(Funded By The World Bank)
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science received the certificate from AHED operation for the successful completion of the World Bank-funded Rs. 40 million grant in “innovation commercialization and enhancement” on 15th December 2023 at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo.
In 2018, the Center for Sustainability of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science submitted a research proposal. This program aimed to foster research-based innovation for developing value-added products from laterite soils in Sri Lanka and to enhance activities at the Center for Sustainability. The comprehensive research efforts were carried out within the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science laboratory facilities. Prof. Daham Jayawardana led the coordination of these activities, with the collaborative support of team members, including Prof. Priyan Perera, Prof. Nilanthi Bandara, Prof. Pathmalal Manage, and Dr. Varuni Jayasooriya.
The grant has been concluded successfully, resulting in four local patents, numerous research publications, nature-based documentaries, and the completion of Dr. Sandali Dissanayake’s PhD degree within this program. Certain innovations have been successfully commercialized, and corresponding products are currently accessible in the market, with additional plans for commercialization in the future. Furthermore, several laboratory facilities were established as part of this program, including the renovation of the new Center for Sustainability building and improvements to the Yagirala Forest Research and Conservation Education Center facilities.
