The University of Kelaniya commemorated World Environment Day 2025 with a vibrant celebration held at the Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT) on the 5^th of June 2025, reinforcing its institutional commitment to environmental sustainability. The event aligned with this year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” declared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) a timely reminder of the global responsibility to eliminate plastic waste and preserve ecological integrity.

This year’s celebration also marked a significant milestone as the university’s Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) celebrated ten years of dedicated leadership in advancing sustainability across the institution.

Addressing the gathering, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, emphasized the importance of embedding environmental values into all aspects of academic and institutional life. She spoke passionately about the critical role of universities in conserving natural ecosystems, particularly wetlands, which provide essential services such as flood control, carbon storage, and biodiversity support.

Joining the event as a distinguished guest, Mr. K. R. Ravindran, Managing Director of Printcare PLC, spoke on the need for strong partnerships between academia and the private sector to drive ecosystem restoration. He highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in building resilient environmental frameworks and protecting the planet for future generations.

A central highlight of the event was the tree planting ceremony, a symbolic yet powerful act of renewal and environmental stewardship. Held at FCT and sponsored by Printcare PLC, the ceremony brought together a distinguished assembly of participants including Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor; Professor Dhammika Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faulty of Computing and Technology; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya; Mr. K.R. Ravindran, Managing Director of Printcare PLC; academic and non-academic staff of the Faulty of Computing and Technology; members of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions; the Printcare team; and students.

In parallel with the main event, the University of Kelaniya also planted 200 Kumbuk and Mee saplings in the Puttlam District, in collaboration with government agencies and non-governmental organizations, further extending its environmental impact beyond university premises.

In addition, the university officially launched its Annual Sustainability Report 2024, documenting its achievements and progress in areas such as waste minimization, renewable energy use, water conservation, and sustainable infrastructure. The report affirms the University of Kelaniya’s place among national leaders in green higher education.

The celebration drew active participation from across the university community and long-standing collaborators, showcasing what is possible through shared vision and consistent effort. As the University of Kelaniya looks toward the future, its model of embedding sustainability into policy, infrastructure, education, and community engagement continues to stand as a beacon of leadership and action.

The World Environment Day 2025 celebration not only reinforced this identity but served as a renewed call to protect natural systems, reduce plastic dependency, and build a more sustainable Sri Lanka starting from within the university itself.