Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) this week received the prestigious 2015 Energy Globe National Award to celebrate its work on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource conservation initiatives, the US Embassy said in a statement.

The project was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and USAID Mission Director Elisabeth Kvitashvili and former Minister for Water and Drainage Dinesh Gunawardena both attended the ceremony.

“The United States wants to help lead the search for innovative ways to meet the world’s water challenges,” said U.S. Ambassador Atul Keshap.  “Rainwater harvesting is a reasonably simple and cheap method for communities to find sustainable solutions.”

LRWHF won the award for its initiative in conflict-affected and water-scarce parts of Sri Lanka.  The initiative built over 750 rainwater harvesting systems in resettled communities, provided supplies and training for plant nurseries, and raised awareness on the benefits of rainwater harvesting.

The Energy Globe is today’s most important environmental prize with 177 participating countries and more than 1,500 project entries annually. This high recognition is an internationally-recognized trademark for sustainability.