China and Sri Lanka first became connected through Buddhism and later through the Maritime Silk Road. The friendship between the two peoples has transcended time and continues today.
For decades, many residents in Sri Lanka’s northern and central regions have suffered from chronic kidney disease, a public health challenge linked to naturally high fluoride levels, abnormal mineral content, and heavy metals in groundwater. To help address this long-standing issue, the Chinese government, Buddhist communities, and social organizations have worked with Sri Lankan partners to implement the “Clean Water Project,” bringing safe drinking water to ordinary households.
From the completion of the first water purification plant in Trincomalee in 2017 to the inauguration of the tenth facility in Anuradhapura on September 20, 2025, this eight-year cooperation has benefited over one million people. It is a vivid example of mutual support between China and Sri Lanka and a lasting testament to their enduring friendship.
Exchanges between China and Sri Lanka date back centuries. In the 5th century, the Chinese monk Faxian traveled across the seas to Sri Lanka, leaving valuable records of Buddhist exchanges. During the Tang Dynasty, the monk Yijing praised the flourishing Buddhist traditions of Sri Lanka. In the Ming Dynasty, Admiral Zheng He visited the island multiple times, symbolizing early ties of friendship.
As Ven. Dhammavaddhana, President of the Sri Lanka–China Buddhist Friendship Association, observed: “Buddhism is not only a spiritual bond but also a bridge connecting the hearts of our peoples.” Founded in 2015, the Association has facilitated exchanges of delegations and Buddha statues, carrying forward centuries-old traditions of cultural and spiritual connection.
Unsafe drinking water has long been a pressing issue in northern and central Sri Lanka. Generations of families have been affected, with many losing their health and even their lives prematurely. Chronic kidney disease, though medically complex and not fully understood, has been recognized by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sri Lankan government as a long-standing public health challenge.
At the inauguration of the Anuradhapura facility, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong pledged: “China stands ready to provide all-round support—from water purification and quality research to kidney disease screening and rehabilitation. As a trusted brother, partner, and friend of Sri Lanka, China will continue building livelihood projects that benefit ordinary people.”
On September 20, 2025, clean tap water flowed into households in Anuradhapura, bringing joy to local residents. The project, funded by the Chinese Embassy and built by the Sri Lankan Navy, marked the completion of the tenth plant under the Clean Water Project. More than 200 participants—including Buddhist leaders, local officials, and community members—attended the ceremony.
Since 2017, ten water plants have been established in areas most affected by kidney disease, including Trincomalee, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Hambantota, and Anuradhapura. All were constructed by the Sri Lankan Navy with funding and support from China, showcasing efficiency and trust in bilateral cooperation. Together, these facilities now provide safe drinking water to over one million people. Health authorities report a significant decline in new kidney disease cases in beneficiary regions. Local families expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying: “This is not just water—it is life and hope.”
Ambassador Qi emphasized that these efforts go beyond infrastructure: “They are projects that truly touch people’s hearts.”
The year 2025 also marks the 10th anniversary of the Sri Lanka–China Buddhist Friendship Association, a milestone coinciding with the launch of the tenth water plant. Over the past decade, the Association has promoted cultural exchanges, donated statues of Master Faxian to historic temples, and organized prayers for peace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Faxian Charity Fund has provided $1.1 million in aid, distributed more than 60,000 relief packages to temples and families, and supported rural Buddhist schools and international exchanges. Its flagship project, Suwa Diwiyata Pan Dhothak (“Pure Water for a Healthy Life”), has become a symbol of ten years of service. As Ven. Dhammavaddhana said at the ceremony: “These ten plants are not only solutions to a pressing water crisis but also monuments to the enduring friendship between our peoples.”
Ten water plants benefiting over a million people. A decade of Buddhist friendship promoting cultural exchange. From tackling public health challenges to creating livelihood partnerships, from Buddhist ties to the gift of clean water, China–Sri Lanka relations continue to deepen, marked by warmth and sincerity.
As Ambassador Qi Zhenhong concluded: “China and Sri Lanka are trustworthy brothers, partners, and friends.” Like pure water nourishing the land, this friendship will keep flowing in the hearts of both peoples, inspiring new chapters of cooperation and shared prosperity.
