Field visit in wood science and timber based industries

On the 19th and 20th of January 2024, the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science organized a two-day field visit for second-year undergraduate students. Under the supervision of Prof Hiran Amarasekara, the students delved into the practical aspects of wood production and forestry operations.

The students’ field visit to A Wood Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was an enlightening experience, providing a firsthand glimpse into the intricate process of transforming raw logs into precisely crafted timber. The exploration of various wood types, including Pine, Rubber, Mahogany, and Eucalyptus, showcased the diversity of materials used in the industry.

At the ICC Timber Flooring Factory, students had the opportunity to examine the manufacturing of prefinished timber planks. The exploration of in-house pressure impregnation treatments.

Moving on to Merbok MDF Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, students not only listened to a comprehensive lecture on the MDF board manufacturing process but also had the privilege of an in-depth exploration during a site visit.

The visit to the State Timber Corporation – Keppitipola focused on the exploration of wood seasoning and impregnation processes, shedding light on crucial steps in the production chain that contribute to the longevity and quality of wood products.

The students concluded their educational journey at the Diyathalawa Logging Site, where they gained firsthand experience in the operations of a logging site. This immersive exposure enabled them to develop a profound understanding of sustainable forestry practices, underlining the industry’s commitment to responsible resource management.

28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024, Organized by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science

The 28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium commenced on January 5th, 2024, at the New Senate Board Room, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The symposium’s theme is “Forest and Environmental Management Towards Economic Recovery and Resilience,” which aims to discuss critical issues within these realms. The opening ceremony was honored by Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, as the chief guest. Joining the distinguished assembly were Senior Professor Pathmalal Manage, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Professor Upul Subasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, who contributed to the occasion. Dr. Chahmila Pathirana from the Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences coordinated the symposium, which Prof. Daham Jayawardana chaired.

Dr. Tricia Wevill, a distinguished speaker from the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Built Environment at Deakin University, Australia, delivered the keynote address at the symposium. The focus of her presentation was on the occurrences of forest fires in Australia.

The January 5th and 6th, 2024 symposium featured 222 research papers presented across twelve distinct sessions as Forest and Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Environmental Economics and Resource Management, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Biomass and Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development, Wood Science, Wood, Non-Wood Industry, Environmental Engineering and Green Technology, Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management, and Citizen Science Forum for Young Environmental Scientist. These sessions occurred concurrently in four parallel tracks at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science premises.

Securing financial backing is crucial for organizing this event. Tokyo Cement Group has graciously taken on the role of platinum sponsor, joined by Sisili Hanaro Encare (Pvt) Ltd and Control Union Inspections (Pvt) Ltd as silva and gold sponsors, respectively. Additionally, Gennext (Pvt) Ltd, GIS Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, and Map Lanka (Pvt) Ltd have generously offered their support as bronze sponsors for this year’s symposium.

As per Professor Hiran Amarasekara, one of the founding members, the inception of the International Forestry and Environmental Science Symposium in 1995 aimed to establish a platform for young researchers to showcase their findings. Over the years, the symposium has evolved into the region’s premier and longest-standing event, gaining renown for its significance.

By. Prof. Daham Jayawardana

Completion of the Innovation Commercialization and Enhancement Grant

(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.

Geology and soil studies in south and south-west coastal belt of Sri Lanka 

Prof. Daham Jayawardana led a field trip for 2nd-year undergraduates to explore the geology and soil in south and south-west coastal belt.

The highlights included, soil excavation site in Godagama, Palatuwa, students delved into soil layers gaining hands-on experience in understanding soil composition and history. Basement rock weathering at Hambantota beach to study witnessing basement rock weathering at Hambantota Beach near the Governor’s House provided insights into the dynamic forces shaping coastal landscapes. Fine-grained heavy mineral observations in Gintota has been observed. Students explored Gintota, identifying and analyzing fine-grained heavy minerals, contributing to a deeper understanding of geological processes.

Studying significant environmental sites provided a holistic view of geological contributions to the broader landscape. Connecting geology, soil science, and environmental science promoted a comprehensive understanding of Earth’s interconnected systems.

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