Blog – Department of Forestry and Environmental Science

19Aug

USJ and Hunan Province Delegation from China Explore Collaboration in Sustainable Forestry and Ecological Conservation

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) welcomed a six-member delegation from the Forestry Department and related forestry institutions of Hunan Province, China, on 11 August 2026, for an academic and professional exchange on sustainable forest management and ecological conservation.

The delegation was headed by Mr. Yan Zhihui, Vice Director-General of the Forestry Department of Hunan Province, and comprised senior officials representing the Forestry Department of Hunan Province, Hunan Provincial Forestry Affairs Center, Hunan Botanical Garden, Qingyang Lake State-owned Forest Farm, and Hunan Academy of Forestry.

During the visit, disThe University delegation included Senior Professor Upul Subasinghe, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, together with Dr. Chaamila Pathirana and Dr. Thilakawansha Chandrathilake, representing the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science. They engaged with the visiting delegation in discussions on Sri Lanka’s forestry education, research, and professional development landscape.

The visit reflects the University of Sri Jayewardenepura’s continued commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in forestry, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.cussions focused on sustainable forest management, talent development models for ecological conservation, and curriculum development in forestry and environmental education. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore potential areas for future academic, professional, and institutional collaboration between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and forestry institutions in Hunan Province.

7Jul

News

Restoring Forests Programme 2026

On 6^th June 2026, the Forestry and Environmental Science Society of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly joined hands with the Center for Sustainability and the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for Project Hearts of Earth.

Held at the Yagirala Forest Research and Conservation Center, nestled within the lush Yagirala Rainforest in Walallawita, Kalutara, this initiative focused on restoring and conserving one of Sri Lanka’s valuable forest ecosystems.

Every sapling planted represents a step towards a greener future, stronger biodiversity, and a healthier planet for generations to come. Together, we transformed our commitment to environmental stewardship into meaningful action.

2Apr

Field Trips

Forest Management – 3rd Year Field Visit

A field visit on Forest Management was conducted for third-year undergraduate students at Inamaluwa Dabulla under the guidance of Senior Prof. Upul Subasinghe. The visit provided practical exposure to core forest management principles and field-based methodologies. Students actively engaged in data collection, including forest inventory and site assessment, and applied their knowledge to the preparation of a forest management plan. This hands-on experience enhanced their skills in sustainable forest planning and decision-making.

26Mar

Field Trips

Protected Area Management Field Visit – 4th Year Undergraduates

A field visit on Protected Area Management was conducted for fourth-year undergraduate students under the guidance of Dr. Sandali Dissanayake, offering valuable exposure to real-world conservation and governance practices. The programme focused on protected area management and wildlife observation, enabling students to understand ecological dynamics and field-based conservation approaches. A key highlight was the interactive engagement with diverse stakeholders, including park management authorities, police officers, farmers, local communities, and safari drivers. These discussions provided practical insights into challenges such as human–wildlife conflict, resource use, and collaborative management strategies. This field experience strengthened students’ understanding of multi-stakeholder involvement in effective protected area management and sustainable conservation.

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