The first Sustainability Report Launching Ceremony of the University of Kelaniya, organized by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), was successfully held on the 25^th of October 2024, at the Senate Room of the University of Kelaniya. The event was presided over by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The Sustainability Report 2023 highlights the university’s accomplishments over the past year, showcasing progress in the areas of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, and social responsibility. Through this report, the University of Kelaniya underscores its commitment to advancing SDGs and sets a clear path forward for future sustainability initiatives. The Centre for Sustainability Solutions, University of Kelaniya, the coordinating and monitoring body for the UOK’s sustainability efforts will continue this practice annually.

Ms. Azusa Kubota, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Sri Lanka, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, made an insightful speech on “How universities can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The event also featured a Guest Lecture on “Localization of SDGs at Institutional Level,” conducted by Senior Lecturer Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa.

Moreover, the “TreeID” Project of the University of Kelaniya was also launched during the event. The “TreeID” project catalogs plant species within university premises using a QR code system, allowing students, faculty, and visitors to access information about individual trees with just a scan.

The event also witnessed the participation of Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of the CSS; Heads of the Departments; Directors of the Centres and Units; and the staff of the CSS.