The inauguration ceremony for the 6th batch of the Master of Environmental Management and Master of Science in Environmental Management degree programs, organized by the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, was held on May 17, 2026, at the Board Room of the Faculty of Science.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished academics, including Professor Jeewantha Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor U. P. K. Epa, Head of the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management; and Senior Professor L. D. Amarasinghe, Chair of Zoology and Environmental Management. Also in attendance were Professor Primali Weerasinghe, Founding Coordinator of the Environmental Management Postgraduate Degree Programme; Dr Thilomi Samarakoon, Former Coordinator of the Environmental Management Postgraduate Degree Programme; Dr Chintha Perera; Dr Kalya Subasinghe; and Mr Sudesh Ruvinda, Coordinator of the Environmental Management Postgraduate Degree Programme.

A highlight of the ceremony was the guest speech delivered by Mr Dharshana Abayaweera, Director – Research & Development, Product and Analytical Testing at Ansell Lanka Pvt. Ltd, who emphasized the vital role of environmental management in the energy sector and highlighted global career opportunities for graduates in this field.

A total of 40 new students were officially enrolled in the two postgraduate programs. The ceremony provided them with valuable inspiration and guidance as they embark on their postgraduate journey in environmental management.