Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet globally, over 2 billion people lack access to safe water, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Sri Lanka, the North Central, North Western, and Uva provinces have been severely affected by Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu), a debilitating condition linked to prolonged consumption of contaminated groundwater. The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) has been working to address this crisis by installing Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in high-risk communities, ensuring safe drinking water for thousands of people.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Murtaza and Avanti Esufally, we were delighted to inaugurate our 22nd and 23rd RO Plants on 10th January 2025 in the Kurunegala District. This marks their third project collaboration with FoG, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to improving public health and access to clean water.
22nd Reverse Osmosis Plant – Nauyana Forest Monastery
Located in Malsiripura, the Nauyana Forest Monastery serves as a spiritual sanctuary for 175 resident monks and welcomes 150 daily visitors, in addition to 18 surrounding families, bringing the total beneficiary count to over 375 people. Previously, the closest RO plant was 4km away, forcing the community to rely on unfiltered water sources that carried the risk of waterborne diseases and kidney ailments.
To tackle this issue, a 1,500 GPD RO System has been installed, capable of producing 250 litres of clean water per hour. The project, valued at Rs. 1,875,500, covered the RO system installation, a 5,000-litre storage tank, plumbing, training, and operational expenses.
23rd Reverse Osmosis Plant – Kelimune Village (Sathi Pasala)
In Kelimune Village, Wariyapola, over 400 families—amounting to more than 1,600 residents—previously faced limited access to safe drinking water. With 8 confirmed cases of kidney disease in the area and the nearest RO plant located 2km away, this installation brings life-changing benefits to the community.
The project included the construction of a dedicated 10’x10′ RO plant room, a 150m deep tube well, and the installation of a 1,500 GPD RO System. With a total cost of Rs. 4,257,000, the expenses covered water storage tanks, plumbing, electricity, approvals, operational costs, and community training.
The Importance of Clean Water
According to UNICEF and WHO, contaminated water sources contribute to over 485,000 deaths annually due to diarrhoeal diseases, and exposure to unsafe water is a major risk factor for kidney diseases in Sri Lanka. Studies suggest that long-term consumption of hard water with high levels of fluoride, cadmium, and arsenic may contribute to CKDu, making water purification systems essential in affected regions.
With the installation of these two new RO plants, we are not only ensuring access to safe drinking water but also preventing waterborne diseases, reducing kidney disease risks, and improving the overall well-being of rural communities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Murtaza and Avanti Esufally for their invaluable contribution towards enhancing health and quality of life in Sri Lanka’s underserved regions. Their continued generosity and dedication serve as a beacon of hope, paving the way for a healthier future.
