 to further bolster collaborative efforts.
Beyond infrastructure development, the CAS has prioritized capacity building, training over 30 water specialists and approximately 40 graduate students in water and environmental studies for Sri Lanka. This focus on local expertise has created a sustainable foundation for long-term environmental and public health improvements.
“Villagers suffering from kidney diseases have reported not needing hospital visits for years, thanks to the assistance provided by Chinese scientists,” said Titus Cooray, a Ph.D. student at the JRDC, adding that the local people now trust Chinese scientists wholeheartedly.
