Fathima Jerosha Ifthikar Ahmed (second from the right) at the "Encounter & Enlighten" Ningbo-Colombo Dialogue. [Photo/Yongpai App]

At the "Encounter & Enlighten" Ningbo-Colombo Dialogue in Colombo, Dr Fathima Jerosha Ifthikar Ahmed, an assistant professor in green chemical engineering at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, shared her research and personal experience living in Ningbo.

Born in Sri Lanka, Jerosha completed her higher education in China and now focuses on green chemistry, wastewater treatment and resource recycling in Ningbo. Returning to her homeland after spending so much time in Ningbo gave her a unique perspective.

"For the first time, I realized I could be a bridge between two countries and two port cities," she said.

Working closely with local industries, Jerosha has witnessed how Ningbo recycles waste through collaboration between universities and businesses. To her, green development is not simply about disposing of waste more efficiently, but about creating a circular economy where resources remain in use.

She believes port cities are more than centers of trade — they are ecosystems where industry, energy, logistics, and environmental protection are closely connected. Challenges such as plastic recycling, wastewater treatment, and marine conservation require shared solutions.

As key maritime hubs along the Maritime Silk Road, Ningbo and Colombo face common sustainability goals. Jerosha hopes greater exchanges between the two cities will encourage the sharing of knowledge, innovation and practical experience, proving that the strongest connections between ports are ultimately built by people.