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The University of Kelaniya (UOK) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Merit Trophy under “Best Government Institution that Contributes to the Environment” category at the prestigious Presidential Environment Awards 2024. University of Kelaniya was the only State University to receive this honor amongst 124 awardees selected from 901 applicants representing various business, industries, educational institutions, and government/semi government institutions. This recognition highlights UOK's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
The Presidential Environment Awards program administered by the Central Environmental Authority is the highest honor bestowed in Sri Lanka for outstanding contributions to environmental protection. It serves as a powerful platform to encourage public participation in sustainable environmental practices and inspire eco-friendly initiatives within government and non-government institutions.
UOK's application for the awards was spearheaded by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS). UOK holds the distinction of being the first state university in Sri Lanka to implement a comprehensive environmental policy that mandates all university stakeholders to prioritize environmental responsibility in their activities. UOK's commitment transcends mere policy; it is woven into the fabric of the university's governance, knowledge creation, and dissemination efforts.
Symbolizing the occasion, the award was handed over to Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice - chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, by the CSS team on the 01st of July 2024, at the Vice-Chancellor's office. Present at the occasion were Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya, Dr. Director/CSS, Dr. D. M. P. V. Dissanayake, Deputy Director/CSS and CSS faculty representatives Dr. K. G. M. Nanayakkara and Dr. A. K. Jeewandara.
Reflecting on this achievement, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilanthi de Silva extended her congratulations to the CSS team and emphasized the crucial need for continued advancements in policy, behavior, and practices to effectively combat climate change.
Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of the CSS, expressed her gratitude to the Deans of the Faculties, the Registrar, academic and non-academic staff and students for their unwavering support in UOK's green endeavors. The CSS plays a key role in planning and implementing initiatives related to energy and waste management, water conservation, habitat preservation, sustainability education, community outreach, and carbon footprint reduction at UOK.
