News & Events

A workshop titled “Eco Mobility,” collaboratively organized by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) and the Green Club of the Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT), was held on the 20^th of November 2024 at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya.

The session addressed the environmental impact of the automotive industry while exploring innovative, sustainable solutions, with a focus on the potential of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) as a transformative technology.

The event garnered the active participation of about 250 students representing the Faculty of Computing and Technology and the Department of Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Science. The session commenced with the welcome address by Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, and he highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in addressing the environmental footprint of the automotive sector.

Expert speakers from John Keells CG Auto, Eng. Chathuranga Kahawatta (Head of After Sales) and Ms. Minoshala Nissanka (Head of Marketing), delivered engaging presentations on a range of topics, including a comparison of EV components and traditional engines, advancements in battery technology, the development of charging infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and future trends in NEV technology. Their insights provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in transitioning to greener automotive solutions.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of CSS; Dr. Pansujee Dissanayake, Deputy Director of CSS; Dr. Amila Jeewandara and Dr. Chanaka Udayanga from the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Dr. Jehan Seneviratne from the Faculty of Science (FoS); academic staff members from the Faculty of Computing and Technology and the Faculty of Science; and the representatives from CSS.

In a significant step toward addressing water and sanitation challenges, the University of Kelaniya hosted a meeting with representatives from the Kansarmen SL Foundation (KSLF) on 25^th November 2024. The discussion centered on forging a partnership to implement community outreach projects aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6): ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The meeting brought together key representatives from both organizations. From the KSLF, Founder Mr. Jan Van Der Steen, Director Mrs. Anny Van Der Steen from the Netherlands, Executive Director Mr. Chaminda Fernandopulle, Manager of Operations Ms. Chethana Sumanapala, and Program Officer Ms. Nayani Perera shared their insights and expertise. Representing the University of Kelaniya were Senior Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. C.W. Subasinghe, the Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) and Prof. Mangala Yatawara, CSS representative who outlined the university's ongoing initiatives in sustainable development.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the possibility of collaborative projects targeting local communities to address pressing issues such as access to clean water, improved sanitation facilities, and raising awareness on sustainable water management practices. Both organizations highlighted the importance of leveraging their strengths to maximize impact, with the university offering academic expertise and research capabilities, and KSLF providing operational experience and community engagement skills.

This initiative is part of the University of Kelaniya’s broader commitment to sustainability and its active role in driving progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through education, research, and partnerships.

The first Sustainability Report Launching Ceremony of the University of Kelaniya, organized by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), was successfully held on the 25^th of October 2024, at the Senate Room of the University of Kelaniya. The event was presided over by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The Sustainability Report 2023 highlights the university’s accomplishments over the past year, showcasing progress in the areas of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, and social responsibility. Through this report, the University of Kelaniya underscores its commitment to advancing SDGs and sets a clear path forward for future sustainability initiatives. The Centre for Sustainability Solutions, University of Kelaniya, the coordinating and monitoring body for the UOK’s sustainability efforts will continue this practice annually.

Ms. Azusa Kubota, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Sri Lanka, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, made an insightful speech on “How universities can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The event also featured a Guest Lecture on “Localization of SDGs at Institutional Level,” conducted by Senior Lecturer Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa.

Moreover, the “TreeID” Project of the University of Kelaniya was also launched during the event. The “TreeID” project catalogs plant species within university premises using a QR code system, allowing students, faculty, and visitors to access information about individual trees with just a scan.

The event also witnessed the participation of Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of the CSS; Heads of the Departments; Directors of the Centres and Units; and the staff of the CSS.

Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), University of Kelaniya (UoK) is excited to announce the successful completion of our latest forest restoration project at the Yagirala Forest Reserve. 200 native saplings were planted at Yagirala reserve on September 28, 2024 with the active participation of 15 volunteers from Environmental Conservation and Management Society, UoK. Event was generously sponsored by GSCS International Ltd.

Forests are a rich source for fresh air, clean water, habitats and biodiversity. Unfortunately, decades of deforestation have caused the steady decline in forest cover contributing to loss of biodiversity, loss of habitats, global warming and climate change. Forest restoration attempts have enabled preserving habitats, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impact of climate change, therefore contributing to many of the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, by increasing forest cover, UOK hopes to successfully offset its carbon footprint. 

CSS and UOK extend its sincere gratitude to all students, partners, and stakeholders involved in the project's success. Together, we are working towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

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