The University of Kelaniya achieved distinguished honour at the Presidential Environment Awards Ceremony 2025, held on 23^rd October 2025 at the BMICH, under the patronage of Honourable Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

At this prestigious national event, the Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT) of the University of Kelaniya located at University Drive, Bulugaha Junction, Kelaniya was honoured with the Gold Award for “Best Government Institution that Contributes to the Environment”, while the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) located at Thalagolla Road, Ragama proudly received a Merit Award in the same category, among various government institutions.

Organised annually by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, the Presidential Environment Awards stand as Sri Lanka’s foremost recognition for excellence in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The ceremony acknowledges institutions and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting environmental sustainability.

This achievement underscores the University’s long-standing leadership in environmental sustainability. Being Sri Lanka’s first green university, the University of Kelaniya has integrated sustainability into all aspects of university life through curriculum development, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, recycling initiatives, water conservation, biodiversity conservation, and student-led green projects that nurture a culture of environmental responsibility.

Symbolising this proud moment, the awards were ceremonially presented to Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, by Prof. Dhammika Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology and Senior Prof. Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine with Professor Mangala Yatawara, Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), at a special event held on 24^th October 2025 at the Senate Room, University of Kelaniya.

The event was graced by Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya; Professor K. G. Madurika Nanayakkara, Deputy Director of the CSS; Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, and Dr. Amila Jeewandara from the FCT;  Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe - Former Director of the CSS, Professor Nirmala Perera, and Dr. Lathika Athauda from the Faculty of Medicine; Senior Lecturer Saman Rajapakshe, Director of the Communication and Media Unit; and Mr. Buddhika Wickramasingha, the Project Assistant of the CSS.

The university’s applications for the awards were spearheaded by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), which plays a pivotal role in implementing and monitoring initiatives related to energy and waste management, water conservation, habitat preservation, sustainability education, community outreach, and carbon footprint reduction. The University of Kelaniya also holds the distinction of being the first state university in Sri Lanka to implement a comprehensive environmental policy, ensuring that all stakeholders prioritize environmental responsibility in their core activities; governance, academic, research and operations.