Category Archives: News

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.

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

(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 15^th 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.

In a successful collaboration between the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science and RUDN University, Russia, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) training course unfolded from October 23-25, 2023, leaving participants enriched with valuable insights. The course proved to be a valuable platform for knowledge exchange among Russian industrialists and environmental enthusiasts.

The course started with introductory sessions, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of GHG reporting. Mr. Rishan Sampath, Sustainability Assistant Manager at MAS Holdings, shared his expertise on greenhouse gas inventory principles, requirements, and quantification. Participants explored the MAS Bodyline Factory. Dr. Thilak Chandrathilaka conducted a session in the forest field station in the Yagirala. This practical exposure provided a firsthand look at environmental practices in both industrial and forestry settings. The focus turned to climate projects according to ISO 14064-2:2019. Senior Professor Hemanthi Ranasinghe led sessions covering these projects’ planning, monitoring, and documentation. The international standards were discussed, providing participants with a global perspective on climate initiatives. Dr. Chaamila Pathirana coordinated the overall program from the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science.