Category Archives: News

(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.

From June 11th to 15th, 2023, RUDN University’s Faculty of Environmental Engineering hosted an Ecology Olympiad for undergraduate students in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science.

Six outstanding students secured full scholarships for their Master of Science (MSc) studies at RUDN University, while five others earned half the scholarships. The certificate awarding ceremony was organized on October 23rd, 2023, at the new Senate Boardroom, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Full scholarship winners for MSc in RUDN University in Russia,

• Nishmi Nishara Dilshani Fauzan
• Thennakoon Mudiyanselaye Ishani Hansika Gunasekara
• Gunawardana Liyanage Arudhi Imasha
• A.H.M. Chamudi Semini Athapattu
• Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Oshini Nethminie
• N.A. Anuki Nisanya Vishmini Nissanka

Half scholarship winners for MSc in RUDN University in Russia,

• Karunasingha Gedara Chatnunee Senani Bandaranayaka
• Vidana Gamage Udara Sathsaran Vidanagamage
• Sithmi Nimasha
• Malsha Sandanuwan
• Dona Nethmi Nisansa Devage

Winning the scholarship at RUDN University’s Faculty of Environmental Engineering opens doors to a world-class education, empowering students to become environmental science and sustainability leaders.

From June 11^th to June 15^th, 2023, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) representatives joined the Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences in hosting the Summer School “GIS Technology program. Experts from RUDN provided hands-on training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, led by Dr. Anna Popkova and Associate Professor Kapralova Daria.

This certificate program offered participants a unique opportunity to gain practical skills at the intersection of environmental science and technology, fostering international collaboration and advancing environmental education. A certificate from RUDN University has been given to the students who completed the course successfully.