17 July 2026

On July 17, 2026, the University of Kelaniya hosted a delegation of 14 undergraduates and faculty members from Taiwan’s Tamkang University, led by Prof. Yen-Ling Lin, for an immersive exchange focused on higher education sustainability and green campus management. Organized and guided by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), the visit commenced with a formal reception in the Senate Room, where Vice-Chancellor Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva welcomed the visiting delegation and outlined the university's institutional history and academic achievements. CSS Director Prof. Mangala Yatawara further detailed Kelaniya's commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the strategic role of the CSS in driving key environmental policies and showcasing the university's rising global profile in the Times Higher Education  Impact Rankings. 

In turn, the Tamkang University students delivered a presentation sharing insights into Taiwan's national sustainability framework and their own institution’s green initiatives, establishing a meaningful cross-cultural dialogue on ecological stewardship. To complement the theoretical discussions with practical application, the delegation was taken on an extensive guided field tour across campus facilities, including the Dalugama premises' compost yard as well as the Faculty of Computing and Technology’s wastewater treatment unit and renewable energy installations at the Bulugaha site. This observational tour provided the Taiwanese students with firsthand insights into how sustainable design and operational resource management are effectively integrated into the daily running of a leading public university.

17 July 2026

Organized by the Green Club of the Faculty of Computing and Technology under the guidance of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), a guest lecture titled “Closing the Loop: Reimagining Sri Lanka’s Waste as a National Resource - A Circular Economy Blueprint for Renewable Energy, Clean Cooking Gas, and Organic Fertilizer” was held on July 17, 2026, at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya. Delivered by Prof. Patric Hettiarachchi from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Calgary, Canada, the session highlighted various compost and biogas production techniques, emphasizing the vital role of small-scale community biogas units in utilizing household waste to address current waste management challenges and future energy crises. 

Highlighting real-world success stories from Gorakana, Colombo, Prof. Hettiarachchi extended an invitation to the University of Kelaniya to join ongoing collaborative biogas research with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). The insightful session concluded with an interactive Q&A with undergraduates from the Faculties of Computing & Technology and Science, followed by a site visit to the university's Dalugama biogas facilities to discuss strategic enhancements for optimizing gas yield.

 27 June 2026

Following the inaugural International Conference on Sustainable Studies, a pivotal post-conference round-table discussion was convened to establish a collaborative roadmap for integrating climate resilience into academic frameworks. This high-level dialogue brought together a diverse consortium of stakeholders, including government representatives, academic researchers, faculty members, students, and private industry leaders. The session centered on fostering synergistic partnerships to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change, social sustainability, and the implementation of green initiatives.

 By critically assessing current systemic gaps and operational weaknesses, participants identified actionable strategies to bridge the divide between theoretical research and practical application. The discourse emphasized the essential role of academia in catalyzing climate action, outlining a cohesive strategy for interdisciplinary collaboration that empowers institutions to effectively influence policy and drive sustainable development through multi-sectoral engagement.

 26 June 2026

The First International Conference on Sustainable Development Studies (ICSDS) 2026, held on June 26, 2026 organized by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions in collaboration with the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, the event operated under the timely theme: “Shaping a Sustainable Future: Research, Innovation and Education.”

Rather than functioning purely as an academic symposium, ICSDS 2026 served as a national call to action, fostering powerful international cooperation with research partners from across the globe, including China and Korea. The platform successfully established a robust ecosystem where academics, policymakers, and industry leaders could directly exchange knowledge to address the escalating climate and disaster landscape.

The morning commenced with a strong sense of purpose as university leadership, led by the Vice Chancellor, the Research Council Chairman, and the Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions, unified the audience around a shared mission: transforming cutting-edge environmental research into actionable strategies for regional and global survival. This vision was immediately brought into sharp focus by the launch of the official conference proceedings and a powerful keynote address from the Australian National University's Prof. Roslyn Prinsley, who challenged attendees to adopt data-driven, cross-border frameworks to solve escalating climate and disaster crises.

Following this introductory momentum, the conference shifted into its Plenary Triad, an intensive mid-day session designed to view sustainability through three distinct lenses. It began with an examination of green consumer behavior and market dynamics, transitioned into a critical look at national environmental policies and regulatory enforcement frameworks, and concluded with a macroscopic view of international academic collaboration and research models presented by leadership from Shanghai University.

Then, the event moved from broad institutional perspectives to granular, specialized debate as the parallel technical sessions commenced, providing an energetic platform where researchers from around the world presented their empirical findings, defended their data, and collectively built the foundation for tomorrow's sustainable development solutions.

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.

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.

🌊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. 

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