UoK ensures that all its academic, research, and conservation initiatives related to SDG 15 – Life on Land are implemented in full compliance with both national environmental legislation and international agreements governing terrestrial biodiversity, forest conservation, and sustainable land management. These frameworks guide the University’s environmental practices, ensuring that all biodiversity-related activities are conducted ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with globally recognized sustainability standards.

At the international level, UoK upholds Sri Lanka’s commitments to several global conventions that directly address terrestrial ecosystem protection and biodiversity conservation:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992) 

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1973) 

• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD, 1994) 

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention, 1979) 

• Paris Agreement (2015) 

At the national level, the University of Kelaniya aligns its operations, teaching, and research with Sri Lanka’s key environmental laws and policies that ensure the conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems:

• Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (No. 2 of 1937, as amended by Acts No. 44 of 1964, No. 1 of 1970, No. 49 of 1993, and No. 22 of 2009)

• Forest Ordinance (No. 16 of 1907, and subsequent amendments)

• Soil Conservation Act (No. 25 of 1951, amended by Act No. 71 of 2000)

• National Environmental Act (No. 47 of 1980, amended by Acts No. 56 of 1988 and No. 53 of 2000)

• Plant Protection Act (No. 35 of 1999)

At the institutional level, UoK has established a robust framework of internal sustainability policies and guidelines that reinforce its commitment to conserving terrestrial biodiversity and promoting responsible land stewardship. These include: 

1. University of Kelaniya Sustainability Policy

2. University of Kelaniya Canteen Policy

3. University of Kelaniya Plastic Waste Reduction Policy 

4. University of Kelaniya Polythene Usage Policy

5. University of Kelaniya Plastic Water Bottle Policy

6. University of Kelaniya Green Concept

7. University Health and Safety Services (UHSS)  

Undergraduate Degree Programs 

1. BSc in Environmental Conservation and Management (ENCM) – Faculty of Science

This flagship program integrates terrestrial ecosystem conservation, environmental management, and sustainability science.
Key SDG 15-related courses include:

• ENCM 11702 – Evolution of Earth and Biogeography

• ENCM 11713 – Basic Geology and Soil Science

• ENCM 12732 – Forest Resources

• ENCM 12742 – Environmental Pollution

• ENCM 21703 – Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

• ENCM 21743 – GIS and Remote Sensing

• ENCM 31702 – Environmental Impact Assessment

• ENCM 31742 – Environmental Management Systems and Standards

• ENCM 31752 – Green Technology and Eco-design

• ENCM 31762 – Water Resources Management

• ENCM 32782 – Hazards and Disaster Risk Management

• ENCM 41783 – Ecological Interactions and Dynamics

• ENCM 41793 – Wetland Management

2. BSc (Honours) in Zoology – Faculty of Science

Focuses on animal biodiversity, ecosystem function, and conservation science.
Relevant courses include:

• ZOOL 12733 – Faunal Diversity and Sri Lankan Fauna

• ZOOL 22732 – Terrestrial Ecology

• ZOOL 22742 – Aquatic Ecology

• ZOOL 31722 – Environmental Impact Assessment

• ZOOL 32752 – Conservation Biology

• ZOOL 32762 – Wildlife Management

• ZOOL 41823 – Ecological Interactions and Dynamics

• ZOOL 42862 – Herpetology

• ZOOL 42872 – Ornithology

• ZOOL 42882 – Mammalogy

3. BSc (Honours) in Plant Biology – Faculty of Science

Explores plant biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology, and environmental resource management.
Courses contributing to SDG 15 include:

• PLBL 11543 – Plant Evolution and Identification

• PLBL 12543 – Floristic Resources in Sri Lanka and Management

• PLBL 22554 – Plant Evolution, Diversity and Taxonomy

• PLBL 31514 – Ecology and Environmental Resources Management

• PLBL 32533 – Plant Pathology and Post-Harvest Technology

4. BSc (Honours) in Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology

Supports conservation through genetic resource management and biotechnology applications.
Courses include:

• MBBT 31514 – Principles and Techniques in Plant Biotechnology

• MBBT 32541 – Tissue Culture

• MBBT 41813 – Agricultural, Environmental, and Industrial Biotechnology

• MBBT 42853 – Molecular Ecology

5. BA / BA (Honours) in Geography – Faculty of Social Sciences

Integrates human-environment systems, spatial analysis, and natural resource management.
Relevant courses include:

• GEOG 11315 – Physical Geography

• GEOG 22314 – Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing

• GEOG 31322 – Environmental Management

• GEOG 32334 – Geography of Sri Lanka

6. BA in Development Studies – Faculty of Social Sciences

Addresses sustainable development, resource use, and social-ecological balance.
Key courses:

• DVST 22314 – Development and Society

• DVST 32334 – Introduction to GIS

7. BA in Archaeology – Tourism and Cultural Resource Management Stream

Contributes to SDG 15 through eco-tourism and heritage conservation.
Key courses:

• TCRM 31314 – Eco-Tourism

• TCRM 32314 – Cultural Resource Management

Postgraduate Degree Programs (Faculty of Graduate Studies)

• MSc in Environmental Management

• MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management

• MSc in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology

• MPhil/PhD in Environmental Science and Zoology

UOK boasts a significant green cover, with 54% of its total land area dedicated to greenery, amounting to 172,578.62 square meters. This expansive green space includes a diverse range of plant species, contributing to the university's commitment to biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The university's green cover features a variety of seasonal plants and drought-tolerant species, carefully chosen to thrive in the local climate and minimize water usage. The open areas, covering 46,237.88 square meters, are designed to enhance ecological balance while providing spaces for relaxation and learning. The university is a host to a wide variety of plant species, promoting environmental education and contributing positively to the local ecosystem. 

🍃 Environmental and Academic Value:

• 🌱 Biodiversity Habitat: Provides refuge for native flora and fauna, supporting pollinators, birds, and small wildlife.

• 📚 Learning Resource: Serves as a practical space for students studying environmental health, public health, and community medicine.

• 💨 Eco-benefits: Aids in air purification, cooling, and noise reduction—improving the overall quality of campus life.

• 🌍 Sustainability Alignment: Reflects the university’s broader green vision by preserving natural ecosystems within its academic infrastructure.