News - 2023

In a resounding commitment to environmental conservation, the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) at the University of Kelaniya (UOK), in partnership with the Center for Beach Cleanups, Sri Lanka, orchestrated a massive volunteer event on December 2, 2023, aimed at reclaiming the shores of Uswetakeiyawa Beach. Mr. Lahiru Wijeyrathne, founder of the Center for Beach Cleanups, played a pivotal role in the meticulous organization and guidance of the team throughout the event.

The impressive turnout of 100 participants, including representatives from various non-government organizations, marked a pivotal moment in the university's dedication to fostering sustainable practices. At the forefront of this impactful initiative were notable figures such as Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions; Dr. Amila Jeewandara, Lecturer from the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Mr. Indunil Sandaruwan Ranwella, from the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Mr. Buddhika Wickramasingha, Project Assistant at CSS. Their active involvement demonstrated a united front in the university's mission to combat pollution and promote responsible environmental practices.

Mr. Wijeyrathne's guidance and leadership, alongside the collaborative efforts of university faculty and enthusiastic volunteers, resulted in the collection of an astounding 1000kg of plastic, glass, rubber waste, and other debris during the cleanup. This substantial amount highlights the severity of coastal pollution and the necessity for collective action to address it.

Adding to the strength of the cleanup endeavor were the enthusiastic volunteer members of the Aquatic Club and the Green Club of the University of Kelaniya. This diverse collaboration showcased the power of collective action and emphasized the university's commitment to instilling a sense of environmental responsibility among its students and staff. The collective effort was not confined to a physical cleanup alone. The collected waste, weighing 1000kg, found a second life through donations to recycling centers, aligning with the university's broader commitment to sustainable waste management. Simultaneously, other waste materials were disposed of responsibly, reflecting the event's holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

Beyond the immediate impact on Uswetakeiyawa Beach, the initiative sought to raise awareness of responsible citizenship among participants and the wider public. Undoubtedly, the Beach Cleanup event has left an indelible mark on the young and young-at-heart contributors, further solidifying the University of Kelaniya's role as a catalyst for positive environmental change. As the echoes of this impactful initiative reverberate, the University of Kelaniya stands as a beacon of inspiration for communities, demonstrating that collective action can indeed make a substantial difference in creating a cleaner, healthier planet for present and future generations.

In a concerted effort towards sustainability and environmental consciousness, the Centre for Sustainability Solutions, University of Kelaniya (CSS) joined hands with Printcare PLC to enrich the grounds and adjacent area of the Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT) with a tree plantation initiative. On the 29th of December, 2023, the collaborative effort saw the successful planting of 25 saplings generously provided by Printcare PLC. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of esteemed personalities from both institutions, highlighting a shared commitment to fostering a greener future.

Among the notable participants from the University were Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, the Dean of FCT, Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of CSS, alongside Dr. Amila Jeewandara, Dr. Chanaka Udayanga, and enthusiastic members of the Green Club at FCT. Complementing their efforts, representatives from Printcare PLC, including Mr. Pradeep Dias, the General Manager - Business Services, and Mr. Amal Polgampola, the Manager - Quality Assurance and Compliance, actively contributed to the cause alongside their dedicated Sustainability team.

The collaborative tree-planting initiative signifies a collective resolve to enhance the University's landscape while symbolizing a deeper commitment to environmental sustainability. The planted saplings represent a tangible step towards a more ecologically conscious and green-centric campus.

Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara expressed, "This collaboration between CSS, FCT, and Printcare PLC exemplifies the power of collective action towards creating a more sustainable future. Each tree planted symbolizes our commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores the importance of nurturing our natural surroundings. As the saplings take root and grow, the joint efforts of the University of Kelaniya and Printcare PLC stand as a testament to the potency of partnerships in driving positive environmental change, nurturing trees and a shared vision for a sustainable tomorrow.

The University of Kelaniya (UoK) was ranked number one Green University among Sri Lankan Universities in the UI GreenMetric Ranking 2023. UOK has advanced in its global rank from 241 in 2022 to 226 in 2023, out of the 1183 universities which applied for the UI GreenMetric Ranking in 2023.

The University of Kelaniya applied for UI GreenMetric Ranking through the Centre for Sustainability Solution (CSS) and became the first state-sector university in Sri Lanka to adopt an environmental policy and align its strategic plan and key performance indices with the United Nations Sustainable development goals. The UI GreenMetric rankings were based on the performance from Oct. 2022 to Oct. 2023. The total rankings and scores obtained by the University of Kelaniya are as follows:

https://greenmetric.ui.ac.id/rankings/overall-rankings-2023

We are delighted to share the resounding success of a recent awareness program conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, which took place on the 15th of August, 2023. The program aimed at promoting responsible, non-degradable waste management within our cleaning staff. The program was mainly focused on materials such as plastic, polythene, and masks.

Through this initiative, cleaning staff received training on separating non-degradable waste materials right at the locations where they were collected, refraining from adding non-degradable waste to the compost yard, and promoting the recycling process. The Program has yielded remarkable results, with a success rate exceeding 90%.

Students of MBBS Batch 34 engaged in group green projects to develop leadership and teamwork skills as part of the Professional Development and Family Medicine Strand (PDFM). Green projects were conducted under the guidance of Prof. Nirmala Perera and the garden supervisor, Mr. Ruwan. Each project was conducted within the faculty premises by ten groups of students. These projects involved creating a butterfly garden, planting chilies, radish, manioc, and indigenous yams of Sri Lanka, clearing up the backyard and creating a relaxation area, and an e-waste collection campaign and promoting waste segregation among students in the faculty. These projects were carried out between June and August 2023.

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 5th, 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 5th 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.