Blog – Department of Forestry and Environmental Science

23Oct

Center for Sustainability Welcomes First International Undergraduate Intern, Nila Mahawela from Germany

The Center for Sustainability (CFS) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) is delighted to welcome Nila Mahawela, an undergraduate student from Germany, as part of its growing global outreach. Nila, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Forest Ecosystem Management (B.Sc.) at the University for Sustainable Development in Eberswalde, Germany, will be completing a six-month internship with the CFS, marking a significant milestone as the first foreign undergraduate student to join USJ for an internship experience.

Nila’s academic program focuses on sustainable forest ecosystem management, and her decision to intern at CFS reflects her passion for hands-on conservation work. With a strong curiosity about Sri Lanka’s rich rainforest biodiversity and a desire to engage with the practical and legal aspects of conservation management, Nila aims to expand her knowledge and contribute to environmental sustainability efforts.

The CFS is excited to support Nila’s academic and professional development during her time with us, and we look forward to the valuable contributions she will make to our ongoing conservation projects.

31Jul

Field Trips

Wildlife conservation and management at Anawillundawa wetland sanctuary

Dr. Hasitha Karawita, a visiting lecturer, led 3rd-year undergraduate students from the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science on a practical field visit to Anawillundawa Wetland Sanctuary.

The hands-on experience included Transect Sampling, measuring abiotic factors, and becoming acquainted with tools like GPS loggers and densitometer for tree canopy density assessments The students also participated in species identification, including bird watching. To understand species-specific behavior, an ethogram for an individual bird species was constructed. Additionally, the students assessed threats to the ecosystem through stakeholder interviews, rounding off a comprehensive learning experience in wildlife conservation and management practices.

21Jan

Field Trips

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.

9Jan

News

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

The 28^th International Forestry and Environment Symposium commenced on January 5^th, 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

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