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Calling for Abstracts - ICSDS 2026 - DEADLINE EXTENDED
🌍University of Kelaniya Commemorates World Environment Day with Mangrove Restoration Initiative at Lanka Mangrove Museum Pambala.🌱
05 June 2026
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, a field visit was organized on 5th June 2026 to the Lanka Mangrove Museum in Pambala, one of the country's most important centres for mangrove conservation and education. The delegation included university staff and students.
A key highlight of the visit was the planting of 100 mangrove saplings in the lagoon ecosystem adjoining the museum. The initiative aims not only to enhance ecosystem restoration efforts but also to facilitate long-term monitoring of sapling growth and survival, contributing to ongoing conservation activities in the region.
Participants also received first-hand exposure to the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems and the challenges they face under changing climatic conditions. Discussions focused on the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and water quality maintenance.
Widely recognized as one of nature’s most effective climate solutions, mangrove forests absorb and store substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon while protecting coastal communities from erosion, storm surges, and extreme weather events. They also provide critical habitats for a diverse range of aquatic and avian species, supporting both ecological health and local livelihoods.
Through this conservation-focused initiatives, the University of Kelaniya endorsed its commitment to advancing sustainability through education, research, community engagement, and practical environmental action. The World Environment Day programme reflects the University's broader vision of fostering environmentally responsible leadership and contributing meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.
University of Kelaniya Marks World Environment Day 2026 with Sustainability Awareness Program
University of Kelaniya Marks World Environment Day 2026 with Sustainability Awareness Program
03 June 2026
Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability leadership and climate resilience, the University of Kelaniya commemorated World Environment Day 2026 with a series of initiatives highlighting sustainable development, environmental education, and ecosystem restoration.
Organized by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), University of Kelaniya, the two-day program brought together academics, students, professionals, and industry representatives under the global World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The activities highlighted the importance of combining scientific knowledge, sustainable infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.
The program commenced on 3rd June 2026, with an awareness session held at the Board Room of the Faculty of Science. The event was graced by the presence of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and featured presentations by renowned environmentalist Vidya Jyothi Emeritus Professor Sarath Kotagama and Engineer Upeksha Karunathilake.
Addressing participants, the speakers emphasized the urgent need for climate action and highlighted the role of green building concepts in promoting sustainable development. Discussions focused on environmentally responsible infrastructure, including energy-efficient designs, natural ventilation systems, sustainable construction materials, and nature-inspired architectural approaches that reduce environmental footprints while enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges.
Emeritus Professor Kotagama noted that with only a few years remaining until the 2030 target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), significant gaps persist in public understanding of sustainable development and how its principles can be translated into meaningful actions. He stressed that meaningful progress requires greater awareness, behavioural change, and collective responsibility across all sectors of society. An interactive question-and-answer session provided participants with further insights into pathways for strengthening climate resilience and sustainability practices within institutions and communities.
 Guest Lecture on Sustainability Rankings and Launch the Annual Sustainability Report - 2025 🌱
 Guest Lecture on Sustainability Rankings and Launch the Annual Sustainability Report - 2025 🌱
30 March 2026
The Centre for Sustainability Solutions of the University of Kelaniya hosted a guest lecture on “From Sustainability Commitments to Global Recognition: Leveraging Sustainability for University Rankings”, alongside the launch of the Annual Sustainability Report - 2025 and the opening of new Display Boards in the university premises to highlight key actions on environmental conservation. The event, held on 27th March 2026 at the University’s Senate Room and graced by Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, brought together academic and administrative staff to highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainability practices and position the institution within global university ranking frameworks.
Proceedings began with a welcome address by Prof. Mangala. Yatawara, Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions, who outlined the growing importance of sustainability metrics in enhancing institutional visibility and international recognition.
The guest lecture was delivered by Dr Chalaka Fernando, a sustainability consultant based in Australia. His presentation focused on how universities can align their sustainability initiatives with global ranking systems, offering practical strategies for embedding sustainability into policy, operations and reporting. Attendees described the session as both engaging and thought-provoking.
Afterwards, Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor, officially launched the Annual Sustainability Report - 2025 through a digital unveiling. In her remarks, she reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing sustainability through evidence-based approaches and collaborative action.
A token of appreciation was presented to Dr Fernando in recognition of his contribution, before the formal session concluded with a vote of thanks.
Following the indoor proceedings, participants moved to “Mee Amba Sewana”, where the Vice-Chancellor ceremonially opened a display board among the newly established boards in the university premises. The installation at the “Mee Amba Sewana” is intended to showcase the university’s biodiversity and sustainability initiatives, while serving as an educational platform for the wider university community.
🌿 Shramadana Campaign at the Faculty of Science Strengthens Campus Sustainability Efforts ♻️
6 March 2026
Demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship within the university community, a Shramadana (clean-up campaign) was successfully carried out today at the Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya. The initiative brought together students and staff to improve the cleanliness and sustainability of the faculty premises.
The programme was organised by the Subject Societies of the Faculty of Science in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability Solutions, University of Kelaniya as part of ongoing efforts to promote responsible waste management and a cleaner campus environment.
Participants worked across individual departments and surrounding areas within the faculty, identifying and collecting various types of waste. The collected materials were carefully sorted and disposed according to recommended methods.
The campaign saw the active participation of academic staff, non-academic staff, and students, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the university community in maintaining a greener and healthier campus.
#Shramadana #CleanCampus #Sustainability #UniversityOfKelaniya #CommunityAction #GreenCampus #SmallActionsBigImpact
🌊Beach Cleanup Initiative at Kalutara Beach Propels University of Kelaniya’s Environmental Action Forward ♻️
3 February 2026
In a demonstration of youth-led environmental responsibility, the Environmental Conservation and Management (ENCM) Society of the University of Kelaniya carried out a beach cleanup at Kalutara Beach today, mobilising university students alongside key partners from the private and public sectors.
The event was organised in collaboration with Varun Beverages, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and the Centre for Sustainability Solutions, as part of ongoing efforts to address marine pollution and support coastal ecosystem health.
A total of 50 students representing the ENCM Society, Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, and the Centre for Sustainability Solutions participated in the cleanup. Volunteers worked diligently to collect plastics, fishing gear, and other waste materials that threaten the environmental integrity of the shoreline. The activity forms part of the University’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, reflecting similar community engagements documented in other university initiatives.Â
#BeachCleanUp#KalutaraBeach#CleanCoastline#ENCMSociety#Sustainability
#OceanProtection #CommunityForChange #SmallActionsBigImpact #SaveOurSeaÂ
🌴🌊 BEACH CLEAN UP – KALUTARA BEACH 🌊🌴
🌴🌊 BEACH CLEAN UP – KALUTARA BEACH 🌊🌴
The ocean gives us so much—now it’s our turn to give back.
Grab your friends, roll up your sleeves, and be part of a movement that truly makes waves.
đź“… 03rd February 2026
⏰ From 9.00 AM onwards
đź“Ť Kalutara Beach
đź’› Every piece of trash removed protects marine life.
đź’š Every volunteer strengthens our community.
đź’™ Every small effort creates a big environmental impact.
Let’s stand together for a cleaner shore and a healthier future.
✨ See you at the beach!
#BeachCleanUp #KalutaraBeach #CleanCoastline #OceanProtection #CommunityForChange #SmallActionsBigImpact #SaveOurSeas 🌍♻️
Long Service and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony 2026 Celebrates Dedication and Sustainability at University of KelaniyaÂ
Long Service and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony 2026 Celebrates Dedication and Sustainability at University of KelaniyaÂ
The Ceremony of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards of the University of Kelaniya was successfully held on 1 January 2026 at the Sri Dharmaloka Hall, under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
The event honoured academic and non-academic staff whose long-standing commitment and exemplary service have significantly contributed to the University’s progress and reputation. Among the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the 25+ Years of Continuous Service – Long Service Awards, recognizing decades of dedication to higher education and public service.
In a meaningful step aligned with the University’s sustainability vision, each recipient in the 25+ years category was presented with a valuable eco-friendly medicinal plant—Sudu Handun (White Sandalwood, Santalum album). This green gesture was coordinated by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions under its “Seed of Hope 2026” programme, symbolizing gratitude, longevity, and a shared responsibility toward environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscored the University’s commitment to integrating sustainability into institutional traditions, transforming ceremonial practices into opportunities for positive environmental impact. The event concluded with appreciation for all awardees and reaffirmed the University of Kelaniya’s dedication to excellence, service, and sustainable development.
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