Consolidating its efforts in environmental stewardship, Sri Lanka’s largest textile manufacturer and a subsidiary of Hayleys Group, Hayleys Fabric, partnered with the University of Sri Jayawardenapura to research pollutants in the Kelani River basin.

The environmental study, the first to assess antibiotic resistance in running water resources utilized for human consumption in the Kelan River basin, will play a pivotal role in developing strategic plans to safeguard surface and groundwater, paving the way for significant advancement in public health and safety.

“Given that the Kelani River accommodates over 20% of the Sri Lankan population and caters to more than 80% of drinking water requirements of the Colombo district, it is imperative that we closely study its impact on public health. As a responsible manufacturer, we believe that by working with leading academic institutions to develop innovative solutions that address critical environmental solutions, this collaboration is just one of many initiatives we are proud to be a part of,” Hayleys Fabric Managing Director Rohan Goonetilleke said.

The research project will screen and quantify antibiotic residues in surface water, isolate and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance mechanisms through antibiotic-resistance genes, and quantify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to understand the relationship between ARGs and antibiotic residues.

The initiative will further seek to identify the primary sources of antibiotic contamination and propose practical strategies for their migration, highlighting a proactive approach towards environmental stewardship and water resource protection. A total of 27 sample collection points will be selected based on catchment characteristics, anthropological activities, land use practices and industrial discharges.