News & Events

Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) at the University of Kelaniya is conducting a series of awareness programs to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. With that the first program on "Awareness of Solid Waste Management" programs for the supervisors of the university's cleaning staff was held on October 3, 2023. Dr. D M Pansujee Dissanayake, Dr. Madurika Nanayakkara, Mr. Aruna Shantha and, Mr. Buddhika Wickramasingha provided invaluable insights and guidance on effective solid waste management representing CSS.

Waste management is a critical concern globally, and as an educational University of Kelaniya continuously takes proactive measures to address this issue while educating the staff and students of its necessity. The first phase of this program aimed to equip supervisors of the cleaning staff with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions in managing solid waste within the university premises.

Certificate Awarding Ceremony of Sustainability Leadership Training Program for Youth and Launching of the 2nd edition of the “GreenInsight” e-magazine

The 6th cycle of the Sustainability Leadership Training Programme (SLTP) for Youth concluded with a Certificate Awarding Ceremony on June 8, 2023. The venue was the senate room of the University of Kelaniya, and the event was organized by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) at the university.

During the ceremony, Dr. Pansujee Dissanayake, Deputy Director of CSS and SLTP coordinator, introduced the program's goals and outline. The SLTP certificate course, an annual offering by CSS, aims to enhance the University of Kelaniya undergraduates' understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while promoting attitudes toward volunteering and environmental conservation.

Certificates were bestowed upon students who successfully completed the SLTP course by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, and the University Registrar, Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka. In her address, the Vice-Chancellor applauded the students' achievements and encouraged them to continue supporting initiatives that combat climate change and promote SDG awareness.

Simultaneously, alongside the award ceremony, CSS launched the second edition of its e-magazine, "GreenInsights." This publication serves as a platform for showcasing research related to SDGs. The current edition features a diverse array of articles from colleges nationwide, encompassing a wide range of topics. Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of CSS, acknowledged the dedication of Editor Mr. Hashan Wijesinghe and the esteemed panel of reviewers who contributed to the publication of "GreenInsights."

The event was attended by CSS members and university undergraduates.

Joining hands with the Less Plastic Movement: National Campaign, Organized by the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD), Open University of Sri Lanka, Collaborating with the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka

Understanding the higher education institution’s role in sharpening sustainable development in the country, the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development of the Open University of Sri Lanka organized a national campaign “Less Plastic Movement” and Activity Day on June 5^th, 2023 to coincide with World Environment Day. On the activity day, plastics and polythene wastes including used face masks and other PPE were collected from island wide 50 selected locations including reef sites and inland sites to prevent further harm to our ecosystems.

The event was organized collaboratively with the Ministry of Environment, Central Environmental Authority, Coast Conservation and coastal resources management department (CCD), Marine environment protection authority (MEPA), all forces, NGOs, and the Private sector, Ministry of Public Administration, in the first collection drive on 5^th of June 2023.

Representing the University of Kelaniya Centre for Sustainability Solutions joined this notable national movement on the 5th of June, from 8.00 am to 12 noon. We were responsible to collect and separate plastic waste in Wattala Preethipura Beach and Kadawatha city areas. Powerline Lanka and World Vision International sponsored the collection. Students representing several faculties participated in the collection and they will be appreciated through a letter from the ministry for their contribution to this national endeavor.