The Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya, in collaboration with Guizhou University, China, has initiated the establishment of the “China-Sri Lanka Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Green Plant Protection” (CSBR-GPP Lab). This initiative aims to enhance research and capacity building at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, encompassing staff exchanges, short-term research training programs in China, and long-term training leading to postgraduate qualifications in China and/or Sri Lanka.
A delegation from Guizhou University visited the Faculty of Agriculture on May 14, 2025. The delegation included Prof. Hao Gefei, Dr. W.M. Wishwajith W. Kandegama (Project coordinator from the Chinese Government), Prof. Wu Zhibing, Dr. Huang Xiaotian, and Prof. Cheng Hongguang. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the progress of the CSBR-GPP Lab and to initiate planning for a joint conference on Green Plant Protection scheduled for later this year. During the visit, the delegation announced the availability of 30 fully funded MSc/PhD scholarships for the University of Peradeniya, aimed at recruitment for this year.
The CSBR-GPP Lab will focus on research areas: accurate pesticide reduction based on big data, biological control technology for insect pests, diseases and weed infestations in tea gardens, and risk monitoring and control technology aimed at tea pesticide residue. Through these efforts, the laboratory aims to establish an efficient, environmentally friendly, safe, and controllable system for green prevention and control in tea cultivation.
The discussions were attended by Prof. B.C. Jayawardana, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture; Prof. S.A.C.N. Perera, Head of the Department of Agricultural Biology; Prof. JP Eeswara, Head, Department of Crop Scince; Prof. D.K.N.G. Pushpakumara, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture; Prof. B. Marambe, Director of the Joint Lab; Prof. A.J. Mohotti, Principal Investigator of the project; Prof. Pradeepa CG Bandaranayake, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and Dr. W.H. Jayasinghe, Director, Agriculture Education Unit. The Chinese delegation also met with Prof. R.W. Pallegama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, to officially announce the approval of the grant by the Chinese government. All discussion rounds held during the visit were highly successful, reflecting the strong commitment of both institutions to this collaborative endeavour.
This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening academic and research ties between Sri Lanka and China, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and green plant protection.