26.07.

2021

HYPOTHESIS developed by Sriyani Mangalika, Professional Engineer

towards scientifically proving the cause for CKD
Do you ever know the exact cause for the chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevail
in Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa (North Central-N/C) area more than a decade
affecting hundred thousand of helpless farmers?? It is still a disease of
unknown etiology.
HYPOTHESIS developed by Sriyani Mangalika
BSc Eng [civil], M.Eng. MSc in Environmental Engineering and Management
From University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
It is significant to note What is the real cause of CKD among several causes
published.
This hypothesis studies to ascertain the cause for CKD predominantly in N/C
area. I knew this as a fatal disease which affected over hundred thousands of
patients in 10 years’ time, making those areas surrounded with fear and falling
them into a complex social problems too. Since it has been a threat to their
normal day to day life.

I remembered an article I read in Sun Day Times Newspaper of 8 th

February 2019. It was stated there in that Dr. Gunatilake and Dr.
Jayasumana have forwarded a scientific research paper to establish that
cause for CKD is Herbicide Glyphosate to an American Institute. It has
been rejected showing that there was no scientific basis for the research
finding. Therefore, this has been a very severe matter to the farmers
facing that severe disease.
I completed my MSc in Environmental Engineering and Management from
University of Moratuwa in April 2013 successfully. I happened to learn about
CKD in the years 2008 and 2009 for my PG Diploma course. I participated in a
seminar on CKD in a World Water Day programme in the period 2010-2011
since I had an interest on the subject. Then I was at Corporate Planning Section
of National Water Supply and Drainage Board.
In such a situation I studied the issue in detail through perusing literature.
Knowledge gained in my MSc supported me. I read in my late husband’s
medical books. The disease is predominantly spread in Anuradhapura and
Polonnaruwa.
I noted there are three potential causes for CKD 1 Heavy metal like Cadmium
or Nickle 2 Inherent disease of a persons, certain diseases specified. 3 Complex
compounds containing Carbon and Hydrogen. In the Seminar on CKD in NC
Area I attended I came to aware that it has been found Cadmium is not the
cause of CKD though it could be a heavy metal resulting from Agrochemicals.
One Prof Nalin published in newspapers around 2009 that Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD) prevail in Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa (North Central-N/C) area
is caused by Arsenic. Even at that time there were many strenuous studies and
the cause was not ascertained. He has stated there in that aforesaid
information was conveyed to him by Natha Deviyo , the Divine power you
would be enlightened as Maiththree Lord Buddha our next Supreme. I knew
this could not be true and this a severely bad statement that would affect Sri
Lanka. I resorted to find the validity of that statement. I considered it cannot
be Arsenic. Arsenic causes cancer. it is an Atom having several oxidation
stages. The compounds form from different oxidation stages of Arsenic has
considerably different chemical characteristics. Arsenic which is consumed
orally is not poisonous though other forms could be poisonous. Arsenic may
cause kidney cancer but that is different from kidney failure. Arsenic causes
skin diseases as countries like Bangladesh. As I know Arsenic is not a heavy
metal either.
In Anuradhapuara town area CKD is not found. I perceived there are
integrated tank systems in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa built at many
hundreds of years ago during kings’ eras, being the unique feature in that area.
Since the residuals from agriculture flows into these tanks and not like other
situations they may gather I deep spots of the tank system Carbon and
Hydrogen together with other constituents form many numbers of complex
compounds may be long chains or in any other forms not like any other
substances. I analysed further and within mud at the bottom of the tanks for
years could make many toxic compounds of different types. These compounds
would travel to the bore holes via under the streams under the water table.

Through knowing the cause of CKD water those farmers consume could be
treated as effectively to combat the disease. Because in these areas it is not
practical to afford to have major scale full treatment plants. The respective
Agro chemicals may be avoided if necessary. Cleaning of bottoms of aforesaid
tanks in the most practical manner could be considered as the most effective
solution.
In February 2014 I decided to resign from my chief Engineer post being my
cherished employment for years having served as BSc Engineer for 27 years
while 7 years left for retirement since I became a person dislike by my peer
engineers. They refused my association for unknown reason. I was seriously
sympathetic when I was considered as a confused person after a dedicated
honest and upright service amidst challenges at my best as a widow.
Yours faithfully
Sriyani Mangalika Panadura
Member of Institution of Engineers
27.07 2023